Page:Romeo and Juliet (1917) Yale.djvu/15

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
Romeo and Juliet, I. i
3

when I have fought with the men, I will be cruel
with the maids; I will cut off their heads.

Gre. The heads of the maids? 28

Sam. Ay, the heads of the maids, or their
maidenheads; take in what sense thou wilt.

Gre. They must take it in sense that feel it.

Sam. Me they shall feel while I am able to
stand; and 'tis known I am a pretty piece of
flesh. 34

Gre. 'Tis well thou art not fish; if thou hadst,
thou hadst been poor John. Draw thy tool; here
comes two of the house of the Montagues. 37

Enter two other serving-men [Abraham and Balthasar].

Sam. My naked weapon is out; quarrel, I
will back thee.

Gre. How! turn thy back and run? 40

Sam. Fear me not.

Gre. No, marry; I fear thee!

Sam. Let us take the law of our sides; let
them begin. 44

Gre. I will frown as I pass by, and let them
take it as they list.

Sam. Nay, as they dare. I will bite my
thumb
at them; which is a disgrace to them, if
they bear it. 49

Abr. Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?

Sam. I do bite my thumb, sir.

Abr. Do you bite your thumb at us, sir? 52

Sam. [Aside to Gregory.] Is the law of our
side if I say ay?


31 sense: here, 'physical perception'
36 poor John: an inferior dried fish, hake
tool: weapon
42 marry: an oath from the name of S. Mary
43 take the law of our sides: have the law on our side
list: please
47 bite my thumb; cf. n.