ARGUMENT. A young gentleman of Verona, named Valentine, after taking leave of his friend Proteus, visits the court of Milan, where he becomes captivated by the charms of Silvia, the duke's daughter, who secretly favors his addresses, in preference to those of a rich suitor provided by her father. In the mean time, Proteus, who had become enamored of Julia, a Veronese lady, successfully prosecutes his suit, and obtains from his mistress assurances of mutual regard. The satisfaction of these lovers is soon interrupted by the young gentleman's father, who, ignorant of his son's attachment, is anxious to send him to Milan, where Valentine still resides. After quitting Julia with professions of unalterable constancy, Proteus joins his friend, who receives him with the utmost tenderness; confides to him the secret of his love. and, having introduced him into the presence of Silvia, informs him of his intended elopement with her: but he has soon reason to repent his misplaced confidence; for Proteus, who by this time had forgotten his former vows, and was resolved to supplant Valentine, treacherously informs the duke of his daughter's purposed flight, which procures the banishment of Valentine and the imprisonment of Silvia. During this period, Julia, unable to endure the absence of her lover, travels to Milan in the disguise of a youth, and contrives to hire herself as a page to Proteus, whose perfidy she soon discovers. Silvia soon after effects her escape from confinement, but is overtaken in a forest by Proteus, who endeavors to obtain her consent by threats of violence, when she is unexpectedly rescued by Valentine, whose life had recently been spared by a band of outlaws settled here, on condition of becoming their leader. The remonstrances of Valentine awaken the remorse of Proteus: he entreats forgiveness, which is readily granted him; and Julia, having discovered herself, is united to her lover; while the duke, after pardoning the outlaws and recalling them from exile, willingly consents to the nuptials of his daughter with Valentine. 102 PERSONS REPRESENTED. DUKE OF MILAN, father to Silvia. PROTEUS, gentlemen of Verona. ANTONIO, father to Proteus. THURIO, a foolish rival to Valentire. PANTHINO, servant to Antonio. Host, where Julia lodges in Milan. JULIA, a lady of Verona, beloved by Proteus. SILVIA, the duke's daughter, beloved by Valentine. LUCETTA, waiting-woman to Julia. Servants, Musicians. SCENE, sometimes in Verona; sometimes in Milan: a1 מ TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. the frontiers of Mantua. ACT I. SCENE I. An open place in Verona.. Val. Cease to persuade, my loving Proteus; Pro. Wilt thou be gone? Sweet Valentine, adieu! Think on thy Proteus, when thou haply seest When thou dost meet good hap; and, in thy danger, 1 Idleness, which prevents the giving any form or character to the manners. If ever danger do environ thee, Val. And on a love-book pray for my success. How young Leander cross'd the Hellespont. Pro. That's a deep story of a deeper love; For he was more than over shoes in love. Val. 'Tis true; for you are over boots in love; And yet you never swom the Hellespont. Pro. Over the boots? nay, give me not the boots.1 Pro. What? Val. To be in love, where scorn is bought with groans; Coy looks, with heart-sore sighs; one fading mo ment's mirth, With twenty watchful, weary, tedious nights : Pro. So, by your circumstance, you call me fool. prove. 1 Do not make a laughing-stock of me. A proverbial expression, deriving its origin from a humorous punishment at harvest-home feasts. * Circumstance is used equivocally: it here means conduct; in the preceding line, circumstantial deduction. Pro. Yet writers say; as in the sweetest bud, Val. And writers say; as the most forward bud Once more adieu: my father at the road 1 Pro. And thither will I bring thee, Valentine. leave. At Milan, let me hear from thee by letters, Pro. All happiness bechance to thee in Milan ! Val. As much to you at home! and so, farewell! [Exit Valentine. Pro. He after honor hunts, I after love : 1 At the haven where ships anchor. |