Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Melissa Walter
Not Peer Reviewed

Two Gentlemen of Verona (Modern)

17654.3.
Enter Eglamour.
Eglamour
This is the hour that Madam Silvia
Entreated me to call and know her mind.
There's some great matter she'd employ me in.
1770Madam, madam!
[Enter Silvia above.]
Silvia
Who calls?
Eglamour
Your servant and your friend;
One that attends your ladyship's command.
Silvia
Sir Eglamour, a thousand times good morrow.
1775Eglamour
As many, worthy lady, to your self.
According to your ladyship's impose,
I am thus early come to know what service
It is your pleasure to command me in.
Silvia
O Eglamour, thou art a gentleman -
1780Think not I flatter, for I swear I do not -
Valiant, wise, remorseful, well accomplished.
Thou art not ignorant what dear good will
I bear unto the banished Valentine,
Nor how my father would enforce me marry
1785Vain Turio, whom my very soul abhors.
Thy self hast loved, and I have heard thee say
No grief did ever come so near thy heart
As when thy lady and thy true love died,
Upon whose grave thou vowed'st pure chastity.
1790Sir Eglamour, I would to Valentine,
To Mantua, where I hear he makes abode;
And for the ways are dangerous to pass,
I do desire thy worthy company,
Upon whose faith and honor I repose.
1795Urge not my father's anger, Eglamour,
But think upon my grief, a lady's grief,
And on the justice of my flying hence
To keep me from a most unholy match,
Which heaven and fortune still rewards with plagues.
1800I do desire thee, even from a heart
As full of sorrows as the sea of sands,
To bear me company and go with me.
If not, to hide what I have said to thee,
That I may venture to depart alone.
1805Eglamour
Madam, I pity much your grievances,
Which, since I know they virtuously are placed,
I give consent to go along with you,
Recking as little what betideth me
As much I wish all good befortune you.
1810When will you go?
Silvia
This evening coming.
Eglamour
Where shall I meet you?
Silvia
At Friar Patrick's cell, Where I intend holy confession.
1815Eglamour
I will not fail your ladyship. Good morrow, gentle lady.
Silvia
Good morrow, kind Sir Eglamour.
Exeunt.