That art a votary to fond desire?
Valentine:
"But wherefore waste I time to counsel thee,
That art a votary to fond desire?"
In the opening scene of this comedy, we met the two gentlemen: Valentine and Proteus. Valentine is off to Milan to study in the Duke's court, while Proteus, who is madly in love with Julia, has opted to stay home and wallow in his misery. It was a routine custom in those days to send young people to serve in the court of some noble person. In this way, they learned good manners, received an education, and often they met potential marriage partners. Proteus will have none of that, however, as he is hopelessly in love with Julia in Verona, the sort of love that is paralyzing and self-pitying. Valentine makes fun of him, and teases that such love has made Proteus effeminate, weak, and lightheaded. "But wherefore waste I time to counsel thee, That art a votary [devoted worshipper] to fond [foolish] desire?" Valentine accuses Proteus and then departs for Milan where he will soon succumb to passion of his own for the Duke's daughter.