Act IV, Scene 2

Hall in Capulet’s house

[Enter CAPULET, LADY CAPULET, Nurse, and two Servingmen]

Capulet - So many guests invite as here are writ.

[Exit First Servant]

Sirrah, go hire me twenty cunning cooks.

Second Servant - You shall have none ill, sir; for I'll try if they can lick their fingers.

Capulet - How canst thou try them so?

Second Servant - Marry, sir, 'tis an ill cook that cannot lick his own fingers: therefore he that cannot lick his fingers goes not with me.

Capulet - Go, be gone.

[Exit Second Servant]

We shall be much unfurnished for this time. What, is my daughter gone to Friar Laurence?

Nurse - Ay, forsooth.

Capulet - Well, he may chance to do some good on her: A peevish self-will'd harlotry it is.

Nurse - See where she comes from shrift with merry look.

[Enter JULIET]

Capulet - How now, my headstrong! where have you been gadding?

Juliet - Where I have learn'd me to repent the sin Of disobedient opposition To you and your behests, and am enjoin'd By holy Laurence to fall prostrate here, And beg your pardon: pardon, I beseech you! Henceforward I am ever ruled by you.

Capulet - Send for the county; go tell him of this: I'll have this knot knit up to-morrow morning.

Juliet - I met the youthful lord at Laurence' cell; And gave him what becomed love I might, Not step o'er the bounds of modesty.

Capulet - Why, I am glad on't; this is well: stand up: This is as't should be. Let me see the county; Ay, marry, go, I say, and fetch him hither. Now, afore God! this reverend holy friar, Our whole city is much bound to him.

Juliet - Nurse, will you go with me into my closet, To help me sort such needful ornaments As you think fit to furnish me to-morrow?

Lady Capulet - No, not till Thursday; there is time enough.

Capulet - Go, nurse, go with her: we'll to church to-morrow.

[Exeunt JULIET and Nurse]

Lady Capulet - We shall be short in our provision: 'Tis now near night.

Capulet - Tush, I will stir about, And all things shall be well, I warrant thee, wife: Go thou to Juliet, help to deck up her; I'll not to bed to-night; let me alone; I'll play the housewife for this once. What, ho! They are all forth. Well, I will walk myself To County Paris, to prepare him up Against to-morrow: my heart is wondrous light, Since this same wayward girl is so reclaim'd.

[Exeunt]