Act III - Scene III

A street.

[Enter Sebastian and 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;(5)
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(10)
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,(15)
And thanks; 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?(20)
ANTONIO:
Tomorrow, 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.(25)
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 answer'd.(30)
SEBASTIAN:
Belike you slew great number of his people.
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 answer'd in repaying(35)
What we took from them; which, for traffic's sake,
Most of our city did: only myself stood out;
For which, if I be lapsed in this place,
I shall pay dear.
SEBASTIAN:
Do not then walk too open.(40)
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.(45)
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.
SEBASTIAN:
I'll be your purse-bearer, and leave you
For an hour.
ANTONIO:
To the Elephant.
SEBASTIAN:
I do remember.

[Exeunt.]

Act III - Scene IV
Act III - Scene II

Footnotes

  1. The relationship between Antonio and Sebastian is a type of social reversal. Antonio, who is not of a noble class, is giving Sebastian, who is of noble blood, money to spend in the town. Antonio becomes Sebastian’s benefactor.

    — Caitlin, Owl Eyes Staff

  2. This means “against the Count’s ships.” This could suggest that Antonio was involved in piracy in which he robbed some of the Count’s ships and is now wanted in Illyria.

    — Caitlin, Owl Eyes Staff

  3. “Uncurrent pay” is worthless pay. Sebastian is saying that he can only thank Antonio, he cannot pay him. He calls his thanks a worthless type of pay because a simple “thanks” is not good enough for Antonio’s devotion.

    — Caitlin, Owl Eyes Staff

  4. In this context, “jealousy” means having anxiety for someone’s well being. However, it is generally used to mean apprehension over rivalry in love. In this way, Antonio’s use of the word “jealousy” both expresses his concern for Sebastian’s well being and suggests his pursuit is one of a lover, rather than just a friend.

    — Caitlin, Owl Eyes Staff

  5. Antonio’s claim that “filed steel,” meaning a military sword, was less coercive than his desire to get him to re-enter Illyria. As we will see later, Antonio is a wanted man in Illyria. This metaphor reveals why he would risk his life in order to help Sebastian with his quest: he is full of desire and in love with the man.

    — Caitlin, Owl Eyes Staff