Romeo and Juliet

Act 5, Scene 2

SCENE II. Friar Laurence's cell.

    Enter FRIAR JOHN

FRIAR JOHN

    Holy Franciscan friar! brother, ho!

    Enter FRIAR LAURENCE

FRIAR LAURENCE

    This same should be the voice of Friar John.
    Welcome from Mantua: what says Romeo?
    Or, if his mind be writ, give me his letter.

FRIAR JOHN

    Going to find a bare-foot brother out
    One 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,
    Seal'd up the doors, and would not let us forth;
    So that my speed to Mantua there was stay'd.

FRIAR LAURENCE

    Who bare my letter, then, to Romeo?

FRIAR JOHN

    I could not send it,--here it is again,--
    Nor get a messenger to bring it thee,
    So 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;
    Get 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 three hours will fair Juliet wake:
    She 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 corse, closed in a dead man's tomb!

    Exit