PLATES.

TWELFTH NIGHT.

Two introductory scenes, the saving of VIOLA, and of SEBASTIAN, have been given, in accordance with our design of illustrating Shakspeare, by representing the incidents he has described or only alluded to, as well as to explain the mistakes which afterwards arise, by showing the connexion and likeness between VIOLA and SEBASTIAN. A final scene, also, has been added, to show the conclusion of the play.

The description of SIR ANDREW Aguecheek,

"As tall a man as any 's in Illyria,”

has been literally followed, as forming a better contrast to VIOLA in the duel and other scenes, it not being at all certain that any other meaning should be attached to the word. It is the only visible qualification mentioned, and is not denied by MARIA, and it is conceived that the falsehood of all the rest of the description, as to his skill in languages and

B 2

possession of all the good gifts of nature, does not invalidate this single uncontradicted assertion. The commentators have applied this also to his internal man, and explain it by "bold" but MARIA'S speech seems to have been overlooked:

"He hath the gift of a coward to allay the gust he hath in quarrelling."

The only other interpretation to be put upon it is "rich ;” as, in answer to MARIA's question,

"What's that to the purpose ?"

SIR TOBY answers,

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Why, he has three thousand ducats a-year."

But for the advantage above-mentioned, the literal meaning of the word has been taken, in preference to any dubious interpretation.

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II.

ANTONIO saving SEBASTIAN.

Who,

most provident in peril, bound' himself

To a strong mast, that lived upon the sea."

ACT I. S. 2.

ACT II. S. 1.

"Antonio took him from the breach of the sea."

The Captain presenting VIOLA to ORSINO as an eunuch, under the name of CESARIO.

I'll serve this duke;

❝ VIO.
Thou shalt present me as an eunuch to him,
It may be worth thy pains; for I can sing,
And speak to him in many sorts of music,
That will allow me very worth his service.
What else may hap, to time I will commit;
Only shape thou thy silence to my wit."

"ORS.

V.

ORSINO sending VIOLA to OLIVIA.

Cesario,

Thou know'st no less but all; I have unclasp'd
To thee the book even of my secret soul:
Therefore, good youth, address thy gait unto her;
Be not denied access, stand at her doors,

And tell them, there thy fixed foot shall grow,
Till thou have audience.

VIO.

Sure, my noble lord,

If she be so abandon'd to her sorrow

As it is spoke, she never will admit me.

ORS. Be clamorous, and leap all civil bounds,

Rather than make unprofited return.

VIO. Say, I do speak with her, my lord: What then?
ORS. O, then unfold the passion of my love,

Surprise her with discourse of my dear faith:
It shall become thee well to act my woes;
She will attend it better in thy youth,
Than in a nuncio of more grave aspect."

ACT I. S. 4.

VI.

The interview between VIOLA and OLIVIA.

"VIO. Good madam, let me see your face.

OLI. Have you any commission from your lord to negotiate with my face? you are now out of

your text: but we will draw the curtain, and show you the picture. Look you, sir, such a one as I was this presents: Is 't not well done? [Unveiling.

Vio. Excellently done, if God did all.

OLI. 'Tis in grain, sir; 'twill endure wind and weather. VIO. 'Tis beauty truly blent, whose red and white Nature's own sweet and cunning hand laid on:

Lady, you are the cruel'st she alive,

If

you will lead these graces to the grave,

And leave the world no copy.

OLI. O, sir, I will not be so hard-hearted; I will give out divers schedules of my beauty : It shall be inventoried; and every particle, and utensil, labelled to my will: as, item, two lips indifferent red; item, two gray eyes, with lids to them; item, one neck, one chin, and so forth. Were you sent hither to 'praise me?

Vio. I see what you are: you are too proud;

But, if you were the devil, you are fair.

My lord and master loves you."

ACT I. S. 5.