The Two Gentlemen of Verona (1589-91)

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Online Critical Edition in Progress - Version 1.b.
Date variant: 1589-93
Shakespeare Network - https://shakespearenetwork.net/

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Act V, Scene 2

The same. The DUKE's palace.

Thurio
Sir Proteus, what says Silvia to my suit?

Proteus
O, sir, I find her milder than she was;
And yet she takes exceptions at your person.

Thurio
What, that my leg is too long?

Proteus
No; that it is too little.

Thurio
I'll wear a boot, to make it somewhat rounder.

Julia
[Aside] But love will not be spurr'd to what
it loathes.

Thurio
What says she to my face?

Proteus
She says it is a fair one.

Thurio
Nay then, the wanton lies; my face is black.

Proteus
But pearls are fair; and the old saying is,
Black men are pearls in beauteous ladies' eyes.

Julia
[Aside] 'Tis true; such pearls as put out
ladies' eyes;
For I had rather wink than look on them.

Thurio
How likes she my discourse?

Proteus
Ill, when you talk of war.

Thurio
But well, when I discourse of love and peace?

Julia
[Aside] But better, indeed, when you hold your peace.

Thurio
What says she to my valour?

Proteus
O, sir, she makes no doubt of that.

Julia
[Aside] She needs not, when she knows it cowardice.

Thurio
What says she to my birth?

Proteus
That you are well derived.

Julia
[Aside] True; from a gentleman to a fool.

Thurio
Considers she my possessions?

Proteus
O, ay; and pities them.

Thurio
Wherefore?

Julia
[Aside] That such an ass should owe them.

Proteus
That they are out by lease.

Julia
Here comes the duke.

Duke of Milan
How now, Sir Proteus! how now, Thurio!
Which of you saw Sir Eglamour of late?

Thurio
Not I.

Proteus
Nor I.

Duke of Milan
Saw you my daughter?

Proteus
Neither.

Duke of Milan
Why then,
She's fled unto that peasant Valentine;
And Eglamour is in her company.
'Tis true; for Friar Laurence met them both,
As he in penance wander'd through the forest;
Him he knew well, and guess'd that it was she,
But, being mask'd, he was not sure of it;
Besides, she did intend confession
At Patrick's cell this even; and there she was not;
These likelihoods confirm her flight from hence.
Therefore, I pray you, stand not to discourse,
But mount you presently and meet with me
Upon the rising of the mountain-foot
That leads towards Mantua, whither they are fled:
Dispatch, sweet gentlemen, and follow me.

Thurio
Why, this it is to be a peevish girl,
That flies her fortune when it follows her.
I'll after, more to be revenged on Eglamour
Than for the love of reckless Silvia.

Proteus
And I will follow, more for Silvia's love
Than hate of Eglamour that goes with her.

Julia
And I will follow, more to cross that love
Than hate for Silvia that is gone for love.

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The Two Gentlemen of Verona (1589-91)

Act V, Scene 2

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