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The Two Gentlemen of Verona: Act 4 Scene 3

Scene III The same.

[Enter EGLAMOUR]

EGLAMOUR

This is the hour that Madam Silvia

Entreated me to call and know her mind:

There's some great matter she'ld employ me in.

Madam, madam!

[Enter SILVIA above]

SILVIA

Who calls?

EGLAMOUR

Your servant and your friend;

One that attends your ladyship's command.

SILVIA

Sir Eglamour, a thousand times good morrow.

EGLAMOUR

As many, worthy lady, to yourself:

According to your ladyship's impose,

I am thus early come to know what service

It is your pleasure to command me in.

SILVIA

O Eglamour, thou art a gentleman--

Think not I flatter, for I swear I do not--

Valiant, wise, remorseful, well accomplish'd:

Thou art not ignorant what dear good will

I bear unto the banish'd Valentine,

Nor how my father would enforce me marry

Vain Thurio, whom my very soul abhors.

Thyself hast loved; and I have heard thee say

No grief did ever come so near thy heart

As when thy lady and thy true love died,

Upon whose grave thou vow'dst pure chastity.

Sir Eglamour, I would to Valentine,

To Mantua, where I hear he makes abode;

And, for the ways are dangerous to pass,

I do desire thy worthy company,

Upon whose faith and honour I repose.

Urge not my father's anger, Eglamour,

But think upon my grief, a lady's grief,

And on the justice of my flying hence,

To keep me from a most unholy match,

Which heaven and fortune still rewards with plagues.

I do desire thee, even from a heart

As full of sorrows as the sea of sands,

To bear me company and go with me:

If not, to hide what I have said to thee,

That I may venture to depart alone.

EGLAMOUR

Madam, I pity much your grievances;

Which since I know they virtuously are placed,

I give consent to go along with you,

Recking as little what betideth me

As much I wish all good befortune you.

When will you go?

SILVIA

This evening coming.

EGLAMOUR

Where shall I meet you?

SILVIA

At Friar Patrick's cell,

Where I intend holy confession.

EGLAMOUR

I will not fail your ladyship. Good morrow, gentle lady.

SILVIA

Good morrow, kind Sir Eglamour.

[Exeunt severally]