The Two Gentlemen of Verona Read Online Free PDF Page B

resolute, calling him “subtle, perjured, false, disloyal man” and telling him that she despises him. Proteus claims that Julia is dead but Silvia says, even so, Valentine is alive. Proteus says he hears that he’s dead too, in which case Silvia says, so is she, since her love is buried with him. Proteus begs for a picture of her at least and she says that since he worships “shadows,” she’ll send him her picture in the morning. When they’ve both departed, Julia calls the Host to goand asks where Proteus lodges. The Host confirms that he lodges at his house, saying that it’s almost day, but Julia replies that it’s been the “longest night” she’s ever known.
ACT 4 SCENE 3
    Eglamour arrives at Silvia’s window as requested. He says he is her “servant” and her friend. She explains her situation and tells him she plans to run away to find Valentine and begs him to accompany her. He agrees to help and they arrange to meet that evening at Friar Patrick’s cell.
ACT 4 SCENE 4
    Lines 1–55: Lance says he was sent to make a gift of Crab to Silvia. Unfortunately Crab misbehaved, and Lance goes on to recount further examples of his misbehavior, complaining all the while of the dog’s ingratitude and how he has saved him in the past from whipping and worse. Proteus arrives with Julia, still disguised as a boy, giving her name as Sebastian. Proteus says he likes him/her and will employ him. When he sees Lance, he asks him if Silvia liked the “little jewel” of a dog he sent as a gift. Lance says she refused it and he’s brought the dog back again, indicating Crab. Proteus is puzzled but Lance explains that the “other squirrel” was stolen from him so he offered her his own dog instead. Proteus is furious and sends Lance off to find his dog.
    Lines 56–103: Proteus asks Sebastian (Julia) to deliver a ring from him to Silvia, saying that she who gave it to him “loved me well.” Julia says he can’t have loved her to give it away, and suggests she may be dead. When Proteus says he doesn’t think so, she cries “Alas!” and when he asks her why, she replies because she who gave him the ring must have loved him as much as he loves Silvia. It was pity that made her cry. He points out Silvia’s chamber and tells her to give her the ring anyway and to remind her that she’s promised to give him her picture. She is to return to him afterward. Now alone, Julia considers her situation, feeling pity for Proteus because she truly loveshim. She says she will woo Silvia for him, but “coldly,” since she doesn’t want his suit to her to succeed.
    Lines 104–174: Sebastian/Julia asks to speak to Silvia, who thinks s/he’s come for the picture. As she hands it over she says to tell Proteus he would better hang a picture of Julia in his chamber. Sebastian/Julia asks her to read her master’s letter, but Silvia refuses and tears it up. S/he then gives her the ring, which Silvia refuses, recognizing it as the ring given him by Julia. Sebastian/Julia thanks her and when Silvia asks why, s/he says for her care for Julia. Silvia asks if s/he knows Julia and s/he replies “Almost as well as I do know myself.” Silvia asks her to describe Julia and s/he describes herself as she was. S/he says she knows they are the same size since Sebastian borrowed a gown from Julia for a pageant, in which he played a woman, a “lamentable part,” the deserted Ariadne of classical mythology “passioning / For Theseus’ perjury and unjust flight.” S/he describes her performance, which was “so lively acted” that it made Julia weep. Silvia pities her and condemns Proteus’ treatment. She gives Sebastian/Julia a purse and leaves.
    Lines 175–201: Now alone, Julia reflects on Silvia and her honesty and kindness, hoping that Proteus will not succeed with her. Looking at her picture, she concludes that Silvia is no prettier than herself and tries to understand why Proteus should now prefer her. She reflects on the