Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Roger Apfelbaum
Peer Reviewed

Romeo and Juliet (Quarto 2, 1599)

The most lamentable Tragedie
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 beshrewe me much that Romeo
Hath had no notice of these accidents:
But I will write againe to Mantua,
And keepe her at my Cell till Romeo come,
Poore liuing Coarse, closde in a dead mans Tombe.
2850Exit.
Enter Paris and his Page.
Par. Giue me thy Torch boy, hence and stand aloofe,
Yet put it out, for I would not be seene:
Vnder yond young Trees lay thee all along,
2855Holding thy eare close to the hollow ground,
So shall no foote vpon the Church-yard tread,
Being loose, vnfirme with digging vp of Graues,
But thou shalt heare it, whistle then to me
As signall that thou hearest some thing approach,
2860Giue me those flowers, do as I bid thee, go.
Pa. I am almost afraid to stand alone,
Here in the Church-yard, yet I will aduenture.
Par. Sweet flower, with flowers thy Bridall bed I strew
O woe, thy Canapie is dust and stones,
2865Which with sweete water nightly I will dewe,
Or wanting that, with teares distild by mones,
The obsequies that I for thee will keepe:
Nightly