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Pro.

Well, give her that ring and therewithal

This letter; that’s her chamber. Tell my lady

I claim the promise for her heavenly picture.

Your message done, hie home unto my chamber,

Where thou shalt find me sad and solitary.

[Exit.]

Jul.

How many women would do such a message?

Alas, poor Proteus, thou hast entertain’d

A fox to be the shepherd of thy lambs.

Alas, poor fool, why do I pity him

That with his very heart despiseth me?

Because he loves her, he despiseth me;

Because I love him, I must pity him.

This ring I gave him when he parted from me,

To bind him to remember my good will;

And now am I (unhappy messenger)

To plead for that which I would not obtain,

To carry that which I would have refus’d,

To praise his faith which I would have disprais’d.

I am my master’s true confirmed love;

But cannot be true servant to my master,

Unless I prove false traitor to myself.

Yet will I woo for him, but yet so coldly

As, heaven it knows, I would not have him speed.

[Enter] Silvia [attended].