But say, Lucetta, now we are alone, Wouldst thou then counsel me to fall in love? Now that we're alone, tell me, Lucetta: would you advise me to fall in love? Ay, madam, so you stumble not unheedfully. Of all the fair resort of gentlemen That every day with parle encounter me, In thy opinion which is worthiest love? Out of the group of beautiful gentlemen that talk to me every day , which man do you think deserves my love the most? Please you repeat their names, I'll show my mind According to my shallow simple skill.
Could you please repeat their names? I'll reveal what I think as my shallow, simple skill allows. What think'st thou of the fair Sir Eglamour? As of a knight well-spoken, neat and fine; But, were I you, he never should be mine. For a knight, he's well-spoken, elegant, and refined. But if I were you, I'd never have him.
What think'st thou of the rich Mercatio? Well of his wealth; but of himself, so so. What think'st thou of the gentle Proteus? Lord, Lord! To see what folly reigns in us! How now! What means this passion at his name?
Pardon, dear madam: 'tis a passing shame That I, unworthy body as I am, Should censure thus on lovely gentlemen. Excuse me, dear madam. It's very shameful for an unworthy person like myself to pass judgment in this way on lovely gentlemen like him. Why not on Proteus, as of all the rest?
Then thus: of many good I think him best. Your reason? I have no other, but a woman's reason; I think him so because I think him so. My reasoning is simply a woman's reasoning. I think he is the best simply because I think he is. And wouldst thou have me cast my love on him? Ay, if you thought your love not cast away. Why he, of all the rest, hath never moved me.
