Rom. Alack, there lies more peril in thine eye
Than twenty of their swords: look thou but sweet,
And I am proof against their enmity.
Jul. I would not for the world they saw thee here.
Rom. I have night's cloak to hide me from their eyes;[465] 75
And but thou love me, let them find me here:[466]
My life were better ended by their hate,
Than death prorogued, wanting of thy love.
Jul. By whose direction found'st thou out this place?
Rom. By love, that first did prompt me to inquire;[467] 80
He lent me counsel, and I lent him eyes.
I am no pilot; yet, wert thou as far[468]
As that vast shore wash'd with the farthest sea,[469]
I would adventure for such merchandise.[470]
Jul. Thou know'st the mask of night is on my face,[471] 85
Else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek
For that which thou hast heard me speak to-night.
Fain would I dwell on form, fain, fain deny
What I have spoke: but farewell compliment![472]
Dost thou love me? I know thou wilt say 'Ay,'[473] 90
And I will take thy word: yet, if thou swear'st,
Thou mayst prove false: at lovers' perjuries,[474]
They say, Jove laughs. O gentle Romeo,[475]
If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully:
Or if thou think'st I am too quickly won,[476] 95
I'll frown and be perverse and say thee nay,
So thou wilt woo; but else, not for the world.
In truth, fair Montague, I am too fond;
And therefore thou mayst think my 'haviour light:[477]
But trust me, gentleman, I'll prove more true 100
Than those that have more cunning to be strange.[478]
I should have been more strange, I must confess,
But that thou overheard'st, ere I was ware,
My true love's passion: therefore pardon me,[479]
And not impute this yielding to light love, 105
Which the dark night hath so discovered.
Rom. Lady, by yonder blessed moon I swear,[480]
That tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops,—[481]
Jul. O, swear not by the moon, th' inconstant moon,[482]
That monthly changes in her circled orb,[483] 110
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.
Jul. Do not swear at all;
Or, if thou wilt, swear by thy gracious self,
Which is the god of my idolatry,
And I'll believe thee.