ACT II.
Reading edition
PROLOGUE.
Enter Chorus.[393]
Chor. Now old desire doth in his death-bed lie,[394] And young affection gapes to be his heir; That fair for which love groan'd for and would die,[395] With tender Juliet match'd, is now not fair.[396] Now Romeo is beloved and loves again, 5 Alike bewitched by the charm of looks, But to his foe supposed he must complain, And she steal love's sweet bait from fearful hooks: Being held a foe, he may not have access To breathe such vows as lovers use to swear; 10 And she as much in love, her means much less To meet her new beloved any where: But passion lends them power, time means, to meet, Tempering extremities with extreme sweet.[397] [Exit.
Notes in this chapter
Note 1 · Act ii. Prologue. Enter Chorus. Chor.] Edd. Chorus. Qq Ff. Act ii. Scene i. Chorus. Rowe. Enter Chorus. Theobald.Note 2 · in] on Pope.Note 3 · for which] which Steevens (1793).] groan'd for] groned Q5. groan'd sore Rowe.Note 4 · match'd] match Q2.Note 5 · Tempering] Tempring Qq. Temp'ring F1. Temp'ting F2. Tempting F3 F4. [Exit.] Theobald. om. Qq Ff.