Editorial

Abstract

Olivia of Illyria walks into the office of Jack Straw, Leader of the House of Commons, and tells him that as a way to mourn her brother’s death: The element itself, till seven years’ heat, Shall not behold her face at ample view; But, like a cloistress, she will veiled walk. (William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Act 1, Scene 1) The Honourable Jack Straw tells her it is not British to wear a veil and so she ought to find another way to mourn. Confused, she turns to her companion, Cesario, and asks, puzzled: “What means he by this, O beloved Cesario? Have not the noble ladies of England worn veils for many years?” Cesario replies: “My lady, when my eyes first lay upon the veil that covers your face, indeed I felt affronted. Surely your beauty, grace, and radiant light deserved a viewing by my gaze. Recallest not that day when I, a humble messenger of dear Duke Orsino, didst first appear in your chambers, and requested that you remove your veil that we might talk? But, as you say, it has been an ancient tradition of this and other lands for women to wear veils when they leave their homes and also attend to their religious services. I know not what the Honourable Mr. Straw means by this notion.” Olivia affirms: “Indeed, humble Cesario, I do recall your brazen request and how your forthrightness to a lady of honour didst cause me such distress. Since your appearance pleased my eye, I did agree to it, though I have not the same response to this effrontery from Jack Straw. Recallest not how our Lord did command, in 1 Corinthians 1, that a woman ought to cover her head? Why, even our Jewish sisters have worn veils for many centuries.” As they walk to their car, a tall, white, middle-age man spits at Olivia, yelling at her: “Go back to where you came from!” Cesario attempts to block the man’s anger, but cannot do so in time. “O honourable Lady Olivia, how did I fail you, and allow your self to be covered in filth from such a man! What provoked him so?” Olivia, wiping the spittle from her veil, notes sadly: “Dear Cesario, in these lands some people are hostile to those who dress differently. It is the same in Illiyria, and all over the world these days … Look, Cesario, let us take refuge in this church, a sanctuary in the turbulence of these times.” ...