Thu. Nay, then the wanton lies: my face is black Pro. But pearls are fair; and the old saying is, Black men are pearls in beauteous ladies' eyes. Jul. [Aside.] "Tis true; such pearls as put out ladies' eyes; For I had rather wink than look on them. Thu. How likes she my discourse? Thu. But well, when I discourse of love and peace? your peace. Thu. What says she to my valour? Pro. O, sir! she makes no doubt of that. Jul. [Aside.] She needs not, when she knows it cowardice. Thu. What says she to my birth? Pro. That you are well deriv'd. Jul. [Aside.] True; from a gentleman to a fool. Thu. Considers she my possessions? Pro. O! ay; and pities them. Thu. Wherefore? Jul. [Aside.] That such an ass should owe Pro. That they are out by lease.3 Jul. Here comes the duke. Enter DUKE. them. Duke. How now, Sir Proteus! how now, Thurio! Which of you saw Sir Eglamour of late? Thu. Not I Pro. Nor I. Duke. Saw you my daughter? That is, possess them, own them. Thurio of course means his lands; but Proteus chooses to take him as referring to his mental endowments, which, he says are out by lease, that is, out of his keeping; so that he, lacking them, is a dunce. H. Pro. Neither. Duke. Why, then she's fled unto that peasant Valentine; And Eglamour is in her company. 'Tis true; for friar Laurence met them both, At Patrick's cell this even, and there she was not: 4 That leads towards Mantua, whither they are fled: 5 [Exit. Pro. And I will follow, more for Silvia's love, Than hate of Eglamour that goes with her. [Erit Jul. And I will follow, more to cross that love, Than hate for Silvia, that is gone for love. [Exit SCENE III. The Forest. Enter SILVIA and Outlaws. Out. Come, come; be patient: we must bring you to our captain. Sil. A thousand more mischances than this one Have learn'd me how to brook this patiently. 2 Out. Come, bring her away. Peevish in ancient language signified foolish. 1 Out. Where is the gentleman that was with her? 3 Out. Being nimble-footed, he hath outrun us; But Moses and Valerius follow him. Go thou with her to the west end of the wood; There is our captain. We'll follow him that's fled : The thicket is beset; he cannot 'scape. 1 Out. Come, I must bring you to our captain's cave: Fear not; he bears an honourable mind, Sil. O Valentine, this I endure for thee! [Exeunt. SCENE IV. Another part of the Forest. Enter VALENTINE. Val. How use doth breed a habit in a man! Thou gentle nymph, cherish thy forlorn swain! To record anciently signified to sing. So in Drayton's Ec logues. · "Fair Philomel, night-music of the spring, H They love me well; yet I have much to do Withdraw thee, Valentine: who's this comes here! [Steps aside. Enter PROTEUS, SILVIA, and JULIA. Pro. Madam, this service I have done for you, (Though you respect not aught your servant doth,) To hazard life, and rescue you from him That would have forc'd your honour and your love. And less than this, I am sure, you cannot give. Love, lend me patience to forbear a while. Sil. By thy approach thou mak'st me most unhappy. Jul. [Aside.] And me, when he approacheth to your presence. Sil. Had I been seized by a hungry lion, Therefore begone: solicit me no more. Pro. What dangerous action, stood it next to death, Would I not undergo for one calm look! That is, as dear. O! 'tis the curse in love, and still approv'd,3 When women cannot love where they're belov'd. Sil. When Proteus cannot love where he's belov'd. Thou hast no faith left now, unless thou hadst two, Pro. Who respects friend? Sil. In love, 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 love you 'gainst the nature of love; force you. Sil. O heaven! Pro. I'll force thee yield to my desire. Val. [Coming forward.] 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; (For such is a friend now,) treacherous man! I am sorry I must never trust thee more, But count the world a stranger for thy sake 3 Approv'd is confirmed by proof. |