Page 1969 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

When she did think my master loved her well, [Exit]
She, in my judgement, was as fair as you;
But since she did neglect her looking-glass
And threw her sun-expelling mask away,
That air hath starved the roses in her cheeks [150]
And pinched the lily-tincture of her face,
That now she is become as black as I.

SILVIA

How tall was she?

JULIA

About my stature; for, at Pentecost,
When all our pageants of delight were played, [155]
Our youth got me to play the woman’s part
And I was trimmed in Madam Julia’s gown,
Which servèd me as fit, by all men’s judgements,
As if the garment had been made for me;
Therefore I know she is about my height. [160]
And at that time I made her weep agood,
For I did play a lamentable part.
Madam, ’twas Ariadne passioning
For Theseus’ perjury and unjust flight;
Which I so lively acted with my tears [165]
That my poor mistress, movèd therewithal,
Wept bitterly; and would I might be dead
If I in thought felt not her very sorrow.

SILVIA

She is beholding to thee, gentle youth.
Alas, poor lady, desolate and left! [170]
I weep myself, to think upon thy words.
Here, youth: there is my purse; I give thee this
For thy sweet mistress’ sake, because thou lovest her.
Farewell.

JULIA

And she shall thank you for’t, if e’er you know her. [175]
A virtuous gentlewoman, mild, and beautiful.