Tales from Shakespear, by C. [And M.] Lamb

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1809. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. THERE lived in the city of Verona two young gentlemen, whose names were Valentine and Protheus, between whom a firm and uninterrupted friendship had long subsisted. They pursued their studies together, and their hours of leisure were always passed in each other's company, except when Protheus visited a lady he was in love with; and these visits to his mistress, and this passion of Protheus for the fair Julia, were the only topics on which these two friends disagreed: for Valentine, not being himself a lover, was sometimes a little weary of hearing his friend for ever talking of his Julia, and then he would laugh at Protheus, and in pleasant terms ridicule the passion of love, and declare that no such idle fancies should ever enter his head, greatly preferring (as he said) the THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. 117 free and happy life he led, to the anxious hopes and fears of the lover Protheus. One morning Valentine came to Protheus to tell him that they must for a time be separated, for that he was going to Milan. Protheus, unwilling to part with his friend, used many arguments to prevail upon Valentine not to leave him; but Valentine said, " Cease to persuade me, my loving Protheus. I will not, like a sluggard, wear out my youth in idleness at home. Homekeeping youths have ever homely wits. If your affection were not chained to the sweet glances of your honoured Julia, I would intreat you to accompany me, to see the wonders of the world abroad: but since you are a lover, love on still, and may your love be prosperous !" They parted with mutual expressions of unalterable friendship. " Sweet Valentine, adieu !" said Protheus; " think on me, when you see some rare object worthy of notice in your travels, and wish me partaker of your hap...