_Pan._ 'Twere good, I think, your lordship sent him thither: There shall he practise tilts and tournaments, 30 Hear sweet discourse, converse with noblemen, And be in eye of every exercise Worthy his youth and nobleness of birth. _Ant._ I like thy counsel; well hast thou advised: And that thou mayst perceive how well I like it 35 The execution of it shall make known. Even with the speediest expedition I will dispatch him to the emperor's court. _Pan._ To-morrow, may it please you, Don Alphonso, With other gentlemen of good esteem, 40 Are journeying to salute the emperor, And to commend their service to his will. _Ant._ Good company; with them shall Proteus go: And, in good time! now will we break with him. _Enter PROTEUS._ _Pro._ Sweet love! sweet lines! sweet life! 45 Here is her hand, the agent of her heart; Here is her oath for love, her honour's pawn. O, that our fathers would applaud our loves, To seal our happiness with their consents! O heavenly Julia! 50 _Ant._ How now! what letter are you reading there? _Pro._ May't please your lordship, 'tis a word or two Of commendations sent from Valentine, Deliver'd by a friend that came from him. _Ant._ Lend me the letter; let me see what news. 55 _Pro._ There is no news, my lord; but that he writes How happily he lives, how well beloved, And daily graced by the emperor; Wishing me with him, partner of his fortune. _Ant._ And how stand you affected to his wish? 60 _Pro._ As one relying on your lordship's will, And not depending on his friendly wish. _Ant._ My will is something sorted with his wish. Muse not that I thus suddenly proceed; For what I will, I will, and there an end. 65 I am resolved that thou shalt spend some time With Valentinus in the emperor's court: What maintenance he from his friends receives, Like exhibition thou shalt have from me. To-morrow be in readiness to go: 70 Excuse it not, for I am peremptory. _Pro._ My lord, I cannot be so soon provided: Please you, deliberate a day or two. _Ant._ Look, what thou want'st shall be sent after thee: No more of stay! to-morrow thou must go. 75 Come on, Panthino: you shall be employ'd To hasten on his expedition. [_Exeunt Ant. and Pan._ _Pro._ Thus have I shunn'd the fire for fear of burning, And drench'd me in the sea, where I am drown'd. I fear'd to show my father Julia's letter, 80 Lest he should take exceptions to my love; And with the vantage of mine own excuse Hath he excepted most against my love. O, how this spring of love resembleth The uncertain glory of an April day, 85 Which now shows all the beauty of the sun, And by and by a cloud takes all away! _Re-enter PANTHINO._