Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and discusses the play’s treatment of sexual assault and its use of outdated racist stereotypes.

Valentine and Proteus, the titular young gentlemen of Verona, say an emotional goodbye. Valentine is leaving Verona for the court of the Duke of Milan, and wants Proteus to come with him. Although he will miss his friend, Proteus plans to stay behind in Verona to pursue his love for a young woman named Julia. Proteus asks Valentine to think about him whenever he sees anything interesting, and says that he will pray for Valentine daily. Valentine teasingly asks if Proteus is planning to pray on the book for lovers he always carries. Valentine suggests that the pains and humiliation of love aren’t worth the brief pleasure it brings. Proteus admits that love makes people foolish, but says that all smart and witty people are lovers. Valentine responds that love turns everyone into fools, and says he won’t try to convince Proteus otherwise. He asks Proteus to write him in Milan, and promises to do the same.

As Valentine leaves, Proteus reflects on his love for Julia, which has made him abandon his friends, neglect his studies, and forget everything else.