Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Roger Apfelbaum
Peer Reviewed

Romeo and Juliet (Quarto 2, 1599)

The most lamentable Tragedie
Entrer Frier with Lanthorne, Crowe,
and Spade.
Frier. S. Frances be my speede, how oft to night
2980Haue my old feet stumbled at graues? Whoes there?
Man. Heeres one, a friend, and one that knowes you well.
Frier. Blisse be vpon you. Tell me good my friend
What torch is yond that vainly lends his light
To grubs and eyelesse sculles: as I discerne,
2985It burneth in the Capels monument.
Man. It doth so holy sir, and theres my maister, one that you (loue.
Frier. Who is it?
Man. Romeo.
2990Frier. How long hath he bin there?
Man. Full halfe an houre.
Frier. Go with me to the Vault.
Man. I dare not sir.
My Master knowes not but I am gone hence,
2995And fearefully did menace me with death
If I did stay to looke on his entents.
Frier. Stay then ile go alone, feare comes vpon me.
O much I feare some ill vnthriftie thing.
Man. As I did sleepe vnder this yong tree heere,
3000I dreampt my maister and another fought,
And that my maister slew him.
Frier. Romeo.
Alack alack, what bloud is this which staines
The stony entrance of the Sepulchre?
3005What meane these maisterlesse and goarie swords
To lie discolour'd by this place of peace?
Romeo, oh pale! who else, what Paris too?
And steept in bloud? ah what an vnkind hower
Is guiltie of this lamentable chance?
3010The Lady stirres.
Iuli. O comfortable Frier, where is my Lord?
I do remember well where I should be:
And there I am, where is my Romeo?
Frier. I heare some noyse Lady, come from that nest
Of