The Complete Works of William Shakespeare · William Shakespeare

SCENE II. Verona. A room in Julia’s house

Chapter 762 of 818 · 1 min read

Enter Proteus and Julia.

PROTEUS. Have patience, gentle Julia.

JULIA. I must, where is no remedy.

PROTEUS. When possibly I can, I will return.

JULIA. If you turn not, you will return the sooner. Keep this remembrance for thy Julia’s sake.

[Gives him a ring.]

PROTEUS. Why, then we’ll make exchange. Here, take you this.

[Gives her a ring.]

JULIA. And seal the bargain with a holy kiss.

PROTEUS. Here is my hand for my true constancy. And when that hour o’erslips me in the day Wherein I sigh not, Julia, for thy sake, The next ensuing hour some foul mischance Torment me for my love’s forgetfulness. My father stays my coming; answer not. The tide is now—nay, not thy tide of tears, That tide will stay me longer than I should. Julia, farewell.

[Exit Julia.]

What, gone without a word? Ay, so true love should do. It cannot speak, For truth hath better deeds than words to grace it.

Enter Pantino.

PANTINO. Sir Proteus, you are stayed for.

PROTEUS. Go, I come, I come. Alas, this parting strikes poor lovers dumb.

[Exeunt.]