Rom. 'Tis the way[117][118]
To call hers, exquisite, in question more:[119]
These happy masks that kiss fair ladies' brows,[120]
Being black, put us in mind they hide the fair;
He that is strucken blind cannot forget[121] 230
The precious treasure of his eyesight lost:
Show me a mistress that is passing fair,
What doth her beauty serve but as a note[122]
Where I may read who pass'd that passing fair?[123]
Farewell: thou canst not teach me to forget. 235
Ben. I'll pay that doctrine, or else die in debt. [Exeunt.
Scene II. A street.[124]
Enter Capulet, Paris, and Servant.[125]
Cap. But Montague is bound as well as I,[126][127]
In penalty alike; and 'tis not hard, I think,[127][128]
For men so old as we to keep the peace.[129]
Par. Of honourable reckoning are you both;
And pity 'tis you lived at odds so long. 5
But now, my lord, what say you to my suit?
Cap. But saying o'er what I have said before:
My child is yet a stranger in the world;
She hath not seen the change of fourteen years:
Let two more summers wither in their pride 10
Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride.
Par. Younger than she are happy mothers made.[130]
Cap. And too soon marr'd are those so early made.[131]
The earth hath swallow'd all my hopes but she,[132]
She is the hopeful lady of my earth:[133] 15
But woo her, gentle Paris, get her heart;
My will to her consent is but a part;
An she agree, within her scope of choice[134]
Lies my consent and fair according voice.[135]
This night I hold an old accustom'd feast, 20
Whereto I have invited many a guest,
Such as I love; and you among the store,
One more, most welcome, makes my number more.[136]
At my poor house look to behold this night
Earth-treading stars that make dark heaven light:[137] 25
Such comfort as do lusty young men feel[138]
When well-apparell'd April on the heel
Of limping winter treads, even such delight
Among fresh female buds shall you this night[139]
Inherit at my house; hear all, all see, 30
And like her most whose merit most shall be:
Which on more view, of many mine being one[140]
May stand in number, though in reckoning none.[141]
Come, go with me. Go, sirrah, trudge about
Through fair Verona; find those persons out 35
Whose names are written there and to them say,[142]
My house and welcome on their pleasure stay.[143]
[Exeunt Capulet and Paris.