Play description

ACT I

Scene 1. Valentine prepares to leave Verona for Milan. He is exasperated by his friend Proteus who

remains "dully sluggardized at home," unwilling to leave his beloved Julia. Proteus has charged

Speed, Valentine's servant, with delivering a letter to Julia, but has received no reply.

Scene 2. Julia's waiting-woman, Lucetta, favours Proteus among her mistress's suitors. Although Julia

claims to have no interest in Proteus, once alone, she reveals that she is far from indifferent to him.

Scene 3. Concerned at Proteus's lack of experience of the world, his father Antonio orders him to

leave for the Emperor's court at Milan the following day.

ACT II

Scene 1. Much to Speed's disgust, Valentine is passionately in love with Silvia, the Duke of Milan's

daughter. She has asked Valentine to write some verses for one she loves, but when she tells him that

they are meant for him, he does not believe her.

Scene 2. Proteus is leaving for the Emperor's court; he and Julia exchange rings as a token of fidelity.

Scene 3. Launce, Proteus's servant, is unhappy about leaving Verona. Panthino urges him to hurry

aboard his master's boat.