Monologue

Friar Lawrence Monologue from Romeo and Juliet

From Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

male · contemplative · 1:28 min

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Holy Saint Francis! What a change is here! Is Rosaline, that thou didst love so dear, So soon forsaken? Young men’s love then lies Not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes. Jesu Maria, what a deal of brine Hath wash’d thy sallow cheeks for Rosaline! How much salt water thrown away in waste, To season love, that of it doth not taste. The sun not yet thy sighs from heaven clears, Thy old groans yet ring in mine ancient ears. Lo here upon thy cheek the stain doth sit Of an old tear that is not wash’d off yet. If ere thou wast thyself, and these woes thine, Thou and these woes were all for Rosaline, And art thou chang’d? Pronounce this sentence then, Women may fall, when there’s no strength in men. (ROMEO: Thou chidd’st me oft for loving Rosaline.) For doting, not for loving, pupil mine. (ROMEO: And bad’st me bury love.) Not in a grave To lay one in, another out to have.

About this piece

Friar Lawrence reflects on Romeo's sudden shift in affections from Rosaline to Juliet, expressing confusion and concern over the nature of young love.

30s · confusion · love · betrayal · identity

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