Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Roger Apfelbaum
Not Peer Reviewed

Romeo and Juliet (Folio 1, 1623)

Enter Frier Iohn to Frier Lawrence.
Iohn. Holy Franciscan Frier, Brother, ho?
2820Enter Frier Lawrence.
Law. This same should be the voice of Frier Iohn.
Welcome from Mantua, what sayes Romeo?
Or if his mind be writ, giue me his Letter.
Iohn. Going to find a bare-foote Brother out,
2825One of our order to associate me,
Here in this Citie visiting the sick,
And finding him, the Searchers of the Towne
Suspecting that we both were in a house
Where the infectious pestilence did raigne,
2830Seal'd vp the doores, and would not let vs forth,
So that my speed to Mantua there was staid.
Law. Who bare my Letter then to Romeo?
Iohn. I could not send it, here it is againe,
Nor get a messenger to bring it thee,
2835So fearefull were they of infection.
Law. Vnhappie Fortune: by my Brotherhood
The Letter was not nice, but full of charge,
Of deare import, and the neglecting it
May do much danger: Frier Iohn go hence,
2840Get me an Iron Crow, and bring it straight
Vnto my Cell.
Iohn. Brother Ile go and bring it thee. Exit.
Law. Now must I to the Monument alone,
Within this three houres will faire Iuliet wake,
2845Shee will beshrew me much that Romeo
Hath had no notice of these accidents:
But I will write againe to Mantua,
And
The Tragedie of Romeo and Iuliet. 75
And keepe her at my Cell till Romeo come,
Poore liuing Coarse, clos'd in a dead mans Tombe,
2850 Exit.