Pro. But love will not be spurr'd to what it loaths. Thu. What says she to my face? Pro. She says, it is a fair one. Thu. Nay, then the wanton lies; my face is black. Pro. But pearls are fair; and the old saying is, Black men are pearls in beauteous ladies' eyes. Jul. 'Tis true; such pearls as put out ladies' eyes : For I had rather wink than look on them. [Aside. Thu. How likes she my discourse? Pro. Ill, when you talk of war. Thu. But well, when I discourse of love, and peace? Jul. But better, indeed, when you hold your peace. Thu. What says she to my valour? Pro. O, sir, she makes no doubt of that. [Aside. Jul. She needs not, when she knows it cowardice. Thu. What says she to my birth? Pro. That you are well deriv'd. [Aside. Jul. True; from a gentleman to a fool. [Aside. Thu. Considers she my possessions? Pro. O, ay; and pities them. Thu. Wherefore? 6 Jul. That such an ass should owe them. [Aside. Pro. That they are out by lease. Jul. Here comes the duke. Enter DUKE. Duke. How now, sir Proteus? how now, Which of you saw sir Eglamour of late? Thurio? Thu. Not I. Duke. Why, then she's fled unto that peasant Valentine; And Eglamour is in her company. 6 Own. 'Tis true; for friar Laurence met them both, At Patrick's cell this even; and there she was not: That leads towards Mantua, whither they are fled: [Exit. Pro. And I will follow, more for Silvia's love, Than hate of Eglamour, that goes with her. [Exit. Jul. And I will follow, more to cross that love, Than hate for Silvia, that is gone for love. SCENE III. Frontiers of Mantua. The Forest. Enter SILVIA and Out-laws. Out. Come, come; [Exit. Be patient, we must bring you to our captain. 1 Out. Where is the gentleman that was with her? 3 Out. Being nimble footed, he hath out-run us, But Moyses, and Valerius, follow him. Go thou with her to the west end of the wood, There is our captain: we'll follow him that's fled; The thicket is beset, he cannot 'scape. 8 Careless. 1 Out. Come, I must bring you to our captain's cave; Fear not; he bears an honourable mind, And will not use a woman lawlessly. Sil. O Valentine, this I endure for thee! [Exeunt. SCENE IV. Another part of the Forest. Enter VALENTINE. Val. How use doth breed a habit in a man! my woes. These are my mates, that make their wills their law, Withdraw thee, Valentine; who's this comes here? [Steps aside. Enter PROTEUS, SILVIA, and JULIA. Pro. Madam, this service I have done for you, (Though you respect not aught your servant doth,) To hazard life, and rescue you from him That would have forc'd your honour and your love. Vouchsafe me, for my meed but one fair look; Sing. A smaller boon than this I cannot beg, Pro. Unhappy, were you, madam, ere I came; Jul. And me, when he approacheth to your pre[Aside. sence. Sil. Had I been seized by a hungry lion, Pro. What dangerous action, stood it next to Would I not undergo for one calm look? 2 O, 'tis the curse in love, and still approv❜d, Thou hast no faith left now, unless thou hadst two, And that's far worse than none; better have none. Than plural faith, which is too much by one : Thou counterfeit to thy true friend ! Pro. Who respects friend? Sil. In love, All men but Proteus." Pro. Nay, if the gentle spirit of moving words Can no way change you to a milder form, 2 Felt, experienced. I'll woo you like a soldier at arms' end; And love you 'gainst the nature of love, force you. Sil. O heaven! Pro. I'll force thee yield to my desire. Val. Ruffian, let go that rude uncivil touch; Thou friend of an ill fashion! Pro. Valentine! Val. Thou common friend, that's without faith or love; (For such is a friend now,) treacherous man! I am sorry, I must never trust thee more, I tender it here; I do as truly suffer, As e'er I did commit. Val. Then I am paid;' And once again I do receive thee honest: Is nor of heaven, nor earth; for these are pleas'd; Jul. O me, unhappy! Pro. Look to the boy. [Faints. Val. Why, boy! why wag! how now? what is the matter? Look up; speak. Jul. O good sir, my master charg'd me To deliver a ring to madam Silvia; Which, out of my neglect, was never done. 7 |