[Exeunt.
Scene IV. A street.
Enter Romeo, Mercutio, Benvolio, with five or six other Maskers, and Torch-bearers.[241]
Rom. What, shall this speech be spoke for our excuse?[242]
Or shall we on without apology?
Ben. The date is out of such prolixity:[243]
We'll have no Cupid hoodwink'd with a scarf,
Bearing a Tartar's painted bow of lath, 5
Scaring the ladies like a crow-keeper;[244]
Nor no without-book prologue, faintly spoke[245][246]
After the prompter, for our entrance:[245][247]
But, let them measure us by what they will,
We'll measure them a measure, and be gone. 10
Rom. Give me a torch: I am not for this ambling;
Being but heavy, I will bear the light.[248]
Mer. Nay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance.[249]
Rom. Not I, believe me: you have dancing shoes
With nimble soles: I have a soul of lead[250] 15
So stakes me to the ground, I cannot move.
Mer. You are a lover; borrow Cupid's wings,[251]
And soar with them above a common bound.[251]
Rom. I am too sore enpierced with his shaft[251][252]
To soar with his light feathers, and so bound,[251][253] 20
I cannot bound a pitch above dull woe:[251]
Under love's heavy burthen do I sink.[251][254]