Question

Which set of lines from act I, scene V, of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is a plea to Olivia to come out of mourning, get married, and have children? VIOLA: 'Tis beauty truly blent, whose red and white Nature's own sweet and cunning hand laid on: Lady, you are the cruel'st she alive, If you will lead these graces to the grave, And leave the world no copy. … I see you what you are: you are too proud; But, if you were the devil, you are fair. My lord and master loves you. O, such love Could be but recompens'd though you were crown'd The nonpareil of beauty!

Answer 1

The correct answer is set number 1:

"VIOLA: 'Tis beauty truly blent, whose red and white

Nature’s own sweet and cunning hand laid on.

Lady, you are the cruel’st she alive

If you will lead these graces to the grave

And leave the world no copy."

Viola is telling Olivia how cruel she would be should she "lead these graces to the grave", i.e. die, "and leave the world no copy", i.e. not having had children to carry on her beauty. Thus, Viola is requesting for Olivia to get married and have offpsring, preferably with her lord and master.