Faculty of English

SILVIA How tall was she? JULIA  About my stature; for at Pentecost, When all our pageants of delight were played, Our youth got me to play the woman’s part, And I was trimmed in Madam Julia’s gown, Which served me as fit, by all men’s judgements, As if the garment had been made for me; […]

SILVIA Is she not passing fair? JULIA  She hath been fairer, madam, than she is. 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 […]

SILVIA Dost thou know her? JULIA  Almost as well as I do know myself. To think upon her woes I do protest That I have wept a hundred several times. SILVIA Belike she thinks that Proteus hath forsook her? JULIA I think she doth, and that’s her cause of sorrow.   (4.4.128-133)   Dost thou know […]

JULIA  [offering the ring] Madam, he sends your ladyship this ring. SILVIA The more shame for him that he sends it me; For I have heard him say a thousand times, 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. […]

JULIA  [giving a letter] Madam, please you peruse this letter. Pardon me, madam, I have unadvised Delivered you a paper that I should not. [Julia takes back the letter and gives Silvia another] This is the letter to your ladyship. SILVIA I pray thee, let me look on that again. JULIA It may not be, good […]

[Enter Silvia] JULIA  Gentlewoman, good day. I pray you be my mean To bring me where to speak with Madam Silvia. SILVIA What would you with her, if that I be she? JULIA If you be she, I do entreat your patience To hear me speak the message I am sent on. SILVIA From whom? […]

JULIA  This ring I gave him when he parted from me, To bind him to remember my good will. And now am I, unhappy messenger, 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 […]

PROTEUS       Well, give her that ring, and therewithal This letter. [Pointing] 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] JULIA  How many women would do such a message? Alas, poor Proteus, thou hast entertained […]

JULIA  It seems you loved not her, to leave her token. She is dead belike? PROTEUS       Not so – I think she lives. JULIA Alas. PROTEUS Why dost thou cry ‘Alas’? JULIA I cannot choose but pity her. PROTEUS Wherefore shouldst thou pity her? JULIA Because methinks that she loved you as well As you […]

PROTEUS       Sebastian, I have entertained thee Partly that I have need of such a youth 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. Therefore, know […]