“Bear witness, Heaven, I have my wish for ever!” said Proteus solemnly.
“And I mine,” said Julia.
And it is to be hoped that this time the fickle gentleman kept faithful to his lady.
Matters had scarcely come to this happy conclusion, when the outlaws approached, bringing as captives the Duke of Milan and Sir Thurio.
“A prize! a prize! a prize!” shouted the outlaws.
“Forbear, forbear, I say! It is my lord, the Duke of Milan,” said Valentine. “Your Grace is welcome to a man disgraced,” he added courteously.
“Sir Valentine!”
“Yonder is Silvia, and Silvia’s mine!” interrupted Sir Thurio, pressing rudely forward.
“Stand back!” commanded Valentine. “Come near, at your peril! Do not dare to call Silvia yours! Here she stands: I dare you to touch her, or even to come near.”