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Friar Laurence's cell. It is the same as when we last saw it. Friar Laurence is busily preparing to go and fetch Juliet. |
| Friar John |
Holy Franciscan friar! brother, ho! |
| Friar Lawrence |
This same should be the voice of Friar John. |
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Welcome from Mantua: what says Romeo? |
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Or, if his mind be writ, give me his letter. |
| Friar John |
Going to find a bare-foot brother out |
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One of our order, to associate me, |
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Here in this city visiting the sick, |
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And finding him, the searchers of the town, |
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Suspecting that we both were in a house |
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Where the infectious pestilence did reign, |
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Seal'd up the doors, and would not let us forth; |
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So that my speed to Mantua there was stay'd. |
| Friar Lawrence |
Who bare my letter, then, to Romeo? |
| Friar John |
I could not send it,--here it is again,-- |
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Nor get a messenger to bring it thee, |
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So fearful were they of infection. |
| Friar Lawrence |
Unhappy fortune! by my brotherhood, |
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The letter was not nice but full of charge |
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Of dear import, and the neglecting it |
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May do much danger. Friar John, go hence; |
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Get me an iron crow, and bring it straight |
| Friar John |
Brother, I'll go and bring it thee. |
| Friar Lawrence |
Now must I to the monument alone; |
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Within three hours will fair Juliet wake: |
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She will beshrew me much that Romeo |
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Hath had no notice of these accidents; |
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But I will write again to Mantua, |
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And keep her at my cell till Romeo come; |
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Poor living corse, closed in a dead man's tomb! |
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