The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet (1595)

Intro

Title Variant: The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
Date variant: 1594-5
Online Critical Edition in Progress - Version 1.b.
Shakespeare Network - https://shakespearenetwork.net/

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Act IV, Scene 2

Hall in Capulet's house.

Capulet
So many guests invite as here are writ.
[Exit First Servant]
Sirrah, go hire me twenty cunning cooks.

Second Servant
You shall have none ill, sir; for I'll try if they
can lick their fingers.

Capulet
How canst thou try them so?

Second Servant
Marry, sir, 'tis an ill cook that cannot lick his
own fingers: therefore he that cannot lick his
fingers goes not with me.

Capulet
Go, be gone.
[Exit Second Servant]
We shall be much unfurnished for this time.
What, is my daughter gone to Friar Laurence?

Nurse
Ay, forsooth.

Capulet
Well, he may chance to do some good on her:
A peevish self-will'd harlotry it is.

Nurse
See where she comes from shrift with merry look.

Capulet
How now, my headstrong! where have you been gadding?

Juliet
Where I have learn'd me to repent the sin
Of disobedient opposition
To you and your behests, and am enjoin'd
By holy Laurence to fall prostrate here,
And beg your pardon: pardon, I beseech you!
Henceforward I am ever ruled by you.

Capulet
Send for the county; go tell him of this:
I'll have this knot knit up to-morrow morning.

Juliet
I met the youthful lord at Laurence' cell;
And gave him what becomed love I might,
Not step o'er the bounds of modesty.

Capulet
Why, I am glad on't; this is well: stand up:
This is as't should be. Let me see the county;
Ay, marry, go, I say, and fetch him hither.
Now, afore God! this reverend holy friar,
Our whole city is much bound to him.

Juliet
Nurse, will you go with me into my closet,
To help me sort such needful ornaments
As you think fit to furnish me to-morrow?

Lady Capulet
No, not till Thursday; there is time enough.

Capulet
Go, nurse, go with her: we'll to church to-morrow.

Lady Capulet
We shall be short in our provision:
'Tis now near night.

Capulet
Tush, I will stir about,
And all things shall be well, I warrant thee, wife:
Go thou to Juliet, help to deck up her;
I'll not to bed to-night; let me alone;
I'll play the housewife for this once. What, ho!
They are all forth. Well, I will walk myself
To County Paris, to prepare him up
Against to-morrow: my heart is wondrous light,
Since this same wayward girl is so reclaim'd.

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The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet (1595)

Act IV, Scene 2

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