Continue reading with a SparkNotes PLUS trial

Original Text

Modern Text

Enter JULIA and LUCETTA
Enter JULIA and LUCETTA

JULIA

But say, Lucetta, now we are alone,
Wouldst thou then counsel me to fall in love?

JULIA

But say, Lucetta, now we are alone,
Wouldst thou then counsel me to fall in love?

LUCETTA

Ay, madam, so you stumble not unheedfully.

LUCETTA

Ay, madam, so you stumble not unheedfully.

JULIA

Of all the fair resort of gentlemen
5 That every day with parle encounter me,
In thy opinion which is worthiest love?

JULIA

Of all the fair resort of gentlemen
That every day with parle encounter me,
In thy opinion which is worthiest love?

LUCETTA

Please you repeat their names, I’ll show my mind
According to my shallow simple skill.

LUCETTA

Please you repeat their names, I’ll show my mind
According to my shallow simple skill.

JULIA

What think’st thou of the fair Sir Eglamour?

JULIA

What think’st thou of the fair Sir Eglamour?

LUCETTA

10 As of a knight well-spoken, neat, and fine;
But, were I you, he never should be mine.

LUCETTA

As of a knight well-spoken, neat, and fine;
But, were I you, he never should be mine.

JULIA

What think’st thou of the rich Mercatio?

JULIA

What think’st thou of the rich Mercatio?

LUCETTA

Well of his wealth, but of himself, so-so.

LUCETTA

Well of his wealth, but of himself, so-so.

JULIA

What think’st thou of the gentle Proteus?

JULIA

What think’st thou of the gentle Proteus?

LUCETTA

15 Lord, Lord, to see what folly reigns in us!

LUCETTA

Lord, Lord, to see what folly reigns in us!

JULIA

How now? What means this passion at his name?

JULIA

How now? What means this passion at his name?

LUCETTA

Pardon, dear madam, ’tis a passing shame
That I, unworthy body as I am,
Should censure thus on lovely gentlemen.

LUCETTA

Pardon, dear madam, ’tis a passing shame
That I, unworthy body as I am,
Should censure thus on lovely gentlemen.

JULIA

20 Why not on Proteus, as of all the rest?

JULIA

Why not on Proteus, as of all the rest?

LUCETTA

Then thus, of many good I think him best.

LUCETTA

Then thus, of many good I think him best.

JULIA

Your reason?

JULIA

Your reason?

LUCETTA

I have no other but a woman’s reason;
I think him so because I think him so.

LUCETTA

I have no other but a woman’s reason;
I think him so because I think him so.

JULIA

25 And wouldst thou have me cast my love on him?

JULIA

And wouldst thou have me cast my love on him?

LUCETTA

Ay, if you thought your love not cast away.

LUCETTA

Ay, if you thought your love not cast away.

JULIA

Why, he of all the rest hath never moved me.

JULIA

Why, he of all the rest hath never moved me.

LUCETTA

Yet he of all the rest I think best loves ye.

LUCETTA

Yet he of all the rest I think best loves ye.

JULIA

His little speaking shows his love but small.

JULIA

His little speaking shows his love but small.

LUCETTA

30 Fire that’s closest kept burns most of all.

LUCETTA

Fire that’s closest kept burns most of all.

JULIA

They do not love that do not show their love.

JULIA

They do not love that do not show their love.

LUCETTA

O, they love least that let men know their love.

LUCETTA

O, they love least that let men know their love.

JULIA

I would I knew his mind.

JULIA

I would I knew his mind.

LUCETTA

[Giving a letter] Peruse this paper, madam.

LUCETTA

[Giving a letter] Peruse this paper, madam.

JULIA

35 “To Julia.” Say, from whom?

JULIA

“To Julia.” Say, from whom?

LUCETTA

That the contents will show.

LUCETTA

That the contents will show.

JULIA

Say, say, who gave it thee?

JULIA

Say, say, who gave it thee?

LUCETTA

Sir Valentine’s page; and sent, I think, from Proteus.
He would have given it you, but I, being in the way,
40 Did in your name receive it. Pardon the fault, I pray.

LUCETTA

Sir Valentine’s page; and sent, I think, from Proteus.
He would have given it you, but I, being in the way,
Did in your name receive it. Pardon the fault, I pray.

JULIA

Now, by my modesty, a goodly broker!
Dare you presume to harbor wanton lines?
To whisper and conspire against my youth?
Now trust me, ’tis an office of great worth,
45 And you an officer fit for the place.
There, take the paper. See it be returned,
Or else return no more into my sight. [Giving the letter back]

JULIA

Now, by my modesty, a goodly broker!
Dare you presume to harbor wanton lines?
To whisper and conspire against my youth?
Now trust me, ’tis an office of great worth,
And you an officer fit for the place.
There, take the paper. See it be returned,
Or else return no more into my sight. [Giving the letter back]

LUCETTA

To plead for love deserves more fee than hate.

LUCETTA

To plead for love deserves more fee than hate.

JULIA

Will ye be gone?

JULIA

Will ye be gone?

LUCETTA

50 That you may ruminate.

LUCETTA

That you may ruminate.
Exit
Exit

JULIA

And yet I would I had o’erlooked the letter.
It were a shame to call her back again
And pray her to a fault for which I chid her.
What fool is she, that knows I am a maid
55 And would not force the letter to my view!
Since maids, in modesty, say no to that
Which they would have the profferer construe ay.
Fie, fie, how wayward is this foolish love
That, like a testy babe, will scratch the nurse
60 And presently, all humbled, kiss the rod!
How churlishly I chid Lucetta hence,
When willingly I would have had her here!
How angerly I taught my brow to frown,
When inward joy enforced my heart to smile!
65 My penance is to call Lucetta back
And ask remission for my folly past.
What ho! Lucetta!

JULIA

And yet I would I had o’erlooked the letter.
It were a shame to call her back again
And pray her to a fault for which I chid her.
What fool is she, that knows I am a maid
And would not force the letter to my view!
Since maids, in modesty, say no to that
Which they would have the profferer construe ay.
Fie, fie, how wayward is this foolish love
That, like a testy babe, will scratch the nurse
And presently, all humbled, kiss the rod!
How churlishly I chid Lucetta hence,
When willingly I would have had her here!
How angerly I taught my brow to frown,
When inward joy enforced my heart to smile!
My penance is to call Lucetta back
And ask remission for my folly past.
What ho! Lucetta!
Enter LUCETTA
Enter LUCETTA

LUCETTA

What would your ladyship?

LUCETTA

What would your ladyship?

JULIA

Is ’t near dinner time?

JULIA

Is ’t near dinner time?

LUCETTA

70 I would it were,
That you might kill your stomach on your meat
And not upon your maid.

LUCETTA

I would it were,
That you might kill your stomach on your meat
And not upon your maid.

JULIA

What is ’t that you took up so gingerly?

JULIA

What is ’t that you took up so gingerly?

LUCETTA

Nothing.

LUCETTA

Nothing.

JULIA

75 Why didst thou stoop, then?

JULIA

Why didst thou stoop, then?

LUCETTA

To take a paper up that I let fall.

LUCETTA

To take a paper up that I let fall.

JULIA

And is that paper nothing?

JULIA

And is that paper nothing?

LUCETTA

Nothing concerning me.

LUCETTA

Nothing concerning me.

JULIA

Then let it lie for those that it concerns.

JULIA

Then let it lie for those that it concerns.

LUCETTA

80 Madam, it will not lie where it concerns,
Unless it have a false interpreter.

LUCETTA

Madam, it will not lie where it concerns,
Unless it have a false interpreter.

JULIA

Some love of yours hath writ to you in rhyme.

JULIA

Some love of yours hath writ to you in rhyme.

LUCETTA

That I might sing it, madam, to a tune,
Give me a note; your ladyship can set.

LUCETTA

That I might sing it, madam, to a tune,
Give me a note; your ladyship can set.

JULIA

85 As little by such toys as may be possible.
Best sing it to the tune of “Light o’ Love.”

JULIA

As little by such toys as may be possible.
Best sing it to the tune of “Light o’ Love.”

LUCETTA

It is too heavy for so light a tune.

LUCETTA

It is too heavy for so light a tune.

JULIA

Heavy! Belike it hath some burden then?

JULIA

Heavy! Belike it hath some burden then?

LUCETTA

Ay, and melodious were it, would you sing it.

LUCETTA

Ay, and melodious were it, would you sing it.

JULIA

90 And why not you?

JULIA

And why not you?

LUCETTA

I cannot reach so high.

LUCETTA

I cannot reach so high.

JULIA

Let’s see your song. How now, minion?

JULIA

Let’s see your song. How now, minion?
She takes the letter
She takes the letter

LUCETTA

Keep tune there still; so you will sing it out.
And yet methinks I do not like this tune.

LUCETTA

Keep tune there still; so you will sing it out.
And yet methinks I do not like this tune.

JULIA

95 You do not?

JULIA

You do not?

LUCETTA

No, madam, ’tis too sharp.

LUCETTA

No, madam, ’tis too sharp.

JULIA

You, minion, are too saucy.

JULIA

You, minion, are too saucy.

LUCETTA

Nay, now you are too flat,
And mar the concord with too harsh a descant.
100 There wanteth but a mean to fill your song.

LUCETTA

Nay, now you are too flat,
And mar the concord with too harsh a descant.
There wanteth but a mean to fill your song.

JULIA

The mean is drowned with your unruly bass.

JULIA

The mean is drowned with your unruly bass.

LUCETTA

Indeed, I bid the base for Proteus.

LUCETTA

Indeed, I bid the base for Proteus.

JULIA

This babble shall not henceforth trouble me.
Here is a coil with protestation!

JULIA

This babble shall not henceforth trouble me.
Here is a coil with protestation!
She tears the letter and drops the pieces.
She tears the letter and drops the pieces.
105 Go, get you gone, and let the papers lie.
You would be fing’ring them to anger me.
Go, get you gone, and let the papers lie.
You would be fing’ring them to anger me.

LUCETTA

She makes it strange, but she would be best pleased
To be so angered with another letter.

LUCETTA

She makes it strange, but she would be best pleased
To be so angered with another letter.
Exit
Exit

JULIA

Nay, would I were so angered with the same!

JULIA

Nay, would I were so angered with the same!
She picks up some fragments.
She picks up some fragments.
110 O hateful hands, to tear such loving words!
Injurious wasps, to feed on such sweet honey
And kill the bees that yield it with your stings!
I’ll kiss each several paper for amends.
Look, here is writ “kind Julia.” Unkind Julia!
115 As in revenge of thy ingratitude,
I throw thy name against the bruising stones,
Trampling contemptuously on thy disdain.
O hateful hands, to tear such loving words!
Injurious wasps, to feed on such sweet honey
And kill the bees that yield it with your stings!
I’ll kiss each several paper for amends.
Look, here is writ “kind Julia.” Unkind Julia!
As in revenge of thy ingratitude,
I throw thy name against the bruising stones,
Trampling contemptuously on thy disdain.
She throws down a fragment.
She throws down a fragment.
And here is writ “love-wounded Proteus.”
Poor wounded name! My bosom as a bed
120 Shall lodge thee till thy wound be throughly healed;
And thus I search it with a sovereign kiss.
But twice or thrice was “Proteus” written down.
Be calm, good wind, blow not a word away
Till I have found each letter in the letter,
125 Except mine own name; that some whirlwind bear
Unto a ragged, fearful, hanging rock
And throw it thence into the raging sea!
Lo, here in one line is his name twice writ,
“Poor forlorn Proteus, passionate Proteus,
130 To the sweet Julia.” That I’ll tear away;
And yet I will not, sith so prettily
He couples it to his complaining names.
Thus will I fold them, one upon another.
Now kiss, embrace, contend, do what you will.
And here is writ “love-wounded Proteus.”
Poor wounded name! My bosom as a bed
Shall lodge thee till thy wound be throughly healed;
And thus I search it with a sovereign kiss.
But twice or thrice was “Proteus” written down.
Be calm, good wind, blow not a word away
Till I have found each letter in the letter,
Except mine own name; that some whirlwind bear
Unto a ragged, fearful, hanging rock
And throw it thence into the raging sea!
Lo, here in one line is his name twice writ,
“Poor forlorn Proteus, passionate Proteus,
To the sweet Julia.” That I’ll tear away;
And yet I will not, sith so prettily
He couples it to his complaining names.
Thus will I fold them, one upon another.
Now kiss, embrace, contend, do what you will.
She puts some folded papers in her bosom.
She puts some folded papers in her bosom.
Enter LUCETTA
Enter LUCETTA

LUCETTA

135 Madam,
Dinner is ready, and your father stays.

LUCETTA

Madam,
Dinner is ready, and your father stays.

JULIA

Well, let us go.

JULIA

Well, let us go.

LUCETTA

What, shall these papers lie like telltales here?

LUCETTA

What, shall these papers lie like telltales here?

JULIA

If you respect them, best to take them up.

JULIA

If you respect them, best to take them up.

LUCETTA

140 Nay, I was taken up for laying them down;
Yet here they shall not lie, for catching cold.

LUCETTA

Nay, I was taken up for laying them down;
Yet here they shall not lie, for catching cold.
She gathers up the remaining fragments.
She gathers up the remaining fragments.

JULIA

I see you have a month’s mind to them.

JULIA

I see you have a month’s mind to them.

LUCETTA

Ay, madam, you may say what sights you see;
I see things too, although you judge I wink.

LUCETTA

Ay, madam, you may say what sights you see;
I see things too, although you judge I wink.

JULIA

145 Come, come; will ’t please you go?

JULIA

Come, come; will ’t please you go?
Exeunt
Exeunt

Original Text

Modern Text

Enter JULIA and LUCETTA
Enter JULIA and LUCETTA

JULIA

But say, Lucetta, now we are alone,
Wouldst thou then counsel me to fall in love?

JULIA

But say, Lucetta, now we are alone,
Wouldst thou then counsel me to fall in love?

LUCETTA

Ay, madam, so you stumble not unheedfully.

LUCETTA

Ay, madam, so you stumble not unheedfully.

JULIA

Of all the fair resort of gentlemen
5 That every day with parle encounter me,
In thy opinion which is worthiest love?

JULIA

Of all the fair resort of gentlemen
That every day with parle encounter me,
In thy opinion which is worthiest love?

LUCETTA

Please you repeat their names, I’ll show my mind
According to my shallow simple skill.

LUCETTA

Please you repeat their names, I’ll show my mind
According to my shallow simple skill.

JULIA

What think’st thou of the fair Sir Eglamour?

JULIA

What think’st thou of the fair Sir Eglamour?

LUCETTA

10 As of a knight well-spoken, neat, and fine;
But, were I you, he never should be mine.

LUCETTA

As of a knight well-spoken, neat, and fine;
But, were I you, he never should be mine.

JULIA

What think’st thou of the rich Mercatio?

JULIA

What think’st thou of the rich Mercatio?

LUCETTA

Well of his wealth, but of himself, so-so.

LUCETTA

Well of his wealth, but of himself, so-so.

JULIA

What think’st thou of the gentle Proteus?

JULIA

What think’st thou of the gentle Proteus?

LUCETTA

15 Lord, Lord, to see what folly reigns in us!

LUCETTA

Lord, Lord, to see what folly reigns in us!

JULIA

How now? What means this passion at his name?

JULIA

How now? What means this passion at his name?

LUCETTA

Pardon, dear madam, ’tis a passing shame
That I, unworthy body as I am,
Should censure thus on lovely gentlemen.

LUCETTA

Pardon, dear madam, ’tis a passing shame
That I, unworthy body as I am,
Should censure thus on lovely gentlemen.

JULIA

20 Why not on Proteus, as of all the rest?

JULIA

Why not on Proteus, as of all the rest?

LUCETTA

Then thus, of many good I think him best.

LUCETTA

Then thus, of many good I think him best.

JULIA

Your reason?

JULIA

Your reason?

LUCETTA

I have no other but a woman’s reason;
I think him so because I think him so.

LUCETTA

I have no other but a woman’s reason;
I think him so because I think him so.

JULIA

25 And wouldst thou have me cast my love on him?

JULIA

And wouldst thou have me cast my love on him?

LUCETTA

Ay, if you thought your love not cast away.

LUCETTA

Ay, if you thought your love not cast away.

JULIA

Why, he of all the rest hath never moved me.

JULIA

Why, he of all the rest hath never moved me.

LUCETTA

Yet he of all the rest I think best loves ye.

LUCETTA

Yet he of all the rest I think best loves ye.

JULIA

His little speaking shows his love but small.

JULIA

His little speaking shows his love but small.

LUCETTA

30 Fire that’s closest kept burns most of all.

LUCETTA

Fire that’s closest kept burns most of all.

JULIA

They do not love that do not show their love.

JULIA

They do not love that do not show their love.

LUCETTA

O, they love least that let men know their love.

LUCETTA

O, they love least that let men know their love.

JULIA

I would I knew his mind.

JULIA

I would I knew his mind.

LUCETTA

[Giving a letter] Peruse this paper, madam.

LUCETTA

[Giving a letter] Peruse this paper, madam.

JULIA

35 “To Julia.” Say, from whom?

JULIA

“To Julia.” Say, from whom?

LUCETTA

That the contents will show.

LUCETTA

That the contents will show.

JULIA

Say, say, who gave it thee?

JULIA

Say, say, who gave it thee?

LUCETTA

Sir Valentine’s page; and sent, I think, from Proteus.
He would have given it you, but I, being in the way,
40 Did in your name receive it. Pardon the fault, I pray.

LUCETTA

Sir Valentine’s page; and sent, I think, from Proteus.
He would have given it you, but I, being in the way,
Did in your name receive it. Pardon the fault, I pray.

JULIA

Now, by my modesty, a goodly broker!
Dare you presume to harbor wanton lines?
To whisper and conspire against my youth?
Now trust me, ’tis an office of great worth,
45 And you an officer fit for the place.
There, take the paper. See it be returned,
Or else return no more into my sight. [Giving the letter back]

JULIA

Now, by my modesty, a goodly broker!
Dare you presume to harbor wanton lines?
To whisper and conspire against my youth?
Now trust me, ’tis an office of great worth,
And you an officer fit for the place.
There, take the paper. See it be returned,
Or else return no more into my sight. [Giving the letter back]

LUCETTA

To plead for love deserves more fee than hate.

LUCETTA

To plead for love deserves more fee than hate.

JULIA

Will ye be gone?

JULIA

Will ye be gone?

LUCETTA

50 That you may ruminate.

LUCETTA

That you may ruminate.
Exit
Exit

JULIA

And yet I would I had o’erlooked the letter.
It were a shame to call her back again
And pray her to a fault for which I chid her.
What fool is she, that knows I am a maid
55 And would not force the letter to my view!
Since maids, in modesty, say no to that
Which they would have the profferer construe ay.
Fie, fie, how wayward is this foolish love
That, like a testy babe, will scratch the nurse
60 And presently, all humbled, kiss the rod!
How churlishly I chid Lucetta hence,
When willingly I would have had her here!
How angerly I taught my brow to frown,
When inward joy enforced my heart to smile!
65 My penance is to call Lucetta back
And ask remission for my folly past.
What ho! Lucetta!

JULIA

And yet I would I had o’erlooked the letter.
It were a shame to call her back again
And pray her to a fault for which I chid her.
What fool is she, that knows I am a maid
And would not force the letter to my view!
Since maids, in modesty, say no to that
Which they would have the profferer construe ay.
Fie, fie, how wayward is this foolish love
That, like a testy babe, will scratch the nurse
And presently, all humbled, kiss the rod!
How churlishly I chid Lucetta hence,
When willingly I would have had her here!
How angerly I taught my brow to frown,
When inward joy enforced my heart to smile!
My penance is to call Lucetta back
And ask remission for my folly past.
What ho! Lucetta!
Enter LUCETTA
Enter LUCETTA

LUCETTA

What would your ladyship?

LUCETTA

What would your ladyship?

JULIA

Is ’t near dinner time?

JULIA

Is ’t near dinner time?

LUCETTA

70 I would it were,
That you might kill your stomach on your meat
And not upon your maid.

LUCETTA

I would it were,
That you might kill your stomach on your meat
And not upon your maid.

JULIA

What is ’t that you took up so gingerly?

JULIA

What is ’t that you took up so gingerly?

LUCETTA

Nothing.

LUCETTA

Nothing.

JULIA

75 Why didst thou stoop, then?

JULIA

Why didst thou stoop, then?

LUCETTA

To take a paper up that I let fall.

LUCETTA

To take a paper up that I let fall.

JULIA

And is that paper nothing?

JULIA

And is that paper nothing?

LUCETTA

Nothing concerning me.

LUCETTA

Nothing concerning me.

JULIA

Then let it lie for those that it concerns.

JULIA

Then let it lie for those that it concerns.

LUCETTA

80 Madam, it will not lie where it concerns,
Unless it have a false interpreter.

LUCETTA

Madam, it will not lie where it concerns,
Unless it have a false interpreter.

JULIA

Some love of yours hath writ to you in rhyme.

JULIA

Some love of yours hath writ to you in rhyme.

LUCETTA

That I might sing it, madam, to a tune,
Give me a note; your ladyship can set.

LUCETTA

That I might sing it, madam, to a tune,
Give me a note; your ladyship can set.

JULIA

85 As little by such toys as may be possible.
Best sing it to the tune of “Light o’ Love.”

JULIA

As little by such toys as may be possible.
Best sing it to the tune of “Light o’ Love.”

LUCETTA

It is too heavy for so light a tune.

LUCETTA

It is too heavy for so light a tune.

JULIA

Heavy! Belike it hath some burden then?

JULIA

Heavy! Belike it hath some burden then?

LUCETTA

Ay, and melodious were it, would you sing it.

LUCETTA

Ay, and melodious were it, would you sing it.

JULIA

90 And why not you?

JULIA

And why not you?

LUCETTA

I cannot reach so high.

LUCETTA

I cannot reach so high.

JULIA

Let’s see your song. How now, minion?

JULIA

Let’s see your song. How now, minion?
She takes the letter
She takes the letter

LUCETTA

Keep tune there still; so you will sing it out.
And yet methinks I do not like this tune.

LUCETTA

Keep tune there still; so you will sing it out.
And yet methinks I do not like this tune.

JULIA

95 You do not?

JULIA

You do not?

LUCETTA

No, madam, ’tis too sharp.

LUCETTA

No, madam, ’tis too sharp.

JULIA

You, minion, are too saucy.

JULIA

You, minion, are too saucy.

LUCETTA

Nay, now you are too flat,
And mar the concord with too harsh a descant.
100 There wanteth but a mean to fill your song.

LUCETTA

Nay, now you are too flat,
And mar the concord with too harsh a descant.
There wanteth but a mean to fill your song.

JULIA

The mean is drowned with your unruly bass.

JULIA

The mean is drowned with your unruly bass.

LUCETTA

Indeed, I bid the base for Proteus.

LUCETTA

Indeed, I bid the base for Proteus.

JULIA

This babble shall not henceforth trouble me.
Here is a coil with protestation!

JULIA

This babble shall not henceforth trouble me.
Here is a coil with protestation!
She tears the letter and drops the pieces.
She tears the letter and drops the pieces.
105 Go, get you gone, and let the papers lie.
You would be fing’ring them to anger me.
Go, get you gone, and let the papers lie.
You would be fing’ring them to anger me.

LUCETTA

She makes it strange, but she would be best pleased
To be so angered with another letter.

LUCETTA

She makes it strange, but she would be best pleased
To be so angered with another letter.
Exit
Exit

JULIA

Nay, would I were so angered with the same!

JULIA

Nay, would I were so angered with the same!
She picks up some fragments.
She picks up some fragments.
110 O hateful hands, to tear such loving words!
Injurious wasps, to feed on such sweet honey
And kill the bees that yield it with your stings!
I’ll kiss each several paper for amends.
Look, here is writ “kind Julia.” Unkind Julia!
115 As in revenge of thy ingratitude,
I throw thy name against the bruising stones,
Trampling contemptuously on thy disdain.
O hateful hands, to tear such loving words!
Injurious wasps, to feed on such sweet honey
And kill the bees that yield it with your stings!
I’ll kiss each several paper for amends.
Look, here is writ “kind Julia.” Unkind Julia!
As in revenge of thy ingratitude,
I throw thy name against the bruising stones,
Trampling contemptuously on thy disdain.
She throws down a fragment.
She throws down a fragment.
And here is writ “love-wounded Proteus.”
Poor wounded name! My bosom as a bed
120 Shall lodge thee till thy wound be throughly healed;
And thus I search it with a sovereign kiss.
But twice or thrice was “Proteus” written down.
Be calm, good wind, blow not a word away
Till I have found each letter in the letter,
125 Except mine own name; that some whirlwind bear
Unto a ragged, fearful, hanging rock
And throw it thence into the raging sea!
Lo, here in one line is his name twice writ,
“Poor forlorn Proteus, passionate Proteus,
130 To the sweet Julia.” That I’ll tear away;
And yet I will not, sith so prettily
He couples it to his complaining names.
Thus will I fold them, one upon another.
Now kiss, embrace, contend, do what you will.
And here is writ “love-wounded Proteus.”
Poor wounded name! My bosom as a bed
Shall lodge thee till thy wound be throughly healed;
And thus I search it with a sovereign kiss.
But twice or thrice was “Proteus” written down.
Be calm, good wind, blow not a word away
Till I have found each letter in the letter,
Except mine own name; that some whirlwind bear
Unto a ragged, fearful, hanging rock
And throw it thence into the raging sea!
Lo, here in one line is his name twice writ,
“Poor forlorn Proteus, passionate Proteus,
To the sweet Julia.” That I’ll tear away;
And yet I will not, sith so prettily
He couples it to his complaining names.
Thus will I fold them, one upon another.
Now kiss, embrace, contend, do what you will.
She puts some folded papers in her bosom.
She puts some folded papers in her bosom.
Enter LUCETTA
Enter LUCETTA

LUCETTA

135 Madam,
Dinner is ready, and your father stays.

LUCETTA

Madam,
Dinner is ready, and your father stays.

JULIA

Well, let us go.

JULIA

Well, let us go.

LUCETTA

What, shall these papers lie like telltales here?

LUCETTA

What, shall these papers lie like telltales here?

JULIA

If you respect them, best to take them up.

JULIA

If you respect them, best to take them up.

LUCETTA

140 Nay, I was taken up for laying them down;
Yet here they shall not lie, for catching cold.

LUCETTA

Nay, I was taken up for laying them down;
Yet here they shall not lie, for catching cold.
She gathers up the remaining fragments.
She gathers up the remaining fragments.

JULIA

I see you have a month’s mind to them.

JULIA

I see you have a month’s mind to them.

LUCETTA

Ay, madam, you may say what sights you see;
I see things too, although you judge I wink.

LUCETTA

Ay, madam, you may say what sights you see;
I see things too, although you judge I wink.

JULIA

145 Come, come; will ’t please you go?

JULIA

Come, come; will ’t please you go?
Exeunt
Exeunt

Popular pages: The Two Gentlemen of Verona