RSINO, the Duke of Illyria, was deeply in love with a beautiful
Countess, named Olivia. Yet was all his love in vain, for she
disdained his suit ; and when her brother died, she sent back a messenger
from the Duke, bidding him tell his master that for seven years she
would not let the very air behold her face, but that, like a nun, she
would walk veiled; and all this for the sake of a dead brother’s love,
which she would keep fresh and lasting in her sad remembrance.

The Duke longed for someone to whom he could tell his sorrow, and
repeat over and over again the story of his love. And chance brought
him such a companion. For about this time a goodly ship was wrecked
on the Illyrian coast, and among those who reached land in safety were
the Captain and a fair young maid, named Viola. But she was little