n purpose to have a pretence to get off the cloak; so upon
saying these words, he caught hold of Valentine's cloak, and throwing it
back, he discovered not only the ladder of ropes, but also a letter of
Silvia's, which he instantly opened and read; and this letter contained
a full account of their intended elopement. The duke, after upbraiding
Valentine for his ingratitude in thus returning the favour he had shown
him, by endeavouring to steal away his daughter, banished him from the
court and city of Milan for ever; and Valentine was forced to depart
that night, without even seeing Silvia.

While Proteus at Milan was thus injuring Valentine, Julia at Verona was
regretting the absence of Proteus; and her regard for him at last so far
overcame her sense of propriety, that she resolved to leave Verona, and
seek her lover at Milan; and to secure herself from danger on the road,
she dressed her maiden Lucetta and herself in men's clothes, and they
set out in this disguise, and arrived at Milan soon after Valentine was
banished from that city through the treachery of Proteus.

Julia entered Milan about noon, and she took up her abode at an inn; and
her thoughts being all on her dear Proteus, she entered into
conversation with the innkeeper, or host, as he was called, thinking by
that means to learn some news of Proteus.

The host was greatly pleased that this handsome young gentleman (as he
took her to be), who from his appearance he concluded was of high rank,
spoke so familiarly to him; and being a good-natured man, he was sorry
to see him look so melancholy; and to amuse his young guest, he offered
to take him to hear some fine music, with which, he said, a gentleman
that evening was going to serenade his mistress.

The reason Julia looked so very melancholy was, that she did not well
know what Proteus would think of the imprudent step she had taken; for
she knew he had loved her for her noble maiden pride and dignity of
character, and she feared she should lower herself in his esteem: and
this it was that made her wear a sad and thoughtful countenance.

She gladly accepted the offer of the host to go with him, and hear the
music; for she secretly hoped she might meet Proteus by the way.

But when she came to the palace whither the host conducted her, a very
different effect was produced to what the kind host intended; for there,
to her heart's sorrow, she beheld her lover, the inconstant Proteus,
serenading the Lady