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  • Title: Two Gentlemen of Verona (Modern)
  • Editor: Melissa Walter

  • Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Melissa Walter
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Two Gentlemen of Verona (Modern)

    5.2.
    Enter Turio, Proteus, [and] Julia [as Sebastian].
    2040Turio
    Sir Proteus, what says Silvia to my suit?
    Proteus
    Oh, sir, I find her milder then she was,
    And yet she takes exceptions at your person.
    Turio
    What? That my leg is too long?
    Proteus
    No, that it is too little.
    2045Turio
    I'll wear a boot, to make it somewhat rounder.
    Julia
    [Aside.] But love will not be spurred to what it loathes.
    What says she to my face?
    Proteus
    She says it is a fair one.
    Nay, then the wanton lies: my face is black.
    2050Proteus
    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.
    How likes she my discourse?
    2055Proteus
    Ill, when you talk of war.
    But well, when I discourse of love and peace.
    [Aside.] But better, indeed, when you hold your peace.
    What says she to my valor?
    Proteus
    Oh, sir, she makes no doubt of that.
    [Aside.] She needs not, when she knows it cowardice.
    What says she to my birth?
    Proteus
    That you are well derived.
    [Aside.] True: from a gentleman to a fool.
    Considers she my possessions?
    2065Proteus
    Oh, ay, and pities them.
    Wherefore?
    [Aside.] That such an ass should owe them.
    Proteus
    That they are out by lease.
    Here comes the Duke.
    [Enter Duke.]
    How now, sir Proteus; how now, Turio.
    Which of you saw Eglamour of late?
    Not I.
    Proteus
    Nor I.
    Saw you my daughter?
    2075Proteus
    Neither.
    Why then,
    She's fled unto that peasant, Valentine,
    And Eglamour is in her Company.
    'Tis true, for Friar Laurence met them both
    2080As he in penance wandered through the forest.
    Him he knew well, and guessed that it was she,
    But being masked, he was not sure of it.
    Besides, she did intend confession
    At Patrick's cell this even, and there she was not.
    2085These 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 toward Mantua, whither they are fled.
    2090Dispatch, sweet gentlemen, and follow me.
    [Exit Duke.]
    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.
    [Exit Turio.]
    2095Proteus
    And I will follow, more for Silvia's love
    Than hate of Eglamour that goes with her.
    [Exit Proteus.]
    And I will follow, more to crosse that love
    Than hate for Silvia, that is gone for love.
    [Exit Julia.]