An explanation of what a cordial is in myShakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Act 5, Scene 1.
Romeo
Come, cordial and not poison, go with me
To Juliet's grave, for there must I use thee.
[Exit]
In Shakespeare’s day, a cordial referred to any medicine that stimulates the heart. For Romeo, taking the apothecary’s poison to be with the deceased Juliet will further stimulate his love for her.
