<-- back to Scene Twelve SCENE 13 The street. Antonio crosses behind the lines for Sebastian's sake, and they part company. For an hour. What could possibly go wrong?
[Enter Sebastian, followed by Antonio.]
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.
ANTONIO I could not stay behind you: my desire, more sharp than filed 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.
SEBASTIAN My kind Antonio, I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks;A bit awkward, because he's not used to having no purse to requite favors with. Is this really how normal people express gratitude? How does anything get done without bribes?
and ever 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 reliques of this town?
ANTONIO To-morrow, sir: best first go see your lodging.
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.There won't be a multiplex built in these parts for more than a century. Poor bastards.
ANTONIO Would you'ld 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 answer'd.
SEBASTIAN Belike you slew great number of his people.
ANTONIO For which, if I be lapsed in this place, I shall pay dear.
SEBASTIAN Do not then walk too open.
ANTONIO It doth not fit me. Hold, sir, here's my purse. 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.
SEBASTIAN Why I 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.Point to his feet, still bare, and possibly his threadbare clothing. Go by some shoes, would you? [The plot point of Antonio's purse is a seriously contrived moment; Sebastian's bare feet give us a reasonable purpose for it.]
SEBASTIAN I'll be your purse-bearer and leave you for an hour.
ANTONIO To the Elephant.
SEBASTIAN I do remember. [Exit]--> on to Scene Fourteen Twelfth Night Annotated Script © 2001 Kevin M. Hollenbeck.
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