William Heath Robinson (31 May 1872 – 13 September 1944) was an English cartoonist, illustrator and artist. The book edition of Shakespeare's
Twelfth Night with his illustrations was publihed 1908.
Twelfth Night, or What You Will is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Viola and Sebastian,
who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola (who is disguised as Cesario)
falls in love with Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with Countess
Olivia. Upon meeting Viola, Countess Olivia falls in love with her
thinking she is a man.
Frontispiece
Practising behaviour to his own shadow.
So full of shapes is fancy
O, when mine eyes did see Olivia first.
But, like a cloistress, she will veiled walk.
What country, friends, is this?
With drinking healths to my niece.
My name is Mary, sir.
Yet, a barful strife!
Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife.
Yet you will be hanged for being do long absent.
Give me faith, I say.
But we will draw the curtain and show you the picture.
No, sooth, sir: my determinable voyage is mere extravagancy.
O time !
thou must untangle this, not I.
That can
sing both high and low.
Journeys end in lovers meeting.
Present
mirth hath present laughter.
A
mellifluous voice, as I am true knight.
My masters, are you mad?
Come away, come away, death!
I am slain by a fair and cruel maid.
Lay me, O,
where Sad true lover never find my grave,
To weep
there!
She pined in thought.
'Tis but fortune; all is fortune.
For many do call me fool.
No, sir, I live by the church.
I do remember.
Sweet lady, ho, ho.
Now will not I deliver his letter.
Well, come again to-morrow; fare thee well.
Pray God, he keep his oath!
Sayest thou that house is dark?
They have here propertied me; keep me in darkness.
Blame not this haste of mine.
Good madame, hear me speak.
When that I was a little tiny boy.
For the rain raineth every day.
'Gainst knaves and thieves men shut their gates.
But when I came, alas! to wive.
With toss-pots still have drunken heads.
Our play is done.
W. Heath Robinson
