Aphorism

This aphorism turns physical movement into a lesson about decision-making: rushing increases the likelihood of a damaging mistake. It follows Romeo’s line ending in “haste”. Their “haste”/“fast” rhyme binds Romeo’s impatience to the Friar’s caution, giving the warning the final word.

This aphorism turns physical movement into a warning about decision-making. Running suggests haste; stumbling suggests avoidable failure. Its placement at the scene's end gives caution the final word, but Laurence has already agreed to a marriage that very day.