No Fear Shakespeare: Romeo And Juliet: Act 1, scene ii

Enter CAPULET, County PARIS, and PETER, a servant

CAPULET enters with County PARIS, followed by PETER, a servant.

	CAPULET
	But Montague is bound as well as I,
	In penalty alike. And 'tis not hard, I think,
	For men so old as we to keep the peace.

CAPULET

(continuing a conversation) But Montague has sworn an oath just like I have, and he's under the same penalty. I don't think it will be hard for men as old as we are to keep the peace.

	PARIS
	Of honorable reckoning are you both.
5	And pity 'tis you lived at odds so long.
	But now, my lord, what say you to my suit?

PARIS

You both have honorable reputations, and it's too bad you've been enemies for so long. But what do you say to my request?

	CAPULET
	But saying o'er what I have said before.
	My child is yet a stranger in the world.
	She hath not seen the change of fourteen years.
10	Let two more summers wither in their pride
	Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride.

CAPULET

I can only repeat what I've said before. My daughter is still very young. She's not even fourteen years old. Let's wait two more summers before we start thinking she's ready to get married.

	PARIS
	Younger than she are happy mothers made.

PARIS

Girls younger than she often marry and become happy mothers.

	CAPULET
	And too soon marred are those so early made.
	Earth hath swallowed all my hopes but she.
15	She's the hopeful lady of my earth.
	But woo her, gentle Paris, get her heart.
	My will to her consent is but a part.
	An she agreed within her scope of choice,
	Lies my consent and fair according voice.
20	This night I hold an old accustomed feast,
	Whereto I have invited many a guest
	Such as I love. And you among the store,
	One more, most welcome, makes my number more.
	At my poor house look to behold this night
25	Earth-treading stars that make dark heaven light.

CAPULET

Girls who marry so young grow up too soon. But go ahead and charm her, gentle Paris; make her love you. My permission is only part of her decision. If she agrees to marry you, my blessing and fair words will confirm her choice. Tonight I'm having a feast that we've celebrated for many years. I've invited many of my closest friends, and I'd like to welcome you and add you to the guest list. At my humble house tonight, you can expect to see dazzling stars that walk on the ground and light the sky from below.