Page:Los bandos de Verona, Montescos y Capeletes.pdf/30

 HE second act opens with one of those confidences (usual on the Spanish stage at that period) between master and servant. Romeo discusses with the Gracioso his plan for elopement with Julia, and secures the aid and good offices of the servant, who thus moralizes aside:—

How much requital do all masters make For that good help a servant can assure them? I dare not play him false. This colt is skittish. Keep your eyes open: to-day I see his heel, To-morrow I the kicks may chance to feel.

The Gracioso, addressing his master, advises caution, and Romeo replies—

So much precaution Shows but the faintness of your heart, methinks.

To which the Gracioso replies—

What gains a man by meddling in the strife? A water-bearer's daughter for a wife. Those blustering fellows who from morn to night Would make you think they only live to fight. I stabbed him to the heart, I stopp'd his breath, I fought all three til every one found death.