Twelfth Night

Act 4, Scene 3

Enter SEBASTIAN

SEBASTIAN enters.

SEBASTIAN

This is the air, that is the glorious sun.

This pearl she gave me, I do feel ’t and see ’t,

And though ’tis wonder that enwraps me thus,

Yet ’tis not madness. Where’s Antonio, then?

I could not find him at the Elephant.

Yet there he was, and there I found this credit,

That he did range the town to seek me out.

His counsel now might do me golden service.

For though my soul disputes well with my sense

That this may be some error, but no madness,

Yet doth this accident and flood of fortune

So far exceed all instance, all discourse,

That I am ready to distrust mine eyes

And wrangle with my reason that persuades me

To any other trust but that I am mad—

Or else the lady’s mad. Yet if ’twere so,

She could not sway her house, command her followers,

Take and give back affairs and their dispatch

With such a smooth, discreet, and stable bearing

As I perceive she does. There’s something in ’t

That is deceivable. But here the lady comes.

SEBASTIAN

This is the air, that’s the glorious sun. I can feel and see this pearl she gave me. I may be dazed and confused, but I’m not insane. Where’s Antonio, then? I didn’t find him at the Elephant. But he’d been there before me, and they told me he’d gone out looking for me. I could really use his advice right now. I feel sure this situation is due to some mistake, and I don’t think I’m crazy. But this sudden flood of good luck is so unbelievable that I’m ready to distrust my own eyes and my own rational mind when they tell me I’m not insane—maybe the lady’s insane. But if that were the case, she wouldn’t be able to run her house, command her servants, listen to reports, make decisions, and take care of business as smoothly as she does. There’s something going on that’s not what it seems. But here she comes.

Enter OLIVIA and PRIEST

OLIVIA and a PRIEST enter.

OLIVIA

(to SEBASTIAN)

Blame not this haste of mine. If you mean well,

Now go with me and with this holy man

Into the chantry by. There, before him

And underneath that consecrated roof,

Plight me the full assurance of your faith,

That my most jealous and too doubtful soul

May live at peace. He shall conceal it

Whiles you are willing it shall come to note,

What time we will our celebration keep

According to my birth. What do you say?

OLIVIA

(to SEBASTIAN) Don’t be angry with me for acting so quickly. If your intentions toward me are honorable, come with me and this holy man into the chapel over there, where you can soothe all my worries by making your marriage vows to me. The priest will keep it secret until you’re ready to make the news public and we can throw a full marriage celebration that befits my social standing. What do you say?

SEBASTIAN

I’ll follow this good man, and go with you;

And, having sworn truth, ever will be true.

SEBASTIAN

I’ll follow the priest and go with you; and after I’ve sworn to be faithful, I’ll be faithful forever.

OLIVIA

Then lead the way, good father; and heavens so shine

That they may fairly note this act of mine.

OLIVIA

Then lead the way, father. I want the skies bright and shining to show its approval of our wedding.

Exeunt

They all exit.