Читать книгу The Complete Works of Shakespeare онлайн

277 страница из 942

Sil.

How tall was she?

Jul.

About my stature; for at Pentecost,

When all our pageants of delight were play’d,

Our youth got me to play the woman’s part,

And I was trimm’d in Madam Julia’s gown,

Which served me as fit, by all men’s judgments,

As if the garment had been made for me;

Therefore I know she is about my height.

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

That my poor mistress, moved therewithal,

Wept bitterly; and would I might be dead

If I in thought felt not her very sorrow.

Sil.

She is beholding to thee, gentle youth.

Alas, poor lady, desolate and left!

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 lov’st her.

Farewell.

Jul.

And she shall thank you for’t, if e’er you know her.

[Exit Silvia with Attendants.]

A virtuous gentlewoman, mild and beautiful!