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All Site ContentRomeo and JulietAct 2Scene 2
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"bud of love"
Metaphor
Act 2,
Scene 2
Lines 116-122

An explanation of the “bud of love” metaphor in Act 2, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Juliet

Well, do not swear. Although I joy in thee,
I have no joy of this contract tonight.
It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden,
Too like the lightning, which doth cease to be
Ere one can say 'It lightens.' Sweet, good night.           
This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath,
May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.

In this metaphor, Romeo and Juliet's sudden love is like an emerging flower bud, which will blossom into a beautiful flower with time.