A pun in act one of romeo and juliet

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"soles" and "soul"

An explanation of the pun on “soul” and “soles” in Act 1, Scene 4 of myShakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Romeo

Give me a torch; I am not for this ambling. Being but heavy, I will bear the light.

Mercutio

Nay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance.

Romeo

Not I, believe me. You have dancing shoes With nimble soles. I have a soul of lead So stakes me to the ground I cannot move.

Mercutio

You are a lover; borrow Cupid's wings, And soar with them above a common bound.

Romeo plays on the similar sound of sole and soul. First, he refers to the nimble soles of shoes. Then he contrasts those nimble soles with his "soul of lead," which weighs him down because of his lovesickness.