Garden of JULIA's house. Enter JULlA and LUCETTA JULIA But say, Lucetta, now we are alone, Wouldst thou then counsel me to fall in love? LUCETTA Ay, madam, so you stumble not unheedfully. JULIA Of all the fair resort of gentlemen That every day with parle encounter me, In thy opinion which is worthiest love? LUCETTA Please you repeat their names, I'll show my mind According to my shallow simple skill. JULIA What think'st thou of the fair Sir Eglamour? LUCETTA As of a knight well-spoken, neat and fine;
But, were I you, he never should be mine. JULIA What think'st thou of the rich Mercatio? LUCETTA Well of his wealth; but of himself, so so. JULIA What think'st thou of the gentle Proteus? LUCETTA Lord, Lord! to see what folly reigns in us! JULIA How now! what means this passion at his name? LUCETTA Pardon, dear madam: 'tis a passing shame That I, unworthy body as I am, Should censure thus on lovely gentlemen. JULIA Why not on Proteus, as of all the rest? LUCETTA Then thus: of many good I think him best. JULIA Your reason? LUCETTA I have no other, but a woman's reason;
I think him so because I think him so. JULIA And wouldst thou have me cast my love on him? LUCETTA Ay, if you thought your love not cast away. JULIA Why he, of all the rest, hath never moved me. LUCETTA Yet he, of all the rest, I think, best loves ye. JULIA His little speaking shows his love but small. LUCETTA Fire that's closest kept burns most of all. JULIA They do not love that do not show their love. LUCETTA O, they love least that let men know their love. JULIA I would I knew his mind. LUCETTA Peruse this paper, madam. JULIA 'To Julia.' Say, from whom? LUCETTA That the contents will show. JULIA Say, say, who gave it thee? LUCETTA Valentine's page; and sent, I think, from Proteus.
He would have given it you; but I, being in the way, Did in your name receive it: pardon the fault I pray. JULIA Now, by my modesty, a goodly broker!
Dare you presume to harbour wanton lines?
To whisper and conspire against my youth?
Now, trust me, 'tis an office of great worth And you an officer fit for the place.
Or else return no more into my sight. LUCETTA To plead for love deserves more fee than hate. JULIA Will ye be gone? LUCETTA That you may ruminate.
Exit JULIA And yet I would I had o'erlooked the letter:
It were a shame to call her back again And pray her to a fault for which I chid her.
What a fool is she, that knows I am a maid, And would not force the letter to my view!
Since maids, in modesty, say 'no' to that Which they would have the profferer construe 'ay.'
Fie, fie, how wayward is this foolish love That, like a testy babe, will scratch the nurse And presently all humbled kiss the rod!
How churlishly I chid Lucetta hence, When willingly I would have had her here!
How angerly I taught my brow to frown, When inward joy enforced my heart to smile!
My penance is to call Lucetta back And ask remission for my folly past.
What ho! Lucetta!