Two Gentlemen of Verona

Two close friends living in Verona, Valentine and Proteus, take leave of each other. Valentine is setting out on his travels on his own because Proteus will not leave his beloved Julia and has decided to stay in Verona. Julia is interested in Proteus' attention and treasures the love letter he has sent her, but feigns a mild rather than a passionate interest.
Proteus' father, Antonio, sends him on a mission to Milan, however. When he arrives at the Duke of Milan's court he finds that Valentine is there and has fallen in love with Silvia, the duke's daughter. Silvia returns his love. Proteus, who has sworn love and fidelity to Julia falls in love with Silvia at first sight. In the meantime, the duke is planning the marriage of Silvia to the foolish Thurio. Valentine plans to elope with Silvia but the jealous Proteus tells the duke of the plot and Valentine is caught carrying a rope ladder to Silvia's window. The duke banishes Velentine and Proteus woos Silvia with songs and declarations of love. She scorns him and reminds him about Julia.