Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Erin Sadlack
Not Peer Reviewed

Romeo and Juliet (Modern, Quarto 2)

[Scene 22/V.ii]
Enter Friar John to Friar Laurence.
Friar John
Holy Franciscan Friar, brother, ho!
2820Enter Laurence.
Friar Laurence
This same should be the voice of Friar John.--
[To Friar John] Welcome from Mantua. What says Romeo?
Or if his mind be writ, give me his letter.
Friar John
Going to find a barefoot brother out,
2825One of our order to associate me,
Here in this city visiting the sick,
And finding him, the searchers of the town,
Suspecting that we both were in a house
Where the infectious pestilence did reign,
2830Sealed up the doors and would not let us forth,
So that my speed to Mantua there was stayed.
Friar Laurence
Who bare my letter then to Romeo?
Friar John
I could not send it--here it is again--
[Gives Friar Laurence the letter.]
Nor get a messenger to bring it thee,
2835So fearful were they of infection.
Friar Laurence
Unhappy fortune, by my brotherhood,
The letter was not nice but full of charge,
Of dear import, and the neglecting it
May do much danger. Friar John, go hence,
2840Get me an iron crow and bring it straight
Unto my cell.
Friar John
Brother, I'll go and bring it thee.
Exit.
Friar Laurence
Now must I to the monument alone.
Within this three hours will fair Juliet wake.
2845She will beshrew me much that Romeo
Hath had no notice of these accidents,
But I will write again to Mantua
And keep her at my cell till Romeo come.
Poor living corpse, closed in a dead man's tomb!