Farewell, ancient lady; farewell, lady, lady, lady.


 [Exeunt Mercutio and

Benvolio.]
NURSE.

I pray you, sir, what saucy merchant was this that was so full of his ropery?


ROMEO.

A gentleman, Nurse, that loves to hear himself talk, and will speak more in a

minute than he will stand to in a month.


NURSE.

And a speak anything against me, I’ll take him down, and a were lustier

than he is, and twenty such 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.—And thou must stand by too 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.


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 bid me enquire you out;

what she bade me say, I will keep to myself. But first let me tell ye, if ye

should lead her in a fool’s paradise, as they say, it were a very gross

kind of behaviour, as they say; for the gentlewoman is young. And therefore, if

you should deal double with her, truly it were an ill thing to be offered to

any gentlewoman, and very weak dealing.


ROMEO.Nurse, commend me to thy lady and mistress. I protest unto

thee,—


NURSE.

Good heart, and i’faith I will tell her as much. Lord, Lord, she will be

a joyful woman.


ROMEO.

What wilt thou tell her, Nurse? Thou dost not mark me.


NURSE.

I will tell her, sir, that you do protest, which, as I take it, is a

gentlemanlike offer.


ROMEO.

Bid her devise

Some means to come to shrift this afternoon,

And there she shall at Friar Lawrence’ cell

Be shriv’d and married. Here is for thy pains.


NURSE.

No truly, sir; not a penny.


ROMEO.

Go to; I say you shall.


NURSE.