Rom. Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee
Doth much excuse the appertaining rage 68
To such a greeting; villain am I none,
Therefore farewell; I see thou know'st me not.
Tyb. Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries
That thou hast done me; therefore turn and draw. 72
Rom. I do protest I never injur'd thee,
But love thee better than thou canst devise,
Till thou shalt know the reason of my love:
And so, good Capulet, which name I tender 76
As dearly as my own, be satisfied.
Mer. O calm, dishonourable, vile submission!
Alla stoccata carries it away. [Draws.]
Tybalt, you rat-catcher, will you walk? 80
Tyb. What wouldst thou have with me?
Mer. Good king of cats, nothing but one of
your nine lives, that I mean to make bold withal,
and, as you shall use me hereafter, dry-beat the
rest of the eight. Will you pluck your sword
out of his pilcher by the ears? make haste, lest
mine be about your ears ere it be out.
Tyb. [Drawing.] I am for you. 88
Rom. Gentle Mercutio, put thy rapier up.
Mer. Come, sir, your passado. [They fight.]
Rom. Draw, Benvolio; beat down their weapons.
Gentlemen, for shame, forbear this outrage! 92
Tybalt, Mercutio, the prince expressly hath
Forbidden bandying in Verona streets.
Hold, Tybalt! good Mercutio!
74 devise: think
76 tender: regard
79 Alla stoccata: with the thrust, i.e., the blusterer
84 dry-beat: thrash
86 pilcher: scabbard (of leather)
ears: hilt
94 bandying: fighting
