O, that I served that lady
And might not be delivered to the world
Till I had made mine own occasion mellow,
What my estate is.
– William Shakespeare
Twelfth Night, Act 1, Scene 2. Viola is hiding not just her gender, but her “estate” as well. Following her shipwreck, she is looking for a safe haven to stay until she feels it’s safe to reveal her true identity as a orhaned and wealthy noble woman. But the Captain warns her that she will not be admitted into Lady Olivia’s household, as she is in mourning and shunning all company.