A monologue from the play by William Shakespeare
Act 4, Scene 4
JULIA
How many women would do such a message?
Alas, poor Proteus! thou hast entertain’d
A fox to be the shepherd of thy lambs.
Alas, poor fool! why do I pity him
That with his very heart despiseth me?
Because he loves her, he despiseth me;
Because I love him I must pity him.
This ring I gave him when he parted from me,
To bind him to remember my good will;
And now am I, unhappy messenger,
To plead for that which I would not obtain,
To carry that which I would have refused,
To praise his faith which I would have dispraised.
I am my master’s true-confirmed love;
But cannot be true servant to my master,
Unless I prove false traitor to myself.
Yet will I woo for him, but yet so coldly
As, heaven it knows, I would not have him speed.
(Enter SILVIA, attended)
Gentlewoman, good day! I pray you, be my mean
To bring me where to speak with Madam Silvia.
Read the play here – Folger|No Fear Shakespeare
Watch the movie – 1983 (Tyler Butterworth)|2014 (Royal Shakespeare Theater)
