Viola: "I do I know not what, and fear to find
Mine eye too great a flatterer for my mind."
This passage alludes to the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and eventually died from his self-absorption. Viola's words suggest that her eyes (which are drawn to Orsino's beauty) are flattering her mind, leading her to believe things that are not actually true.
This allusion serves multiple purposes:
* It reveals Viola's inner conflict: She is attracted to Orsino, but knows she can't have him because of her disguise.
* It foreshadows the play's themes: Love and desire can be blinding, leading people to make unwise decisions.
* It adds a layer of depth to the play: By referencing a well-known myth, Shakespeare elevates the language and draws a parallel between Viola's situation and a classic story of love and self-deception.
This is just one example of many allusions in *Twelfth Night*. Shakespeare frequently uses allusions to create richer meaning and connect his play to a wider cultural context.