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  • Title: Romeo and Juliet (Modern, Quarto 2)
  • Editor: Erin Sadlack
  • ISBN: 1-55058-299-2

    Copyright Erin Sadlack. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    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    Not Peer Reviewed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!