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All Site ContentRomeo and JulietAct 1Scene 4
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"lie"
Pun
Act 1,
Scene 4
Lines 48-50

Explanation of a pun on the word "lie" in myShakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Act 1, Scene 4.

Romeo

I dreamt a dream tonight.

Mercutio

                                               And so did I.

Romeo

Well, what was yours?

Mercutio

                                     That dreamers often lie.

Romeo

In bed asleep — while they do dream things true.             

After Mercutio says that dreamers often lie, Romeo responds that yes, that’s true, they “lie” in their beds — having dreams that don’t “lie.”