Act 1
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Enter JULIA and LUCETTA
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JULIA and LUCETTA enter.
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JULIA
But say, Lucetta, now we are alone,
Wouldst thou then counsel me to fall in love?
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JULIA
Now that we’re alone, tell me, Lucetta, would you recommend that I fall in love?
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LUCETTA
Ay, madam, so you stumble not unheedfully.
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LUCETTA
Yes, madam, so you stumble into it on purpose.
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JULIA
Of all the fair resort of gentlemen
5That every day with parle encounter me,
In thy opinion which is worthiest love?
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JULIA
Of all the attractive gentlemen that speak with me daily, which do you think would be best to love?
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LUCETTA
Please you repeat their names, I’ll show my mind
According to my shallow simple skill.
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LUCETTA
Please tell me their names again, and I’ll tell you my opinion about them as best I can.
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JULIA
What think’st thou of the fair Sir Eglamour?
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JULIA
What do you think of the attractive Sir Eglamour?
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LUCETTA
10As of a knight well-spoken, neat, and fine;
But, were I you, he never should be mine.
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LUCETTA
As a knight, he’s well spoken, elegant, and fine. But if I were you, I wouldn’t fall in love with him.
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JULIA
What think’st thou of the rich Mercatio?
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JULIA
What do you think of Mercatio, who is rich?
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LUCETTA
Well of his wealth, but of himself, so-so.
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LUCETTA
I like his money a lot, but him only so-so.
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JULIA
What think’st thou of the gentle Proteus?
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JULIA
What do you think of kind Proteus?
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LUCETTA
15Lord, Lord, to see what folly reigns in us!
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LUCETTA
Good Lord, how foolish people are!
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JULIA
How now? What means this passion at his name?
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JULIA
What’s that for? Why this outburst at his name?
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LUCETTA
Pardon, dear madam, ’tis a passing shame
That I, unworthy body as I am,
Should censure thus on lovely gentlemen.
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LUCETTA
Pardon me, dear madam, it’s inexcusable that I, the unworthy servant that I am, should criticize such lovely gentlemen.
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JULIA
20Why not on Proteus, as of all the rest?
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JULIA
Why don’t you think well of Proteus out of all the rest?
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LUCETTA
Then thus, of many good I think him best.
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LUCETTA
Fine then—of all the good men, I think Proteus is best.
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JULIA
Your reason?
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JULIA
What’s your reason?
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