Romeus goes masked with other five; when they unmask, he retires to a nook, but is recognised by the torches' light. (165–182.)
The Capilets restrain their ire. (183–190.)
He views the ladies; sees one more beautiful than the rest; and quite forgets his former love. Juliet's eyes anchor on him. Love shoots her with his bow. Their eyes inform them of mutual love. (191–244.)
After a dance, Juliet finds Romeus seated by her:
And on the other side there sat one cald Mercutio,
A courtier that eche where was highly had in pryce:
For he was coorteous of his speche, and pleasant of devise.
Even as a Lyon would emong the lambes be bolde:
Such was emong the bashfull maydes, Mercutio to beholde.
With frendly gripe he ceasd fay re Juliets snowish hand:
A gyft he had that nature gave him in his swathing band.
That frosen mountayne yse was never halfe so cold
As were his handes.
The lovers' hands meet, palm to palm. Romeus cannot speak; Juliet calls the time of his arrival blessed, and then is silent with love; presently they are able to discourse, and Romeus declares his passion. (245–308.)
Juliet, before leaving Romeus, confesses that (her honour saved) she is his. (309–318.)
Romeus learns her name; blames Fortune and Love; but he now serves one who is not cruel. (319–340.)
Juliet, inquiring first concerning others, learns from her old Nurse her lover's name:
And tell me who is he with vysor in his hand
That yender doth in masking weede besyde the window stand.
His name is Romeus (said she) a Montegewe.
Juliet inwardly despairs, but keeps up an outward show of gladness. She cannot sleep, and questions with
