Page:Romeo and Juliet (Dowden).djvu/234

190 herself, May not Romeus be false? But treason cannot lurk in a shape so perfect. She will love him, if he mind to make her his lawful wedded wife, for the alliance may procure the houses' peace. (341–428.)

Morning comes; Romeus passes, and sees Juliet at her window; but is wary of danger. This happens often. He discovers a garden-plot fronting full upon her leaning place. Thither, when night has spread her black mantle, he goes armed; but for a week or two in vain. One moonlight night Juliet leans within her window, and espies him. She rejoices even more than he, for she could not account for his absence by day. She is alarmed for his safety:

Oh Romeus (of your lyfe) too lavas sure you are: That in this place, and at thys tyme to hasard it you dare. What if your dedly foes my kynsmen saw you here?

He answers that he can defend himself, and loves life only for her sake. Weeping, her head leaning on her arm, she tells her love, and promises that, if wedlock be his end and mark, she will follow him wherever he may go; but if he intends her dishonour, let him cease his suit. Romeus rejoices, and says he will seek advice early tomorrow from Friar Lawrence. (429–564.)

The Friar is described:

The barefoote fryer gyrt with cord his grayish weede, For he of Frauncis order was, a fryer as I reede. The secretes eke he knew in natures woorkes that loorke.

Romeus, not staying till the morrow, goes to him. He advises delay, but, hoping to reconcile the houses by the marriage, is overcome. Romeus consents to the delay of a day and a night. (565–616.)

Juliet's confidante is the ancient Nurse, who lies in her chamber, and whose aid she secures by promised hire. The Nurse goes to Romeus: