Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Roger Apfelbaum
Not Peer Reviewed

Romeo and Juliet (Quarto 1, 1597)

The most excellent Tragedie,

1 I the heades of their Maides, or the Maidenheades,
take it in what sence thou wilt.
30 2 Nay let them take it in sence that feele it, but heere
comes two of the Mountagues.
Enter two Seruingmen of the Mountagues.
1 Nay feare not me I warrant thee.
40 2 I feare them no more than thee, but draw.
1 Nay let vs haue the law on our side, let them begin
first. Ile tell thee what Ile doo, as I goe by ile bite my
thumbe, which is disgrace enough if they suffer it.
44.1 2 Content, goe thou by and bite thy thumbe, and ile
come after and frowne.
45 1 Moun: Doo you bite your thumbe at vs?
1 I bite my thumbe.
2 Moun: I but i'st at vs?
1 I bite my thumbe, is the law on our side?
2 No.
48.1 1 I bite my thumbe.
1 Moun: I but i'st at vs? Enter Beneuolio.
2 Say I, here comes my Masters kinsman.

They draw, to them enters Tybalt, they fight, to them the
Prince, old Mountague, and his wife, old Capulet and
his wife, and other Citizens and part them.

Prince: Rebellious subiects enemies to peace,
On paine of torture, from those bloody handes
Throw your mistempered weapons to the ground.
Three Ciuell brawles bred of an airie word,
By the old Capulet and Mountague,
Haue thrice disturbd the quiet of our streets.
If euer you disturbe our streets againe,
Your