Cinna's Easy Plays from Shakespeare 3

ROMEO AND JULIET

SCENE 1

(Enter TYBALT and MERCUTIO, separately.)

Tybalt: Who are you ?

Mercutio: I am Mercutio.

Tybalt (angry) : Ah ! A friend of the Montagues, then.

Mercutio: Yes, and you ?

Tybalt: I am Tybalt.

Mercutio (angry) : You are a Capulet then, run to them !

Tybalt: Capulets do not run from Montagues.

Mercutio: Montagues do not waste their time with Capulets.

Tybalt (drawing sword) : Good. Then let us not waste time. Mercutio : Have you no friends ? I can hardly fight with only one Capulet.

Tybalt: Draw your sword !

(MERCUTIO draws sword.)

Tybalt: Capulets ! Come ! The Montagues are attacking us.

(2ND CAPULET enters.)

2nd Cap. What's the matter ?

Mercutio: That's better. I can fight with two of you.

(They fight. 2nd MONTAGUE enters.)

2nd Montague: A fight!

Mercutio: Yes. The Capulets are playing again.

3rd Capulet (Enters) : Look! Montagues !

3rd Montague (Enters) : Capulets again! Kill them !

( They fight. Enter CAPULET and LADY CAPULET in night clothes.)

Capulet: Another fight in the streets ! Where is my sword ?

(Enter MONTAGUE and LADY MONTAGUE in night clothes.)

Montague: There is old Capulet! He is starting another fight against us. Capulet! I will kill you this time.

Capulet (as LADY CAPULET holds him) : Let go of me. I must help my men.

Montague: You coward, Capulet. Come here and be killed.

Lady Montague: Are you mad ? Here comes the prince.

(Enter PRINCE of VERONA')

Prince: Stop ! Put down your swords. :

(MONTAGUES and CAPULETS are now all fighting; no one hears the prince.)

Prince: Silence ! Stop ! Do you hear me!

(All stop. Silence.) Montagues ! Capulets ! Fighting in the streets again ! This is the third time you have quarreled in public.

Mercutio: Tybalt started it.

Prince: I said silence. Old Capulet and Old Montague! You two old men fighting here like idiot boys ? This is enough. The next man who fights in our streets will die. My officers will hang every man who fights ! Do you understand me ?

Capulet: But . . . .

Prince: Capulet, come to my house and hear my anger. Montague, you come tomorrow and I will tell you more of my anger. Everybody, go home !

(Exit all but MONTAGUE, LADY MONTAGUE, MERCUTIO.)

Montague: Did Tybalt start this fight?

Mercutio: He did.

Lady Montague: But you were glad enough to take part ! You foolish boy ! Where is my son Romeo? I did not see him here.

Mercutio: He had no part in the fight.

Lady Montague: I'm glad to hear it.

Montague: Where is Romeo ?

Mercutio: He keeps away from me. He thinks only of his lover.

Lady Montague: Love is better than fighting. Mercutio, you should do the same as Romeo. Come, let's go home.

(Exit LADY MONTAGUE and MONTAGUE. Enter ROMEO.) ::

Mercutio: Good morning, cousin.

Romeo: Is the day so young ?

Mercutio: Yes, there is the first light of the sun.

Romeo: Was that my father just now ?

Mercutio: Yes, he asked where you were.

Romeo: I was alone.

Mercutio: Not with Rosaline ?

Romeo: No. She will not see me. All she says is No, No, No. I feel like death.

Mercutio: But love is happy.

Romeo: She refuses me her love. I try to meet her but she will not let me.

Mercutio: Tell me about Rosaline. I have never seen her.

Romeo: Shall I ? Maybe.

(Exit both talking.)

SCENE 2

(Enter CAPULET, SERVANT, PARIS.)

Capulet: The prince is very angry !

Paris: Why, sir ?

Capulet: The Montague family attacked my men yesterday, and the prince hates any trouble in Verona.

Paris: I can understand that.

Capulet: You are a stranger, Paris, so this family quarrel must seem foolish to you. :

Paris: I did not come here for that.

Capulet: True. Let us talk business. Juliet. My daughter Juliet is ready for marriage and I must find a husband for her. You are a fine young man of a fine old family. Will you see her ?

Paris: I long to see her.

Capulet: Good. Tonight you shall meet her. I am asking our friends to a little dance. You shall see her there. :

Paris: Thank you, Lord Capulet.

Capulet: Here are the names of my guests.

(Gives paper to SERVANT)Go to these people and ask them to come to supper at my house tonight.(to PARIS) Come, County Paris, and tell me more about yourself.

(Exit CAPULET and PARIS)

Servant: What's this ? Writing ? But I cannot read. The party is tonight, so I must learn quickly. A. B. C. and then...what? I think it is G.

(Enter MERCUTIO and ROMEO talking.)

Servant: H is bigger and J is smaller.

Mercutio: You are tormenting yourself, Romeo. If the girl will not see you, then forget her.

Romeo: How can I forget Rosaline ? ( Walks into SERVANT by mistake.) I beg your pardon, sir.

Servant: Good day, sir. Can you read ?

Romeo: Can I what ?

Servant: Can you read, sir ?

Romeo: Unhappily, yes.

Servant: Can you read anything you see ?

Romeo: If I know the language and the shape of the letters, yes, I can read.

Servant (peeved) : Oh, if you want to make a joke, I will go.

Romeo: Don't go. I will not joke, forgive me.

Servant: If you can read, then be kind enough to read this for me.

(Gives paper to ROMEO')

Romeo (reads) : Signor Martino and his wife and daughters. County Anselm and his beautiful sisters. The lady widow of Utruvio. Signor Placentio and his lovely nieces. Mercutio and his brother Valentine. That's you, Mercutio. My uncle Capulet, his wife and daughters. My fair niece Rosaline.

Mercutio: Rosaline !

Romeo: That's what it says. Rosaline and Livia. Signor Valentio and his cousin Tybalt.

Mercutio: Tybalt !

Romeo: Lucio and the lively Helena. A fine crowd of people you have on this list, my friend. What is it for?

Servant: My master is giving a party, and he invites these people.

Mercutio: I am Mercutio.

Servant: Then come tonight, sir, and also you, sir, unless you are a member of the Montague family.

Romeo: Then who is your master ?

Servant: The great rich lord Capulet.

Romeo: Lord Capulet !

Servant: Thank you for your help. Good day.

(Exit SERVANT)

Mercutio: So we are invited to enter the Capulet house.

Romeo: You are invited.

Mercutio: The servant also asked you.

Romeo: The man's a fool. He has no idea I am Romeo, the unhappy Montague.

Mercutio: But if you come, you will meet Rosaline, the lovely Capulet. :

Romeo: Yes ! I must come.

Mercutio: It will be dangerous.

Romeo: Surely it will be a masked party? I will wear a mask and no one shall know me.

Mercutio: Brilliant ! l

(Exit both.)

SCENE 3

(Enter LADY CAPULET and NURSE.)

Lady Capulet: Nurse, where is Juliet?

Nurse (shouting) : Juliet, Juliet, your mother is asking for you.

(Enter JULIET )

Nurse: I can't find her. I never know where that dear child hides herself. All these years I have been....

Juliet: You talk too much, dear nurse.

Nurse: Hurry child, hurry, Lady Capulet is waiting for you. There is to be a party and we have to prepare the house for the guests and I don't know how we can finish in time.

Capulet: Stop, nurse, this is enough. Go to the kitchen and see that the servants are working. This is a secret between Juliet and me. No. Don't go. Stay and give us your advice.

Nurse : Ah, yes. I can give a young girl all the advice she needs ! I may be old, but I have a good memory !

Juliet: Shhhhh ! Listen.

Lady Capulet: Yes. Now. Juliet, you, dearest child, are my only child, but you are no longer a child.

Juliet: What do you mean?

Lady Capulet: It is time to think of marriage.

Juliet: Marriage !

Lady Capulet: Marriage. Have you ever thought about it ?

Juliet: No, I have not. Just a little.

Nurse: I have ! Oh, I remember my husband, dead now, poor man. But that first night; He was a beast! A demon! He almost killed me ! How I loved him.

Lady Capulet: Nurse! Silence ! Now, Juliet, Your father wishes you to think about this, Tonight our friends will come to a dance here, Among them will be the County Paris. He is a fine young man, and we think he may be a good husband for you. Look at him tonight and tell us what you think.

Nurse : I remember... .

Lady Capulet: Nurse ! Go to the kitchen. Not a word, go. (Exit NURSE.) What do you think, child ?

Juliet: Must I marry him ?

Lady Capulet: Look at him carefully, and decide if marriage with him seems a good idea.

Juliet: I don't know what to say.

Lady Capulet: Of course not, dear, it is too soon.

(SERVANT enters.)

Servant (excited) : Madam, the guests are coming, supper is served, Juliet is asked for, the cook is cursing nurse, and nobody knows what to do. Please come at once !

Lady Capulet: Yes.

(Exit all but JULIET)

SCENE 4

(Enter CAPULET and guests.)

Capulet: Welcome, gentlemen, and welcome ladies. Music !

(Music plays.)Now, who can refuse to dance ? I am too old! But when I was young, I, too, wore a mask and said foolish things to young ladies.

Paris: They were surely wise things.

Capulet: Not so wise ; once I was young and foolish, and today... What shall I say? I am old and still rather foolish. Come along, everybody ; who will dance ?

(Music. Guests put masks over their face and dance together. PARIS and CAPULET stand on one side.)

Paris: Which is your daughter Juliet ?

Capulet: There.

Paris: Where ?

Capulet: Look.

Paris: Everybody is dancing. I don't know who you mean.

(Enter ROMEO secretively. He puts on a mask.)

Romeo: Rosaline. Rosaline ! She does not hear me.

Paris (to CAPULET) : I think that lovely girl there must be your daughter.

Capulet (to PARIS) : Yes, indeed. You have good eyes.

Paris: She is certainly a beauty.

(PARIS walks to JULIET and dances with her.)

Romeo (to SERVANT) : Who is that lady there ?

(He points to JULIET.)

Servant: I don't know.

Romeo: I don't know, either. But she is more beautiful than Rosaline. She teaches the lights how to shine. Surely, she belongs in the sky, like a star. She is too lovely to belong to this poor world. When they stop dancing I will speak to her.

Tybalt (hearing ROMEO) : Who is that man?

Servant: I don't know.

Tybalt (to CAPULET) : Who is that?

Capulet: Whom do you mean ?

Tybalt: That man in the mask.

Capulet: I really can't say.

Tybalt: I heard him. I think it is Romeo. The Montague.

Capulet: A Montague here ! Impossible.

Tybalt (angry) : I will talk to him, and if it is Romeo, I will... .

Capulet: No, you will not! This is a dance. I will permit no trouble here.

Tybalt: But I tell you it is Romeo !

Capulet: Come away. You always get excited,

Tybalt. I will talk to the fellow later on.

(CAPULET takes TYBALT's arm. The dance ends.)

Ladies and gentlemen, supper time. Please come to the next room. We must drink a health to our guest of honour, the County Paris.

Paris: Thank you.

Capulet: Come along then, supper time. (All go out, except ROMEO and JULIET. Both are wearing masks.)

Capulet (off) : Juliet, where are you ?

Juliet: I'm coming, father.

Romeo (to himself) : Juliet !

(He kisses her. She is very surprised.)

Juliet: Oh ! Who are you ?

Romio: Nobody. I am just a mask.

Juliet: I also am just a mask.

Romeo: Let me see.

(He removes JULIET'S mask. JULIET removes ROMEO's mask. They kiss again. Enter nurse.)

Nurse: Juliet ! Juliet! Your father is wondering where you are. (She sees them kissing.)

Oh; How beautiful ! I remember when I was young. .. .

Juliet (very embarrassed) : Nurse! Do stop !

Nurse: Your father ! Quick !

(Exit JULIET)

Romeo: Who is this lovely girl ?

Nurse: Don't you know? You seem quite friendly.

Romeo: Yes, yes, but who is she ?

Nurse: Her name is Juliet.

Romeo: And her family ?

Nurse: This is her father's house. !

Romeo: Then she is a Capulet!

Nurse: Right.

Romeo: I am a Montague. I love my enemy !

Nurse: You are a true Christian.

(Exit ROMEO. Enter JULIET.)

Juliet: Nurse!

Nurse: Go to your father.

Juliet: First, tell me who he is.

Nurse: I don't know.

Juliet: But you were talking to him. '

Nurse: You were kissing him.

Juliet: A girl likes to know the name of the man who kisses her.

Nurse: He is Tybalt.

Juliet: No, no, don't joke. Who is he? ,

Nurse: He is the County Paris.

Juliet: Stop teasing. What is his name ? Nurse : He is a Montague, and an enemy of your family.

Juliet: A Montague! Is he married? If he is married, my wedding will be my grave.

Capulet (off) : Juliet!

Nurse: Go to your father.

(Exit JULIET. Enter MERCUTIO and ROMEO separately.)

Mercutio: Romeo ! Hasn't Tybalt killed you yet ?

Romeo: No, but I think Juliet has.

Nurse (alone) : Romeo ? Hm.

(Exit NURSE. )

Mercutio: Juliet ? Capulet's daughter ?

Romeo: Maybe.

Mercutio: But you came to see Rosaline.

Romeo: I don't know any Rosaline.

Mercutio: You change fast enough ! Let's have some supper.

(Exit MERCUTIO.)

Romeo: You go and eat. I must see this girl again. Will she walk in this garden? Will she see this moon ?

(JULIET enters at an upper window.)

Romeo: Here comes the sun ! Juliet is the dawn. She leans her cheek upon her hand. I wish I were a glove to touch her face so.

Juliet (not seeing ROMEO) : Romeo ! Nurse says you are a Montague. Romeo, Romeo, why are you called "Romeo"? Change your name for me. You are a Montague, so take l another name. I am a Capulet, and I also will change my name.

Romeo (to himself) : Shall I talk to her ?

Juliet (to herself) : Your name is my enemy. You are yourself. What is Montague ? : It is not hand or foot or arm or face or any other part of a man. What's in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Oh, Romeo, take off your name, and instead put on me.

Romeo (to JULIET) : I will.

Juliet (surprised) : What, who are you ?

Romeo: I am the man with no name.

Juliet: Ah ! But you have a voice I know. I can't see you. Are you Romeo ?

Romeo: If you do not like my name, then I am not Romeo.

Juliet: Go home ! It is dangerous for you here. My cousin Tybalt suspects you are here, and he will kill you.

Romeo: No, for Juliet has already overthrown me. But if you smile, I will kill twenty Tybalts.

Juliet: They must not see you here.

Romeo: It is dark, so no one can see me

Juliet: If it is dark, then you cannot see me blush. Romeo, do you love me ? Just say yes. No more.

Romeo: I swear by the moon....

Juliet: By the moon? But the moon changes every month. That is a poor way to swear. :

Romeo: Then how shall I swear ?

Juliet: Do not swear. Just say Yes. Or if you must swear, swear by yourself, for you are the god of my idolatry. Good night.

Romeo: No, no, I am not going. '

Juliet: Yes, go home. This is the bud of love, so let us wait until it flowers in the summer.

Romeo: Can you leave me unsatisfied ?

Juliet: What satisfaction can you have tonight ?

Romeo: Give me the promise of your love.

Juliet: Silly boy ! I gave my promise before you asked.

Nurse (off) : Juliet. Juliet: The nurse is calling me. Wait for me, sweet Montague.

(Exit JULIET.)

Romeo: What a night! Am I dreaming? Perhaps I will wake up soon.

(Enter JULIET.)

Juliet: Three more words, dear Romeo, and then good night. If you wish to marry me, send me a message tomorrow.

Romeo: How ?

Juliet: I will send my Nurse to you. If you will marry me, then I will leave the Capulet family and follow you.

Nurse (off) : Madam.

Juliet: I come. Good-bye.

Romeo: Juliet !

Juliet: A thousand times good night.

(Exit JULIET. )

Romeo: A thousand times the worse How can I leave this place ?

(Enter JULIET)

Juliet: Romeo.

Romeo: Juliet.

Juliet: What time tomorrow can you meet my nurse ?

Romeo: At nine.

Juliet: It is twenty years till then. But I must wait. Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

(Exit JULIET.)

Romeo: Good night. But it is almost morning, I think I will go and talk to my old friend Friar Laurence. Juliet talks of marriage, and perhaps he will marry us in secret.

(Exit ROMEO.)

SCENE 5

(Enter FRIAR LAURENCE with basket of flowers. Enter ROMEO.)

Romeo: Good morning, Friar Lawrence.

Friar Laurence: Romeo ! You are very early. What time did you get up ?

Romeo: I have not yet been to bed.

Friar Laurence: No ? I suppose you have been with Rosaline, then.

Romeo: Rosaline ? Who is Rosaline ?

Friar Laurence: Have you forgotten Rosaline ?

Romeo: Almost, yes.

Friar Laurence: Good boy, I knew she was just a passing fancy of yours. Young fellows fall in and out of love at the drop of a hat.

Romeo: Marry me.

Friar Laurence: What ?

Romeo: Marry us.

Friar Laurence: If you have forgotten Rosaline. . . .

Romeo: Not Rosaline, Juliet.

Friar Laurence: Juliet!

Romeo: Juliet!

Friar Laurence: A Montague will marry a Capulet !

Romeo: Yes, today, and in secret.

Friar Laurence: This is too fast for me. I must have time to think.

Romeo: Do you refuse ?

Friar Laurence: No, I do not refuse. In fact I can see that a marriage between a Montague and a Capulet might end this quarrel between your two families. It might be a very good thing .

(Exit FRIAR LAURENCE.)

SCENE 6

(Enter MERCUTIO.)

Mercutio: Romeo. :

Romeo: Yes, who is it ?

Mercutio: Mercutio. Your father wants you.

Romeo: Why ?

Mercutio: He has received a letter from Tybalt.

Romeo: Why should Tybalt write to my father ?

Mercutio: Tybalt says you entered Capulet's house like a thief, and now he wants to fight you.

Romeo: Nonsense. I never fight. In any case, the prince does not allow it.

Mercutio: Tybalt intends to kill you.

Romeo: He is too late. Another Capulet has overwhelmed me.

Mercutio: Another Capulet? Which man is this ?

Romeo: A woman.

(Enter NURSE)

Mercutio: Is this your lover ? Good afternoon, my lovely madam.

Nurse: Is it afternoon, sir ?

Mercutio: It is. Look at the clock.

Nurse: Tell me, where can I find the Lord Romeo ?

Mercutio: Why look for Romeo when you can see me ? Am I not handsome ?

Nurse: Yes, but....

Mercutio: Then forget Romeo, and romance with me !

Romeo: Stop all this foolishness. I am here. what do you want, madam ?

Mercutio: She wants me.

(Put his arm round NURSE who screams with pleasure.)

Romeo: Mercutio, go home, this is serious.

Mercutio (to NURSE) : Meet me at midnight. We have much to discuss.

(Exit MERCUTIO.)

Nurse: Who is that saucy merchant, sir ? l

Romeo: That's Mercutio. Don't worry about him, though, he is just teasing you. Actually, he hates women.

Nurse: If he hates me, he shows it in a strange way. Now, the lady Juliet has sent me to you.

Romeo: Yes ?

Nurse: That Mercutio seems the very demon lover I dream of.

Romeo (impatient) : Never mind. What does Juliet say ?

Nurse: He has such a way with him.

Romeo (angry)) : Nurse! What does Juliet say?

Nurse: Let me speak please ! Now, the Lady Juliet, I have been with her all her life. I brought her into this world. All these years. . . .

Romeo: What does she want now?

Nurse: I'm trying to tell you.

Romeo: Will she marry me .

Nurse: Yes.

Romeo (quiet) : Very well. Tell her to meet me this evening at the house of Friar Lawrence. He will marry us in secret. Take this.

(Offers her money.)

Nurse: No!No! Not a penny!

Romeo: Take it.

Nurse: I cannot accept money

Romeo (putting money back in pocket) : As you wish.

Nurse: If you insist. . . .

(She takes the money.)

Romeo: Do you have a trusted man?

Nurse: Many !

Romeo: Send one man to the garden behind this house, in one hour. I will meet him, and give him a rope ladder.

Nurse: A rope ladder ? Why?

Romeo: Juliet's window is very high. She can throw out this ladder and so climb down to the garden.

Nurse: Very ingenious.

Romeo: Send the man in one hour.

Nurse: I will. This is all so sudden ! The County Paris comes to Verona to woo Juliet, and at the very same time she meets the Lord Romeo and agrees to marry him, and in secret ! My little Juliet ! (Exit ROMEO. NURSE does not notice.) You are a quick one and no mistake. All these years I have been preparing her for marriage. I have told her all about men, and their ways. Is she ready for marriage ? Is she not too young ? Where are you, sir ? (NURSE realises ROMEO has gone.) Well, that is a strange young man. Talk, talk, talk, that's all he does. I can hardly get a word in edgeways.

(Exit NURSE)

SCENE 7

(Enter JULIET.)

Juliet: Nurse, where are you ? You promised to return in half an hour. Three hours late ? In love, three hours is three days. (Enter NURSE, very hot and tired.) Nurse! What did Romeo say ? Tell me. Why do you look so strange ? Do you have bad news ? Tell me, tell me.

Nurse: Just a moment, just a moment! I have been running in the hot sun. Let me sit down. My feet are killing me.

(NURSE sits and takes off shoes.)

Juliet: What does Romeo say ?

Nurse: Let me get my breath. I cannot speak.

Juliet: If you say "I cannot speak," how can you speak ? Don't torment me. Does Romeo hate me ? Has he forgotten me ?

Nurse: My feet !

Juliet: Bother your feet !

Nurse: My head ! The sun is so hot !

Juliet: Nurse ! ,

Nurse: And then there is that pain in my back again.

Juliet: You bad old woman.... What does Romeo say ?

Nurse: Peace, child, let me speak, can't you ? Tonight, go to Friar Laurence.

Juliet: And there ?

Nurse: Become man and wife.

Juliet: Marry ?

Nurse: Marry.

Juliet (quiet) : Ah.

Nurse: Romeo is sending a rope ladder for you. You can use it to climb down from your window, and so escape through the garden without anyone seeing you.

Juliet: Oh, joy.

Nurse: Now we are late for dinner. Let's go and eat.

Juliet: I can't eat.

Nurse: You haven't been running all over Verona in the hot sun !

Juliet: Go and eat, nurse dear. I love you.

(JULIET kisses NURSE. Exit both.)

SCENE 8

(Enter FRIAR LAURENCE, JULIET and ROMEO.

They perform a marriage ceremony. Nobody speaks. All exit.)

SCENE 9

(Enter TYBALT and SERVANT.)

Tybalt: Did you take my letter to old Montague ?

Servant: I did, sir.

Tybalt: Where is the answer ?

Servant: He gave me no answer, sir. I think the Montagues are afraid of the Capulets.

Tybalt: No doubt. They have good reason to fear us. Romeo entered our house like a thief. In fact he spoke to Juliet !

Servant: He should pay for that.

Tybalt: He will.

(Enter MERCUTIO)

Servant: Here comes Mercutio. He is very friendly with the Montague family.

Tybalt: Yes, he is. (to MARCUTIO) Sir, do you not play with Romeo ?

Mercutio: Play? What do you mean? Tennis ? The piano ? Explain yourself.

Tybalt: I think you understand me. You are friends with Romeo, aren't you, Mercutio ?

Mercutio: Yes, Tybalt, I am. What of it ? I am his friend, and certainly not your friend.

(TYBALT draws sword.)

Mercutio: What's this ?

Tybalt: Go home, little man, and play with the Montague children.

Mercutio: This is a public street, and I will walk as I please.

Tybalt: Go home ! Run !

(MERCUTIO draws sword.)

Tybalt: A sword ! But the prince will not let us fight in the streets.

Mercutio: Let me pass.

Tybalt: Walk the other way.

Mercutio: No.

(TYBALT and MERCUTIO prepare to fight. Enter ROMEO.)

Romeo: Now what !

Mercutio: There is Tybalt, the prince of cats, and I am after one of his nine lives.

Romeo : Put down your sword, Mercutio. And you also, Tybalt. The prince will hang you if you fight here.

(TYBALT thrusts sword under arm of ROMEO and stabs MERCUTIO.)

Mercutio: Oh !

(He falls.)

Romeo: What's the matter ?

Mercutio: Tybalt stabbed me under your arm, I am dying. A plague on the Capulets. And a plague on the Montagues also. You stood in my way, Romeo.

Romeo: Are you hurt ?

Mercutio (sarcastic) : Oh, no, just a scratch. : Why did you walk between us, Romeo. A plague on both your houses. (Mercutio dies.)

Romeo: He is dead.

Tybalt: He only waits for you Romeo.

(TYBALT and ROMEO fight. TYBALT is killed.)

Servant: Dead ! You have killed Tybalt!

Romeo: What bad luck for him, and for me.

(Exit ROMEO. Enter PRINCE and others.)

Prince: Another fight ? Capulets and Montagues again ?

Servant: The fight is over, sir.

Prince: Who is this ?

Servant: Mercutio.

Prince: Dead ?

Servant: Yes .

Prince: And who killed him ?

Servant: Tybalt.

Prince: Then, where is Tybalt ?

Servant: That is his body, there.

Prince: Is Tybalt also dead ?

Servant: Yes, sir.

Prince: Who killed Tybalt ?

Servant: Romeo killed Tybalt.

Prince: Romeo ! And where is he?

Servant: He ran away.

Prince: He can continue to run. Montague !

Montague: Sir ?

Prince: Your son Montague has killed Tybalt. and has run away. If he returns I will have him hanged. ,

Montague: You mean.. . .

Prince: I mean Romeo is banished. I clearly said there was to be no more fighting in the streets of Verona. Romeo has done so. and killed Tybalt. ,

Montague: Show mercy to him. sir.

Prince: Mercy but murders. pardoning those that kill. Take away these bodies. Go home everybody.

Montague: But. . . .

Prince: Go home. old man.

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SCENE 10

(Enter JULIET)

Juliet: It will soon be dark. I can climb out of the window and go to Romeo.

(Enter NURSE.)

Juliet: Nurse, have you brought the ladder?

Nurse: Dead! Dead!

Juliet: Dead? What do you mean?

Nurse (weeping) : He is dead. Everything is finished. Murdered.

Juliet: He is murdered !

Nurse: Yes.

Juliet: Who murdered him ?

Nurse: Romeo.

Juliet: Romeo !

Nurse: Yes.

Juliet: Then Romeo is alive ?

Nurse: Yes.

Juliet: But who did Romeo kill ?

Nurse: I keep telling you. Tybalt.

Juliet: Romeo murdered Tybalt !

Nurse: Yes. Romeo, a murderer, a villain, a deceiver. All men are the same. They are all always taking advantage of us poor women.

Juliet: Romeo! A killer? He seemed the very opposite. So, he is a wicked saint, an honourable villain.

Nurse (takes bottle of whiskey from pocket and drinks) : He is false.

Juliet: No. I was wrong. I was wrong to think him wrong.

Nurse: The prince has banished him.

Juliet: No!

Nurse: Oh, yes.

Juliet: Where are my father and mother? ,

Nurse: They are with the body of Tybalt.

Juliet: Take away this ladder. I shall not need it. An hour ago I was a bride; now I am a widow.

Nurse: No, go to your room, I will find Romeo.

Juliet: Is he in Verona, then?

Nurse: Yes. He is hiding with Friar Lawrence.

Juliet: Before he leaves Verona, tell him to come and say goodbye to me. I will wait at my window for you tonight, Romeo.

(Exit JULIET and NURSE)

SCENE 11

(Enter FRIAR LAURENCE')

FriarLaurence : Romeo !

Romeo (off): Yes ? Who is it?

Friar Laurence: It's me. Come out.

Romeo (off): Is it safe ?

Friar Laurence: Yes, of course, come out.

(ROMEO enter.)

Friar Laurence: I have just come from the Prince.

Romeo: Does he know about Tybalt?

Friar Laurence: He knows about Tybalt, and he knows you killed him.

Romeo: I didn't mean to kill him.

Friar Laurence: That's not the point. The prince has banished you.

Romeo: You mean I cannot stay in Verona?

Friar Laurence: Right. If you stay here he will have you hanged. You must therefore leave Verona secretly, as soon as possible.

Romeo: But this is my wedding day. I cannot live without Juliet.

Friar Laurence: If you stay here with her, you will certainly die. The first thing is to leave Verona. Go to Mantua and stay with a friend of mine.

Romeo: Who ?

Friar Laurence: I will tell you. Stay there in secret. I will send you messages, and we will arrange for you and Juliet to meet us soon as : it is safe.

Romeo: This plan is impossible.

Friar Laurence: There is no other possibility.

Romeo: Friar, you are too old ! You cannot understand my love for Juliet.

Friar Laurence: Are you mad ?

Romeo: Yes, perhaps I am. Cats, dogs and mice can live in Verona but Romeo can not. A fly may settle on Juliet's hand but Romeo may not touch it.

(Sound of knocking.)

Friar Laurence: Quick. Hide.

Romeo: I will not hide. If it is the prince's men, let them come here and kill me.

Friar Laurence: Come in.

(Enter NURSE)

Friar Laurence: Who is it ?

Nurse: I am Juliet's nurse.

Friar Laurence: Ah, yes, of course, come in.

Nurse: The lady Juliet has sent me to find Romeo. Do you know where he is ?

Friar Laurence: There.

Nurse: Where ?

Friar Laurence: Look.

Nurse: Just like Juliet! Crying like a child ! Stand up, Romeo. Are you a man?

Romeo: How is Juliet? Does she hate me?

Nurse: She weeps. She hardly talks.

Romeo: Does she say nothing?

Nurse: She weeps , then she cries “Tybalt", then weeps again and cries "Romeo".

Romeo: Poor Juliet, she hates the name of Romeo. Tell me, Friar, where is my name . I will cut it off. Here? Or here?

(He holds dagger to his body)

Nurse: No! :

(Snatches dagger from him.)

Friar Laurence: Control yourself, Romeo. Pull yourself together, do.

Nurse: Juliet wants to say good-bye to you.

Romeo: I will go!

Friar Laurence: Very well, go with the nurse to Juliet's house, then but be careful ! No more fighting in the streets, you understand ?

Romeo: Yes.

Friar Laurence: Then you must leave Verona before dawn. Go to Mantua and wait for my message. I will send Friar John with a letter as soon as I can.

Romeo: Thank you, good Friar. Forgive my ill manners. Good-bye. :

(Exit all.)

SCENE 12

(Enter CAPULET, LADY CAPULET and PARIS.)

Capulet: I'm sorry, County Paris. Your visit to us has been unhappy. Our Cousin Tybalt was murdered by that scoundrel Romeo from the Montagues. Now Juliet is so unhappy she can do nothing but cry.

Paris: I understand the shock.

Capulet: Yes, it has been a shock for us all. Tonight Juliet is in her room.

Lady Capulet: She won't come out.

Paris: Of course not.

Lady Capulet: Tomorrow she will feel better.

Capulet: She loved her Cousin Tybalt. Perhaps if she married soon she would forget her sorrow.

Lady Capulet: Yes, that's probably true.

Capulet: We'll discuss it tomorrow.

Paris: Thank you, good night.

Capulet: Will you go to Juliet now ?

Lady Capulet: Yes.

Capulet: Then tell her we will have the wedding this week. What is today ? Tuesday, is it ?

Paris: Yes, Tuesday. '

Capulet: Then Wednesday will be too soon. How about Thursday ?

Paris: Thursday ?

Capulet: Thursday. Will you marry Juliet on Thursday ?

Paris: I wish it were Thursday tomorrow.

Capulet: Tomorrow would be too soon. Wife, tell Juliet her wedding will be on Thursday. Now, to bed, everybody. Good night.

All: Good night.

(Exit all.)

SCENE 13

(Enter JULIET and ROMEO at upper window.)

Romeo: Good-bye.

Juliet: Must you go ?

Romeo: I have stayed too long. It is nearly morning.

Juliet: Good-bye then, dear husband.

Romeo: As soon as I reach Mantua, I will send you a message.

Juliet: I will be waiting for it.

Nurse (entering) : Madam.

Juliet: Yes ?

Nurse: Your mother is coming.

Juliet: Coming here ?

Nurse: Yes.

Juliet: How strange.

Romeo: I must hurry. Good-bye, dear wife.

Juliet: Good-bye, my love lord, my husband, friend.

(ROMEO climbs down from window and exit. Enter LADY CAPULET.)

Juliet: Mother !

Lady Capulet: Are you awake ?

Juliet: I have not been to sleep.

Lady Capulet: Poor girl. You are thinking about Tybalt.

Juliet: Tybalt ?

Lady Capulet: There, there, I understand.

Juliet: Poor, dear Tybalt. I always liked him.

Lady Capulet: I know you did. As children you always played together. But his killer :is still free.

Juliet: Oh ?

Lady Capulet: Yes. Romeo of the Montagues. The prince has banished him from Verona, but he will not escape me.

Juliet: You!

Lady Capulet: Yes, indeed. I shall send a man to find him. He has poison to give Romeo.

Nurse: Poison for Romeo !

Lady Capulet: Poison for the killer of our dear Tybalt.

Juliet: Good ! Revenge ! How I hate Romeo !

Lady Capulet: Don't worry, dear, Tybalt will be revenged.

Juliet: Good.

Lady Capulet: You are a true Capulet. Now, listen, I have good news for you. Today you cry for Tybalt. But on Thursday your happiness begins.

Juliet: What happiness ?

Lady Capulet: Your father has agreed to the marriage.

Juliet (surprised) : Father has agreed ?

Lady Capulet: He has.

Juliet: Well, that's a surprise.

Lady Capulet: You are happy?

Juliet: Of course, mother dear.

(JULIET kisses mother. )

Lady Capulet: You are a lucky girl. He is a fine man.

Juliet: I think so.

Lady Capulet: And the Country Paris is a lucky man, also.

Juliet (surprised) : The County Paris !

Lady Capulet: Yes. He will make you a fine husband, but I think he can find no better wife than my Juliet.

Juliet (hysterical) : No.

Lady Capulet (surprised) : No ?

Juliet:I will never marry the County Paris.

Lady Capulet: You just said you wanted to.

Juliet: I will never marry Paris. If I marry, I will marry Romeo.

Lady Capulet: Romeo !

Juliet: Yes. Romeo. I love Romeo.

Lady Capulet: You have never spoken to Romeo !

Juliet: Yes, I have, and if you want to know the whole truth....

(Enter CAPULET )

Capulet: Everybody up and talking ? Have you told her the news, wife ?

Lady Capulet (to JULIET) : Here is your father. Tell him yourself.

Capulet: My poor Juliet. I see how nervous and pale you are. You are thinking of Tybalt. Poor fellow, but he is dead.

Lady Capulet: I wish Juliet were dead.

Capulet: Wife !

Lady Capulet. Juliet refuses to marry Paris.

Capulet: Refuses !

Juliet: Yes, I refuse.

Capulet: Young lady, you will marry Paris next Thursday. You will walk to the ceremony or I will drag you there by the hair!

Juliet (very softly) : I am too young. I cannot marry. I beg you to excuse me. Let me explain.

Capulet (angry) : Explain ! There is nothing to explain. Marry Paris on Thursday or never enter my house again. You may starve in the streets, but I shall not acknowledge you as my daughter.

Nurse: You are wrong, my lord, there is a reason.

Capulet: And now another troublesome woman ? Out ! Go ! Get out of here !

Nurse: I am speaking the truth.

Capulet: Leave this room, you old witch.

Nurse: Let me say one thing.

Capulet: Silence !

Lady Capulet: Husband, you are boiling over.

Capulet: What, you too ! Three mad women Juliet. On Thursday you marry Paris. I have found you the best husband in Italy. Paris is young, honourable and of an excellent family. Change your foolish ideas . (He mimics JULIET) " I am too young. ! I cannot marry. I beg you to excuse me." Thursday is the day. Marry then or die. You may choose as you wish.

(Exit CAPULET.)

Juliet: Mother, mother, listen to me. Make father wait a week or a month, and then you will understand everything.

Lady Capulet: Don't talk to me. I have finished with you.

(Exit LADY CAPULET.)

Juliet: Nurse, help me. What can I do! I married Romeo, and now I have to marry again. Nobody will listen to me. What shall I do ?

Nurse: Your father is right. You should marry Paris.

Juliet: How can I ? I am Romeo's wife.

Nurse: It was a secret marriage and nobody knows. Tell nobody. Romeo has gone. We shall never see him again. Forget him.

Juliet (amazed) : Are you joking ?

Nurse: This is the wisest thing you can do.

Juliet: I see. I'll go to Friar Laurence again. Tell my father and mother where I am, please. (Exit NURSE.) You faithless friend, you evil woman. First you urge me to marry Romeo, and now you urge me to forget him. I shall never confide in you again. I will see what Friar Laurence has to say.

(Exit JULIET.)

SCENE 14

(Enter FRIAR LAURENCE and PARIS separately.)

Paris: Friar Laurence ?

Friar Laurence: Yes ?

Paris: I am Paris. I have come from the lord Capulet.

Friar Laurence: How do you do ?

Paris: Capulet has given me the hand of his daughter, Juliet.

Friar Laurence: Juliet?

Paris: Yes. can you marry us on Thursday ?

Friar Laurence: Let me think. What does Juliet say ? ,

Paris: I'm not sure. She is weeping for her dead Cousin Tybalt.

Friar Laurence: Well, surely, this is hardly the time to marry.

Paris: Her father and mother think it might help her.

Friar Laurence: I see.

Paris: What do you say ?

(Enter JULIET.)

Friar Laurence: I'm not sure what to say. Well well ! Here is the lady in question.

Paris: Juliet ! My lovely wife.

Juliet: Not yet, my lord.

Paris: No, not for two more days.

Juliet: Perhaps .

Paris: Perhaps is a cold reply.

Juliet: I am not hot, sir.

Paris (offended) : Do you hate me then ?

Juliet: I have no reason to hate you.

Paris: Then do not cry.

Juliet: I do not cry for you.

Paris: Tybalt is dead.

Friar Laurene: County, let me speak with the lady Juliet.

Paris: Of course. Till Thursday. Good-bye.

(Exit PARIS)

Juliet: Shut the door. Weep with me, Friar. This is past all hope. Past cure. Past help.

Friar Laurence: Your father wishes you to marry on Thursday ?

Juliet: It's impossible ! You married me to Romeo two days ago.

Friar Laurence: It's a problem.

Juliet: You helped to make the problem, so you must help us solve it. What shall I do ?

Friar Laurence: I must think.

Juliet: Hurry, hurry. I shall kill myself. My mother wants me dead.

Friar Laurence: No, no, you are excited.

Juliet: What do you expect ? What can I do ?

Friar Laurence: The situation is very serious, so we must take very serious measures. Here is a bottle. It contains a powerful drug. Drink this tonight, and for two days your body will be frozen as if in death.

Juliet: Death !

Friar Laurence: No, but for two days you will seem dead. The County Paris will see you and know he cannot marry you. Your body will be laid in the grave, and when the others have gone home, I will come to you.

Juliet: And Romeo ?

Friar Laurence: I'll send him a message, and after Friday you can secretly go away together.

Juliet: Very well . Give me the bottle. I will drink it.

Friar Laurence: No, no, not yet. I will write a letter to Romeo and explain everything. Now go and sleep.

(Exit JULIET.)

Friar Laurence: Friar John !

(FRIAR LAURENCE takes paper and writes letter. Enter FRIAR JOHN.)

Friar John: Yes, brother.

Friar Laurence: Brother, take this letter to Mantua as fast as you can, and find Romeo. Here is the address, do you understand ?

Friar John: Yes.

Friar Laurence: Then hurry, hurry, hurry.

(Exit both.)

SCENE 15

(Enter CAPULET, LADY CAPULET, NURSE, SERVANTS ; confusion.)

Capulet: Here. Ask these people to come to the marriage of Juliet and the County Paris tomorrow (SERVANT takes paper and exit.) Hire me twenty cunning cooks. Tomorrow our child will marry and we shall have the finest feast ever seen in Verona. (Exit another SERVANT.) So Juliet has gone to see the good Friar ?

Nurse: She has, My Lord.

Capulet: Good, he may knock some sense into her head. The wild, self-willed child !

(Enter JULIET.)

Nurse: Back again ! And looking very merry!

Juliet (Kneels by father) : Father, the Friar told me to ask your pardon.

Capulet: Good girl.

Juliet: In future, I will do as you say.

Capulet: That's the spirit! Now let's forget our quarrel and prepare for your wedding. Send for Paris and tell him to prepare.

Juliet: I have just seen him, and he knows.

Capulet: Capital !

Juliet: Nurse, will you help me with my wedding dress ?

Nurse: Of course.

(Exit JULIET and NURSE)

Capulet: You see, wife? Everything is going to be all right. You must always be firm with children.

Lady Capulet: It's a great relief.

Capulet: Now for the preparations.

Lady Capulet: There is not enough food.

Capulet: Leave that to me. You go and help Juliet with her dress. I will order the supplies. I am so happy about Juliet, I will not go to bed tonight.

(Exit both. Enter JULIET at upper window.)

Juliet: Yes, this is better. What do you think?

Nurse (Looks at dress.) : Perfect. You look like an angel.

(Enter LADY CAPULET')

.Juliet: Do you like this, mother ?

Lady Capulet: It's just right. Shall I stay and help you put it on?

Juliet: No, no, everything is done. I must sleep. I feel so tired.

Lady Capulet: Yes, dear, you need a good night's rest.

Juliet: Good night.

Nurse: Good night.

(Exit NURSE and mother.)

Juliet: Good night. And when shall we meet again? I do not know. I must take this " drug, and sleep until Friday. Or, is it poison? The Friar is in a difficult position and perhaps intends to kill me. Well, perhaps death is the best thing for me. (JULIET drinks from bottle, and lies on bed. Fully dressed for wedding.)�Oh, I feel strange ! Am I dead or alive? Who is this ? Tybalt ! His sword in his hand ! He looks for Romeo. Romeo, be careful ! He will murder you ! Romeo ! Romeo ! (She collapses. A pause. Enter LADY CAPULET and NURSE, down stage, not seeing JULIET.)

Lady Capulet: Nurse, take these keys and fetch the cooks more spices.

Nurse: They also need dates and quinces.

Capulet (Enters) : Hurry ! Hurry ! Bustle! Bustle! The night is almost ended. Have the cooks finished the meat yet?

Nurse: Oh, I don't know. Fuss, fuss, fuss. Go and get some sleep, old Capulet.

Capulet: I never felt better, I don't need any sleep today. My daughter will soon marry !

(Enter SERVANTS carrying food; one dish is a peacock with feathers erect.)

Capulet: Splendid. Into the next room, with it. Quick, quick; quick.

(Exit SERVANTS and LADY CAPULET.)

Capulet: Nurse, go and wake Juliet. She must get ready.

Nurse: No, it is too early.

Capulet: No, it's not too early. Go and wake her.

(Exit CAPULET. NURSE walks to upper stage. JULIET is on the bed, partly obscured by a curtain, perhaps.)

Nurse (to JULIET) : Juliet ! Juliet! Wake up. This is your wedding day.

(NURSE opens curtains fully and touches JULIET)

Nurse: Sound asleep. Not a word. Juliet! How strange. Madam! What's this ? Help. Lord Capulet !

(Enter LADY CAPULET')

Lady Capulet: What's the matter, Nurse ?

Nurse: Look.

Lady Capulet: Juliet. Is she dead ? Juliet!

(Enter CAPULET')

Capulet: Come along, you women. Time is flying. Isn't Juliet up yet?

Lady Capulet: Quiet, husband. Look here.

Capulet (Looks at JULIET) : What does this mean?

Nurse: Here is a bottle.

Capulet: Poison. She is dead.

Lady Capulet: Her hand is cold. :

(All weep. Enter PARIS and FRIAR LAURENCE.)

Paris: Good morning, it will soon be time for the wedding.

Friar Laurence: Is everybody ready to go ?

Capulet: Yes, she is ready to go, but she will never return.

Paris: Why do you say so .

Capulet: Here is your bride, Paris.

Paris: Dead ?

Capulet: Death is her husband, and death is my new son. Death will be heir to the house of Capulet.

(All weep but FRIAR LAURENCE.)

Friar Laurence: Peace. She is in heaven, and heaven is the happier for her. Let us carry her to church. She wears her wedding dress, not for the County Paris, but for her ancestors. The dead Capulets are waiting to receive her.

(Exit all carrying JULIET)

SCENE 16

(Enter BALTHASAR)

Balthasar: Romeo ! Romeo !

Romeo (off) : Yes? Who is it?

Balthasar: Balthasar. I have just come from Verona.

Romeo (Entering) : Balthasar! I am glad to see you. How is Juliet ? What's the news from Verona ? What does the prince say ? Tell me Juliet is lovelier than before.

Balthasar: Juliet is well, and nothing can be ill. She sleeps with her ancestors, and her immortal part is with the angels. Forgive me. I have brought you the worst news.

Romeo: Is this so ? :

Balthasar: I t is .

Romeo: Then I must return to Verona.

Balthasar: No ! no ! The Prince has said you will die if you return.

Romeo: I return to die, but not by the Prince's hand. Go to your house and wait. I will come in a minute. (Exit BALTHASAR. ROMEO stamps on the floor.) Here is the shop I need. Wake up, man!

Apothecary (Enters) : Who are you ? What do you want ?

Romeo: Do you know what this is ?

(Gives him money.)

Apothecary: Yes. Gold.

Romeo: Do you like gold ?

Apothecary: Yes.

Romeo: Give me poison, something to kill instantly .

Apothecary: Very well.

(Gives bottle to ROMEO.)

Apothecary: Drink this, and death follows in ten seconds.

Romeo: Ten seconds? Ten seconds? That is too long to wait until I join my Juliet again. I am coming, Juliet! Wait for me !

(Exit both separately.)

SCENE 17

(Enter FRIAR JOHN)

Friar John: Friar Laurence ?

Friar Laurence (off) : Who is it ?

Friar John: It is me.

Friar Laurence: Who is "me" ?

Friar John: John.

Friar Laurence (Entering) : You are back from Mantua, then ? Good. How is Romeo ?

Friar John: I could not find Romeo. Here is your letter.

(Gives letter to FRIAR LAURENCE.)

Friar Laurence: Why is this ?

Friar John: There is sickness in Mantua. People are dying, and others are leaving the city. I could not enter.

Friar Laurence: Then where is Romeo ?

Friar John: I have no idea.

Friar Laurence: What shall I do ? Juliet will awake soon. (Exit FRIAR JOHN.) I will go to Juliet and explain what has happened.

(Exit FRIAR LAURENCE.)

SCENE 18

(Enter PARIS with flowers.)

Paris: Juliet. I have come to say good-bye. (PARIS opens the curtain at upper stage. We see JULIET lying on top of tomb. Candles burn in four corners. PARIS puts flowers near JULIET, then kneels in silence. Outside there is a noise.)

Paris: What's this ? Thieves in the tomb ? I will hide here and see what they do.

(PARIS hides. Enter ROMEO and BALTHASAR.)

Romeo: Balthasar, take this letter to my father. Tomorrow, see that he gets it. I must see Juliet now. Go.

Balthasar: Go, Romeo ?

Romeo: Yes, go. I wish to be alone with Juliet.

(Exit Balthasar. )

Romeo: So many tombs ! Here are all the dead Capulets for centuries, but where is Juliet ?

(ROMEO finds JULIET and looks at her.)

Paris: Are you Romeo ?

Romeo (surprised) : Who are you ?

( They stand on opposite side of JULIETS body, looking at each other.)

Paris: Why are you in the Capulet's tomb ?

Romeo (quietly) : Please go away. I have some business here.

Paris: Business with the dead ? Are you mad ?

(PARIS draws sword. )

Romeo: A sword ! What's this for ?

Paris: Go away! This is a sacred place. You are the murderer of Tybalt. Get out!

Romeo: I will stay !

Paris: Go !

( They fight. PARIS falls.)

Paris: You have killed me, Romeo.

(PARIS dies.)

Romeo: Who is this man ? Juliet. Yes, it is true. You are dead. But how did you die ? It is not important now. Wait for me, I come, Juliet, I come.

(ROMEO drinks from bottle, kisses JULIET and dies. Pause. Enter FRIAR LAURENCE.)

Friar Laurence: Quick, quick. Juliet! Are you awake yet ? Blood ? Bodies ! Who is this ? Paris ! Romeo ! Whatever has happened ?

Juliet (waking) : Where am I ? (She sits up, sees FRIAR but not dead bodies.) Friar ! I am happy to see you. Where is my Romeo ?

Friar Laurence: Come with me. Hurry. Quick.

Juliet: Yes, of course, I will come. But tell me, where is Romeo ?

Friar Laurence: I will explain. Come this way. Please.

Juliet: It is so dark here, I can hardly see. Give me your hand.

Friar Laurence: Here.

(JULIET and FRIAR LAURENCE start to leave. JULIET now sees bodies.)

Juliet: What's this !

Friar Laurence: Come, come. I will explain outside. The air here is very bad.

Juliet: Paris ! Romeo !

Friar Laurence: Come !

Juliet: No, I will stay here.

Friar Laurence: I dare not stay. come. This is an evil place. I do not know what to do. Come, Juliet,

(Exit FRIAR LAURENCE.)

Juliet: Romeo. A bottle in his hand. Poison, I suppose. It is empty ! Wait for me, Romeo ! Perhaps his lips keep some for me. Romeo, give me your precious poison.

(She kisses ROMEO. Noise outside.)

Juliet: Romeo, I come.

(JULIET take ROMEO's dagger and stabs herself. Her body falls on his. PRlNCE and others enter.)

Prince: Juliet! Romeo ! Paris ! All dead ! What does this mean?

Montague: My son ! (Goes to body of ROMEO.)

Capulet: Juliet! (Goes to body of JULIET.)

Prince: Who killed them ?

Friar Laurence: I killed them.

Prince: You, Friar Laurence ?

Friar Laurence: I tried to help, but my foolishness led to this.

Capulet: She was to marry Paris.

Friar Laurence: Three days ago I married Juliet to Romeo.

Montague: Romeo married Juliet ?

Friar Laurence: Yes.

Capulet: No one told me.

Friar Laurence: It was a secret.

Prince: Why was their marriage a secret?

Friar Laurence: They feared the anger of their fathers. The Montagues and Capulets have long been quarrelling.

Prince: They have long been fighting in the streets.

Capulet: Tybalt died this week.

Montague: Mercutio also died.

Friar Laurence: They loved and wished to marry. I thought perhaps their marriage would end the family quarrel. If I am wrong, then punish me. I thought I acted wisely.

Prince: The family quarrel has brought death to Romeo and Juliet. What do you say. old men, is the quarrel finished, or do you have other children to sacrifice ? ,

Capulet: Brother, give me your hand.

Montague: Yes. The family war must end.

Prince: Montague and Capulet, you have paid a terrible price for peace. Verona's streets are bloody and shameful. Here her two finest children can love only in death. Let us learn from them to live as wisely as we can.

l * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ROMEO AND JULIET

PLACE : Italy

TIME: Uncertain

ACTORS : I 3 boys, 4 girls

PEOPLE IN THE PLAY

THE PRINCE OF VERONA

CAPULET

LADY CAPULET, his wife

JULIET, their daughter

TYBALT, their cousin

NURSE to JULIET

MONTAGUE

LADY MONTAGUE, his wife

ROMEO, their son

MERCUTIO

PARIS

FRIAR LAURENCE

FRIAR JOHN

BALTHASAR

several Servants

This play needs a stage with two levels. There is