SCENE II. _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, 10 Seal'd up the doors and would not let us forth, So that my speed to Mantua there was stay'd.

_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; 20 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, clos'd in a dead man's tomb! [_Exit._