Romeo and Juliet 

 
ACT I 
PROLOGUE:  
Two households, both alike in dignity, 
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, 
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, 
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. 
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes 
A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life; 
Whose misadventure piteous overthrows 
Do with their death bury their parents' strife. 
The fearful passage of their death-marked love, 
And the continuance of their parents' rage, 
Which, but their children's end, nought could remove, 
Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage; 
The which if you with patient ears attend, 
What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend. 
SCENE I. Verona. A public place. 
Background people fighting 
Enter BENVOLIO 
BENVOLIO 
Hey! ‘Stop that! Put your guns away! You don’t know what you’re doing! 
Beats down their guns 
Enter TYBALT 
TYBALT 
Fancy finding you fighting with servants. Why don’t you pick on a man?  
When Benvolio ignored him, he pointed his gun at young Montague, he said dramatically: 
Turn, and face your death. 
BENVOLIO 
Turns 
Forget it, Tybalt.  
He shrugged the end of the young Capulet’s gun from his shoulder. 
I’m trying to keep the peace. Put your weapon away. Or use it to help me part these men. 
 
TYBALT 
What? A gun in your hand and talking about peace? Don’t make me laugh. I hate that word. Just as I hate
all Montagues. And especially you! 
He made a lunge at Benvolio, forcing him to turn and defend himself. 
They fight 
Enter CAPULET, and LADY CAPULET 
CAPULET 
What noise is this? Give me my gun! 
 
LADY CAPULET 
Don’t be absurd, you need a crutch, more like it. What would you do with a gun? 
 
CAPULET 
My gun, I say!  
 
Enter MONTAGUE and LADY MONTAGUE 
MONTAGUE 
You villain, Capulet! Come out and fight like a man.  
Lady Montague was pulling him back, trying to calm him down. 
Let go, Leave me alone. Come on, Capulet! Come on, then! 
 
LADY MONTAGUE 
Stop it, ‘I won’t let you fight. What do you think you’re doing? At your age! 
 
Just as Montague broke loose from his wife’s grasp and was rushing to meet Capulet, who had answered
his challenge by coming out to the piazza, there was the furious brassy sound of trumpets – dozens of
them. 
Enter PRINCE, with Attendants 
Attendants holds Benvolio and Tybalt 
PRINCE 
This is the third time that you, Capulet, and you, Montague, have disturbed the tranquility of our city and
obliged the elders of Verona to make peace between you, it seems it hasn’t worked. You are both so
blighted with hatred. So, this is what I’m going to order. If you ever disturb our streets again, you’ll pay for
it with your lives. 
 
A murmur went up among the crowd. 
Exeunt all but MONTAGUE, LADY MONTAGUE, and BENVOLIO 
 
LADY MONTAGUE 
O, where is Romeo? Have you seen him today? 
Right glad I am he was not at this fray. 
 
BENVOLIO 
Benvolio smiled. 
‘I think he’s avoiding me. I couldn’t sleep last night, and I got up early before dawn. I went for a walk – to
the sycamore grove on the outskirts of the city.  
And he was there. I called him but as soon as he heard me, he dived into the woods. He didn’t want to talk
to me. Well, I had my own problems, so I dropped it. 
 
MONTAGUE 
Hmm, ‘I’ve heard that he often goes there before dawn. They tell me he does a lot of crying. And as soon
as the sun comes up, he hurries home, goes to his room, and closes the shutters. Something’s definitely
wrong. 
 
BENVOLIO 
Have you any idea why he’s acting so strangely? 
MONTAGUE 
Not the slightest, He hasn’t said anything to me. 
 
BENVOLIO 
Have you asked him? 
 
MONTAGUE 
I have and I’ve got others too as well. He’s become very secretive. How can I help him if he won’t say
anything? 
Enter ROMEO 
As they were walking away, Benvolio caught sight of Romeo coming up the street. 
 
BENVOLIO 
There he is! Go in. I’ll wait for him. I’m determined to get to the bottom of this. 
 
LADY MONTAGUE 
Bless you! 
 
MONTAGUE 
Good luck, Benvolio. 
 
Exeunt MONTAGUE and LADY MONTAGUE 
BENVOLIO 
Benvolio strolled slowly down the street. 
Good morning, cousin. 
 
ROMEO 
Romeo sighed a long, deep, mournful sigh. 
Is the day so young? 
 
BENVOLIO 
Only just gone nine. 
 
ROMEO 
Oh, dear! sad hours seem long. 
Was that my father? 
 
BENVOLIO 
It was. What kind of sadness is this that makes the time drag so? 
 
ROMEO 
Not having that, which, having, makes them short. 
 
BENVOLIO 
In love? 
 
ROMEO 
Out-- 
 
BENVOLIO 
Of love? 
 
ROMEO 
Out of her favor, where I am in love. 
 
BENVOLIO 
Dear oh dear.  
said Benvolio, trying not to laugh. 
It’s a hard life. That love, such a gentle thing, should be so rough when it comes down to it. 
 
ROMEO 
Yes, I don’t want to talk about it. Where shall we go for lunch?  
As they got to the corner Romeo stopped. He saw the broken awnings, the traders still picking up their
things, and wounded men hobbling away. 
What happened? Don’t tell me.  
He shook his head sadly. 
I know all about it. This is about hatred. 
But I’m thinking only about love. Oh, everything is upside down.  
He looked sharply at Benvolio. 
Are you laughing at me?  
 
BENVOLIO 
Would I do that? You make me want to cry. 
 
ROMEO 
Why? 
 
BENVOLIO 
Because you’re so pathetic. 
 
ROMEO 
It’s love that makes me pathetic. But don’t give it another thought. You’ve got more to think about. If you
start feeling sorry for me it’ll only make things worse. So, goodbye. 
 
BENVOLIO 
Hold on. ‘I’ll walk with you. 
 
ROMEO 
Where to? I’m not here. This isn’t me. I have lost myself. Romeo’s somewhere else. 
 
BENVOLIO 
Alright, Be serious. Tell me who it is. 
 
ROMEO 
I can’t bear to say her name. 
 
BENVOLIO 
Come on. 
 
ROMEO 
Well, I’ll tell you. She’s a girl. 
 
BENVOLIO 
Oh. well done. I assumed that when you said you were in love. 
 
ROMEO 
And she’s beautiful. 
 
BENVOLIO 
Good for you. 
 
ROMEO 
But she doesn’t want to know. She’s not interested in boys: says she never will be. She won’t listen to
anything I say. When our eyes meet, she looks the other way. I’ve even offered her money.  
 
BENVOLIO 
Well. She’s determined not to have a man. 
 
ROMEO 
Oh God, Such a waste. She’s so beautiful, Benvolio. And she’ll go through life alone and when she dies all
beauty will die with her. She says she’ll never love anyone so I’m destined for a living death. 
 
BENVOLIO 
Benvolio grasped Romeo’s wrist. 
Will you trust me? I can tell you how to forget her. 
 
ROMEO 
How? Impossible. Tell me how. 
 
BENVOLIO 
Simple, Get out and about. Look at other girls.  
 
ROMEO 
It’s no good. Whenever I see a beautiful girl from now on, I’ll only think of one who is even more beautiful.
Goodbye Benvolio. There’s no way I could forget her. There’s nothing you can do. 
 
BENVOLIO 
I’m taking that as a challenge. I’ll sort it out, don’t you worry. 
 
Exeunt 
SCENE II. A street. 
Enter CAPULET, PARIS, and Servant 
CAPULET 
No, It’s six of one and half a dozen of the other. ‘We’re both bound over to keep the peace. One as much
as the other. And I don’t think it’s so difficult for men of our age. 
 
 
PARIS 
You’re both respectable men. It’s a pity you’ve had to live your lives as enemies. Let’s get down to
business, what do you say to my proposition? 
 
 
CAPULET 
Look, I can only tell you what I’ve already intimated. My daughter is still a child: she’s not fourteen yet.
Give it time. In a couple of years, she’ll be just about ready for marriage.  
 
PARIS 
Many girls younger than her are mothers already,  
 
CAPULET 
And their lives are ruined, my daughter is very special to me. She’s my only surviving child. All my hopes
rest on her. Do you understand what I’m saying?  
He put his hand on the young man’s shoulder. 
I’ll tell you what. Let’s agree to a compromise. Take it slowly, Paris. Gain her confidence. If she agrees to
marry you then my consent will follow. And my blessing too. 
 
Paris thought for a moment then nodded. They shook hands. 
 
That’s settled then. And now to pleasure. Tonight, I’m having a party. There are going to be a lot of people.
All friends of mine – among which I count you, of course. Why don’t you join us? I can promise you my
humble house will be filled with gorgeous girls. And I mean gorgeous. Real stars. 
He winked. 
Make yourself at home: look at them, talk to them, and dance with them. Perhaps you’ll even like one of
them better than my daughter. It’s alright with me if you do. Marriage is a big step: you have to be sure.
No use rushing these things. Peter! Come in here, please. 
 
To Servant, giving a paper 
CAPULET 
Go on, take it. I want you to go all around Verona and find the people on this list. Tell them they’re invited
to my party tonight. 
Exeunt CAPULET and PARIS 
Servant (Peter) 
Tsk! I don’t know how to read how I am supposed to finish this task.  
 
Enter BENVOLIO and ROMEO 
BENVOLIO 
Come on, man, one fire can put another one out. Infect yourself with a new disease and it will kill the old
ailment. 
 
ROMEO 
Sure, for your ailment we’ll just use a herbal remedy. 
 
BENVOLIO 
What? Herbal remedy? What for? 
 
ROMEO 
For the broken leg, you’re going to get if you don’t shut up. 
 
Servant (Peter) 
Excuse me, can you read? 
 
ROMEO 
Yes, I can read my own fate in my unhappiness. 
 
Servant (Peter) 
Perhaps you’ve learned that off by heart, but can you read by sight? 
 
ROMEO 
Yes, if I recognize the letters and the language, 
 
BENVOLIO 
Laughs 
 
Servant (Peter) 
All right, forget it, Thanks anyway 
 
ROMEO 
Wait, I’m only joking. Of course, I can read. 
 
Reads 
Signior Martino. and his wife and daughters: Count Anselme… Mercutio. Hmm. See here. Benvolio.
Mercutio’s on this list. My uncle Capulet, his wife, and daughters: my fair niece Rosaline.  
He pauses 
A lot of people on this list. What’s it for? 
 
Servant (Peter) 
A party 
 
ROMEO 
Whose house? 
 
Servant (Peter) 
My master's. 
 
ROMEO 
Who’s he? 
 
Servant (Peter) 
The great rich Capulet. Everyone’s invited. As long as you ‘re not a Montague you ‘re welcome.  
He snatched the sheet. 
Cheers. 
Exit PETER 
BENVOLIO 
Rosaline’s going to be there, I see. Among some of the most luscious girls in Verona. Let’s go to Capulet’s
party, Romeo. No one will mind. And let’s be objective about it. I’ll show you that the girl you think is a
swan is nothing more than a crow. 
ROMEO 
A girl more beautiful than Rosaline? Never. The sun’s never seen a more beautiful woman since the world
began. 
 
BENVOLIO 
Rubbish, every time you’ve seen her, she’s been on her own. You need to make comparisons. I’ll bet
there’ll be hundreds of girls who’ll put Rosaline in the shade. 
 
ROMEO 
All right, I’ll go, but not because I think you can show, anyone, better. I’m going only so that I can see her. 
Exeunt 
SCENE III. A room in Capulet's house. 
Enter LADY CAPULET and Nurse 
LADY CAPULET 
Nurse, where's my daughter? call her forth to me. 
 
Nurse 
She’s just here. Ladybird! My lamb! Where is that girl? Juliet! 
Enter JULIET 
JULIET 
Coming! Who calls? 
 
Nurse 
Your mother. 
 
JULIET 
Mother, I am here. 
What is your will? 
 
LADY CAPULET 
We need to talk, Nurse. Leave us. This is a private matter.  
The nurse got up reluctantly but before she reached the door Lady Capulet called her back. 
You might as well stay; your advice would be helpful. You know Juliet’s getting to the age when… Let’s just
say she’s at a pretty age. She’s going to be fourteen in two weeks. 
 
Nurse 
Faith, I can tell her age unto an hour. 
 
LADY CAPULET 
Hmm, marriage. That’s just what I’ve come to talk about. Tell me, Juliet, how do you feel about getting
married? 
 
JULIET 
I’ve never even thought about it, 
 
LADY CAPULET 
Well start thinking about it now, Girls younger than you are already mothers here in Verona. As a matter of
fact, I was your mother when I was much the age you are now. But to cut a long story short. The Count of
Paris wants to marry you. 
 
Nurse 
Now there’s a man, young lady. The perfect man. 
 
LADY CAPULET 
The best in Verona, 
 
Nurse 
Without doubt. 
 
LADY CAPULET 
Well? Do you think you could love him? Have a good look at him. You’ll see what I mean. And he has sound
prospects. By having him you’ll have everything. 
 
Nurse 
The Nurse laughed her coarse laugh 
You’ll have even more than that. Everyone knows that women grow bigger by having a man. 
 
LADY CAPULET 
What do you think? Do you like the idea? 
 
JULIET 
‘I’ll look forward to seeing him. Yes. I’ll look at him but I’m not going to rush into anything or do anything
that you wouldn’t want me to. 
 
Enter a Servant 
Servant 
Madam, the guests are starting to arrive. It’s all going on down there. My master wants you. 
 
LADY CAPULET 
I have to go. Come on Juliet, the Count’s waiting. 
Exit Servant 
Nurse 
Go, girl, seek happy nights to happy days. 
 
Exeunt 
SCENE IV. A street. 
Enter ROMEO, MERCUTIO, BENVOLIO, with five or six Maskers, Torch-bearers, and others 
 
ROMEO 
Are we going to make some excuse for coming without being invited? Or shall we just go in and see what
happens? 
 
BENVOLIO 
No speeches, Speeches are out. No one makes speeches anymore. We’ll just go in. Too bad if they don’t
like us.  
 
ROMEO 
All right, then, I’m not going to dance though. 
 
MERCUTIO 
Oh no, you don’t, you’re dancing. That’s the whole point. 
 
ROMEO 
I’m not in the mood. 
 
MERCUTIO 
Come on, You’re a lover. Lovers are always in the mood for dancing. 
 
ROMEO 
Not me. It’s because of love that I’m not in the mood. I’m too heavy-hearted for dancing. 
 
MERCUTIO 
Mercutio laughed. 
What an act. What a fuss about nothing.  
 
ROMEO 
You don’t know what it’s like until you’ve felt it. It hurts, it pricks like thorns. 
 
MERCUTIO 
Snap out of it then. And it will stop hurting. Hand me a mask, Benvolio. Let’s go 
 
BENVOLIO 
Come on, then, it’s getting late. Now as soon as we’re in let’s all get down to some serious business. 
 
ROMEO 
I’m not dancing. I’m just going to watch. 
 
Mercutio put his arm around Romeos shoulders. 
 
MERCUTIO 
Come on, we’re wasting time. 
 
ROMEO 
I know we mean no harm and all that but I don’t think it’s very bright to go to this party. 
 
MERCUTIO 
Why? 
 
ROMEO 
I had a dream last night. 
 
MERCUTIO 
And so, did I. 
 
ROMEO 
Well, what was yours? 
 
MERCUTIO 
That dreamers often lie.  
 
BENVOLIO 
Let’s go, if we don’t get a move on all the food will be gone by the time we get there. 
 
ROMEO 
I have this feeling, a strong premonition that something’s going to happen. Something’s going to happen
tonight. I feel it’s going to end in my having to repay a debt with my life. The others looked at each other,
throwing their eyes up and shaking their heads. 
 
All right then, off we go. 
 
Exeunt 
 
SCENE V. A hall in Capulet's house. 
Musicians waiting. JULIET dancing with someone. Enter Serving men with napkins. Enter ROMEO. Enter
CAPULET as each group of MASKED YOUTHS arrives at the doorway.  
 
CAPULET 
Come in. come in  
He said as each group of masked youths arrived at the doorway 
MERCUTIO dancing 
 
CAPULET 
Don’t stand there, come in. Look at all the girls. Go in, go in. And I want to see you dancing. Only those girls
with corn on their feet will say no. 
 
Everyone starts dancing 
 
 
ROMEO 
Who’s that girl dancing with that fellow over there? 
 
MAN 
I don’t know, Sir. 
He got away from Romeo as fast as he could. 
 
ROMEO 
Romeo stared. 
I don’t believe what I’m seeing. 
He pushed his mask right up to the top of his head to see better. 
 
Enter TYBALT  
 
TYBALT 
Tybalt stopped. He turned. 
Go and get my rapier, Boy. 
 
ROMEO 
Romeo didn’t even see him: nothing existed but the girl 
 
TYBALT 
He looked around helplessly and caught sight of his uncle. Tybalt stormed across to get to Capulet. 
 
CAPULET 
What’s the matter? I wish you could see your face. 
 
TYBALT 
That boy over there 
 
CAPULET 
What about him 
 
TYBALT 
Uncle, he’s a Montague. Look at him. He’s making a mockery of our festivities 
 
CAPULET 
Capulet squinted his eyes toward Romeo to get a better look at him. 
Ah, Isn’t that young Romeo? 
 
TYBALT 
Exactly, I’m going to kill him. I’m- 
 
CAPULET 
His uncle put a restraining hand on his arm. 
Take it easy, my boy. Let him be. He’s a nice enough young fellow: he’s not doing any harm. I’m telling you
to drop it. Behave yourself. You’re not spoiling my party. Do you understand?’  
 
He squeezed Tybalt’s arm so hard that it hurt. 
 
TYBALT 
I won’t take it 
 
CAPULET 
You won’t take it?  
Capulet’s voice had risen. Some of the guests looked round and Capulet smiled and gave them a little
wave. 
 
TYBALT 
But Uncle, we can’t have- 
 
CAPULET 
Don’t cross me. I’m warning you.  
He let go of Tybalt’s arm, pushed him roughly and went to join a group of guests. 
 
ROMEO 
When Juliet is done with the dance, he would follow his dream girl and find the opportunity to take her
hand. 
 
JULIET 
Her partner gave a small bow. Turned and left her. She made her way to the less well-lit balcony (the edge
of the stage closest to the audience). Her hands were folded in front of her and she swayed in time to the
music. 
 
ROMEO  
Follows her. 
 
JULIET 
She put her hands behind her back and folded them. ROMEO reached out and took one of her hands. 
 
ROMEO 
He felt her tense up slightly but before she could pull her hand away, he leant forward and whispered in her
ear. 
If you find my hands too rough, I have two gentle lips ready to soothe you. 
 
JULIET 
She relaxed. She did not turn round, she smiled. 
No, don’t speak so badly of your hand. When two hands touch like this what they’re doing is kissing. 
She rolled her hand round in his so that their palms met. 
See what a lovely kiss this is. 
 
ROMEO 
You’re right. We’ve also got lips, though. 
 
JULIET 
Yes. But lips are used for praying. 
 
ROMEO 
So are hands. So let our lips do the same as our hands. I’m praying that you’ll kiss me. If you don’t, I’ll die. 
 
JULIET 
I can’t grant your prayer; you’d have to go to Friar Lawrence’s chapel for that: the saint’s statue that stands
there, grants prayers. Even though it doesn’t move. 
 
ROMEO 
Don’t you move then, you are my saint. Stay still and answer my prayer. 
 
They Kiss. 
 
ROMEO 
You’ve heard my prayers, and you’ve taken my sins away with that kiss 
 
JULIET 
Then my lips are full of sin. 
 
ROMEO 
Here, let me take it back. 
 
And they kissed again. 
 
NURSE 
Juliet! Juliet! Juliet, where are you? 
 
As Juliet’s nurse approached, they moved apart and pretended to be having a casual conversation. 
 
NURSE 
Ah. there you are, your mother wants a word with you 
 
Juliet looked up at Romeo. He winked at her. Without another glance at him she hurried off. 
 
ROMEO 
Her mother? Who’s her mother? 
 
NURSE 
Her mother? She’s the lady of the house. I nursed her daughter – the one you were talking to. Let me tell
you, anyone who can get her will be in the money. 
 
Exit NURSE 
Enter BENVOLIO 
 
BENVOLIO 
I’ve been looking for you all over, come on, let’s go. Hey Mercutio!  
Mercutio said his goodbyes to the people he’s talking to. He hurried towards Benvolio and Romeo and they
made their way to the exit. 
That’s enough. Time to go. 
 
CAPULET 
Capulet stopped them at the door.  
You're not going, are you? We’re just about to bring out some supper 
 
CAPULET 
Mercutio whispered something in Capulets ear and he laughed. 
You don’t say. 
Capulet and Mercutio both laughed. 
 
JULIET 
Juliet watched them.  
Come here. Nurse. There are a lot of people I don’t know. Who’s he?  
Juliet asked and pointed towards Romeo as he was going out. 
 
NURSE 
I don’t know 
 
JULIET 
Well go and ask him! 
 
NURSE 
The nurse dashed off and was back in a minute. 
His name is Romeo. He’s a Montague – he’s actually the son of your family’s great enemy. 
 
JULIET 
Oh no, I’ve fallen in love with someone I hate! I fall in love and it has to be with a despised enemy! 
 
NURSE 
What’s that? What did you say? 
 
JULIET 
Nothing 
 
NURSE 
Come on, Bedtime 
 
Exeunt 

ACT 2 SCENE 1

(Enter ROMEO)

ROMEO: How can I go home without seeing her again?

(He climbs the wall, and leaps down within it. Enter BENVOLIO and MERCUTIO)

BENVOLIO: ROMEO! My cousin ROMEO!

MERCUTIO: I reckon he has gone home to bed. Oh ROMEO! ROMEO! You miserable so and so! You
pathetic, girly, love sick puppy!

BENVOLIO: Well, its pointless looking for him now if he heard you he will just be annoyed! Come on lets
go home!

(Exit BENVOLIO AND MERCUTIO)

ACT 2 SCENE 2

(Enter ROMEO)

ROMEO: It’s alright for him to laugh! He has never been in love!

(JULIET appears above at a window)

ROMEO: Oh! Look! There is JULIET! She is like the sun. Oh she is my love! I wish she knew how I felt. Her
eyes are like stars. Should I speak to her? Look she rests her hand on her face, I wish that I could stroke
her cheek.

JULIET: Oh dear.

ROMEO: She speaks O, speak again, bright angel!

JULIET: O ROMEO, ROMEO! Why do you have to be a MONTAGUE? Leave your family and change your
name, and if you won’t just tell me you love me, and I will no longer be a CAPULET!

ROMEO: Shall I listen more or shall I speak?

JULIET: It’s only your name that is my enemy if your name was Smith or Jones you would still be that
same wonderful, handsome ROMEO So please, change your name and be mine forever.

ROMEO: I believe what you say is true, just let me be your love and I will change my name!

JULIET: Who is there? Who is listening to me?!

ROMEO: I do not want to speak my name as you hate it so much.

JULIET: I have only heard you speak a few words before but I know your voice!

ROMEO! How did you get in here? If any of my family fined you they will kill you!

ROMEO: I climbed the walls, nothing could keep me away from you!

JULIET: But if they see you they will kill you!

ROMEO: I am more afraid that you will say you don’t love me than I am that they will find me! Besides, it
is so dark No-one will find me here. Tell me, did you mean what I heard you say? Do you love me?

JULIET: I am so embarrassed that you heard what I said! Do you love me? No wait, don’t answer, I think
that you will say yes But I need to know if you really mean it. Do you love me?

ROMEO: JULIET, I swear I love you and if you love me too then…

JULIET: No do not say anymore! This is all too sudden! My head is spinning! I must go. When we see each
other again we will know if this is real. Good night, good night!

ROMEO: Don’t go! Tell me you love me too.

JULIET: I already have!

NURSE: (calls within) JULIET!!

JULIET: Someone is coming! Good night my love!

NURSE: JULIET!!!

JULIET: I’m coming!! Wait here, I will be back!

(JULIET Exit)

ROMEO: Is this all a dream? It is too good to be true!

(Re-enter JULIET)

JULIET: ROMEO, if you mean what you say then marry me tomorrow.

NURSE: JULIET!!! JULIET I’m coming! What do you say? I will send a messenger to you tomorrow to hear
your answer. Good night!

(Exit JULIET)

ROMEO: I will miss you so much.

(Re-enter JULIET, above)

JULIET: Past! ROMEO!

ROMEO: Yes love?

JULIET: What time tomorrow shall I send my messenger?

ROMEO: Nine am.

JULIET: It feels like twenty years until then. Good night!

ROMEO: I must go and see Father Lawrence, Explain what has happened and see if he will marry us!

(Exit)

ACT 2 SCENE 3

(Enter FRIAR LAURENCE)

FRIAR LAURENCE: It is so early! I must get to work though, making my potions and cures. I know how to
brew a cure for nearly all illness and I know the poisons that grow beside them.

(Enter ROMEO)

ROMEO: Good morning, father.

FRIAR LAURENCE: Bless me! It is young ROMEO! You are up early, but looking at you again, I wonder,
have you even been to bed?

ROMEO: I have not been to bed Father.

FRIAR LAURENCE: Where have you been, then?

ROMEO: I have been at the CAPULET’s house, they had a party last night. I met someone, we are in love
and we need your help.

FRIAR LAURENCE: Who are you in love with now? I take it is not the same girl as last week, the one who
wasn’t interested?

ROMEO: No, not her, she is an ugly crow Compared to the one I love now. Her name is JULIET, and she is
the daughter of Lord CAPULET. She loves me too. We want you to marry us today.

FRIAR LAURENCE: Holy Saint Francis! You only just met! You have been crying over some other girl for
weeks!

ROMEO: Don’t say that! JULIET loves me and I love her! So will you marry us?

FRIAR LAURENCE: Well, I think it is very quick, I hope that you won’t regret this choice. But if you two get
married it might stop the fighting between your families. I will help you. Let’s go.

(Exit)

ACT 2 SCENE 4

(Enter BENVOLIO and MERCUTIO)

MERCUTIO: Where is ROMEO? Did he come home last night?

BENVOLIO: No he didn’t. Listen to this though, you know TYBALT? She has sent a challenge to ROMEO to
come and fight her!

MERCUTIO: Do you think ROMEO will fight her?

BENVOLIO: Yeah and he will win!

MERCUTIO: If he can stop day dreaming over this mystery girl for long enough! TYBALT is really hard, I’m
not sure if ROMEO could take her in a fight.

(Enter ROMEO)

BENVOLIO: Here comes ROMEO.

MERCUTIO: Where have you been? We spent ages looking for you last night!

ROMEO: Morning boys!

MERCUTIO: Is that all you have got to say for yourself?!

ROMEO: I am sorry MERCUTIO. I had something to do.

MERCUTIO: We are supposed to be your best mates and you go all gooey over some girl and run off!

ROMEO: Who is this?

(Enter NURSE and PETER)

MERCUTIO: What does she look like!!

NURSE: Hello boys! I am looking for ROMEO of the MONTAGU: s. Do you know him?

ROMEO: I am ROMEO.

NURSE: I need a private word with you.

BENVOLIO: Pooh ROMEO has a date!!

MERCUTIO: Hey ROMEO, is this the secret girlfriend?!

ROMEO: Come on.

MERCUTIO: Goodbye gorgeous!

(Exit MERCUTIO and BENVOLIO)

NURSE: WELL! He was a cheeky so and so! And you Peter! Why didn’t you defend me?

PETER: He was only joking!

ROMEO: Just ignore MERCUTIO.

NURSE: OH I am so CROSS! I can hardly remember why I am here! Oh yes! My lady JULIET sent me to you.

ROMEO: JULIET!

NURSE: She has told me about your plans and I just want to say that if you have changed your mind, or if
you hurt her then you will have to answer to me!

ROMEO: I would never hurt her. Tell her that we are to be married at three o’clock In Friar Lawrence’s
church.

NURSE: Oh! She will be so happy! Come on Peter!

PETER: Yes Madame.

(Exit)
ACT 2 SCENE 5

(Enter JULIET :)

JULIET: The NURSE has been gone for three hours now! Maybe she couldn’t find ROMEO? Oh the time is
dragging so slowly! Here she comes!!

(Enter NURSE)

JULIET: O my dearest NURSE, what news? Have you seen ROMEO? What did he say?

NURSE: I am so tired! What a morning!!

JULIET: NURSE, what did ROMEO say?

NURSE: Hang on! Can’t you see I am out of breath?

JULIET: Is the news good or bad? Just tell me that!

NURSE: Well, I can’t say I think much of your choice! ROMEO! He is alright I suppose but not all that
handsome. He does seem quite well spoken, and I suppose he does have nice eyes….

JULIET: NURSE! I know what he looks like! What did he say about our wedding?!

NURSE: Oh I have such a headache!

JULIET: Oh dear, look NURSE I am sorry that you are ill But PLEASE tell me what he said!

NURSE: You are to be married at two o’clock today At Friar Lawrence’s church. Ah! That has brought
some color to your face! Go girl, be happy!

JULIET: Thank you!

(Exit JULIET and NURSE) (The wedding scene will be played to music.)

ACT 3 SCENE 1

(Enter MERCUTIO, BENVOLIO)

BENVOLIO: Come on MERCUTIO, let's go home. There are CAPULETs everywhere we are going to get
into a fight!

MERCUTIO: Don’t be such a wimp.

BENVOLIO: Oh thanks! Great, here come the CAPULETs! I told you!

MERCUTIO: Oh let them come! I don’t care!

(Enter TYBALT: and others)

TYBALT: Alright lads? I want a word with you.

MERCUTIO: Just a word? Why not make it a word and a punch?

TYBALT: If you wind me up I will.

MERCUTIO: OOOOOHH! SCARY!!

(He pushes TYBALT)

BENVOLIO: Cut it out! You remember what the Princess said she will kill anyone she finds fighting in the
streets!

TYBALT: MERCUTIO, I know you hang out with that idiot ROMEO, I want him, not you.

MERCUTIO: Who are you calling an idiot? You should take a look in a mirror if you want to see the real
idiot around here!

(Enter ROMEO)

TYBALT: Well look who it is! ROMEO, you are a villain.

ROMEO: I am no villain! If you think that then you don’t know me at all. Normally I would have you for
calling me that but I have a good reason not to fight you. So goodbye.

TYBALT: You coward! You have insulted my family by crashing our party. Fight me!

ROMEO: No.

MERCUTIO: What!? Are you going to let her get away with that? TYBALT, I will fight you!

TYBALT: What?

MERCUTIO: I will fight you, who do you think you are anyway? Stupid CAPULET!

TYBALT: Right, that’s it!

(They fight)

ROMEO: Stop! BENVOLIO help me!

(TYBALT under ROMEO's arm stabs MERCUTIO, and runs off with his followers)

MERCUTIO: I am hurt, fetch a doctor!

ROMEO: Come on, it can’t be that bad?

MERCUTIO: Oh no it’s just a scratch but it is enough. I am done for. Why? Why did you hold me back? It
is your fault that I am hurt!

ROMEO: I thought I was doing the right thing.

MERCUTIO: Help me BENVOLIO! A curse on all CAPULETs and MONTAGUEs! It is because of your stupid
fighting that I am dying!

(Exit MERCUTIO and BENVOLIO)

ROMEO: It’s all my fault. MERCUTIO is one of my best friends, but TYBALT is my new wife’s cousin! What
was I supposed to do?

(Re-enter BENVOLIO)

BENVOLIO: O ROMEO MERCUTIO's dead! And here comes TYBALT back again.

ROMEO: She has killed my friend! I can’t let her get away again!

(Re-enter TYBALT)

ROMEO: TYBALT! Brave MERCUTIO lies dead because of you, but his soul is waiting above our heads
either you or I must join him! Now, let us see who it is to be!

(They fight and TYBALT falls)

BENVOLIO: ROMEO, get out of here! The Prince is coming!

ROMEO: What have I done?

BENVOLIO: RUN!

(Exit ROMEO: Enter PRINCESS, LADY CAPULET)

PRINCESS: What has happened here?

BENVOLIO: TYBALT killed Mercutio, So ROMEO killed TYBALT.

LADY CAPULET: TYBALT, my cousin! Prince, I demand revenge!

PRINCESS: BENVOLIO, who began this fight?

BENVOLIO: TYBALT. She tried to fight ROMEO, But ROMEO said no. TYBALT fought and killed MERCUTIO,
and then came back again, looking again for ROMEO They fought and ROMEO killed her.

LADY CAPULET: He is a MONTAGUE! You can’t believe him! ROMEO killed TYBALT! He must die!

PRINCESS: For ROMEO’s crime he will be exiled. Never again to return to Verona.

(Exit)

ACT 3 SCENE 2

(Enter JULIET)

JULIET: I can’t wait until tonight, to see my ROMEO again. O, here comes my NURSE. You look so upset!
What has happened?

NURSE: Dead! Brave, good and true and now dead!

JULIET: What? Dead? My true love? We only got married today? Why? Why did this happen? I can’t live
without him!
NURSE: I wish that ROMEO were dead!

JULIET: What? I don’t understand! You just told me he WAS dead! Tell me what is going on? Is my
ROMEO dead or not?

NURSE: TYBALT is dead! She was killed, Killed by ROMEO and now ROMEO is exiled,

Never again to return to Verona!

JULIET: O No! How could such a handsome face hide a killer? Was I wrong to love him?

NURSE: A curse on ROMEO!

JULIET: How dare you!

NURSE: How can you defend the man who killed your cousin?

JULIET: That man is my husband! And he is banished? Then will I never see him again?

NURSE: I know that he is hiding at Friar Lawrence’s church. I will find him and bring him to you. JULIET so
we can say our last goodbyes.

(Exit)

ACT 3 SCENE 3

(Enter FRIAR LAURENCE)

FRIAR LAURENCE:

ROMEO! Come out! You are in so much trouble.

(Enter ROMEO)

ROMEO: What news? What has the Princess decided? Am I to be put to death?

FRIAR LAURENCE: The Princess has been merciful, you are not to die but to leave Verona forever.

ROMEO: Away from JULIET? Forever? I would rather die!

FRIAR LAURENCE: I am sure we can think of

something. ROMEO: No! I will not live without JULIET!

FRIAR LAURENCE: Don’t be so ungrateful! Better to be sent away than to die!

(Knock at the door)

FRIAR LAURENCE: ROMEO, hide!

ROMEO: No!
(Knocking)

FRIAR LAURENCE: ROMEO! You will be taken away! HIDE!

(Knocking and ROMEO hides)

FRIAR LAURENCE: Who is there? What do you want?

NURSE: I come from Lady JULIET.

FRIAR LAURENCE: Welcome, then.

(Enter NURSE)

NURSE: Where is my lady's lord, where's ROMEO?

FRIAR LAURENCE: Hiding and very unhappy.

NURSE: JULIET too, she hasn’t stopped crying! ROMEO! Stand up! Be a man, for JULIET you must be

strong! ROMEO: NURSE!

NURSE: ROMEO!

ROMEO: How is JULIET! Does she hate me for killing her cousin? What does she say about me having to
leave? NURSE: O, she says nothing, sir, but cries and cries.

ROMEO: I hate myself for doing this to her! I would be better dead!

(Draws his sword and points it at his own heart)

FRIAR LAURENCE: STOP! You foolish man! Listen, TYBALT wanted to kill you, but you killed her instead,
that’s a good thing! The law says you should have been killed for what you did, Instead you are only sent
away, that’s a good thing, JULIET is alive and loves you still, and again you should be happy not crying
and moaning! Go and see JULIET tonight, but leave early in the morning for Mantua. Live there, until we
can find a good time to tell everyone about your marriage, Beg forgiveness of the princess and bring you
back!

NURSE: You are so wise! ROMEO I will tell JULIET you are coming. Here is a ring she asked me to give

you. ROMEO: Then she does still love me!

(NURSE: Exit)

FRIAR LAURENCE: Go quickly, go to see JULIET! Stay in Mantua and I will send a message to you As soon
as I can! Farewell.

ROMEO: I am going to miss you. I must go to JULIET!

(Exit)
ACT 3 SCENE 4

(Enter CAPULET! LADY CAPULET! And PARIS)

CAPULET: TYBALT’s death has meant that I have had not had time to speak to JULIET about your wedding.

PARIS: I understand, in times of sadness, there is no room for love. Madam, good night: speak well of me
to JULIET!

LADY CAPULET: I will, and I will know how she feels in the morning. To-night she is too sad about TYBALT!

CAPULET: Sir PARIS! I will take a chance and tell you that JULIET does love you. She is a good girl and
normally does as I tell her. Wife, go to JULIET and tell that PARIS loves her and that on Wednesday no
that is too soon, on Thursday, she will become his wife! Will you be ready? Is this alright with you? It
won’t be a big do, not with TYBALT being only just killed, people might think we are being disrespectful!
So what do you think to Thursday then?

PARIS: My lord, I wish that Thursday was tomorrow!

CAPULET: Fantastic! Thursday it is then! See you then! Wife, go to JULIET and prepare her to be married!
Good night!

(Exit)

ACT 3 SCENE 5

(Enter ROMEO and JULIET)

JULIET: Do you have to go? It’s not even nearly day. I can still hear the nightingales singing!

ROMEO: It was the lark, singing of the coming of morning, not the nightingale: look, love, the sun is
rising! I must be gone and live, or stay and die.

JULIET: That light is not the sun! It could be a shooting star sent to light your journey, so you don’t need
to go yet!

ROMEO: Fine! My love, you are right it is not the sun! Let me be taken, let me die!

JULIET: wishes it to be so!

JULIET: Oh it is the sun! It is! Go ROMEO go! It is getting lighter and lighter now!

ROMEO: The more light there is the darker my heart grows!

(Enter NURSE! to the chamber)

NURSE: Madam!

JULIET: NURSE!

NURSE: You mother is coming! Day is breaking, look out!

(Exit)
JULIET: Then, window, let day in, and let life out.

ROMEO: Farewell, farewell! One kiss, and I'll go.

(He moves away)

JULIET: Are you still there my darling husband? You must write to me every day. It feels like forever until
I can see you again.

ROMEO: Farewell! I will write to you all the time.

JULIET: O do you think we shall ever meet again?

ROMEO: Of course my love, we will look back on this and laugh!

JULIET: O no, no. I think I can see you in my mind, and you are dead! How pale you look!

ROMEO: You look pale to me too, it is only because we are sad to part. I must go, goodbye!

(Exit)

JULIET: Hurry back to me.

(LADY CAPULET call from offstage)

LADY CAPULET: Daughter? Are you up?

JULIET: Is that my mother? She is up early! I wonder why?

(Enter LADY CAPULET)

LADY CAPULET: JULIET! What’s wrong?

JULIET: I am not well.

LADY CAPULET: Still weeping for TYBALT! Well, I suppose it shows how much you loved her, but you must
cheer up!

JULIET: I will cry, for as long as I feel my terrible loss.

LADY CAPULET: Well, shall I tell you some wonderful, joyful news? JULIET: I could do with some joyful
news! What is it?

LADY CAPULET: Well, you are lucky to have a father who cares for you! He has decided to cheer you up by
arranging a day of joy, one that you will not expect, and I had hardly dare hope would happen!

JULIET: Day of joy?

LADY CAPULET: Next Thursday morning, the young, rich and handsome man, Lord PARIS! at Saint Peter's
Church, Shall happily make you a joyful bride!

JULIET: NO! By Saint Peter’s church! He will not make me a joyful bride! How can you expect me to get
married so fast!? I have hardly even met him! Tell my father I will not marry PARIS! I will NEVER marry
PARIS! I hate him!
LADY CAPULET: Here comes your father; tell him so yourself, and see how he takes it!

(Enter CAPULET and NURSE)

CAPULET: Still crying JULIET! Have you not told her the good news?

LADY CAPULET: I have, but she says she will not marry him!

CAPULET: What? How dare she? Is she not grateful for my hard work in finding her so handsome and
rich a husband? Is she not proud that pathetic and unworthy as she is that a Lord wants to marry her?

JULIET: How can I be proud or grateful for something I hate?

CAPULET: How dare you! Who do you think you are? Answering me back! Arguing with my decision! You
will prepare yourself to be married on Thursday If I have to drag you there, you will go! You ugly,
ungrateful, rude disobedient child!

LADY CAPULET: Stop! Stop have you gone mad!?

JULIET: Father, I beg you on my knees, please listen!

CAPULET: No! You disgusting, disobedient child! Get off me! You will get yourself to church on Thursday
or never after can you be my daughter, can you starve in the streets for all I care! Do as I say! I wish that
you had never been born!

NURSE: My Lord! Stop shouting at her like that!

CAPULET: Get out NURSE!

NURSE: I haven’t said anything wrong!

CAPULET: Shut up you mumbling old fool!

LADY CAPULET: Calm down!

CAPULET: It makes me so angry! I have been working for years to find her a husband! A Lord, handsome,
rich, a real catch! And she cries and whines, she says “I will not love! I am too young!” No! I will not be
made to look a fool. I mean what I say; you will do as I command Or you will starve, beg in the streets,
Die for all I care!! You will be married on Thursday! (Exit)

JULIET: Will no-one listen to me? Mother! Don’t send me away! Don’t make me marry PARIS!

LADY CAPULET: Don’t speak to me! I have had enough of you! (Exit)

JULIET: Oh NURSE! What can we do? I am married to ROMEO! Please NURSE! help me! Comfort me!

NURSE: Well, here’s what I think. ROMEO is sent away for ever, he may never return! I think it best you
marry PARIS! Oh JULIET! PARIS is so handsome and rich, He is so much better than ROMEO! I think you
are lucky to have a second marriage, it is so much better than you are first, And anyway ROME: is as
good as dead being so far away!

JULIET: Do you really mean that?

NURSE: I do.
JULIET: Then there is the end.

NURSE: What?

JULIET: Well, I feel so much better now! Go to my Father, tell him I am sorry and that I have gone to see
Father Laurence to pray for forgiveness.

NURSE: I will. Good for you! (Exit)

JULIET: You old hag! How could you say such things to me! From now on you and I are finished. I will go
and see Friar Laurence see if he can help me! (Exit)

ACT 4 SCENE 1

(Enter FRIAR LAURENCE and PARIS)

FRIAR LAURENCE: On Thursday, sir? That is not much time!

PARIS: Lord CAPULET wants the wedding to be Thursday and I am happy to go agree!

FRIAR LAURENCE: You say you are not sure how JULIET feels? I don’t like the sound of this much.

PARIS: She is so upset over TYBALT! Her father thinks that this will cheer her up.

FRIAR LAURENCE: Look sir, here is JULIET now.

(Enter JULIET)

PARIS: Hello! My lady and my wife!

JULIET: Not yet sir.

PARIS: On Thursday you will be!

JULIET: What must be shall be.

PARIS: Are you here to see Father Laurence?

JULIET: Yes.

PARIS: Will you tell him that you love me?

JULIET: If I do, I would rather say it when you are not here to listen.

PARIS: Then I will leave you! (Exit)

JULIET: Oh shut the door! Tell me what to do! I can’t marry PARIS!

FRIAR LAURENCE: I know! I know! Things look so bad, but I do have an idea. It is so risky though, and you
will need to be very brave.

JULIET: I would rather jump of the highest bridge than marry PARIS! I would rather be thrown into a pit of
snakes!
FRIAR LAURENCE: OK then this is what we shall do. Go home, be very cheerful and happy. Say that you
have changed your mind and that you will marry PARIS! Once you are in bed on Wednesday night and
everyone has left you, drink this. Your skin will grow pale and cold, you will not seem to breathe. In the
morning when they come to fetch you, they will think that you are dead. They will carry you to your
family’s tomb. After two days, you will wake up, and I will send for ROMEO to be there when you do So
that he can take you away with him. Do you think that you are brave enough?

JULIET: Give it to me! I am not afraid!

FRIAR LAURENCE: Go then, do as I say. I will write to ROMEO! (Exit)

ACT 4 SCENE 2

(Enter CAPULET! LADY CAPULET! NURSE)

CAPULET: Here are the plans for the wedding, the guest list and the menu. I don’t know if we will be
ready in time! Where is JULIET!

NURSE: Gone to see Friar Laurence.

CAPULET: Maybe he can talk some sense into her.

NURSE: Here she comes now! She looks happy!

(Enter JULIET)

CAPULET: JULIET! How are you?

JULIET: I have come to say that I am sorry. From now on I will do as you ask.

CAPULET: I am so pleased to hear that! We will tell PARIS!

JULIET: I have seen him today at Friar Laurence’s house, and I showed him how I felt.

CAPULET: What fantastic news! We owe so much thanks to Friar Laurence for making you see sense!

JULIET: NURSE! Will you come with me to my room and help me choose a dress for my wedding?

(Exit JULIET and NURSE)

LADY CAPULET: We will never be ready for this wedding in time!

CAPULET: Don’t worry! I will sort it all out, you go and help the NURSE with JULIET’s dress. I am so happy
to see JULIET back to her old self!

(Exit)
ACT 4 SCENE 3

(Enter JULIET and NURSE)

JULIET: Yes, that dress is lovely NURSE! Will you leave me on my own tonight? I need some time to
myself before my big day.

(Enter LADY CAPULET)

LADY CAPULET: Do you need my help?

JULIET: No mother, we have found a lovely dress. Why don’t you let the NURSE look after you tonight for
a change? I would like to be on my own for a while, Tomorrow will be such a busy day. There must be so
many things to get ready, perhaps she could help?

LADY CAPULET: Good night JULIET! Sleep well!

(Exit LADY CAPULET and NURSE)

JULIET: Goodbye. God knows when we shall meet again. I am so scared of what I have to do now. What
if the potion doesn’t work? Then I will end up getting married tomorrow! Or even worse, what I wake up
too early, Before ROMEO has come to get me And I am in the grave surrounded with bones And skulls
and rats! No, I mustn’t think about it! ROMEO! I drink to you! (She falls upon her bed)

ACT 4 SCENE 4

(Enter LADY CAPULET! CAPULET and NURSE)

LADY CAPULET: Come here and take these for the tables, and where is the wedding cake?

NURSE: They are just finishing the icing now!

CAPULET: Hurry, hurry! It is nearly nine! PARIS will be here soon!

(Music)

CAPULET: NURSE! Wife! Here is PARIS now! Go and get JULIET up, NURSE! And get her dressed!

(Exit NURSE)
ACT 4 SCENE 5

(Enter NURSE :)

NURSE: JULIET! JULIET! Oh bless her she is fast asleep! JULIET! JULIET! Oh come on you lazy bones it is
your wedding day, you should be up and about! JULIET! JULIET! Why are you still dressed? JULIET!!!! Oh
she is as cold as ice! Oh she’s dead! She’s dead!! Oh Lady CAPULET! Lord CAPULET!!

(Enter LADY CAPULET)

LADY CAPULET: What’s all the noise?

NURSE: Oh no! Oh sad day!

LADY CAPULET: What is the matter?

NURSE: Look, look!

LADY CAPULET: Oh no! Oh no! My child! My life! Oh wake up! WAKE UP! Oh NURSE! Call for help!

(Enter CAPULET)

CAPULET: Come on where is JULIET! PARIS is waiting!

NURSE: She's dead! Oh sad day!

LADY CAPULET: She's dead, she's dead, and she’s dead!

CAPULET: Let me see her! No, no she is dead. Death lies on her lips like frost.

(Enter FRIAR LAURENCE and PARIS)

FRIAR LAURENCE: Is the bride ready to go to church?

CAPULET: She will go to church but not return! She is dead. Oh PARIS! Death has stolen your wife!

PARIS: I have waited so long for today, and this is what it brings!

LADY CAPULET: Accursed, unhappy, wretched, hateful day! This is the worst day of my life! I had only one
child and now she is gone.

NURSE: Oh this truly is the worst day ever known!

FRIAR LAURENCE: Dry up your tears, she is in heaven now. Cover her in flowers and take her to church.
She will be laid to rest in your great monument.

CAPULET: Cancel all the wedding plans and where there was light and joy and color let there be black.

(Exit)
ACT 5 SCENE 1

(Enter ROMEO)

ROMEO: I had a dream that I would get some good news today! A dream that JULIET found me dead, but
kissed me back to life!

(Enter BALTHASAR)

ROMEO: Ah! News from Verona! Do you have letters for me? From Friar Laurence? How is my Father?
How is JULIET! As long as she is well I am happy!

BALTHASAR: Oh ROMEO! JULIET is dead! I saw them bury her in CAPULET’s tomb, and I came here at
once to tell you!

ROMEO: NO! Get me a horse. I leave for Verona tonight.

BALTHASAR: Wait! You look like a madman!

ROMEO: I am fine. Have you no letters to me from the friar?

BALTHASAR: No, my good lord.

ROMEO: Never mind, just go and get the horses.

(Exit BALTHASAR)

ROMEO: Well, JULIET! I will sleep next to you tonight. How shall I choose to die? I think I can remember
an apothecary who sells some potions that I could use. I will go to him now.

(ROMEO: leaves and walks for a while then bangs on a door. Enter Apothecary)

APOTHECARY: Who calls so loud?

ROMEO: Come here. Do you know how to make a poison that will quickly allow a man to end his life?

APOTHECARY: Such drugs I have; but the law Is death to anyone who sells them.

ROMEO: I can see that you are poor. I will give you a thousand pieces of gold for a bottle of your drug.

APOTHECARY: It is only because I am so poor that I will agree. Take this and put it in any drink you like. It
will do the job.

ROMEO: There is your gold. Goodbye! Buy yourself some food. To me this is heaven, not poison! I will use
you at JULIET’s grave. (Exit)
ACT 5 SCENE 2

(Enter FRIAR JOHN)

FRIAR JOHN: Friar Laurence! Are you in?

(Enter FRIAR LAURENCE)

FRIAR LAURENCE: Hello Friar John! Just got back from Mantua? How was ROMEO! Did he send me a

letter? FRIAR JOHN: I have not been to Mantua! I was delayed.

FRIAR LAURENCE: Who took the letter I sent to ROMEO then?

FRIAR JOHN: its here I could not send it.

FRIAR LAURENCE: Oh no! That was a very important letter! Then ROMEO will not be there when JULIET
wakes! Oh quick! We must go to the cemetery! I will bring JULIET back here until I can send for ROMEO!
(Exit)

ACT 5 SCENE 3

(Enter PARIS)

PARIS: My sweet flower, my JULIET! I bring you flowers. I will come to your grave and cry every night.
(Hears a sound)

PARIS: Someone’s coming! (He hides)

(Enter ROMEO and BALTHASAR)

ROMEO: Give me the crow bar so I can enter the tomb. Here is a letter for my mother, Please deliver it
in the morning. Now go away, I only want to see her face again and take a ring from her finger, but I
don’t want to be disturbed.

BALTHASAR: I will be gone, sir, and not trouble you.

ROMEO: Thank you, friend. Now goodbye.

BALTHASAR: He looks wild, I’m afraid he will do something awful so I will hide here and check if he is OK.
(Hides)

ROMEO: Now I will see my love. (Opens the tomb)

PARIS: That’s ROMEO! He has come to harm the bodies of his CAPULET enemies! STOP! You vile
MONTAGUE! I arrest you in the name of the Princess!

ROMEO: You are a good man PARIS so I will give you a chance, I will enter this grave and if you try to stop
me then I will kill you. So go away!

PARIS: No! I arrest you!

ROMEO: You will not take me! (They fight)

PARIS: O, I am killed! (Fall)

PARIS: Please, please lie me with JULIET! (Dies)

ROMEO: I will. Poor PARIS! (Laying PARIS in the tomb) Oh there is my love, my JULIET! You are still so
beautiful, how can that be? There is TYBALT! Wrapped in her shroud, I will make things right TYBALT! And
use the hand that killed you to finish my own life. JULIET! you are still so lovely, I will stay with you here
forever. Eyes, look for the last time. Arms, take a last embrace. Lips, one final kiss. Here's to my love!
(Drinks)

ROMEO: Oh these drugs are quick. So with a kiss I die. (Dies)

(JULIET: wakes)

JULIET: Oh! I remember where I am! But where is my ROMEO! Here! And PARIS too, both dead? What’s
this? ROMEO has drunk poison! There is none left to help me follow you! I will miss you. Maybe some of
the mixture is still on your lips? No. Someone is coming. I must be quick! Oh a dagger! So I die!

(Falls on ROMEO's body, and dies)

(Enter FRIAR LAURENCE outside the tomb)

FRIAR LAURENCE: I must be quick! Who is there?

BALTHASAR: Balthasar, I came here with ROMEO!

FRIAR LAURENCE: Then that is his torch I see in CAPULET’s tomb?

BALTHASAR It is.

FRIAR LAURENCE: How long has he been there?

BALTHASAR: For half an hour.

FRIAR LAURENCE: Come with me quickly!

BALTHASAR: I can’t I told him I was gone!

FRIAR LAURENCE: Stay, then; I'll go alone. ROMEO! (Enters the tomb)

FRIAR LAURENCE: ROMEO! And PARIS too? And JULIET! All dead!

(Enter the Princess)

PRINCESS: What is this? PARIS is killed! ROMEO too lies here dead And JULIET warm and bleeding and
dead again? Who can tell me what has happened here?

(Enter rest of the cast)

CAPULET: What is going on?

LADY CAPULET: The people in the street shout ROMEO! Some say JULIET! And some PARIS; and all run,
towards our monument.
CAPULET: O heavens! O wife, look how JULIET bleeds! But she was dead!

LADY CAPULET: Oh!

LADY MONTAGUE: What? Is that my ROMEO! How can this be?

PRINCESS: Quiet all of you! I want to know what has happened here!

FRIAR LAURENCE: I can tell you what has happened.

PRINCESS: Then tell me at once.

FRIAR LAURENCE: I will. ROMEO and JULIET were married. I married them the same day the TYBALT was
killed. So ROMEO was sent away it was for him and not TYBALT that JULIET cried. You then tried to force
her to marry which she could not do; as she was already a wife. So she came to me for help. I gave her a
sleeping potion to make her look dead and tried to arrange for ROMEO to collect her when she woke.
My letter to ROMEO was never delivered and when he heard of her death He came back to end his own
life and lie with her. This he did and upon waking JULIET saw her true love dead and ended her own life.

PRINCESS: Why was PARIS here?

BALTHASAR: He came with flowers for JULIET He saw ROMEO and they fought.

PRINCESS: Lord CAPULET! Lady MONTAGUE! See, what how God despises your hate, that he kills your
children with love. I have been too soft on you both and I too have lost relatives in this fight. We are all
punished.

CAPULET: O sister MONTAGUE! Give me your hand: We are friends.

LADY MONTAGUE: I will build JULIET a statue in pure gold, for she was a true and faithful wife.

CAPULET: And I will build one for ROMEO!

PRINCESS: We have a grey peace this morning. The sun is too sad to raise his head. We will talk more of
these sad things. For never was a story of more woe than this of JULIET and her ROMEO!

(END)