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xxxvi
INTRODUCTION
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Romeo is thy husband; I am that Romeo, |
| Jul. | I know that voice—Its magic sweetness wakes My tranced soul—I now remember well Each circumstance—Oh my lord, my husband— [Going to embrace him. Dost thou avoid me, Romeo? let me touch Thy hand, and taste the cordial of thy lips You fright me—speak—Oh let me hear some voice Besides my own in this drear vault of death, Or I shall faint—support me— |
| Rom. | Oh I cannot, I have no strength, but want thy feeble aid. Cruel poison! |
| Jul. | Poison! what means my lord; thy trembling voice! Pale lips! and swimming eyes! death's in thy face! |
| Rom. | It is indeed—I struggle with him now— The transports that I felt to hear thee speak, And see thy op'ning eyes, stopt for a moment His impetuous course, and all my mind Was happiness and thee; but now the poison Rushes thro' my veins—I've not time to tell— Fate brought me to this place—to take a last, Last farewel of my love, and with thee die. |
| Jul. | Die? was the Friar false! |
| Rom. | I know not that— I thought thee dead: distracted at the sight, (Fatal speed) drank poison, kiss'd thy cold lips, And found within thy arms a precious grave— But in that moment—Oh— |
| Jul. | And did I wake for this! |
| Rom. | My powers are blasted, 'Twixt death and love I'm torn—I am distracted! But death's strongest—and must I leave thee Juliet! Oh cruel cursed fate! in sight of heav'n— |
| Jul. | Thou rav'st—lean on my breast— |
| Rom. | Fathers have flinty hearts, no tears can melt 'em. Nature pleads in vain—Children must be wretched— |
| Jul. | Oh my breaking heart— |
| Rom. | She is my wife—our hearts are twin'd together— Capulet forbear—Paris, loose your hold— |
