Dramatis Perfonae. MEN. Duke of MILAN, Father to Silvia. VALENTINE, PROTHEUS, } the two Gentlemen. ANTHONIO, Father to Protheus. THURIO, a Foolish Rival to Valentine. Out-Laws. SPEED, a Clownish Servant to Valentine. PANTHINO, Servant to Anthonio. WOMEN. JULIA, a Lady of Verona, beloved of Protheus. lentine. LUCETTA, Waiting-Woman to Julia. Servants, Musicians. SCENE, sometimes in Verona; sometimes in Milan; and on the Frontiers of Mantua. TWO GENTLEMEN O F VERONA. ACT 1. SCENE I. An open Place in Verona. Enter VALENTINE, and PROTHEUS. Valentine. CEASE to persuade, my loving Protheus; Wear Wear out thy youth with shapeless idleness. 10 Pro. Wilt thou be gone? Sweet Valentine, adieu ! Think on thy Protheus, when thou, haply, seest Some rare note-worthy object in thy travel: Wish me partaker in thy happiness, When thou dost meet good hap; and, in thy danger, If ever danger do environ thee, Commend thy grievance to my holy prayers, For I will be thy bead's-man, Valentine. Val. And on a love-book pray for my success. Pro. Upon some book I love, I'll pray for thee. Val. That's on some shallow story of deep love, How young Leander cross'd the Hellespont. Pro. That's a deep story of a deeper love; 22 Pro. Over the boots? nay, give me not the boots. Val. No, I will not; for it boots thee not. Pro. What? Val. To be in love, where scorn is bought with groans; 30 Coy looks, with heart-sore sighs; one fading mo◄ ment's mirth, With twenty watchful, weary, tedious nights:* If lost, why then a grievous labour won; Or Or else a wit by folly vanquished. Pro. So, by your circumstance, you call me fool. Val. So, by your circumstance, I fear, you'll prove. Pro. 'Tis love you cavil at; I am not love. Val. Love is your master, for he masters you; 40 And he that is so yoked by a fool, Methinks should not be chronicled for wise. Val. And writers say, As the most forward bud Is eaten by the canker ere it blow, Even so by love the young and tender wit Is turn'd to folly; blasting in the bud, But wherefore waste I time to counsel thee, That art a votary to fond desire ? Once more adieu: my father at the road Expects my coming, there to see me shipp'd. 50 Pro. And thither will I bring thee, Valentine. Val. Sweet Protheus, no; now let us take our leave. At Milan, let me hear from thee by letters, 60 Pro. All happiness bechance to thee in Milan! Val |