PROLOGUE. TWO Houfbolds, both alike in Dignity, In fair Verona, (where we lay our Scene) From ancient Grudge break to new mutiny z Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, A pair of far-croft lovers take their life; Whofe mif-adventur'd piteous Overthrows Do, with their death, bury their Parents' Arife. And the continuance of their Parents' rage, Dramatis Perfonæ. ESCALUS, Prince of Verona. Paris, a young Nobleman in love with Juliet, and kinfman to the Prince. • Montague, Two Lords of antient families, Enemies to each other. Capulet, Romeo, Son to Montague. Mercutio, Kinfman to the Prince, and Friend to Romeo. Friar Lawrence. Friar John. Balthafar, Servant to Romeo. Sampfon, Servants to Capulet. Abram, Servant to Montague. Apothecary. Samuel Soundboard, 3 Muficians. Lady Montague, Wife to Montague. Lady Capulet, Wife to Capulet. Juliet, Daughter to Capulet, in love with Romeo. CHORUS. Citizens of Verona, feveral men and women relations to Capulet, Maskers, Guards, Watch, and other Attendants. The S CEN E, in the beginning of the fifth A&t, is in Mantua; during all the rest of the Play, in and near Verona. 26.00 XCESSI ROMEO and JULIET ACT I. SCENE, The Street, in Verona. Enter Samplon and Gregory, (with fwords and bucklers,) two fervants of the Capulets. SAMPSON. REGORY, on my word, we'll not carry coals. Greg. No, for then we should be colliers. Sam. I mean, an' we be in Choler, we'll draw. Greg. Ay, while you live, draw your Neck out of the Collar. Sam. I ftrike quickly, being mov'd. Greg. But thou art not quickly mov'd to ftrike. Sam. A dog of the House of Montague moves me. Greg. To move, is to ftir; and to be valiant, is to ftand therefore, if thou art mov'd, thou runn'st away. Sam. A dog of that House shall move me to stand: I will take the wall of any man, or maid of Montague's. A 4 Greg. Greg. That fhews thee a weak flave; for the weakeft goes to the wall. Sam. True, and therefore women, being the weakeft, are ever thruft to the wall: therefore I will push Montague's men from the wall, and thruft his maids to the wall. Greg. The quarrel is between our mafers, and us their men. Sam. 'Tis all one, I will fhew my felf a tyrant: when I have fought with the men, I will be cruel with the maids, and cut off their heads. Greg. The heads of the maids? Sam. Ay, the heads of the maids, or the maidenheads, take it in what fenfe thou wilt. Greg. They must take it in fenfe, that feel it. Sam. Me they shall feel, while I am able to stand: and 'tis known I am a pretty piece of flesh. Greg. 'Tis well thou art not fish: if thou hadst, thou hadft been Poor John. Draw thy tool, here comes of the House of the Montagues. Enter Abram and Balthafar. Sam. My naked weapon is out; quarrel, I will back thee. Greg. How, turn thy back and run ? Sam. Fear me not. Greg. No, marry: I fear thee! Sam. Let us take the law of our fides : let them begin. Greg. I will frown as I pass by, and let them take it as they lift. Sam. Nay, as they dare. I will bite my thumb at Abr. Do you bite your thumb at us, Sir? Sam. No, Sir, I do not bite my thumb at you, Sir: Abr. 2 |