Two Gentleman of Verona — Scene 1. (Part 1 of 3)

The frontiers of Mantua. A forest.

Enter certain Outlaws

First Outlaw

Fellows, stand fast; I see a passenger.

Second Outlaw

If there be ten, shrink not, but down with 'em.
Enter VALENTINE and SPEED

Third Outlaw

Stand, sir, and throw us that you have about ye:
If not: we'll make you sit and rifle you.

SPEED

Sir, we are undone; these are the villains
That all the travellers do fear so much.

VALENTINE

My friends,–

First Outlaw

That's not so, sir: we are your enemies.

Second Outlaw

Peace! we'll hear him.

Third Outlaw

Ay, by my beard, will we, for he's a proper man.

VALENTINE

Then know that I have little wealth to lose:
A man I am cross'd with adversity;
My riches are these poor habiliments,
Of which if you should here disfurnish me,
You take the sum and substance that I have.

Second Outlaw

Whither travel you?

VALENTINE

To Verona.

First Outlaw

Whence came you?

VALENTINE

From Milan.