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All Site ContentRomeo and JulietAct 1Scene 4
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"measure"
Wordplay
Act 1,
Scene 4
Lines 1-8

An explanation of Benvolio’s wordplay on the word “measure” in Act 1, Scene 4 of myShakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

[Enter Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio, along with several other partygoers on their way to Lord Capulet’s house for a masquerade, a formal costume party. Several are carrying lanterns suspended on poles to light their way.]

Romeo

What, shall this speech be spoke for our excuse?
Or shall we on without apology?

Benvolio

The date is out of such prolixity.
We'll have no Cupid hoodwinked with a scarf,
Bearing a Tartar's painted bow of lath,
Scaring the ladies like a crow-keeper;
But let them measure us by what they will,
We'll measure them a measure and be gone.

Benvolio takes advantage of several meanings of the word “measure” to engage in a bit of wordplay. The other guests can measure (judge) them however they want; Benvolio and his friends will measure (grant) the women guests a measure (dance).