(A rashness that I ever yet have shunn'd,) I gave him gentle looks; thereby to find Ι That which thyself has now disclos'd to me. Proteus. Know, noble lord, they have devis'd a mean Duke. Upon mine honour, he shall never know That I had any light from thee of this. Proteus. Adieu, my lord; sir Valentine is coming. Enter VALENTINE. [Exit. Duke. Sir Valentine, whither away so fast? Valentine. Please it your grace, there is a messenger That stays to bear my letters to my friends, And I am going to deliver them. Duke. Be they of much import? Valentine. The tenor of them doth but signify My health, and happy being at your court. Duke. Nay, then no matter; stay with me a while; I am to break with thee of some affairs, That touch me near, wherein thou must be secret. 'Tis not unknown to thee, that I have sought To match my friend, sir Thurio, to my daughter. Valentine. I know it well, my lord; and, sure, the match 7 Tempted. 8 Guessed. 9 Design. Were rich and honourable; besides, the gentleman Duke. No, trust me; she is peevish, sullen, froward, And turn her out to who will take her in : Valentine. What would your grace have me to do in this? Duke. There is a lady, sir, in Milan, here, Valentine. Win her with gifts, if she respect not words; Dumb jewels often, in their silent kind, More than quick words, do move a woman's mind. Duke. But she did scorn a present that I sent her. Valentine. A woman sometimes scorns what best contents her: Send her another; never give her o'er; For scorn at first makes after-love the more. Take no repulse, whatever she doth say; And kept severely from resort of men, That no man hath access by day to her. Valentine. Why then I would resort to her by night. Duke. Ay, but the doors be lock'd, and keys kept safe, That no man hath recourse to her by night. Valentine. What lets, but one may enter at her window? Duke. Her chamber is aloft, far from the ground; And built so shelving, that one cannot climb it Without apparent hazard of his life. Valentine. Why then, a ladder, quaintly made of cords, To cast up with a pair of anchoring hooks, Would serve to scale another Hero's tower, So bold Leander would adventure it. Duke. Now, as thou art a gentleman of blood, Advise me where I may have such a ladder. Valentine. When would you use it? pray, sir, tell me that. Duke. This very night; for love is like a child, That longs for every thing that he can come by. Valentine. By seven o'clock I'll get you such a ladder. Duke. But, hark thee; I will go to her alone; How shall I best convey the ladder thither? Valentine. It will be light, my lord, that you may bear it Under a cloak, that is of any length. Duke. A cloak as long as thine will serve the turn? Then let me see thy cloak; I'll get me one of such another length. Valentine. Why, any cloak will serve the turn, my lord. Duke. How shall I fashion me to wear a cloak?— I pray thee, let me feel thy cloak upon me.— What letter is this same ? What's here ?-To Silvia. And here an engine fit for my proceeding! I'll be so bold to break the seal for once. [Reads. My thoughts do harbour with my Silvia nightly; Himself would lodge, where senseless they are lying. I curse myself, for they are sent by me, That they should harbour where their lord should be. Silvia, this night I will enfranchise thee: 'Tis so; and here's the ladder for the purpose.- Thank me for this, more than for all the favours, Longer than swiftest expedition Will give thee time to leave our royal court, Begone, I will not hear thy vain excuse, But, as thou lov'st thy life, make speed from hence. [Exit DUKE. Valentine. And why not death, rather than live in torment? To die, is to be banish'd from myself; Enter PROTEUS and LAUNCE. Proteus. Run, boy, run, run, and seek him out. Proteus. What seest thou? Launce. Him we go to find: there's not a hair on's head, but 'tis a Valentine. Proteus. Valentine? Valentine. No. Proteus. Who then? his spirit? Valentine. Neither. Proteus. What then? Valentine. Nothing. Launce. Can nothing speak? master, shall I strike? Proteus. Whom would'st thou strike? Launce. Nothing. Proteus. Villain, forbear. Launce. Why, sir, I'll strike nothing: I pray you,—— Proteus. Sirrah, I say, forbear: Friend Valentine, a word. |