Beneath the cedars by the orchard wall
We did agree, upon a certain day
That she, evading all, should come
Alone to church, while I prepared
Should hold Aurelio to our cause,
And that good friar join our hands,
And bless our wedded hopes.
I used such prudence in mine act
As to induce Aurelio to agree;
Though with strong words he did oppose,
And even begg'd with tears.
Julia with her maid did come
To yonder chapel, with pretence of shrift;
Aurelio with myself were there;
And having learn'd our wondrous love,
Did join our hands, and bless us.
Anselmo. What moonstruck madness hast thou caught?
Roselo. Denying us, he saw much chance
Of feeding feuds and nursing noxious hate,
Destruction to Verona's peace. For had we fled,
Or had I held by force, her name and rights
And mine had been in danger of a thousand ills.
And so we wedded were.
Anselmo. Better hadst thou said, Roselo,
That death had been thy bride;
I see no chance of less, when all be known.
Roselo. With heaven's good help it shall not be.
Anselmo. 'Tis folly to speak thus, for when
Thou passest down the street by day,
Or seekest thy lady's lattice in the dark,
Or e'en within those holy walls do kneel,
Thou temptest death at every step from Castelvines' steel.
G
