Sec. Out. And I from Mantua, for a gentleman, 50 Who, in my mood, I stabb'd unto the heart.

First Out. And I for such like petty crimes as these. But to the purpose,—for we cite our faults, That they may hold excused our lawless lives; And partly, seeing you are beautified 55 With goodly shape, and by your own report A linguist, and a man of such perfection As we do in our quality much want,—

Sec. Out. Indeed, because you are a banish'd man, Therefore, above the rest, we parley to you: 60 Are you content to be our general? To make a virtue of necessity, And live, as we do, in this wilderness?

Third Out. What say'st thou? wilt thou be of our consort? Say ay, and be the captain of us all: 65 We'll do thee homage and be ruled by thee, Love thee as our commander and our king.

First Out. But if thou scorn our courtesy, thou diest.

Sec. Out. Thou shalt not live to brag what we have offer'd.

Val. I take your offer, and will live with you, 70 Provided that you do no outrages On silly women or poor passengers.

Third Out. No, we detest such vile base practices. Come, go with us, we'll bring thee to our crews, And show thee all the treasure we have got; 75 Which, with ourselves, all rest at thy dispose. [Exeunt.

Notes: IV, 1.

SCENE I. The frontiers ... forest.] Capell. A forest. Rowe. A forest leading towards Mantua. Warburton. 2: shrink] shrinkd F2. 4: sit] F1 F2. sir F3 F4. 5: Sir] O sir Capell. 6: do] om. Pope, who prints lines 5 and 6 as prose. 9: Peace!] Peace, peace! Capell. 11: little wealth] F1. little F2 F3 F4. little left Hanmer. 18: Whence] And whence Capell, who reads 16-20 as two lines ending came you? ... there? 35: I often had been] F2. I often had been often F1. often had been (om. I) F3 F4. I had been often Collier. 39, 40: it's ... thievery] Printed as a verse in Ff. It is a kind of honourable thievery Steevens. 42: thing] F1. things F2 F3 F4. 46: awful] lawful Heath conj. 49: An heir, and near allied] Theobald. And heire and Neece, allide F1 F2. An heir, and Neice allide F3. An Heir, and Neece alli'd F4. 51: Who] Whom Pope. 60: Therefore] F1 F2. There F3 F4. 63: this] F1. the F2 F3 F4. 74: crews] F4. crewes F1 F2 F3. cave Collier MS. caves Singer. crew Delius conj. cruives Bullock conj. 76: all] shall Pope.

SCENE II. Milan. Outside the DUKE'S palace, under SILVIA'S chamber.

Enter PROTEUS.

Pro. Already have I been false to Valentine, And now I must be as unjust to Thurio. Under the colour of commending him, I have access my own love to prefer: But Silvia is too fair, too true, too holy, 5 To be corrupted with my worthless gifts. When I protest true loyalty to her, She twits me with my falsehood to my friend; When to her beauty I commend my vows, She bids me think how I have been forsworn 10 In breaking faith with Julia whom I loved: And notwithstanding all her sudden quips, The least whereof would quell a lover's hope, Yet, spaniel-like, the more she spurns my love, The more it grows, and fawneth on her still. 15 But here comes Thurio: now must we to her window, And give some evening music to her ear.

Enter THURIO and Musicians.

Thu. How now, Sir Proteus, are you crept before us?

Pro. Ay, gentle Thurio; for you know that love Will creep in service where it cannot go. 20

Tim. Ay, but I hope, sir, that you love not here.

Pro. Sir, but I do; or else I would be hence.

Thu. Who? Silvia?

Pro. Ay, Silvia; for your sake.

Thu. I thank you for your own. Now, gentlemen, Let's tune, and to it lustily awhile. 25

Enter, at a distance, HOST, and JULIA in boy's clothes.

Host. Now, my young guest, methinks you're allycholly: I pray you, why is it?

Jul. Marry, mine host, because I cannot be merry.

Host. Come, we'll have you merry: I'll bring you where you shall hear music, and see the gentleman that 30 you asked for.

Jul. But shall I hear him speak?

Host. Ay, that you shall.

Jul. That will be music. [Music plays.

Host. Hark, hark! 35

Jul. Is he among these?

Host. Ay: but, peace! let's hear 'em.

SONG.

Who is Silvia? what is she, That all our swains commend her? Holy, fair, and wise is she; 40 The heaven such grace did lend her, That she might admired be.

Is she kind as she is fair? For beauty lives with kindness. Love doth to her eyes repair, 45 To help him of his blindness, And, being help'd, inhabits there.

Then to Silvia let us sing, That Silvia is excelling; She excels each mortal thing 50 Upon the dull earth dwelling: To her let us garlands bring.

Host. How now! are you sadder than you were before? How do you, man? the music likes you not.

Jul. You mistake; the musician likes me not. 55

Host. Why, my pretty youth?

Jul. He plays false, father.

Host. How? out of tune on the strings?

Jul. Not so; but yet so false that he grieves my very heart-strings. 60

Host. You have a quick ear.

Jul. Ay, I would I were deaf; it makes me have a slow heart.

Host. I perceive you delight not in music.

Jul. Not a whit, when it jars so. 65

Host. Hark, what fine change is in the music!

Jul. Ay, that change is the spite.

Host. You would have them always play but one thing?

Jul. I would always have one play but one thing. But, host, doth this Sir Proteus that we talk on 70 Often resort unto this gentlewoman?

Host. I tell you what Launce, his man, told me,—he loved her out of all nick.

Jul. Where is Launce?

Host. Gone to seek his dog; which to-morrow, by his 75 master's command, he must carry for a present to his lady.

Jul. Peace! stand aside: the company parts.

Pro. Sir Thurio, fear not you: I will so plead, That you shall say my cunning drift excels.

Thu. Where meet we?

Pro. At Saint Gregory's well.

Thu. Farewell. 80

[Exeunt Thu. and Musicians.

Enter SILVIA above.

Pro. Madam, good even to your ladyship.

Sil. I thank you for your music, gentlemen. Who is that that spake?

Pro. One, lady, if you knew his pure heart's truth, You would quickly learn to know him by his voice. 85

Sil. Sir Proteus, as I take it.

Pro. Sir Proteus, gentle lady, and your servant.

Sil. What's your will?

Pro. That I may compass yours.

Sil. You have your wish; my will is even this: That presently you hie you home to bed. 90 Thou subtle, perjured, false, disloyal man! Think'st thou I am so shallow, so conceitless, To be seduced by thy flattery, That hast deceived so many with thy vows? Return, return, and make thy love amends. 95 For me,—by this pale queen of night I swear, I am so far from granting thy request, That I despise thee for thy wrongful suit; And by and by intend to chide myself Even for this time I spend in talking to thee. 100

Pro. I grant, sweet love, that I did love a lady; But she is dead.

Jul. [Aside] 'Twere false, if I should speak it; For I am sure she is not buried.

Sil. Say that she be; yet Valentine thy friend Survives; to whom, thyself art witness, 105 I am betroth'd: and art thou not ashamed To wrong him with thy importunacy?

Pro. I likewise hear that Valentine is dead.

Sil. And so suppose am I; for in his grave Assure thyself my love is buried. 110

Pro. Sweet lady, let me rake it from the earth.

Sil. Go to thy lady's grave, and call hers thence; Or, at the least, in hers sepulchre thine.

Jul. [Aside] He heard not that.

Pro. Madam, if your heart be so obdurate, 115 Vouchsafe me yet your picture for my love, The picture that is hanging in your chamber; To that I'll speak, to that I'll sigh and weep: For since the substance of your perfect self Is else devoted, I am but a shadow; 120 And to your shadow will I make true love.

Jul. [Aside] If 'twere a substance, you would, sure, deceive it, And make it but a shadow, as I am.

Sil. I am very loath to be your idol, sir; But since your falsehood shall become you well 125 To worship shadows and adore false shapes, Send to me in the morning, and I'll send it: And so, good rest.

Pro. As wretches have o'ernight That wait for execution in the morn. [Exeunt Pro. and Sil. severally.

Jul. Host, will you go? 130

Host. By my halidom, I was fast asleep.

Jul. Pray you, where lies Sir Proteus?

Host. Marry, at my house. Trust me, I think 'tis almost day.

Jul. Not so; but it hath been the longest night 135 That e'er I watch'd, and the most heaviest. [Exeunt.

Notes: IV, 2.

SCENE II. Outside ... palace ...] An open place, ... Warburton. Court of the palace. Capell. 1: have I] I've Pope. 15: and] om. F3 F4. 18: Musicians.] Rowe. Musitian. Ff. at the beginning of the scene. 23: Who] F1. Whom F2 F3 F4. 25: tune] F1. turne F2. turn F3 F4. 26: at a distance] Capell. allycholly] melancholy Pope. 27: I pray you, why is it] F1. I pray you what is it F2 F3. I pray what is it? F4. 34: [Music plays] Capell. 40: is she] as free Collier MS. 50: excels] exceeds S. Walker conj. 53: SCENE III. Pope. 53, 54: are you ... before?] you are ... before Heath conj. 68: You would] you would, then, Malone. you would not Collier MS. 70, 71: Printed as prose by Capell. 72-74: Printed as verse in Ff. I tell ... He lov'd ... 78: fear not you] F1. fear not F2 F3 F4. 80: [Exeunt Thu. and Musicians.] Rowe. 81: SCENE IV. Pope. Enter SILVIA above] Rowe. om. Ff. 85: You would] Ff. You'd Pope. 88: What's] What is Pope. 89: even] F1. ever F2 F3 F4. 102: [Aside] Pope. 105: thyself] even thyself Hanmer. 109: his] F2 F3 F4. her F1. 112: hers] F1 F2. her F3 F4. 114: [Aside] Pope. 115: if] if that Warburton. 115, 116: obdurate, Vouchsafe] Obdurate, O, vouchsafe Hanmer. 116: for my love] om. Hanmer. 122: [Aside] Pope. 125: since your falsehood shall] since you're false, it shall Johnson conj. 129: [Exeunt ... severally] om. F1. [Exeunt. F2. 136: heaviest] heavy one Pope.

SCENE III. The same.

Enter EGLAMOUR.

Egl. This is the hour that Madam Silvia Entreated me to call and know her mind: There's some great matter she'ld employ me in. Madam, madam!

Enter SILVIA above.

Sil. Who calls?

Egl. Your servant and your friend; One that attends your ladyship's command. 5

Sil. Sir Eglamour, a thousand times good morrow.

Egl. As many, worthy lady, to yourself: According to your ladyship's impose, I am thus early come to know what service It is your pleasure to command me in. 10

Sil. O Eglamour, thou art a gentleman,— Think not I flatter, for I swear I do not,— Valiant, wise, remorseful, well accomplish'd: Thou art not ignorant what dear good will I bear unto the banish'd Valentine; 15 Nor how my father would enforce me marry Vain Thurio, whom my very soul abhors. Thyself hast loved; and I have heard thee say No grief did ever come so near thy heart As when thy lady and thy true love died, 20 Upon whose grave thou vow'dst pure chastity. Sir Eglamour, I would to Valentine, To Mantua, where I hear he makes abode; And, for the ways are dangerous to pass, I do desire thy worthy company, 25 Upon whose faith and honour I repose. Urge not my father's anger, Eglamour, But think upon my grief, a lady's grief, And on the justice of my flying hence, To keep me from a most unholy match, 30 Which heaven and fortune still rewards with plagues. I do desire thee, even from a heart As full of sorrows as the sea of sands, To bear me company, and go with me: If not, to hide what I have said to thee, 35 That I may venture to depart alone.

Egl. Madam, I pity much your grievances; Which since I know they virtuously are placed, I give consent to go along with you; Recking as little what betideth me 40 As much I wish all good befortune you. When will you go?

Sil. This evening coming.

Egl. Where shall I meet you?

Sil. At Friar Patrick's cell, Where I intend holy confession.

Egl. I will not fail your ladyship. Good morrow, 45 gentle lady.

Sil. Good morrow, kind Sir Eglamour. [Exeunt severally.

Notes: IV, 3.

SCENE III.] SCENE V. Pope. Dyce makes no new scene here. See note (VIII). 4: Madam, madam!] Madam! Hanmer. 13: Valiant, wise] Valiant and wise Pope. Wise, valiant Anon. conj. A monosyllable lost before valiant. S. Walker conj. 17: abhors] Hanmer. abhor'd F1 F2 F3. abhorr'd F4. 19: ever] F1. om. F2 F3 F4. near] near unto Pope. 31: rewards] Ff. reward Pope. 37, 38: grievances; Which] grievances, And the most true affections that you bear; Which Collier MS. 40: Recking] Pope. Wreaking F1. 42: evening coming] coming evening Anon. conj.

SCENE IV. The same.

Enter LAUNCE, with his Dog.

Launce. When a man's servant shall play the cur with him, look you, it goes hard: one that I brought up of a puppy; one that I saved from drowning, when three or four of his blind brothers and sisters went to it! I have taught him, even as one would say precisely, 'thus I 5 would teach a dog.' I was sent to deliver him as a present to Mistress Silvia from my master; and I came no sooner into the dining-chamber, but he steps me to her trencher, and steals her capon's leg: O, 'tis a foul thing when a cur cannot keep himself in all companies! I would have, as 10 one should say, one that takes upon him to be a dog indeed, to be, as it were, a dog at all things. If I had not had more wit than he, to take a fault upon me that he did, I think verily he had been hanged for't: sure as I live, he had suffered for't: you shall judge. He thrusts 15 me himself into the company of three or four gentleman-like dogs, under the duke's table: he had not been there—bless the mark!—a pissing while, but all the chamber smelt him. 'Out with the dog!' says one: 'What cur is that?' says another: 'Whip him out,' says the third: 'Hang 20 him up,' says the duke. I, having been acquainted with the smell before, knew it was Crab, and goes me to the fellow that whips the dogs: 'Friend,' quoth I, 'you mean to whip the dog?' 'Ay, marry, do I,' quoth he. 'You do him the more wrong,' quoth I; ''twas I did the thing 25 you wot of.' He makes me no more ado, but whips me out of the chamber. How many masters would do this for his servant? Nay, I'll be sworn, I have sat in the stocks for puddings he hath stolen, otherwise he had been executed; I have stood on the pillory for geese he hath killed, 30 otherwise he had suffered for't. Thou thinkest not of this now. Nay, I remember the trick you served me when I took my leave of Madam Silvia: did not I bid thee still mark me, and do as I do? when didst thou see me heave up my leg, and make water against a gentlewoman's farthingale? 35 didst thou ever see me do such a trick?

Enter PROTEUS and JULIA.

Pro. Sebastian is thy name? I like thee well, And will employ thee in some service presently.

Jul. In what you please: I'll do what I can.

Pro. I hope thou wilt. [To Launce] How now, you whoreson peasant! 40 Where have you been these two days loitering?

Launce. Marry, sir, I carried Mistress Silvia the dog you bade me.

Pro. And what says she to my little jewel?

Launce. Marry, she says your dog was a cur, and tells 45 you currish thanks is good enough for such a present.

Pro. But she received my dog?

Launce. No, indeed, did she not: here have I brought him back again.

Pro. What, didst thou offer her this from me? 50

Launce. Ay, sir; the other squirrel was stolen from me by the hangman boys in the market-place: and then I offered her mine own, who is a dog as big as ten of yours, and therefore the gift the greater.

Pro. Go get thee hence, and find my dog again, 55 Or ne'er return again into my sight. Away, I say! stay'st thou to vex me here? [Exit Launce. A slave, that still an end turns me to shame! Sebastian, I have entertained thee, Partly that I have need of such a youth, 60 That can with some discretion do my business, For 'tis no trusting to yond foolish lout; But chiefly for thy face and thy behaviour, Which, if my augury deceive me not, Witness good bringing up, fortune, and truth: 65 Therefore know thou, for this I entertain thee. Go presently, and take this ring with thee, Deliver it to Madam Silvia: She loved me well deliver'd it to me.

Jul. It seems you loved not her, to leave her token. 70 She is dead, belike?

Pro. Not so; I think she lives.

Jul. Alas!

Pro. Why dost thou cry, 'alas'?

Jul. I cannot choose But pity her.

Pro. Wherefore shouldst thou pity her?

Jul. Because methinks that she loved you as well 75 As you do love your lady Silvia: She dreams on him that has forgot her love; You dote on her that cares not for your love. 'Tis pity love should be so contrary; And thinking on it makes me cry, 'alas!' 80

Pro. Well, give her that ring, and therewithal This letter. That's her chamber. Tell my lady I claim the promise for her heavenly picture. Your message done, hie home unto my chamber, Where thou shalt find me, sad and solitary. [Exit. 85

Jul. How many women would do such a message? Alas, poor Proteus! thou hast entertained A fox to be the shepherd of thy lambs. Alas, poor fool! why do I pity him That with his very heart despiseth me? 90 Because he loves her, he despiseth me; Because I love him, I must pity him. This ring I gave him when he parted from me, To bind him to remember my good will; And now am I, unhappy messenger, 95 To plead for that which I would not obtain, To carry that which I would have refused, To praise his faith which I would have dispraised. I am my master's true-confirmed love; But cannot be true servant to my master, 100 Unless I prove false traitor to myself. Yet will I woo for him, but yet so coldly, As, heaven it knows, I would not have him speed.

Enter SILVIA, attended.

Gentlewoman, good day! I pray you, be my mean To bring me where to speak with Madam Silvia. 105

Sil. What would you with her, if that I be she?

Jul. If you be she, I do entreat your patience To hear me speak the message I am sent on.

Sil. From whom?

Jul. From my master, Sir Proteus, madam. 110

Sil. O, he sends you for a picture.

Jul. Ay, madam.

Sil. Ursula, bring my picture there. Go give your master this: tell him, from me, One Julia, that his changing thoughts forget, 115 Would better fit his chamber than this shadow.

Jul. Madam, please you peruse this letter.— Pardon me, madam; I have unadvised Deliver'd you a paper that I should not: This is the letter to your ladyship. 120

Sil. I pray thee, let me look on that again.

Jul. It may not be; good madam, pardon me.

Sil. There, hold! I will not look upon your master's lines: I know they are stuff'd with protestations, 125 And full of new-found oaths; which he will break As easily as I do tear his paper.

Jul. Madam, he sends your ladyship this ring.

Sil. The more shame for him that he sends it me; For I have heard him say a thousand times 130 His Julia gave it him at his departure. Though his false finger have profaned the ring, Mine shall not do his Julia so much wrong.

Jul. She thanks you.

Sil. What say'st thou? 135

Jul. I thank you, madam, that you tender her. Poor gentlewoman! my master wrongs her much.

Sil. Dost thou know her?

Jul. Almost as well as I do know myself: To think upon her woes I do protest 140 That I have wept a hundred several times.

Sil. Belike she thinks that Proteus hath forsook her.

Jul. I think she doth; and that's her cause of sorrow.

Sil. Is she not passing fair?

Jul. She hath been fairer, madam, than she is: 145 When she did think my master loved her well, She, in my judgement, was as fair as you; But since she did neglect her looking-glass, And threw her sun-expelling mask away, The air hath starved the roses in her cheeks, 150 And pinch'd the lily-tincture of her face, That now she is become as black as I.

Sil. How tall was she?

Jul. About my stature: for, at Pentecost, When all our pageants of delight were play'd, 155 Our youth got me to play the woman's part, And I was trimm'd in Madam Julia's gown; Which served me as fit, by all men's judgements, As if the garment had been made for me: Therefore I know she is about my height. 160 And at that time I made her weep agood, For I did play a lamentable part: Madam, 'twas Ariadne passioning For Theseus' perjury and unjust flight; Which I so lively acted with my tears, 165 That my poor mistress, moved therewithal, Wept bitterly; and, would I might be dead, If I in thought felt not her very sorrow!

Sil. She is beholding to thee, gentle youth. Alas, poor lady, desolate and left! 170 I weep myself to think upon thy words. Here, youth, there is my purse: I give thee this For thy sweet mistress' sake, because thou lovest her. Farewell. [Exit Silvia, with attendants.

Jul. And she shall thank you for't, if e'er you know her. 175 A virtuous gentlewoman, mild and beautiful! I hope my master's suit will be but cold, Since she respects my mistress' love so much. Alas, how love can trifle with itself! Here is her picture: let me see; I think, 180 If I had such a tire, this face of mine Were full as lovely as is this of hers: And yet the painter flatter'd her a little, Unless I flatter with myself too much. Her hair is auburn, mine is perfect yellow: 185 If that be all the difference in his love, I'll get me such a colour'd periwig. Her eyes are grey as glass; and so are mine: Ay, but her forehead's low, and mine's as high. What should it be that he respects in her, 190 But I can make respective in myself, If this fond Love were not a blinded god? Come, shadow, come, and take this shadow up, For 'tis thy rival. O thou senseless form, Thou shalt be worshipp'd, kiss'd, loved, and adored! 193 And, were there sense in his idolatry, My substance should be statue in thy stead. I'll use thee kindly for thy mistress' sake, That used me so; or else, by Jove I vow, I should have scratch'd out your unseeing eyes, 200 To make my master out of love with thee! [Exit.

Notes: IV, 4.

SCENE IV.] SCENE VI. Pope. Dyce makes no new scene here. See note (VIII). The same.] The same. Silvia's Anti-chamber. Capell. 6: I was sent] I went Theobald. 11: to be a dog indeed] to be a dog, to be a dog indeed Johnson conj. 20: the third] a third Hanmer. 23: you mean] do you mean Collier MS. 26: makes me no more] makes no more Rowe. 28: his servant] their servant Pope. 33: Silvia] Julia Warburton. 39: I'll do] Ile do F1. Ile do sir F2 F3 F4. I will do Malone. 45: was] is Capell conj. 48: did she] F1 F2. she did F3 F4. 50: this] this cur Collier MS. 51: the other squirrel] the other, Squirrel Hanmer. 51-54: Printed as four verses ending me ... marketplace ... dog ... greater Ff. Pope made the change. 52: hangman boys] Singer. Hangmans boyes F1. hangmans boy F2 F3 F4. a hangman boy Collier MS. 57: [Exit Launce] om. F1. [Exit. F2 after line 58. 58: still an end] ev'ry day Pope. 66: know thou] F2 F3 F4. know thee F1. entertain thee] F1 F3 F4. entertaine hee F2. 70: to leave] F2 F3 F4. not leave F1. nor love Johnson conj. 74: Wherefore] Why Hanmer. 75: that] if Hanmer. 81: give her] give to her Collier MS. and therewithal] and give therewithal Theobald. and give her therewithal Capell. 85: [Exit] F2. 95: am I] F1 F2. I am F3 F4. 103: Enter SILVIA attended] Malone. Enter SILVIA. Rowe. 104: Gentlewoman] Ff. Lady Pope. 110: From my master,] My master; from Capell. 111: Capell adds does he not? 115: forget] F1 F2. forgot F3 F4. 117: please you peruse] may 't please you to peruse Pope. wilt please you to peruse Capell. so please you to peruse Collier MS. 127: easily] F1. easie F2 F3 F4. 138: Dost thou] Dost Capell conj. 151: pinch'd] pitch'd Warburton. pincte Becket conj. pinc'd Id. conj. 158: judgements] judgment Capell. 161: agood] F2 F3 F4. a good F1. a-good Theobald. 168: felt] feel Seward conj. 169: beholding] beholden Pope. 172: my purse] F1. a purse F2 F3 F4. 174: Farewell] om. Pope. [Exit ... attendants] Dyce, after 175. [Exit. F2. om. F1. [Exit S. Singer, after 175. 178: my mistress'] his mistress' Hanmer. 185: auburn] Rowe. Aburne Ff. 188: grey as glass] F1. grey as grass F2 F3 F4. green as grass Collier MS. 189: mine's as high] mine is high Pope. 197: statue] sainted Hanmer. statued Warburton. statua Reed conj. 200: your] thy Hanmer. 201: [Exit.] F2. [Exeunt. F1.



ACT V.

SCENE I. Milan. An abbey.

Enter EGLAMOUR.

Egl. The sun begins to gild the western sky; And now it is about the very hour That Silvia, at Friar Patrick's cell, should meet me. She will not fail, for lovers break not hours, Unless it be to come before their time; 5 So much they spur their expedition. See where she comes.

Enter SILVIA.

Lady, a happy evening!

Sil. Amen, amen! Go on, good Eglamour, Out at the postern by the abbey-wall: I fear I am attended by some spies. 10

Egl. Fear not: the forest is not three leagues off; If we recover that, we are sure enough. [Exeunt.

Notes: V, 1.

SCENE I. An abbey.] Capell. Near the Friar's cell. Theobald. 3: That] om. Pope. Friar] om. Steevens (1793). 12: we are] we're Pope.

SCENE II. The same. The DUKE'S palace.

Enter THURIO, PROTEUS, and JULIA.

Thu. Sir Proteus, what says Silvia to my suit?

Pro. O, sir, I find her milder than she was; And yet she takes exceptions at your person.

Thu. What, that my leg is too long?

Pro. No; that it is too little. 5

Thu. I'll wear a boot, to make it somewhat rounder.

Jul. [Aside] But love will not be spurr'd to what it loathes.

Thu. What says she to my face?

Pro. She says it is a fair one.

Thu. Nay then, the wanton lies; my face is black. 10

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? 15

Pro. Ill, when you talk of war.

Thu. But well, when I discourse of love and peace?

Jul. [Aside] But better, indeed, when you hold your peace.

Thu. What says she to my valour?

Pro. O, sir, she makes no doubt of that. 20

Jul. [Aside] She needs not, when she knows it cowardice.

Thu. What says she to my birth?

Pro. That you are well derived.

Jul. [Aside] True; from a gentleman to a fool.

Thu. Considers she my possessions? 25

Pro. O, ay; and pities them.

Thu. Wherefore?

Jul. [Aside] That such an ass should owe them.

Pro. That they are out by lease.

Jul. Here comes the duke. 30

Enter DUKE.

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?

Pro. Neither.

Duke. Why then, She's fled unto that peasant Valentine; 35 And Eglamour is in her company. 'Tis true; for Friar Laurence met them both, As he in penance wander'd through the forest; Him he knew well, and guess'd that it was she, But, being mask'd, he was not sure of it; 40 Besides, she did intend confession At Patrick's cell this even; and there she was not; These likelihoods confirm her flight from hence. Therefore, I pray you, stand not to discourse, But mount you presently, and meet with me 45 Upon the rising of the mountain-foot That leads toward Mantua, whither they are fled: Dispatch, sweet gentlemen, and follow me. [Exit.

Thu. Why, this it is to be a peevish girl, That flies her fortune when it follows her. 50 I'll after, more to be revenged on Eglamour Than for the love of reckless Silvia. [Exit.

Pro. And I will follow, more for Silvia's love Than hate of Eglamour, that goes with her. [Exit.

Jul. And I will follow, more to cross that love 55 Than hate for Silvia, that is gone for love. [Exit. Notes: V, 2.

SCENE II. The Duke's palace.] Theobald. 7: Jul. [Aside] But love ...] Collier (Boswell conj.). Pro. But love ... Ff. 13: Jul. [Aside] 'Tis true ...] Rowe. Thu. 'Tis true ... Ff. 18, 21, 24, 28: [Aside] Capell. 18: hold] do hold Capell. 25: possessions] large possessions Collier MS. 28: owe] Ff. own Pope. 32: saw Sir] F4. saw F1. say saw Sir F2 F3. 34, 35: Why then, She's] Why then, she's Capell. 35: that] F1. the F2 F3 F4. 40: it] her Collier MS. 47: toward] towards Pope. 48: [Exit.] Rowe. 50: when] F1. where F2 F3 F4. 51: on] of Pope. 52: [Exit.] Capell. 54: [Exit.] Capell. 56: [Exit.] Capell. [Exeunt. Ff.

SCENE III. The frontiers of Mantua. The forest.

Enter Outlaws with SILVIA.

First 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.

Sec. Out. Come, bring her away. 5

First Out. Where is the gentleman that was with her?

Third 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; 10 The thicket is beset; he cannot 'scape.

First Out. Come, I must bring you to our captain's cave: Fear not; he bears an honourable mind, And will not use a woman lawlessly.

Sil. O Valentine, this I endure for thee! [Exeunt. 15

Notes: V, 3.

SCENE III. The ... Mantua] Capell. The forest.] Pope. 8: Moses] Capell. Moyses Ff. 10: we'll] om. Pope. 11: [Exeunt. Capell.

SCENE IV. Another part of the forest.

Enter VALENTINE.

Val. How use doth breed a habit in a man! This shadowy desert, unfrequented woods, I better brook than flourishing peopled towns: Here can I sit alone, unseen of any, And to the nightingale's complaining notes 5 Tune my distresses and record my woes. O thou that dost inhabit in my breast, Leave not the mansion so long tenantless, Lest, growing ruinous, the building fall, And leave no memory of what it was! 10 Repair me with thy presence, Silvia; Thou gentle nymph, cherish thy forlorn swain! What halloing and what stir is this to-day? These are my mates, that make their wills their law, Have some unhappy passenger in chase. 15 They love me well; yet I have much to do To keep them from uncivil outrages. Withdraw thee, Valentine: who's this comes here?

Enter PROTEUS, SILVIA, and JULIA.

Pro. Madam, this service I have done for you, Though you respect not aught your servant doth, 20 To hazard life, and rescue you from him That would have forced your honour and your love; Vouchsafe me, for my meed, but one fair look; A smaller boon than this I cannot beg, And less than this, I am sure, you cannot give. 25

Val. [Aside] How like a dream is this I see and hear! Love, lend me patience to forbear awhile.

Sil. O miserable, unhappy that I am!

Pro. Unhappy were you, madam, ere I came; But by my coming I have made you happy. 30

Sil. By thy approach thou makest me most unhappy.

Jul. [Aside] And me, when he approacheth to your presence.

Sil. Had I been seized by a hungry lion, I would have been a breakfast to the beast, Rather than have false Proteus rescue me. 35 O, Heaven be judge how I love Valentine, Whose life's as tender to me as my soul! And full as much, for more there cannot be, I do detest false perjured Proteus. Therefore be gone; solicit me no more. 40

Pro. What dangerous action, stood it next to death, Would I not undergo for one calm look! O, 'tis the curse in love, and still approved, When women cannot love where they're beloved!

Sil. When Proteus cannot love where he's beloved. 45 Read over Julia's heart, thy first, best love, For whose dear sake thou didst then rend thy faith Into a thousand oaths; and all those oaths Descended into perjury, to love me. Thou hast no faith left now, unless thou'dst two, 50 And that's far worse than none; better have none Than plural faith which is too much by one: Thou counterfeit to thy true friend!

Pro. In love Who respects friend?

Sil. All men but Proteus.

Pro. Nay, if the gentle spirit of moving words 55 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 ye.

Sil. O heaven!

Pro. I'll force thee yield to my desire.

Val. Ruffian, let go that rude uncivil touch, 60 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! Thou hast beguiled my hopes; nought but mine eye Could have persuaded me: now I dare not say 65 I have one friend alive; thou wouldst disprove me. Who should be trusted now, when one's right hand Is perjured to the bosom? Proteus, I am sorry I must never trust thee more, But count the world a stranger for thy sake. 70 The private wound is deepest: O time most accurst, 'Mongst all foes that a friend should be the worst!

Pro. My shame and guilt confounds me. Forgive me, Valentine: if hearty sorrow Be a sufficient ransom for offence, 75 I tender 't here; I do as truly suffer As e'er I did commit.

Val. Then I am paid; And once again I do receive thee honest. Who by repentance is not satisfied Is nor of heaven nor earth, for these are pleased. 80 By penitence the Eternal's wrath's appeased: And, that my love may appear plain and free, All that was mine in Silvia I give thee.

Jul. O me unhappy! [Swoons.

Pro. Look to the boy. 85

Val. Why, boy! why, wag! how now! what's 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. 90

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.

Jul. O, cry you mercy, sir, I have mistook: This is the ring you sent to Silvia. 95

Pro. But how camest 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! 100

Jul. Behold her that gave aim to all thy oaths, And entertain'd 'em deeply in her heart. How oft hast thou with perjury cleft the root! O Proteus, let this habit make thee blush! Be thou ashamed that I have took upon me 105 Such an immodest raiment, if shame live 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 110 But constant, he were perfect! That one error Fills him with faults; makes him run through all the sins: Inconstancy falls off ere it begins. What is in Silvia's face, but I may spy More fresh in Julia's with a constant eye? 115

Val. Come, come, a hand from either: Let me be blest to make this happy close; 'Twere pity two such friends should be long foes.

Pro. Bear witness, Heaven, I have my wish for ever.

Jul. And I mine. 120

Enter Outlaws, with DUKE and THURIO.

Outlaws. A prize, a prize, a prize!

Val. Forbear, forbear, I say! it is my lord the duke. Your Grace is welcome to a man disgraced, Banished Valentine.

Duke. Sir Valentine!

Thu. Yonder is Silvia; and Silvia's mine. 125

Val. Thurio, give back, or else embrace thy death; Come not within the measure of my wrath; Do not name Silvia thine; if once again, Verona shall not hold thee. Here she stands: Take but possession of her with a touch: 130 I dare thee but to breathe upon my love.

Thu. Sir Valentine, I care not for her, I: I hold him but a fool that will endanger His body for a girl that loves him not: I claim her not, and therefore she is thine. 135

Duke. The more degenerate and base art thou, To make such means for her as thou hast done, And leave her on such slight conditions. Now, by the honour of my ancestry, I do applaud thy spirit, Valentine, 140 And think thee worthy of an empress' love: Know, then, I here forget all former griefs, Cancel all grudge, repeal thee home again, Plead a new state in thy unrival'd merit, To which I thus subscribe: Sir Valentine, 145 Thou art a gentleman, and well derived; Take thou thy Silvia, for thou hast deserved her.

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. 150

Duke. I grant it, for thine own, whate'er it be.

Val. These banish'd men that I have kept withal Are men endued with worthy qualities: Forgive them what they have committed here, And let them be recall'd from their exile: 155 They are reformed, civil, full of good, And fit for great employment, worthy lord.

Duke. Thou hast prevail'd; I pardon them and thee: Dispose of them as thou know'st their deserts. Come, let us go: we will include all jars 160 With triumphs, mirth, and rare solemnity.

Val. And, as we walk along, I dare be bold With our discourse to make your Grace to smile. What think you of this page, my lord?

Duke. I think the boy hath grace in him; he blushes. 165

Val. I warrant you, my lord, more grace than boy.

Duke. What mean you by that saying?

Val. Please you, I'll tell you as we pass along, That you will wonder what hath fortuned. Come, Proteus; 'tis your penance but to hear 170 The story of your loves discovered: That done, our day of marriage shall be yours; One feast, one house, one mutual happiness. [Exeunt.

Notes: V, 4.

SCENE IV. Another ... forest.] Capell. The outlaw's cave in the forest. Theobald. 2: This shadowy desert,] These shadowy, desert, Collier MS. 8: so] too Collier MS. 14: are my] my rude Collier MS. 18: [Steps aside. Johnson. 19: I have] F1 F2 F3. have I F4. having Collier MS. 25: I am] I'm Pope. 26, 32: [Aside] Theobald. 26: is this I see and hear!] Theobald. is this? I see and hear: Ff. 43: and still approved] for ever prov'd Pope. 49: to love me] F1. to deceive me F2 F3 F4. 57: woo] wooe F1. move F2 F3 F4. 58: ye] Ff. you Warburton. 63: treacherous man] F1. Thou treacherous man F2. Though treacherous man F3. Tho treacherous man F4. 65: now] om. Pope. 67: trusted now, when one's] F2 F3 F4. trusted, when one's F1. trusted, when one's own Johnson. trusted now, when the Pope. 69: I am] I'm Pope. 71: O time most accurst] O time accurst Hanmer. O time most curst Johnson. O spite accurst S. Verges conj. 72: all foes that a friend] all my foes a friend Collier MS. 73: confounds] confound Rowe. My ... confounds me] My shame and desperate guilt at once confound me Collier MS. 82, 83: Blackstone proposes to transfer these lines to the end of Thurio's speech, line 135. 84: [Swoons.] Pope. 86-90: Printed by Capell as four verses ending matter ... me ... Silvia ... done. 86: what's] what is Capell. 88: to deliver] Deliver Steevens conj. 92: see] see it Steevens conj. suggesting that lines 92-97 should end at ring ... sir ... sent ... this? (om. ring) ... Julia. 93: Why, this is] This is Pope. Why, 'tis S. Verges conj. 96: But] om. Pope. 102: 'em] them Capell. 103: root] root on't Hanmer. 112: all the sins] all th' sins Ff. all sins Pope. 118: be long] long be Pope. 120: And I mine] And I have mine Steevens (Ritson conj.). [embracing. Capell. 121: SCENE V. Pope. 122: Forbear, forbear, I say!] Forbear, I say! Capell. Forbear, forbear! Pope. 124: Banished] The banish'd Pope. 129: Verona shall not hold] Milan shall not behold Theobald. And Milan shall not hold Hanmer. Milano shall not hold Collier MS. See note (VII). 143: again,] again. Steevens (Tyrwhitt conj.). 144: unrival'd] F1. arrival'd F2 F3 F4. 160: include] conclude Hanmer. 161: rare] F1. all F2 F3 F4. 164: page] stripling page Collier MS. 167: saying?] saying, Valentine? Collier MS. 171: loves discovered] love discovered Pope. love's discoverer Collier MS. 172: That done, our ... yours] Our day of marriage shall be yours no less Collier MS.



NOTES.

NOTE I.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE. We have followed Steevens and the later editors in reading 'Proteus' for 'Protheus'; for though the latter form is invariably used in the Folios, and was, in all probability, what Shakespeare wrote, yet in choosing the name he doubtless meant to compare the fickle mind of the lover with the changeable form of the god. We have written 'Panthino,' not 'Panthion,' because the authority of the first Folio preponderates in favour of the former, in itself the more probable form of an Italian proper name. 'Panthion' occurs in F1, among 'the names of all the actors,' and in a stage direction at the beginning of Act II Sc. 2, but never in the text. 'Panthino' is found twice in the text, and once in a stage direction at the beginning of Act I. Sc. 3. The blunder 'Panthmo,' I. 3. 76, which is the reading of F1, shows that the original MS. had 'Panthino,' not 'Panthion.'

NOTE II.

I. 1. 28 sqq. Mr Sidney Walker (Criticisms on Shakespeare, III. p. 9) says we ought 'perhaps' to read

'No, I will not, for it boots not.'

Doubtless he meant also to re-arrange the following lines, and so get rid of the Alexandrine at 30; thus:

'Val. No, I will not, for it boots not.

Pro. What?

Val. To be In love, where scorn is bought with groans; coy looks With heart-sore sighs; one fading moment's mirth,' &c.

NOTE III.

I. 2. 53. What a fool is she. The first Folio reads 'What 'foole is she,' doubtless to indicate an ellipsis of the indefinite article, which, for the sake of the metre, was to be slurred over in pronunciation. As we have not followed the Folio in reading th' or th for the before a consonant, so we have thought it best to insert here the omitted letter a, especially as the use of the apostrophe is by modern custom much more restricted than it was in the Folio. For example, we find 'Save for God save (Tempest, II. 1. 162), and at 'nostrils for at's nostrils or at the nostrils (Id. II. 2. 60).

NOTE IV.

II. 1. 68, 69. This passage is corrupt. The usual explanation, which satisfies Delius, is inadmissible, because Valentine would certainly not appear, like the Knight of La Mancha, without his hose. A rhyming couplet was probably what the author intended. Many conjectures might be made, as for example:

'For he, being in love, could not see to garter his hose; And you, being in love, cannot see to beyond your nose.'

Or, 'to put spectacles on your nose.' Or possibly, 'to put on your shoes,' the point of which remark Valentine's disordered dress might make clear to the audience. Rosalind, when enumerating the marks of a man in love, mentions the untied shoe as well as the ungartered hose, As You Like It, Act III. Sc. 2. The same misprint, 'hose' for 'shoes,' occurs in the first edition of Greene's Groatsworth of Wit. See Mr Dyce's preface to his edition of Greene's Dramatic Works, p. xxviii.

NOTE V.

II. 4. 7, 95, 111. As Speed after line 7 does not say a word during the whole of this long scene, we have sent him off the stage. It is not likely that the clown would be kept on as a mute bystander, especially when he had to appear in the following scene.

The Folios give line 110 to Thurio, who, if the reading be right, must have quitted the stage during the scene. The most probable time for this would be on Proteus' entrance, line 95. Mr Dyce however argues that 'Thurio, after what the Duke, in the presence of Silvia, had said to him about welcoming Proteus, would hardly run off the moment Proteus appeared.' But Thurio is not held up as a model of courtesy, and he might as well be off the stage as on it, for any welcome he gives to Proteus. Besides, in line 101 Valentine ignores Thurio altogether, who, if he had been present, would not have remained silent under the slight.

On the whole, we think that the arrangement we have given is the best, as involving no change in the original reading. The question however is a difficult and doubtful one—indeed, far more difficult and doubtful than it is important, or instructive.

NOTE VI.

II. 4. 192. Theobald's correction, 'mine eye,' or as Mr Spedding suggests, 'my eye' ('my eie' in the original spelling), is supported by a passage in the Comedy of Errors, III. 2. 55:

'It is a fault that springeth from your eye.'

If this were not satisfactory, another guess might be hazarded:

'Is it mine unstaid mind or Valentine's praise.'

The resemblance of 'mine' and 'mind' in the printer's eye (final d and final e being perpetually mistaken for each other) might cause the omission of the two words. 'Valentine' is found as a dissyllable I. 2. 38. 'Sir Valentine's page, &c.': perhaps also III. 1. 191:

'There's not a hair on 's head but 'tis a Valentine,'

and, if Capell's arrangement be right, V. 2. 34.

NOTE VII.

II. 5. 1, III. 1. 81, and V. 4. 129. We have retained 'Padua' in the first of these passages and 'Verona' in the second and third, because it is impossible that the words can be a mere printer's, or transcriber's, error. These inaccuracies are interesting as showing that Shakespeare had written the whole of the play before he had finally determined where the scene was to be laid.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sources:

The editors' Preface (e-text 23041) discusses the 17th- and 18th-century editions in detail; the newer (19th-century) editions are simply listed by name. The following editions may appear in the Notes. All inset text is quoted from the Preface.

Folios: F1 1623; F2 (no date given); F3 1663; F4 1685. "The five plays contained in this volume occur in the first Folio in the same order, and ... were there printed for the first time."

Early editions: Rowe 1709 Pope 1715 "Pope was the first to indicate the place of each new scene; as, for instance, Tempest, I. 1. 'On a ship at sea.' He also subdivided the scenes as given by the Folios and Rowe, making a fresh scene whenever a new character entered—an arrangement followed by Hanmer, Warburton, and Johnson. For convenience of reference to these editions, we have always recorded the commencement of Pope's scenes." Theobald 1733 Hanmer ("Oxford edition") 1744 Warburton 1747 Johnson 1765 Capell 1768; also Capell's annotated copy of F2 Steevens 1773 Malone 1790 Reed 1803

Later editions: Singer, Knight, Cornwall, Collier, Phelps, Halliwell, Dyce, Staunton

Errors and inconsistencies:

[Text-critical notes]

II. 3. 20: Oh, the dog is me] [body text punctuates "Oh! the"] II. 4. 58: Know] [body text has "know", not capitalized] II. 5. 1: Padua] [body text has "the same", referring back to II. 4 "Milan"] IV. 4. 95: am I] F1 F2. I am F3 F4. [F3 F3]

THE END