Scene Two
[Verona. Friar Laurence's Cell]
Enter Friar John.
Fri. J. Holy Franciscan friar! brother, ho!
Enter Friar Laurence.
Fri. L. This same should be the voice of Friar John.
Welcome from Mantua: what says Romeo?
Or, if his mind be writ, give me his letter. 4
Fri. J. Going to find a bare-foot brother out,
One of our order, to associate me,
Here in this city visiting the sick,
And finding him, the searchers of the town, 8
Suspecting that we both were in a house
Where the infectious pestilence did reign,
Seal'd up the doors, and would not let us forth;
So that my speed to Mantua there was stay'd. 12
Fri. L. Who bare my letter then to Romeo?
Fri. J. I could not send it, here it is again,
Nor get a messenger to bring it thee,
So fearful were they of infection. 16
Fri. L. Unhappy fortune! by my brotherhood,
The letter was not nice, but full of charge
Of dear import; and the neglecting it
May do much danger. Friar John, go hence;
Get me an iron crow, and bring it straight 21
Unto my cell.
Fri. J. Brother, I'll go and bring it thee.
Exit.
Fri. L. Now must I to the monument alone;
6 associate: accompany
8 searchers: health officers
12 stay'd: stopped
18 charge: importance
21 crow: crowbar
