Mer. Farewell, ancient lady; farewell, [singing] 'lady,[634]
lady, lady.' [Exeunt Mercutio and Benvolio.[635] 135
Nurse. Marry, farewell! I pray you, sir, what saucy[636]
merchant was this, that was so full of his ropery?[637]
Rom. A gentleman, nurse, that loves to hear himself[638]
talk, and will speak more in a minute than he will stand
to in a month.[639] 140
Nurse. An a' speak any thing against me, I'll take[640]
him down, an a' were lustier than he is, and twenty such[641]
Jacks; and if I cannot, I'll find those that shall. Scurvy
knave! I am none of his flirt-gills; I am none of his skains-mates.[642]
[Turning to Peter] And thou must stand by too,[643] 145
and suffer every knave to use me at his pleasure?
Peter. I saw no man use you at his pleasure; if I had,
my weapon should quickly have been out, I warrant you:
I dare draw as soon as another man, if I see occasion in a
good quarrel and the law on my side. 150
Nurse. Now, afore God, I am so vexed that every
part about me quivers. Scurvy knave! Pray you, sir, a
word: and as I told you, my young lady bade me inquire[644]
you out; what she bade me say, I will keep to myself: but[644]
first let me tell ye, if ye should lead her into a fool's paradise,[645]155
as they say, it were a very gross kind of behaviour, as
they say: for the gentlewoman is young, and therefore, if[646]
you should deal double with her, truly it were an ill
thing to be offered to any gentlewoman, and very weak[647]
dealing. 160
Rom. Nurse, commend me to thy lady and mistress.[648]
I protest unto thee—[649]
Nurse. Good heart, and, i' faith, I will tell her as
much: Lord, Lord, she will be a joyful woman.
Rom. What wilt thou tell her, nurse? thou dost not 165
mark me.[650]
Nurse. I will tell her, sir, that you do protest; which,
as I take it, is a gentlemanlike offer.[651]