Page 1929 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

ACT III IT

Scene I IT

Enter the Duke, Thurio, [and] Proteus.

DUKE [Exit Thurio]

Sir Thurio, give us leave, I pray, awhile;
We have some secrets to confer about.

Now, tell me, Proteus, what’s your will with me?

PROT EUS

My gracious lord, that which I would discover
The law of friendship bids me to conceal, [5]
But when I call to mind your gracious favours
Done to me, undeserving as I am,
My duty pricks me on to utter that
Which else no worldly good should draw from me.
Know, worthy prince, Sir Valentine, my friend, [10]
This night intends to steal away your daughter;
Myself am one made privy to the plot.
I know you have determined to bestow her
On Thurio, whom your gentle daughter hates;
And should she thus be stolen away from you, [15]
It would be much vexation to your age.
Thus, for my duty’s sake, I rather chose
To cross my friend in his intended drift
Than, by concealing it, heap on your head
A pack of sorrows which would press you down, [20]
Being unprevented, to your timeless grave.

DUKE

Proteus, I thank thee for thine honest care,
Which to requite, command me while I live.
This love of theirs myself have often seen,