Previous Next
 

Read and listen with a SparkNotes PLUS trial!

studyGuide_translation

No Fear Translations

noFear_audio

No Fear Audio

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter MARIA and FOOL
Enter MARIA and FOOL

MARIA

Nay, I prithee, put on this gown and this beard. Make him believe thou art Sir Topas the curate. Do it quickly. I’ll call Sir Toby the whilst.

MARIA

Nay, I prithee, put on this gown and this beard. Make him believe thou art Sir Topas the curate. Do it quickly. I’ll call Sir Toby the whilst.
Exit
Exit

FOOL

Well, I’ll put it on, and I will dissemble myself in ’t, and I would I were the first that ever dissembled in such a gown.

FOOL

Well, I’ll put it on, and I will dissemble myself in ’t, and I would I were the first that ever dissembled in such a gown.
FOOL puts on gown and beard
FOOL puts on gown and beard
I am not tall enough to become the function well, nor lean enough to be thought a good student, but to be said an honest man and a good housekeeper goes as fairly as to say a careful man and a great scholar. The competitors enter.
I am not tall enough to become the function well, nor lean enough to be thought a good student, but to be said an honest man and a good housekeeper goes as fairly as to say a careful man and a great scholar. The competitors enter.
Enter SIR TOBY BELCH and MARIA
Enter SIR TOBY BELCH and MARIA

SIR TOBY BELCH

10 Jove bless thee, master Parson.

SIR TOBY BELCH

Jove bless thee, master Parson.

FOOL

Bonos dies, Sir Toby. For, as the old hermit of Prague, that never saw pen and ink, very wittily said to a niece of King Gorboduc, “That that is is.” So I, being Master Parson, am Master Parson. For, what is “that” but “that,” and “is” but “is”?

FOOL

Bonos dies, Sir Toby. For, as the old hermit of Prague, that never saw pen and ink, very wittily said to a niece of King Gorboduc, “That that is is.” So I, being Master Parson, am Master Parson. For, what is “that” but “that,” and “is” but “is”?

SIR TOBY BELCH

To him, Sir Topas.

SIR TOBY BELCH

To him, Sir Topas.

FOOL

(disguising his voice) What ho, I say! Peace in this prison!

FOOL

(disguising his voice) What ho, I say! Peace in this prison!

SIR TOBY BELCH

The knave counterfeits well. A good knave.

SIR TOBY BELCH

The knave counterfeits well. A good knave.

MALVOLIO

(from within) Who calls there?

MALVOLIO

(from within) Who calls there?

FOOL

Sir Topas the curate, who comes to visit Malvolio the lunatic.

FOOL

Sir Topas the curate, who comes to visit Malvolio the lunatic.

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas, Sir Topas, good Sir Topas, go to my lady—

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas, Sir Topas, good Sir Topas, go to my lady—

FOOL

Out, hyperbolical fiend! How vexest thou this man! Talkest thou nothing but of ladies?

FOOL

Out, hyperbolical fiend! How vexest thou this man! Talkest thou nothing but of ladies?

SIR TOBY BELCH

25 (aside) Well said, Master Parson.

SIR TOBY BELCH

(aside) Well said, Master Parson.

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas, never was man thus wronged. Good Sir Topas, do not think I am mad. They have laid me here in hideous darkness.

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas, never was man thus wronged. Good Sir Topas, do not think I am mad. They have laid me here in hideous darkness.

FOOL

Fie, thou dishonest Satan! I call thee by the most modest terms, for I am one of those gentle ones that will use the devil himself with courtesy. Sayest thou that house is dark?

FOOL

Fie, thou dishonest Satan! I call thee by the most modest terms, for I am one of those gentle ones that will use the devil himself with courtesy. Sayest thou that house is dark?

MALVOLIO

As hell, Sir Topas.

MALVOLIO

As hell, Sir Topas.

FOOL

Why, it hath bay windows transparent as barricadoes, and the clerestories toward the south-north are as lustrous as ebony. And yet complainest thou of obstruction?

FOOL

Why, it hath bay windows transparent as barricadoes, and the clerestories toward the south-north are as lustrous as ebony. And yet complainest thou of obstruction?

MALVOLIO

I am not mad, Sir Topas. I say to you this house is dark.

MALVOLIO

I am not mad, Sir Topas. I say to you this house is dark.

FOOL

Madman, thou errest. I say, there is no darkness but ignorance, in which thou art more puzzled than the Egyptians in their fog.

FOOL

Madman, thou errest. I say, there is no darkness but ignorance, in which thou art more puzzled than the Egyptians in their fog.

MALVOLIO

I say, this house is as dark as ignorance, though ignorance were as dark as hell. And I say, there was never man thus abused. I am no more mad than you are. Make the trial of it in any constant question.

MALVOLIO

I say, this house is as dark as ignorance, though ignorance were as dark as hell. And I say, there was never man thus abused. I am no more mad than you are. Make the trial of it in any constant question.

FOOL

What is the opinion of Pythagoras concerning wildfowl?

FOOL

What is the opinion of Pythagoras concerning wildfowl?

MALVOLIO

45 That the soul of our grandam might haply inhabit a bird.

MALVOLIO

That the soul of our grandam might haply inhabit a bird.

FOOL

What thinkest thou of his opinion?

FOOL

What thinkest thou of his opinion?

MALVOLIO

I think nobly of the soul, and no way approve his opinion.

MALVOLIO

I think nobly of the soul, and no way approve his opinion.

FOOL

Fare thee well. Remain thou still in darkness. Thou shalt hold the opinion of Pythagoras ere I will allow of thy wits, and fear to kill a woodcock lest thou dispossess the soul of thy grandam. Fare thee well.

FOOL

Fare thee well. Remain thou still in darkness. Thou shalt hold the opinion of Pythagoras ere I will allow of thy wits, and fear to kill a woodcock lest thou dispossess the soul of thy grandam. Fare thee well.

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas, Sir Topas!

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas, Sir Topas!

SIR TOBY BELCH

My most exquisite Sir Topas!

SIR TOBY BELCH

My most exquisite Sir Topas!

FOOL

Nay, I am for all waters.

FOOL

Nay, I am for all waters.

MARIA

55 Thou mightst have done this without thy beard and gown.
He sees thee not.

MARIA

Thou mightst have done this without thy beard and gown.
He sees thee not.

SIR TOBY BELCH

To him in thine own voice, and bring me word how thou findest him. I would we were well rid of this knavery. If he may be conveniently delivered, I would he were, for I am now so far in offense with my niece that I cannot pursue with any safety this sport to the upshot. Come by and by to my chamber.

SIR TOBY BELCH

To him in thine own voice, and bring me word how thou findest him. I would we were well rid of this knavery. If he may be conveniently delivered, I would he were, for I am now so far in offense with my niece that I cannot pursue with any safety this sport to the upshot. Come by and by to my chamber.
Exeunt SIR TOBY BELCH and MARIA
Exeunt SIR TOBY BELCH and MARIA

FOOL

(sings in his own voice)
   Hey, Robin, jolly Robin,
   Tell me how thy lady does.

FOOL

(sings in his own voice)
   Hey, Robin, jolly Robin,
   Tell me how thy lady does.

MALVOLIO

Fool!

MALVOLIO

Fool!

FOOL

(sings) My lady is unkind, perdy.

FOOL

(sings) My lady is unkind, perdy.

MALVOLIO

Fool!

MALVOLIO

Fool!

FOOL

(sings) Alas, why is she so?

FOOL

(sings) Alas, why is she so?

MALVOLIO

70 Fool, I say!

MALVOLIO

Fool, I say!

FOOL

(sings) She loves another—Who calls, ha?

FOOL

(sings) She loves another—Who calls, ha?

MALVOLIO

Good fool, as ever thou wilt deserve well at my hand, help me to a candle, and pen, ink, and paper. As I am a gentleman, I will live to be thankful to thee for ’t.

MALVOLIO

Good fool, as ever thou wilt deserve well at my hand, help me to a candle, and pen, ink, and paper. As I am a gentleman, I will live to be thankful to thee for ’t.

FOOL

75 Master Malvolio?

FOOL

Master Malvolio?

MALVOLIO

Ay, good fool.

MALVOLIO

Ay, good fool.

FOOL

Alas, sir, how fell you besides your five wits?

FOOL

Alas, sir, how fell you besides your five wits?

MALVOLIO

Fool, there was never a man so notoriously abused: I am as well in my wits, Fool, as thou art.

MALVOLIO

Fool, there was never a man so notoriously abused: I am as well in my wits, Fool, as thou art.

FOOL

But as well? Then you are mad indeed, if you be no better in your wits than a fool.

FOOL

But as well? Then you are mad indeed, if you be no better in your wits than a fool.

MALVOLIO

They have here propertied me, keep me in darkness, send ministers to me—asses!—and do all they can to face me out of my wits.

MALVOLIO

They have here propertied me, keep me in darkness, send ministers to me—asses!—and do all they can to face me out of my wits.

FOOL

Advise you what you say. The minister is here. (in the voice of Sir Topas) Malvolio, Malvolio, thy wits the heavens restore! Endeavor thyself to sleep, and leave thy vain bibble-babble.

FOOL

Advise you what you say. The minister is here. (in the voice of Sir Topas) Malvolio, Malvolio, thy wits the heavens restore! Endeavor thyself to sleep, and leave thy vain bibble-babble.

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas!

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas!

FOOL

(as Sir Topas) Maintain no words with him, good fellow. (in his own voice) Who, I, sir? Not I, sir. God b' wi' you, good Sir Topas. (as Sir Topas) Marry, amen. (in his own voice) I will, sir, I will.

FOOL

(as Sir Topas) Maintain no words with him, good fellow. (in his own voice) Who, I, sir? Not I, sir. God b' wi' you, good Sir Topas. (as Sir Topas) Marry, amen. (in his own voice) I will, sir, I will.

MALVOLIO

Fool, fool, fool, I say!

MALVOLIO

Fool, fool, fool, I say!

FOOL

Alas, sir, be patient. What say you sir? I am shent for speaking to you.

FOOL

Alas, sir, be patient. What say you sir? I am shent for speaking to you.

MALVOLIO

Good fool, help me to some light and some paper. I tell thee, I am as well in my wits as any man in Illyria.

MALVOLIO

Good fool, help me to some light and some paper. I tell thee, I am as well in my wits as any man in Illyria.

FOOL

Well-a-day that you were, sir.

FOOL

Well-a-day that you were, sir.

MALVOLIO

By this hand, I am. Good fool, some ink, paper, and light, and convey what I will set down to my lady. It shall advantage thee more than ever the bearing of letter did.

MALVOLIO

By this hand, I am. Good fool, some ink, paper, and light, and convey what I will set down to my lady. It shall advantage thee more than ever the bearing of letter did.

FOOL

I will help you to ’t. But tell me true, are you not mad indeed? Or do you but counterfeit?

FOOL

I will help you to ’t. But tell me true, are you not mad indeed? Or do you but counterfeit?

MALVOLIO

105 Believe me, I am not. I tell thee true.

MALVOLIO

Believe me, I am not. I tell thee true.

FOOL

Nay, I’ll ne'er believe a madman till I see his brains. I will fetch you light, and paper, and ink.

FOOL

Nay, I’ll ne'er believe a madman till I see his brains. I will fetch you light, and paper, and ink.

MALVOLIO

Fool, I’ll requite it in the highest degree. I prithee, be gone.

MALVOLIO

Fool, I’ll requite it in the highest degree. I prithee, be gone.

FOOL

(sings)
   I am gone, sir,
   And anon, sir,
   I’ll be with you again,
   In a trice,
   Like to the old Vice,
   Your need to sustain,
   Who, with dagger of lath
   In his rage and his wrath,
   Cries “Aha,” to the devil,
   Like a mad lad,
   “Pare thy nails, dad,
   Adieu, goodman devil.”

FOOL

(sings)
   I am gone, sir,
   And anon, sir,
   I’ll be with you again,
   In a trice,
   Like to the old Vice,
   Your need to sustain,
   Who, with dagger of lath
   In his rage and his wrath,
   Cries “Aha,” to the devil,
   Like a mad lad,
   “Pare thy nails, dad,
   Adieu, goodman devil.”
Exit
Exit

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter MARIA and FOOL
Enter MARIA and FOOL

MARIA

Nay, I prithee, put on this gown and this beard. Make him believe thou art Sir Topas the curate. Do it quickly. I’ll call Sir Toby the whilst.

MARIA

Nay, I prithee, put on this gown and this beard. Make him believe thou art Sir Topas the curate. Do it quickly. I’ll call Sir Toby the whilst.
Exit
Exit

FOOL

Well, I’ll put it on, and I will dissemble myself in ’t, and I would I were the first that ever dissembled in such a gown.

FOOL

Well, I’ll put it on, and I will dissemble myself in ’t, and I would I were the first that ever dissembled in such a gown.
FOOL puts on gown and beard
FOOL puts on gown and beard
I am not tall enough to become the function well, nor lean enough to be thought a good student, but to be said an honest man and a good housekeeper goes as fairly as to say a careful man and a great scholar. The competitors enter.
I am not tall enough to become the function well, nor lean enough to be thought a good student, but to be said an honest man and a good housekeeper goes as fairly as to say a careful man and a great scholar. The competitors enter.
Enter SIR TOBY BELCH and MARIA
Enter SIR TOBY BELCH and MARIA

SIR TOBY BELCH

10 Jove bless thee, master Parson.

SIR TOBY BELCH

Jove bless thee, master Parson.

FOOL

Bonos dies, Sir Toby. For, as the old hermit of Prague, that never saw pen and ink, very wittily said to a niece of King Gorboduc, “That that is is.” So I, being Master Parson, am Master Parson. For, what is “that” but “that,” and “is” but “is”?

FOOL

Bonos dies, Sir Toby. For, as the old hermit of Prague, that never saw pen and ink, very wittily said to a niece of King Gorboduc, “That that is is.” So I, being Master Parson, am Master Parson. For, what is “that” but “that,” and “is” but “is”?

SIR TOBY BELCH

To him, Sir Topas.

SIR TOBY BELCH

To him, Sir Topas.

FOOL

(disguising his voice) What ho, I say! Peace in this prison!

FOOL

(disguising his voice) What ho, I say! Peace in this prison!

SIR TOBY BELCH

The knave counterfeits well. A good knave.

SIR TOBY BELCH

The knave counterfeits well. A good knave.

MALVOLIO

(from within) Who calls there?

MALVOLIO

(from within) Who calls there?

FOOL

Sir Topas the curate, who comes to visit Malvolio the lunatic.

FOOL

Sir Topas the curate, who comes to visit Malvolio the lunatic.

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas, Sir Topas, good Sir Topas, go to my lady—

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas, Sir Topas, good Sir Topas, go to my lady—

FOOL

Out, hyperbolical fiend! How vexest thou this man! Talkest thou nothing but of ladies?

FOOL

Out, hyperbolical fiend! How vexest thou this man! Talkest thou nothing but of ladies?

SIR TOBY BELCH

25 (aside) Well said, Master Parson.

SIR TOBY BELCH

(aside) Well said, Master Parson.

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas, never was man thus wronged. Good Sir Topas, do not think I am mad. They have laid me here in hideous darkness.

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas, never was man thus wronged. Good Sir Topas, do not think I am mad. They have laid me here in hideous darkness.

FOOL

Fie, thou dishonest Satan! I call thee by the most modest terms, for I am one of those gentle ones that will use the devil himself with courtesy. Sayest thou that house is dark?

FOOL

Fie, thou dishonest Satan! I call thee by the most modest terms, for I am one of those gentle ones that will use the devil himself with courtesy. Sayest thou that house is dark?

MALVOLIO

As hell, Sir Topas.

MALVOLIO

As hell, Sir Topas.

FOOL

Why, it hath bay windows transparent as barricadoes, and the clerestories toward the south-north are as lustrous as ebony. And yet complainest thou of obstruction?

FOOL

Why, it hath bay windows transparent as barricadoes, and the clerestories toward the south-north are as lustrous as ebony. And yet complainest thou of obstruction?

MALVOLIO

I am not mad, Sir Topas. I say to you this house is dark.

MALVOLIO

I am not mad, Sir Topas. I say to you this house is dark.

FOOL

Madman, thou errest. I say, there is no darkness but ignorance, in which thou art more puzzled than the Egyptians in their fog.

FOOL

Madman, thou errest. I say, there is no darkness but ignorance, in which thou art more puzzled than the Egyptians in their fog.

MALVOLIO

I say, this house is as dark as ignorance, though ignorance were as dark as hell. And I say, there was never man thus abused. I am no more mad than you are. Make the trial of it in any constant question.

MALVOLIO

I say, this house is as dark as ignorance, though ignorance were as dark as hell. And I say, there was never man thus abused. I am no more mad than you are. Make the trial of it in any constant question.

FOOL

What is the opinion of Pythagoras concerning wildfowl?

FOOL

What is the opinion of Pythagoras concerning wildfowl?

MALVOLIO

45 That the soul of our grandam might haply inhabit a bird.

MALVOLIO

That the soul of our grandam might haply inhabit a bird.

FOOL

What thinkest thou of his opinion?

FOOL

What thinkest thou of his opinion?

MALVOLIO

I think nobly of the soul, and no way approve his opinion.

MALVOLIO

I think nobly of the soul, and no way approve his opinion.

FOOL

Fare thee well. Remain thou still in darkness. Thou shalt hold the opinion of Pythagoras ere I will allow of thy wits, and fear to kill a woodcock lest thou dispossess the soul of thy grandam. Fare thee well.

FOOL

Fare thee well. Remain thou still in darkness. Thou shalt hold the opinion of Pythagoras ere I will allow of thy wits, and fear to kill a woodcock lest thou dispossess the soul of thy grandam. Fare thee well.

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas, Sir Topas!

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas, Sir Topas!

SIR TOBY BELCH

My most exquisite Sir Topas!

SIR TOBY BELCH

My most exquisite Sir Topas!

FOOL

Nay, I am for all waters.

FOOL

Nay, I am for all waters.

MARIA

55 Thou mightst have done this without thy beard and gown.
He sees thee not.

MARIA

Thou mightst have done this without thy beard and gown.
He sees thee not.

SIR TOBY BELCH

To him in thine own voice, and bring me word how thou findest him. I would we were well rid of this knavery. If he may be conveniently delivered, I would he were, for I am now so far in offense with my niece that I cannot pursue with any safety this sport to the upshot. Come by and by to my chamber.

SIR TOBY BELCH

To him in thine own voice, and bring me word how thou findest him. I would we were well rid of this knavery. If he may be conveniently delivered, I would he were, for I am now so far in offense with my niece that I cannot pursue with any safety this sport to the upshot. Come by and by to my chamber.
Exeunt SIR TOBY BELCH and MARIA
Exeunt SIR TOBY BELCH and MARIA

FOOL

(sings in his own voice)
   Hey, Robin, jolly Robin,
   Tell me how thy lady does.

FOOL

(sings in his own voice)
   Hey, Robin, jolly Robin,
   Tell me how thy lady does.

MALVOLIO

Fool!

MALVOLIO

Fool!

FOOL

(sings) My lady is unkind, perdy.

FOOL

(sings) My lady is unkind, perdy.

MALVOLIO

Fool!

MALVOLIO

Fool!

FOOL

(sings) Alas, why is she so?

FOOL

(sings) Alas, why is she so?

MALVOLIO

70 Fool, I say!

MALVOLIO

Fool, I say!

FOOL

(sings) She loves another—Who calls, ha?

FOOL

(sings) She loves another—Who calls, ha?

MALVOLIO

Good fool, as ever thou wilt deserve well at my hand, help me to a candle, and pen, ink, and paper. As I am a gentleman, I will live to be thankful to thee for ’t.

MALVOLIO

Good fool, as ever thou wilt deserve well at my hand, help me to a candle, and pen, ink, and paper. As I am a gentleman, I will live to be thankful to thee for ’t.

FOOL

75 Master Malvolio?

FOOL

Master Malvolio?

MALVOLIO

Ay, good fool.

MALVOLIO

Ay, good fool.

FOOL

Alas, sir, how fell you besides your five wits?

FOOL

Alas, sir, how fell you besides your five wits?

MALVOLIO

Fool, there was never a man so notoriously abused: I am as well in my wits, Fool, as thou art.

MALVOLIO

Fool, there was never a man so notoriously abused: I am as well in my wits, Fool, as thou art.

FOOL

But as well? Then you are mad indeed, if you be no better in your wits than a fool.

FOOL

But as well? Then you are mad indeed, if you be no better in your wits than a fool.

MALVOLIO

They have here propertied me, keep me in darkness, send ministers to me—asses!—and do all they can to face me out of my wits.

MALVOLIO

They have here propertied me, keep me in darkness, send ministers to me—asses!—and do all they can to face me out of my wits.

FOOL

Advise you what you say. The minister is here. (in the voice of Sir Topas) Malvolio, Malvolio, thy wits the heavens restore! Endeavor thyself to sleep, and leave thy vain bibble-babble.

FOOL

Advise you what you say. The minister is here. (in the voice of Sir Topas) Malvolio, Malvolio, thy wits the heavens restore! Endeavor thyself to sleep, and leave thy vain bibble-babble.

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas!

MALVOLIO

Sir Topas!

FOOL

(as Sir Topas) Maintain no words with him, good fellow. (in his own voice) Who, I, sir? Not I, sir. God b' wi' you, good Sir Topas. (as Sir Topas) Marry, amen. (in his own voice) I will, sir, I will.

FOOL

(as Sir Topas) Maintain no words with him, good fellow. (in his own voice) Who, I, sir? Not I, sir. God b' wi' you, good Sir Topas. (as Sir Topas) Marry, amen. (in his own voice) I will, sir, I will.

MALVOLIO

Fool, fool, fool, I say!

MALVOLIO

Fool, fool, fool, I say!

FOOL

Alas, sir, be patient. What say you sir? I am shent for speaking to you.

FOOL

Alas, sir, be patient. What say you sir? I am shent for speaking to you.

MALVOLIO

Good fool, help me to some light and some paper. I tell thee, I am as well in my wits as any man in Illyria.

MALVOLIO

Good fool, help me to some light and some paper. I tell thee, I am as well in my wits as any man in Illyria.

FOOL

Well-a-day that you were, sir.

FOOL

Well-a-day that you were, sir.

MALVOLIO

By this hand, I am. Good fool, some ink, paper, and light, and convey what I will set down to my lady. It shall advantage thee more than ever the bearing of letter did.

MALVOLIO

By this hand, I am. Good fool, some ink, paper, and light, and convey what I will set down to my lady. It shall advantage thee more than ever the bearing of letter did.

FOOL

I will help you to ’t. But tell me true, are you not mad indeed? Or do you but counterfeit?

FOOL

I will help you to ’t. But tell me true, are you not mad indeed? Or do you but counterfeit?

MALVOLIO

105 Believe me, I am not. I tell thee true.

MALVOLIO

Believe me, I am not. I tell thee true.

FOOL

Nay, I’ll ne'er believe a madman till I see his brains. I will fetch you light, and paper, and ink.

FOOL

Nay, I’ll ne'er believe a madman till I see his brains. I will fetch you light, and paper, and ink.

MALVOLIO

Fool, I’ll requite it in the highest degree. I prithee, be gone.

MALVOLIO

Fool, I’ll requite it in the highest degree. I prithee, be gone.

FOOL

(sings)
   I am gone, sir,
   And anon, sir,
   I’ll be with you again,
   In a trice,
   Like to the old Vice,
   Your need to sustain,
   Who, with dagger of lath
   In his rage and his wrath,
   Cries “Aha,” to the devil,
   Like a mad lad,
   “Pare thy nails, dad,
   Adieu, goodman devil.”

FOOL

(sings)
   I am gone, sir,
   And anon, sir,
   I’ll be with you again,
   In a trice,
   Like to the old Vice,
   Your need to sustain,
   Who, with dagger of lath
   In his rage and his wrath,
   Cries “Aha,” to the devil,
   Like a mad lad,
   “Pare thy nails, dad,
   Adieu, goodman devil.”
Exit
Exit
Previous page Act 4, Scene 1 Next page Act 4, Scene 3
Test your knowledge

Take the Act 4, scenes i-iii Quick Quiz
Read the Summary

Read the Summary of Act 4, scenes i-iii.
Shakespeare’s Life & Times

Dive into our comprehensive guide to ace your Shakespeare assignments

Popular pages: Twelfth Night

Take a Study Break