The Two Gentlemen of Verona: Act 5, Scene 2

    comedy

    The same. The DUKE's palace.

    Scene Summary

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    Thurio is complaining to Proteus about Silvia's continued indifference when the Duke arrives with news: Silvia has fled with Sir Eglamour toward Mantua. Julia, still dressed as Sebastian, delivers dry asides mocking Thurio throughout. The Duke orders Proteus and Thurio to pursue Silvia immediately. Thurio's motive is wounded pride rather than love, and Proteus's motive is his obsession. Julia follows them all, chasing the man who doesn't know she is there.

    Enter THURIO, PROTEUS, and JULIA
    THURIO
    Sir Proteus, what says Silvia to my suit?
    PROTEUS
    O, sir, I find her milder than she was;
    And yet she takes exceptions at your person.
    THURIO
    What, that my leg is too long?
    PROTEUS
    No; that it is too little.
    THURIO
    I'll wear a boot, to make it somewhat rounder.
    JULIA
    [Aside] But love will not be spurr'd to what
    it loathes.
    THURIO
    What says she to my face?
    PROTEUS
    She says it is a fair one.
    THURIO
    Nay then, the wanton lies; my face is black.
    PROTEUS
    But pearls are fair; and the old saying is,
    Black men are pearls in beauteous ladies' eyes.
    JULIA
    [Aside] 'Tis true; such pearls as put out
    ladies' eyes;
    For I had rather wink than look on them.
    THURIO
    How likes she my discourse?
    PROTEUS
    Ill, when you talk of war.
    THURIO
    But well, when I discourse of love and peace?
    JULIA
    [Aside] But better, indeed, when you hold your peace.
    THURIO
    What says she to my valour?
    PROTEUS
    O, sir, she makes no doubt of that.
    JULIA
    [Aside] She needs not, when she knows it cowardice.
    THURIO
    What says she to my birth?
    PROTEUS
    That you are well derived.
    JULIA
    [Aside] True; from a gentleman to a fool.
    THURIO
    Considers she my possessions?
    PROTEUS
    O, ay; and pities them.
    THURIO
    Wherefore?
    JULIA
    [Aside] That such an ass should owe them.
    PROTEUS
    That they are out by lease.
    JULIA
    Here comes the duke.
    Enter DUKE
    DUKE
    How now, Sir Proteus! how now, Thurio!
    Which of you saw Sir Eglamour of late?
    THURIO
    Not I.
    PROTEUS
    Nor I.
    DUKE
    Saw you my daughter?
    PROTEUS
    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,
    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;
    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
    Upon the rising of the mountain-foot
    That leads towards Mantua, whither they are fled:
    Dispatch, sweet gentlemen, and follow me.
    Exit
    THURIO
    Why, this it is to be a peevish girl,
    That flies her fortune when it follows her.
    I'll after, more to be revenged on Eglamour
    Than for the love of reckless Silvia.
    Exit
    PROTEUS
    And I will follow, more for Silvia's love
    Than hate of Eglamour that goes with her.
    Exit
    JULIA
    And I will follow, more to cross that love
    Than hate for Silvia that is gone for love.
    Exit