Two friends, Valentino and Proteus, move temporarily from Verona to Milan for their studies and their development towards adulthood. Valentino has barely arrived in Milan as he falls in love with Silvia, the daughter of the local duke. Proteus dwells still in Verona, where he has sworn eternal fidelity to his beloved Julia. But when Proteus also arrives in Milan, his heart also melts for Silvia. What is he to do: be unfaithful to Julia, win Silvia for himself and rob his best friend Valentino of his love? Commonly agreed to be Shakespeare's first comedy, and probably his first play.