Friar John enters, bringing with him the letter that he was to have delivered to Romeo. He tells why he was unable to deliver the letter. Friar Lawrence anxiously goes to the tomb to be there when Juliet comes out of her trance.
Enter Friar John.
FRIAR JOHN 2824Holy Franciscan friar, brother, ho!
Enter ⌜Friar⌝ Lawrence.
FRIAR LAWRENCE 2825This same should be the voice of Friar John.— 2826Welcome from Mantua. What says Romeo? 2827Or, if his mind be writ, give me his letter. FRIAR JOHN 28285Going to find a barefoot brother out, 2829One of our order, to associate me, 2830Here in this city visiting the sick, 2831And finding him, the searchers of the town, 2832Suspecting that we both were in a house 283310Where the infectious pestilence did reign, 2834Sealed up the doors and would not let us forth, 2835So that my speed to Mantua there was stayed.
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FRIAR LAWRENCE 2836Who bare my letter, then, to Romeo? FRIAR JOHN 2837I could not send it—here it is again— ⌜Returning the letter.⌝ 283815Nor get a messenger to bring it thee, 2839So fearful were they of infection. FRIAR LAWRENCE 2840Unhappy fortune! By my brotherhood, 2841The letter was not nice but full of charge, 2842Of dear import, and the neglecting it 284320May do much danger. Friar John, go hence. 2844Get me an iron crow and bring it straight 2845Unto my cell. FRIAR JOHN 2846Brother, I’ll go and bring it thee.He exits. FRIAR LAWRENCE 2847Now must I to the monument alone. 284825Within this three hours will fair Juliet wake. 2849She will beshrew me much that Romeo 2850Hath had no notice of these accidents. 2851But I will write again to Mantua, 2852And keep her at my cell till Romeo come. 285330Poor living corse, closed in a dead man’s tomb! He exits.
