# Scene III explained — The Two Gentlemen of Verona

> Chapter companion for The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Silvia enlists the help of Sir Eglamour to flee Milan and join the banished Valentine in Mantua, revealing her father's intent to force her into a detested marriage with Thurio. Eglamour, moved by her plight and his own past loss, agrees to accompany her, and they arrange to meet at Friar Patrick's cell that evening.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love as a Transformative Force

Silvia's determination to flee to Valentine demonstrates love's power to inspire courageous action against familial and societal constraints.

### Travel and Experience

Silvia's planned journey to Mantua underscores the theme of travel as a means to pursue love and escape oppression.

## Character check-ins

### Silvia

Seeks Eglamour's help to escape to Valentine in Mantua, expressing her grief and abhorrence of the forced marriage to Thurio.

### Sir Eglamour

A gentleman who has vowed chastity after his lady's death; agrees to accompany Silvia out of pity and respect for her virtuous cause.

## Key lines

> Thou art not ignorant what dear good will I bear unto the banish’d Valentine, Nor how my father would enforce me marry Vain Thurio, whom my very soul abhors.

You know how much I care for the exiled Valentine and that my father is forcing me to marry the foolish Thurio, whom I detest.

_Silvia explains her predicament to Eglamour, revealing her love for Valentine and her opposition to her father's plans._

> I do desire thee, even from a heart As full of sorrows as the sea of sands, To bear me company and go with me: If not, to hide what I have said to thee, That I may venture to depart alone.

I earnestly ask you, from a heart as full of sorrow as the sea is full of sand, to accompany me; if you refuse, at least keep my secret so I can try to go alone.

_Silvia pleads for Eglamour's companionship or at least his silence, emphasizing her desperation._

> Madam, I pity much your grievances; Which since I know they virtuously are placed, I give consent to go along with you, Recking as little what betideth me As much I wish all good befortune you.

Lady, I deeply sympathize with your troubles, and since I see they are motivated by virtue, I agree to go with you, caring as little for my own fate as I wish good fortune for you.

_Eglamour agrees to help Silvia, valuing her virtuous cause over his own safety._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_two_gentlemen_of_verona_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-iii
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_two_gentlemen_of_verona_se/chapters