Unless good counsel may the cause remove.
Benvolio
My noble uncle, do you know the cause?
Montague
I neither know it nor can learn of him.
Benvolio
Have you importun’d him by any means?
Montague
Both by myself and many other friends;
But he, his own affections’ counsellor,
Is to himself-I will not say how true-
But to himself so secret and so close,
So far from sounding and discovery,
As is the bud bit with an envious worm
Ere he can spread his sweet leaves to the air,
Or dedicate his beauty to the sun.
Could we but learn from whence his sorrows grow,
We would as willingly give cure as know.
Enter Romeo.
Benvolio
See, where he comes. So please you step aside;
I’ll know his grievance or be much denied.
Montague
I would thou wert so happy by thy stay
To hear true shrift. Come, madam, let’s away,
[Exeunt Montague and Lady Montague.]
Benvolio
Good morrow, cousin.
Romeo
Is the day so young?
Benvolio
But new struck nine.
Romeo
Ay me, sad hours seem long.
Was that my father that went hence so fast?
Benvolio
It was. What sadness lengthens Romeo’s hours?
Romeo
Not having that which, having, makes them short.
Benvolio
In love?
Romeo
Out.
Benvolio
Of love?
Romeo
Out of her favour where I am in love.
Benvolio
Alas that love so gentle in his view,
Should be so tyrannous and rough in proof.