Page 1947 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

By one whom she esteemeth as his friend.

DUKE

Then you must undertake to slander him.

PROT EUS

And that, my lord, I shall be loath to do:
’Tis an ill office for a gentleman, [40]
Especially against his very friend.

DUKE

Where your good word cannot advantage him,
Your slander never can endamage him;
Therefore the office is indifferent,
Being entreated to it by your friend. [45]

PROT EUS

You have prevailed, my lord; if I can do it
By aught that I can speak in his dispraise,
She shall not long continue love to him.
But say this weed her love from Valentine,
It follows not that she will love Sir Thurio. [50]

T HURIO

Therefore, as you unwind her love from him,
Lest it should ravel, and be good to none,
You must provide to bottom it on me;
Which must be done by praising me as much
As you in worth dispraise Sir Valentine. [55]

DUKE

And, Proteus, we dare trust you in this kind,
Because we know, on Valentine’s report,
You are already Love’s firm votary,
And cannot soon revolt and change your mind.
Upon this warrant shall you have access [60]
Where you with Silvia may confer at large -
For she is lumpish, heavy, melancholy,
And, for your friend’s sake, will be glad of you -
Where you may temper her, by your persuasion,