characters, diversified with boundless invention, and preserved with profound skill in nature, extensive knowledge of opinions, and accurate observation of life. In a single drama are here exhibited princes, courtiers, and sailors, all speaking in their real characters. There is the agency of airy spirits, and of an earthly goblin; the operations of magic, the tumults of a storm, the adventures of a desert island, the native effusion of untaught affection, the punishment of guilt, and the final happiness of the pair for whom our passions and reason are equally interested. JOHNSON. DRAMATIS PERSONE. Duke of Milan, Father to Silvia. Proteus, Antonio, Father to Proteus. Thurio, a foolish Rival to Valentine. Panthino, Servant to Antonio. Host, where Julia lodges in Milan. Julia, a Lady of Verona, beloved by Proteus. Servants, Musicians. SCENE, sometimes in Verona; sometimes in Milan; and on the Frontiers of Mantua. 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 Some rare note-worthy object in thy travel: Wish me partaker in thy happiness, When thou dost meet good hap; and, in thy danger, If ever danger do environ thee, Commend thy grievance to my holy prayers, Val. And on a love-book pray for my success. Pro. Over the boots? nay, give me not the boots. Pro. What? To be In love, where scorn is bought with groans; coy looks, With heart-sore sighs; one fading moment's mirth, With twenty watchful, weary, tedious nights: If haply won, perhaps, a hapless gain; If lost, why then a grievous labour won; Pro. So, by your circumstance, you call me fool. Methinks should not be chronicled for wise. Val. And writers say, As the most forward bud Even so by love the young and tender wit Once more adieu: my father at the road |