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 passions and reason are equally interested.

JOHNSON.

TWO GENTLEMEN

OF

VERONA.

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.
Speed, a clownish servant to Valentine.

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.

Lucetta, waiting-woman to Julia.

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:
Wer't not, affection chains thy tender days
To the sweet glances of thy honour'd love,
I rather would entreat thy company,
To see the wonders of the world abroad,
Than living dully sluggardiz'd at home,
Wear out thy youth with shapeless idleness.
But, since thou lov'st, love still, and thrive therein,
Even as I would, when I to love begin.

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 dan

ger,

If ever danger do environ thee,

Commend thy grievance to my holy prayers,