Verona. Friar Laurence's Cell.
 Enter FRIAR JOHN.

Friar John	Holy Franciscan Friar! Brother, ho!

                          Enter FRIAR LAURENCE.

Friar
Laurence	This same should be the voice of Friar John.
	Welcome from Mantua! What says Romeo?
	Or, if his mind be writ, give me his letter.

Friar John	Going to find a barefoot brother out,
	One of our order, to associate me
	Here in this city visiting the sick,
	And finding him, the searchers of the town,
	Suspecting that we both were in a house
	Where the infectious pestilence did reign,
	Sealed up the doors and would not let us forth,
	So that my speed to Mantua there was stayed.

Friar
Laurence	Who bare my letter, then, to Romeo?

Friar John	I could not send it, here it is again,
	Nor get a messenger to bring it thee,
	So fearful were they of infection.

Friar
Laurence	Unhappy fortune! By my brotherhood,
	The letter was not nice, but full of charge
	Of dear import, and the neglecting it
	May do much danger. Friar John, go hence;
	Get me an iron crow and bring it straight
	Unto my cell.

Friar John					Brother, I'll go and bring it thee.
											[Exit.
Friar
Laurence	Now must I to the monument alone.
	Within this three hours will fair Juliet wake;
	She will beshrew me much that Romeo
	Hath had no notice of these accidents.
	But I will write again to Mantua,
	And keep her at my cell till Romeo come.
	Poor living corse, closed in a dead man's tomb!
											[Exit.
