Mojo, The Bard, & Me

 Today’s Totally Random Lines

 

That book in many’s eyes doth share the glory,

That in gold clasps locks in the golden story;

So shall you share all that he doth possess,

By having him, making yourself no less.

 

Lady Capulet

Romeo and Juliet       Act I, Scene iii, Line 95

This is early on in the play. Romeo and Juliet have yet to lay eyes on each other. Here, Juliet’s mother is telling the young girl about Paris, who has expressed an interest in Juliet. The mother is asking the daughter how she feels about marrying Paris. Juliet’s reply?

I’ll look to like, if looking liking move:

But no more deep will I endart mine eye

Then your consent gives a strength to make it fly.

That’s a little confusing, but I think it sounds like she’s game for Paris, doesn’t it? But what the heck is that first line? I’ll look to like, if looking liking move: I’ll take a look at him with the hope of liking what I see? Is that it? I think that’s it. Then she’s saying that she’ll go no further with Paris than her mother gives her consent to. But it sounds like her mother is already giving that consent, and more. I think she’s referred to Paris as a golden story, hasn’t she? Juliet’s just trying to hedge her bets. And good thing, too, because her golden story’s not going to be named Paris.

The best laid plans of mice and Lady Capulet go oft awry.

Mice?  Did somebody say Mice?