Romeo had been in a good mood all morning. He’d had a dream that he was about to receive some good news. He was lighthearted and he walked through the streets of magic feeling that his feet weren’t touching the ground.
His dream was that Juliet had found him dead. And although it was a strange dream that allowed a dead man to think and feel, she had brought him back to life with her kisses and made him as happy as a king. He smiled as he walked. It just showed how wonderful the real thing was if even dreams about love could make you feel so good.
Wasn’t that his man, Balthazar, coming down the street? It was. It must be good news from Verona.
“Balthazar,” he said. “Have you got a letter from the Friar? How’s my wife? And my father? Is he alright?” Romeo did a little jig, dancing round his servant. “How’s Juliet? I’m asking that because if she’s well then everything is wonderful.”
Balthazar said nothing. He stared at the ground, avoiding Romeo’s eyes. Romeo stopped his dancing. Balthazar was crying.
“She’s well. So nothing can be wrong.” said Balthazar. He turned his back on Romeo and blurted, “ Her body’s sleeping in Capulet’s tomb and her soul’s among the angels.”
Romeo felt cold, even in that terrible heat. He expressed his doubt about his servant’s words.
“I watched them putting her in their family vault (墓穴),” said Balthazar, “and then came straight to you.” He saw the pain in Romeo’s face and wished he could think of some way of cheering him up.
“It can’t be!” said Romeo at last. He turned away. “The stars are against us. But I won’t give in to them!” He turned back to Balthazar. “Go and get me some paper and ink and hire us some horses.”
“I beg of you, sir,” said Balthazar, “be careful. You’re so sad and I ’m worried that something bad is going to happen.”
“You’re wrong, said Romeo.” “Just do as I tell you. Haven’t you got a letter from the Friar?”
“No.”
“It doesn’t matter. Go and get the horses. I’ll see you later.”
-----Adapted from Remeo and Juliet
22. What does the underlined word “lighthearted” mean in the first paragraph?
A.Happy. | B.Worried. | C.Angry. | D.Nervous |
23. How did Romeo reply to Balthazar’s news?
A.He was worried that Balthazar was too tired. | B.He couldn’t believe it. |
C.He knew what happened already. | D.He didn’t care about it. |
24. Which do you think will happen next?
A.Romeo is excitedly going back with his servant Balthazar. |
B.Romeo will ride his horse to the angels to take Juliet back. |
C.Romeo is going to visit the place where Juliet lived. |
D.Romeo is going to the Friar’s home to cheer Juliet up. |