duction of many characters, diversified with boundless invention, and preserved with profound skill in nature, extensive knowledge of opinions, and accurate observation of life. In a single drama are here exhibited princes, courtiers, and sailors, all speaking in their real characters. There is the agency of airy spirits, and of an earthly goblin; the operations of magic, the tumults of a storm, the adventures of a desert island, the native effusion of untaught affection, the punishment of guilt, and the final happiness of the pair for whom our pasions and reason are equally interested. JOHNSON. PERSONS REPRESENTED. Duke of Milan, father to Silvia. Valentine Proteus, Gentlemen of Verona. Antonio, father to Proteus. Thurio, a foolish rival to Valentine. Eglamour, agent for Silvia in her escape. Launce, servant to Proteus. Panthino, servant to Antonio. Host, where Julia lodges in Milan. Out-laws. Julia, a lady of Verona, beloved by Proteus. Silvia, the duke's daughter, beloved by Valentine. Servants, musicians. Scene, sometimes in Verona; sometimes in Milan; and on the frontiers of Mantua. TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. ACT I. SCENE I. An open place in Verona. Enter Valentine and Proteus. Valentine. CEASE to persuade, my loving Proteus; Home-keeping youth have ever homely wits: But, since thou lov'st, love still, and thrive therein, Pro. Wilt thou be gone? Sweet Valentine, adieu! Think on thy Proteus, when thou, haply, seest Some rare note-worthy object in thy travel: Wish me partaker in thy happiness, When thou dost meet good hap; and, in thy danger, If ever danger do environ thee, Commend thy grievance to my holy prayers, Val. And on a love-book pray for my success. Pro. Over the boots? nay, give me not the boots. Pro. Val. What? To be In love, where scorn is bought with groans; coy looks, With heart-sore sighs; one fading moment's mirth, Pro. So, by your circumstance, you call me fool. prove. Pro. 'Tis love you cavil at; I am not Love. Val. Love is your master, for he masters you: And he that is so yoked by a fool, Methinks should not be chronicled for wise. Pro. Yet writers say, As in the sweetest bud The eating canker dwells, so eating love Inhabits in the finest wits of all. Val. And writers say, As the most forward bud Is eaten by the canker ere it blow, Even so by love the young and tender wit ⚫Ahumorous punishment at harvest-home feasts, &c. 1 |