Page 3240 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

ACT V IT

Scene I IT

Enter Romeo.

ROMEO

If I may trust the flattering truth of sleep
My dreams presage some joyful news at hand.
My bosom’s lord sits lightly in his throne
And all this day an unaccustom’d spirit
Lifto me above the ground with cheerful thoughts. [5]
I dreamt my lady came and found me dead -
Strange dream that gives a dead man leave to think! -
And breath’d such life with kisses in my lips
That I reviv’d and was an emperor.
Ah me, how sweet is love itself possess’d [10]
When but love’s shadows are so rich in joy.

Enter Balthasar, Romeos man, booted.
News from Verona! How, now Balthasar,
Dost thou not bring me letters from the Friar?
How doth my lady? Is my father well?
How doth my Juliet? That I ask again, [15]
For nothing can be ill if she be well.

BALT HASAR

Then she is well and nothing can be ill.
Her body sleeps in Capels’ monument,
And her immortal part with angels lives.
I saw her laid low in her kindred’s vault [20]
And presently took post to tell it you.
O pardon me for bringing these ill news,
Since you did leave it for my office, sir.

ROMEO