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[Enter LORENZO and JESSICA]. LORENZO: The moon shines bright. In such a night as this, When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees, And they did make no noise- in such a night, Troilus methinks mounted the Troyan walls, And sigh'd his soul toward the Grecian tents, Where Cressid lay that night. JESSICA: In such a night Did Thisby fearfully o'ertrip the dew, And saw the lion's shadow ere himself, And ran dismayed away. LORENZO: In such a night Stood Dido with a willow in her hand Upon the wild sea-banks, and waft her love To come again to Carthage. JESSICA: In such a night Medea gathered the enchanted herbs That did renew old AEson. LORENZO: In such a night Did Jessica steal from the wealthy Jew, And with an unthrift love did run from Venice As far as Belmont. JESSICA: In such a night Did young Lorenzo swear he lov'd her well, Stealing her soul with many vows of faith, And ne'er a true one. LORENZO: In such a night Did pretty Jessica, like a little shrew, Slander her love, and he forgave it her. JESSICA: I would out-night you, did no body come; But, hark, I hear the footing of a man.
[Enter STEPHANO]. LORENZO: Who comes so fast in silence of the night? STEPHANO: A friend. LORENZO: A friend! What friend? Your name, I pray you, friend? STEPHANO: Stephano is my name, and I bring word My mistress will before the break of day Be here at Belmont; she doth stray about By holy crosses, where she kneels and prays For happy wedlock hours. LORENZO: Who comes with her? STEPHANO: None but a holy hermit and her maid. I pray you, is my master yet return'd? LORENZO: He is not, nor we have not heard from him. But go we in, I pray thee, Jessica, And ceremoniously let us prepare Some welcome for the mistress of the house.