What halloing, and what stir, is this to-day? These are my mates, that make their wills their law, They love me well; yet I have much to do, To keep them from uncivil outrages. Withdraw thee, Valentine; who's this comes here? [Steps aside. Enter PROTEUS, SILVIA, and JULIA. Pro. Madam, this service I have done for you That would have forced your honour and your love. Pro. Unhappy, were you, madam, ere 1 came; But, by my coming, I have made you happy. Sil. By thy approach thou makʼst me most unhappy. [Aside. Jul. And me, when he approacheth to your presence. [Aside. I would have been a breakfast to the beast, Pro. What dangerous action, stood it next to death, O, 'tis the curse in love, and still approved,t When women cannot love where they're beloved. Sil. When Proteus cannot love where he's beloved. Read over Julia's heart, thy first best love, For whose dear sake thou didst then rend thy faith Descended into perjury, to love me. Thou hast no faith left now, unless thou hadst two, Pro. In love, Who respects friend! Sil. All men but Proteus. Pro. Nay, if the gentle spirit of moving words Can no way change you to a milder form, I'll woo you like a soldier, at arms' end; And force you. *Reward. † Felt, experienced. 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; I am sorry, I must never trust thee more, Be a sufficient ransom for offence, I tender it here; I do as truly suffer, Val. Then I am paid; And once again I do receive thee honest:- Is nor of heaven, nor earth; for these are pleased; By penitence the Eternal's wrath 's appeased:- 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 charged me To deliver a ring to madam Silvia; Which out of my neglect was never done. Pro. Where is that ring, boy? Jul. Here 'tis: this is it. Pro. How! let me see: Why this is the ring I gave to Julia. Gives a ring. [Shows another ring. Jul. O, cry your mercy, Sir, I have mistook; This is the ring you sent to Sílvia. Pro. But how cam'st thou by this ring? at my depart, I gave this unto Julia. Jul. And Julia herself did give it me; And Julia herself hath brought it hither. Pro. How! Julia! Jul. Behold her that gave aim* to all thy oaths, And entertain'd them deeply in her heart: * Direction. † An allusion to cleaving the pin in archery. In a disguise of love: It is the lesser blot modesty finds, Women to change their shapes, than men their minds. Pro. Than men their minds! 'tis true: O heaven! were man But constant, he were perfect: that one error Fills him with faults; makes him run through all sins: What is in Silvia's face, but I may spy Let me be blest to make this happy close; "Twere pity two such friends should be long foes. Enter OUTLAWS, with DUKE and THURIO. Out. A prize, a prize, a prize! Val. Forbear, I say; it is my lord the duke. Your grace is welcome to a man disgraced, Banish'd Valentine. Duke. Sir Valentine! Thu. Yonder is Silvia; and Silvia's mine. Val. Thurio give back, or else embrace thy death; And think thee worthy of an empress' love. Val. I thank your grace; the gift hath made me happy I now beseech you, for your daughter's sake, To grant one boon that I shall ask of you. Forgive them what they have committed here, * Length of my sword. + Interest. And let them be recall'd from their exile: And fit for great employment, worthy lord. Duke. Thou hast prevail'd: I pardon them and thee; Duke. I think the boy hath grace in him; he blushes. Val. Please you, I'll tell you as we pass along, That done, our day of marriage shall be yours; * Conclude. † Masks, revels. [Exeunt. SCENE I-An apartment in the DUKE's Palace. Enter DUKE, ESCALUS, Lords, and Attendants. Duke. Escalus, Escal. My lord. Duke. Of government the properties to unfold, My strength can give you: Then no more remains For common justice, you are as pregnant† in, That we remember: There is our commission, From which we would not have you warp.-Call hither, *Bounds. [Exit an Attendant. + Full of. |