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During a royal gala, Viola is summoned by Queen Elizabeth, leading to a public debate about whether the theater can capture the true nature of love. Will Shakespeare impulsively enters a fifty-pound wager against Lord Wessex, while the Queen privately warns Wessex that Viola has already given her heart to another.
VIOLA: Your Majesty.
QUEEN: Stand up straight, girl. I have seen you. You are the one who comes to all the plays—at Whitehall, at Richmond. What do you love so much?
VIOLA: Your Majesty . . .
QUEEN: Speak out! I know who I am. Do you love stories of kings and queens? Feats of arms? Or is it courtly
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