Twelfth Night Episode 4 - "Time Thou Must Untangle This" Scene 2

Viola approaches the main gate of Olivia's estate. Her nerves jump and frizzle with anxiety. What will I do if I'm not even admitted into the house? She shakes that thought off. She can't return to Orsino without having at least gone in and brought the message. And besides she had spent so much time memorizing the lines of his message that it would be a shame not to make some use of it. She would just have to be persistent enough and they would admit her. Also, she just has to see what this Lady Olivia looks like. What is it about her that has so captured the Duke's attention. Jealous, much? A voice echoes inside her. She tamps it down. No, not jealous. Besides, I'm just a messenger. He doesn't even look at me or think of me like that...why would he? She pauses in her reflection on her situation as the door creaks open. 

A portly fellow, extra rotund around the mid-section and obviously inebriated even at this early hour, opens the gate, "Go away. The mistress of the house is seeing no one." The man's words slur together slightly.

Viola purses her lips slightly in annoyance. First impressions are lacking. What does she have for company here? Show a little decorum!

However, she politely nods and says, "I am here to see the Lady. I have an important message for her."

The man harrumphs, "That's what they all say."  He then sneaks a look back through the door and whispers conspiratorially, "But if you ask me, it's mostly that pompous Malvolio. He's the stick-in-the-mud holding everything up."

"Oh, is that so."

The man nods vigorously, "Truer thing never spoken in Illyria. I like you!" He holds out his hand, "Sir Toby Belch, uncle to the fair Lady."

Viola holds out her hand and politely shakes Belch's hand. "Pleased to -"

Belch's eyes go wide as he squeezes her hand before letting go, "What small delicate hands you have..." He laughs, "Must be why you are saved for sending messages. You won't be fighting any battles or chopping any wood with that fine frame." Viola opens her mouth to protest but Belch continues before a word manages to escape her lips. "In fact, I knew a man once - ridiculous fellow - but a right good talker, and mind you, not a half-bad drinker either..." He winks. "Anyway, this man..."

Meanwhile inside the estate...

Now that you've watched the original, choose to watch 1 of the two things below to help you better understand this scene. If you do both, I will give you +1 E.C. as they are both worthwhile to watch. For your second one, just write "EC" as the answer to the question at the end.

• OPTION #1: Summary/Analysis Video: Click here
• OPTION #2: Live Production: Click here

If you would like to watch additional takes, you can watch these 2 clips from my favorite production of 12th Night. They are not the whole scene, but snippets: Viola meeting Olivia and The Willow Cabin Speech. These aren't worth points. They are purely for your enjoyment if you wish.