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What does the phrase "There stays a husband to make you a wife" mean?
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The phrase "There stays a husband to make you a wife" means that Romeo is waiting at Friar Lawrence's cell to marry Juliet. This line, spoken by the Nurse, indicates that Romeo's love for Juliet is genuine and not fleeting. Additionally, the phrase carries a sexual undertone, as Juliet blushes at the implication that marriage will lead to consummation. Thus, the Nurse hints at both the immediate marriage and its physical aspects.
Juliet has been waiting breathlessly for her nurse, who is acting as a go-between, to tell her whether it is possible to marry Romeo. The nurse comes in and, after stalling, asks Juliet if she has permission to go to confession ("shrift") that day. Juliet says yes, and the nurse gives her the following directions:
Then hie you hence to Friar Lawrence’s cell.
There stays a husband to make you a wife.
The Nurse speaks these words to Juliet, after her meeting with Romeo. She is referring to the Church of Saint Peter, where Romeo will meet Juliet the next day to marry her.
The phrase itself means literally: "Romeo will be waiting for you there [in the church] to marry you", thus confirming that the feelings he has for Juliet are not passing fancy, and the love he bears for her is real.
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