Open Source Shakespeare

Two Gentlemen of Verona

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Act V, Scene 2

The same. The DUKE’s palace.

       

[Enter THURIO, PROTEUS, and JULIA]

  • Thurio. Sir Proteus, what says Silvia to my suit? 2065
  • 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. 2070
  • 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. 2075
  • 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. 2080
  • 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? 2085
  • 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. 2090
  • 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. 2095
  • Julia. Here comes the duke.

[Enter DUKE]

  • Duke of Milan. How now, Sir Proteus! how now, Thurio!
    Which of you saw Sir Eglamour of late?
  • Thurio. Not I. 2100
  • Proteus. Nor I.
  • Duke of Milan. Saw you my daughter?
  • Proteus. Neither.
  • Duke of Milan. Why then,
    She's fled unto that peasant Valentine; 2105
    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; 2110
    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 2115
    Upon the rising of the mountain-foot
    That leads towards Mantua, whither they are fled:
    Dispatch, sweet gentlemen, and follow me.

[Exit]

  • Thurio. Why, this it is to be a peevish girl, 2120
    That flies her fortune when it follows her.
    I'll after, more to be revenged on Eglamour
    Than for the love of reckless Silvia.

[Exit]

  • Proteus. And I will follow, more for Silvia's love 2125
    Than hate of Eglamour that goes with her.

[Exit]

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

[Exit]