Act II, Scene 6

In this short scene, Proteus, in a monologue, decides to betray Julia and Valentine in pursuit of Silvia. His first step will be to inform the Duke that his daughter plans to elope with Valentine. He is hopeful that Valentine will be banished, a fact which will clear the way for him in his pursuit. The despicable Proteus justifies his change of heart and betrayals by saying "Love bade me swear, and love bids me forswear."

Proteus, driven by self-gratification, plans his betrayal of his true love in Verona and his best friend in Milan. He is determined to do whatever it takes to win the love of Silvia who is "too fair, too true, too holy" for him to forget or to win without some treachery. Proteus quickly forgets that Julia is alive, dismissing her as a "twinkling star" in comparison to Silvia, who is a "celestial sun." He also decides to betray his best friend by telling the Duke about the planned elopement of Valentine and Silvia. Nothing is too base or vile for Proteus to do in order to selfishly pursue his desires.

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