Speech Analysis (Nurse Speech)

Act 2 Scene 5 (Page 109)

Nurse (Original version):

Then hie you hence to Friar Laurence' cell;
There stays a husband to make you a wife:
Now comes the wanton blood up in your cheeks,
They'll be in scarlet straight at any news.
Hie you to church; I must another way,
To fetch a ladder, by the which your love
Must climb a bird's nest soon when it is dark:
I am the drudge and toil in your delight,
But you shall bear the burden soon at night.
Go; I'll to dinner: hie you to the cell.

Nurse (modern version):

Then hurry to Friar Lawrence’s room;

There is a husband waiting to make you his wife:

Now you blush,

You would have red cheeks at any news of Romeo.

Hurry to church; I am headed in another direction,

To find a rope ladder, by which Romeo may climb to your room tonight

I must fetch and carry for you,

But you shall bear his weight tonight.

 Go; I’ll eat lunch: Hurry to Friar Laurence’s room.