You are here

"if I know the letters"
Wordplay
Act 1,
Scene 2
Lines 61-64

An explanation of the phrase “if I know the letters” in Act 1, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Servant

But, I pray, can you read any thing you see?

Romeo

Ay, if I know the letters and the language.

Servant

Ye say honestly. Rest you merry!

Romeo

Stay, fellow; I can read.

In his response to the servant, Romeo means "Yes, I can read in a language that I know." But the servant thinks that he doesn't "know his letters," that is, that he can't read. So he starts to go on his way until Romeo calls him back, assuring him that he can read.