Page 1880 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

How young Leander crossed the Hellespont.

PROT EUS

That’s a deep story of a deeper love,
For he was more than over-shoes in love.

VALENT INE

’Tis true; for you are over-boots in love, [25]
And yet you never swam the Hellespont.

PROT EUS

Over the boots? Nay, give me not the boots.

VALENT INE

No, I will not; for it boots thee not.

PROT EUS

What?

VALENT INE

To be in love, where scorn is bought with groans;
Coy looks, with heart-sore sighs; one fading moment’s mirth, [30]
With twenty, watchful, weary, tedious nights;
If haply won, perhaps a hapless gain;
If lost, why then a grievous labour won;
However, but a folly bought with wit,
Or else a wit by folly vanquishèd. [35]

PROT EUS

So, by your circumstance, you call me fool?

VALENT INE

So, by your circumstance, I fear you’ll prove.

PROT EUS

’Tis Love you cavil at; I am not Love.

VALENT INE

Love is your master, for he masters you;