Capulet.
Welcome ye gents, ye ladies, welcome too!
In spite of corns I'll dance a bout with you.—

(Fiddles play, the dancers arrange themselves in order and dance jigs.)

Romeo. (Tipsy.)
—Dear cousin Ben, see you that young girl there,
Talking to yonder buck with ginger hair?

Benvolio. (Tipsy.)
—Cousin, the fascinating maid I see.

Romeo.
Faith, I'll soon make her have a chat with me.

(Rising from cards.) Tibalt.
—I know that voice! by George 'tis Romeo's!
He's no right here,—therefore I'll pull his nose.

Capulet.
Now don't,—Zounds, Sir! you'll put me in a stew,
If you insult my guests.—

Romeo. (To Juliet.)
—Miss, how d'ye do?
Will you permit me just to kiss your cheek?

Juliet.
No sir, I won't, and if you're rude, I'll shriek.

Romeo.
Madam, don't take me for a saucy rip;
If not your cheek, pray let me kiss your lip.

Juliet.
Now you talk sense; sir, I prefer the latter.

Romeo. (Aside.)
—O what a bonny lass! so here's have at her (Kisses her.)
Miss Juliet, say—was not that kiss delightful?
Come answer yes,—I hope you'll not be spiteful.

Juliet.
I own I like your form and red complexion.

Romeo.
Then one kiss more, if you have no objection. (Kisses her.)

Nurse.
Madam, your mother wants you.

Benvolio.
Who is she?

Nurse.
Why madam Capulet,—who should she be?

Benvolio.
Romeo, let's brush; I've ta'en my fill of Port,
And shrewdly guess we shall have no more sport.

Romeo.
So much the worse;—my dearest dear, good night. (To Juliet.)

Juliet.
Adieu, sweet rake!

Romeo.
Farewell my heart's delight! [Exeunt Romeo and Benvolio.

Capulet. (Calling after them.)
—Nay, gentlemen, now don't so soon depart,
But stay and sup on goose and apple tart. (To the company.)
—They will not stay, but guests, I hope you will:
Come; smoke a pipe with me and drink your fill;
I've bought two kegs of gin, and paid the bill. [Exeunt Capulet and Guests.

Juliet.
Who is that buck in pink that now did go?

Nurse.
The son and heir of old Tiber'—Heigh-ho! (Sleepy)

Juliet.
And who is he that gave my lips a buss?

Nurse.
Why Romeo, and there'd be a pretty fuss
If Master knew't.

Juliet.
If he be mar-ri-ed,
A horse-pond soon will be my wedding bed.
O that same Romeo is a handsome fellow!

Nurse.
True, but he swiped himself and got quite mellow

Juliet.
He's not to blame, though drunk as any swine:
For my old dad mixed brandy with the wine.

Nurse.
Nay, don't pretend, Miss, to excuse his sin;
After the wine he dosed himself with gin.

Juliet.
That's a mere trifle: let us join the throng,
And talk of Romeo as we pass along. [Exeunt.

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