Page:Romeo and Juliet (Dowden).djvu/232



described 1–12.

The houses of Capelet and Montagew; their strifes; to allay which Prince Escalus uses first gentle means, and then sterner. (25–50.)

Romeus, a beautiful youth, loves a fair maid, but she, being wise and virtuous, repels him. (51–72.)

After many months of hopeless love, he desires to cure himself by travel; yet cannot resolve upon it:

He languisheth and melts awaye, as snow against the sonne. His kyndred and alyes do wonder what he ayles. (73–100.)

The trustiest of his friends rebukes him, and advises him to love a kinder mistress:

Some one of bewty, favour, shape, and of so lovely porte: With so fast fixed eye, perhaps thou mayst beholde: That thou shalt quite forget thy love, and passions past of olde. (101–140.)

Romeus promises to attend feasts and banquets, and to view other beauties. (141–150.)

Before three months pass, Christmas games begin, and Capel gives a banquet:

No Lady, no knight in Verona But Capilet himselfe hath byd unto his feast: Or by his name in paper sent, appoynted as a geast. (151–164.)