Twelfth Night

Act 3, Scene 3

Enter SEBASTIAN and ANTONIO

SEBASTIAN and ANTONIO enter.

SEBASTIAN

I would not by my will have troubled you,

But, since you make your pleasure of your pains,

I will no further chide you.

SEBASTIAN

I really didn’t want to inconvenience you. But since you seem to enjoy helping me, I won’t nag you to stop any more.

ANTONIO

I could not stay behind you. My desire,

More sharp than filèd steel, did spur me forth.

And not all love to see you, though so much

As might have drawn one to a longer voyage,

But jealousy what might befall your travel,

Being skilless in these parts, which to a stranger,

Unguided and unfriended, often prove

Rough and unhospitable. My willing love,

The rather by these arguments of fear,

Set forth in your pursuit.

ANTONIO

I couldn’t stay behind after you left. I just felt a sharp desire to follow you. It wasn’t just that I wanted to see you, though I very much did want that. I was also worried about what might happen to you while you were traveling, since you’re not familiar with this area, and it’s rough and unwelcoming to a stranger with no guide. I followed you because I love you and I was worried about you.

SEBASTIAN

My kind Antonio,

I can no other answer make but thanks,

And thanks, and ever thanks. And oft good turns

Are shuffled off with such uncurrent pay.

But were my worth as is my conscience, firm,

You should find better dealing. What’s to do?

Shall we go see the relics of this town?

SEBASTIAN

My friend Antonio, all I can say is thank you. I know words are cheap. If I had any money I’d back up my gratitude with cash. Anyway, what should we do? Should we go see the sights in the town?

ANTONIO

Tomorrow, sir. Best first go see your lodging.

ANTONIO

We can do that tomorrow, sir. First we should make sure you have somewhere to stay.

SEBASTIAN

I am not weary, and ’tis long to night:

I pray you, let us satisfy our eyes

With the memorials and the things of fame

That do renown this city.

SEBASTIAN

I’m not tired, and night is a long time away. Come on, let’s go see the sights.

ANTONIO

Would you’d pardon me;

I do not without danger walk these streets:

Once in a sea-fight ’gainst the Count his galleys

I did some service, of such note indeed,

That were I ta’en here it would scarce be answered.

ANTONIO

I’m sorry, but I can’t. You see, it’s dangerous for me to walk in these streets. Once in a battle at sea I did a lot of damage to Count Orsino’s warships. If they arrested me here, it’d be the end of me.

SEBASTIAN

Belike you slew great number of his people?

SEBASTIAN

You probably killed a lot of his men?

ANTONIO

The offence is not of such a bloody nature;

Albeit the quality of the time and quarrel

Might well have given us bloody argument.

It might have since been answered in repaying

What we took from them, which, for traffic’s sake,

Most of our city did. Only myself stood out;

For which, if I be lapsèd in this place,

I shall pay dear.

ANTONIO

No, I didn’t do anything as violent as that, though we would’ve been justified in shedding a little blood over the matter. The whole quarrel might have been resolved since then when we repaid what we stole from them—which most of our city did, for the sake of friendly trade relations. I was the only one who refused to give back what I stole. That’s why I’ll pay dearly if they find me here.

SEBASTIAN

Do not then walk too open.

SEBASTIAN

Then don’t make yourself too conspicuous.

ANTONIO

It doth not fit me. Hold, sir, here’s my purse.

(giving him money)

In the south suburbs, at the Elephant,

Is best to lodge. I will bespeak our diet,

Whiles you beguile the time and feed your knowledge

With viewing of the town. There shall you have me.

ANTONIO

You’re right. Hang on a minute, here’s some money for you. (he gives SEBASTIAN money) The best place to stay around here is an inn called the Elephant, in the suburbs south of the city. I’ll arrange for our meals while you enjoy yourself and educate yourself by looking at the town. You’ll find me at the Elephant.

SEBASTIAN

Why I your purse?

SEBASTIAN

Why are you giving me your purse?

ANTONIO

Haply your eye shall light upon some toy

You have desire to purchase, and your store,

I think, is not for idle markets, sir.

ANTONIO

Maybe you’ll see some little trinket you want to buy. I doubt you’ve got enough money for little purchases like that.

SEBASTIAN

I’ll be your purse-bearer and leave you

For an hour.

SEBASTIAN

I’ll hold on to your money and leave you for an hour.

ANTONIO

To the Elephant.

ANTONIO

We’ll meet at the Elephant.

SEBASTIAN

I do remember.

SEBASTIAN

I remember.

Exeunt

They exit.