William&Shakespeare’s& ROMEO & JULIETwp-blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/eseal/files/2015/05/... · My%weapon%is%out!%Iwill%back%thee! ... And%‘twas%then%Icame%upon%the%brawl. LADY%MONTAGUE

William Shakespeare’s

ROMEO & JULIETAdapted by Marieka Peterson Greene

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Romeo Montague In love with JulietOld Montague Romeo’s FatherLady Montague Romeo’s MotherMercuBo Friend of RomeoBenvolio Romeo’s CousinAbram Montague’s ServantBalthasar Romeo’s Servant

Juliet Capulet In love with RomeoOld Capulet Juliet’s FatherLady Capulet Juliet’s MotherTybalt Juliet’s CousinNurse Juliet’s NursePeter Servant of the CapuletsGregory Servant of the CapuletsSampson Servant of the CapuletsAnthony (CiBzen 1) Servant of the CapuletsPotpan (CiBzen 2) Servant of the Capulets

Prince Escalus Prince of VeronaCount Paris Juliet’s SuitorFriar Lawrence Marries Romeo and JulietFriar John (CiBzen 3) Friend of Friar Lawrence Apothecary (CiBzen 4) Sells poison to RomeoLucinda/Watchman 1 A Young Lady/Prince’s GuardZita/Watchman 2 A Young Lady/Prince’s GuardMarta/Watchman 3 A Young Lady/Prince’s Guard

1

SCENE 1

Before the curtains open, PRINCE ESCALUS steps outonto the stage. He is in spotlight.

PRINCETwo households, both alike in dignity,in fair Verona where we lay our scene,

From ancient grudge break to new violence,Where brothers’ blood makes brothers’ hands unclean.

As PRINCE speaks, ROMEO and JULIET step outon opposite sides of PRINCE.

Come forth from deadly homes of these two foes,

ROMEO and JULIETA pair of star-‐crossed lovers take their life;

PRINCEWhose misadventure sadness overthrows

ROMEO and JULIETAnd with their death, bury their parents’ strife.

PRINCEAnd now, if you with paBent ears a\end,

What’s gone unsaid, our play shall strive to mend.

ALL exit.

SCENE 2

Curtain opens. The Streets of Verona.GREGORY and SAMPSON enter stage right.

GREGORYAy, but the quarrel is between our masters!

SAMPSONAnd us their men! ‘Tis all the same!

M. Greene © 20142 May only be copied for single classroom use.

GREGORYBut the prince hath warned our household. Don’t strike so quickly.

SAMPSONI’ll strike quickly, if I am moved to strike.

GREGORY If you move, then you’ll run away!

If you are valiant, then you should be sBll.

SAMPSONAny dog of Montague will move me to stand.

I will show myself a tyrant!

GREGORYDraw thy blade, here come two of the house of Montegue!

SAMPSONMy weapon is out! I will back thee!

GREGORYHow? By turning your back to run?

SAMPSON and GREGORY draw their swords.ABRAM and BLATHASAR enter stage leJ.

They walk slowly toward SAMPSON and GREGORY.

SAMPSONFear me not. I’ll stand close!

GREGROYI will frown as I pass by and let them see it.

SAMPSONNay, I will bite my thumb at them.

Such a disgrace if they noBce it without speaking.

SAMPSON bites his thumb.

ABRAMDo you bite your thumb at us, sir?

SAMPSONI do bite my thumb, sir.

M. Greene © 2014May only be copied for single classroom use. 3

ABRAMDo you bit your thumb at us, sir?

SAMPSONNo, sir, I do not bite my thumb at you, sir;

but I bite my thumb, sir.

GREGORY(to ABRAM) Do you quarrel with us, sir?

ABRAMQuarrel, sir?

BALTHASARNo, sir!

SAMPSONWe serve as good a man as you, sir.

BENVIOLIO enters on ABRAM’s side.

ABRAMNo be\er?

TYBALT enters behind GREGORY and SAMPSON.

GREGORY(to GREGORY) Say “be\er,” Here comes Tybalt. He shall back us.

SAMPSONYes, be\er, sir!

ABRAMYou lie!

SAMPSONDraw your swords, if you be men!

They fight. BENVOLIO tries to stop them.

BENVOLIOPart, fools! Put up your swords!

They stop, briefly.


TYBALTWhat, Benvolio? Are you all heartless in your household?

Draw thy sword, and face thy death!

BENVOLIOI do but keep the peace! Put away thy sword, Tybalt.

Or use it to part these men with me.

TYBALTTalk of peace? I hate the word as I hate hell,

all Montagues and thee! Coward!

TYBALT charges at BENVOLIO with his sword drawn. All fight.CITIZENS of Verona enter.

CITIZEN 1Strike!

CITIZEN 2Beat them down!

CITIZEN 3Down with their house!

ALL CAPULETSDown with Montague dogs!

CITIZEN 4 and 1Down with the Capulets!

BENVOLIOAy, strike again!

CITIZEN 2 and CITIZEN 3Strike again!

TYBALTCoward dogs!

MONTAGUE AND LADY MONTAGUE enter stage leJ.CAPULET and LADY CAPULET enter stage right.

CAPULETWhat noise is this? Give me my sword!


LADY CAPULETHusband, you are too old to fight.

MONTAGUEYou are a villain Capulet! Hold me not, let me go!

LADY MONTAGUE holds MONTAGUE back.

LADY MONTAGUEYou shall not sBr one foot to meet a foe!

PRINCE enters followed by WATCHMEN

PRINCEVillainous Rebels! Enemies of the peace!

All fighVng stops. PRINCE stands center stage.

What? Could you be men?Nay, you are but beasts who turn your blades on your neighbors!

Throw your bloody weapons to the ground and hear the warning of your prince.

ALL drop their weapons to the ground.

Three Bmes, now, your heated brawls have disturbed the peace of our city’s streets. If ever you disturb our streets again,

you shall repay your fellow ciBzens with your lives.

He looks at CAPULET and MONTAGUE.

You, Capulet, come along with meAnd you, Montague, will come this aiernoon.We shall discuss the hap’nings of this place.

And to the rest of you: Once more, on pain of death, you must depart!

PRINCE exits followed by CAPULET and all Capulets.All exit but MONTAGUE, LADY MONTAGUE, and BENVOLIO.


SCENE 3

MONTAGUENephew, what has happened here?

Who did start this ancient quarrel up again?

BENVOLIOI was not here when it began.

‘Twas servants from both houses to first draw their swords.

MONTAGUEAnd when you came upon the scene?

BENVOLIOI drew my sword to part them, Uncle.

But in that instant Tybalt came. His sword was drawn and ready.He did taunt me with his culng words,

and I could not hold back.

MONTAGUEAnd ‘twas then I came upon the brawl.

LADY MONTAGUENephew, saw you Romeo today?Glad am I he was not at this scene.

BENVOLIOAy, my lady. Just before the golden sun arose, I saw him.

He walked beneath the grove of sycamore trees.Toward him I moved. But he, aware of me, took

a different path through the wood.His mind is troubled.

LADY MONTAGUEMany a morning he has been seen there.With tears as fresh as the morning’s dew.

BENVOLIODo you know the cause?

MONTAGUEI neither know it, nor can learn of it.

He will not speak to me.


BENVOLIOLook now, he comes this way!

If it please you, step aside. I’ll seek his sorrow.

LADY MONTAGUEOh, that he’ll share it with you.

MONTAGUE and LADY MONTAGUE exit stage right.

SCENE 4

ROMEO enters stage leJ.

BENVOLIOGood morrow, cousin.

ROMEOIs the day so young?

BENVOLIOThe clock just struck nine.

ROMEOAy me! Sad hours seem long!

BENVOLIOAnd what sadness makes Romeo’s hours so long?

ROMEOI don’t have what makes them short.

BENVOLIOAre you in love?

ROMEOOut.

BENVOLIOOf love?

ROMEOOut of favor with the one I love.


BENVOLIOAlas, love! Love should be kind, not so full of sorrow.

ROMEOHave you experienced it?

BENVOLIONo, cousin. I’d rather weep.

ROMEOWeep at what?

BENVOLIOAt your piBful state!

ROMEOOh, Rosaline!

BENVOLIOI trust she will not return your affecBon?

ROMEOShe refuses to be hit by cupids arrow.

She swears she’ll die a maid.

Enter MERCUTIO.

MERCUTIOGentleman! Why the serious face?

BENVOLIORomeo has lost his heart.

MERCUTIOThen get him to the surgeon!

ROMEONay, MercuBo. ‘Tis not a joking ma\er.

MERCUTIOThen be\er reason to joke!

BENVOLIOListen to your cousin, and forget to think of her.


MERCUTIO?Her? Has thou let a maid steal your heart?

Enter PETER, holding a scroll in confusion.

PETERPardon, good ciBzens. Might you help a fellow?

BENVOLIOGood servant, what is the problem?

PETERMy master hath sent me with this message.

I am to deliver it to several households of Verona.Alas, I cannot read it.

MERCUTIOGive it here.

PETER hands the scroll to MERCUTIO.MERCUTIO looks it over, pauses to look at BENVOLIO and ROMEO, then hands it back.

MERCUTIOCome you from the house of Capulet?

PETERI do.

MERCUTIOYour master wishes to serve as host to the fair families of Verona.

This evening there shall be costume, music and dancing.Go now. You have your message.

PETERThank you, kind sir!

You must come, the three of you, and enjoy the revelry!

PETER exVst quickly.

MERCUTIOHear that? We have an invitaBon!

BENVOLIOThe poor lad doesn’t know we are from the wrong house.


MERCUTIOAnd that fact be your luck!

MALVOLIO puts his arm around ROMEO.

MERCUTIOWe must go, Romeo! You must feast your eyes on other beauBes!

ROMEO pulls away from MERCUTIO.

ROMEONay, I won’t seek trouble in the house of Capulet!

BENVOLIOYour sorrow has soiened you.

Come, cousin. Let us find our costumes!

BENVOLIO puts his arm around ROMEO.They exit quickly. Curtain closes.

SCENE 5

Curtain opens. JULIET’s chambers.NURSE Vdies the room. LADY CAPULET enters.

LADY CAPULETNurse, where is my daughter? Call her forth to me!

NURSEJuliet? Juliet? Juliet! I bade you come!

JULIET enters.

JULIETHow now, who calls?

NURSEYour mother.

JULIETMadam, I am here. What is your will?


LADY CAPULETI’ll tell you of the ma\er. Nurse, leave us a while.

We must speak in secret.

NURSE goes to leave.

LADY CAPULETNo! Nurse, come back again.

I have remembered. You should hear of what we speak!You know my daughter’s of a pre\y age.

NURSE returns.

NURSEAy! I’ve cared for her so long I know her age down to the hour.

LADY CAPULETShe’s not yet fourteen.

NURSEHow the years have passed.

You were the prelest babe that ever I nursed.And I might live to see you married!

LADY CAPULETMarry, that “marry” is the very ma\er I came to speak of.Tell me, daughter, how stands your opinion to be married?

JULIETIt is an honor that I dream not of.

LADY CAPULETWell, think of it! There are ladies here in Verona,younger than you, who are made already mothers!

Thus, then, in brief: The valiant Paris seeks your hand.

NURSEA man, young lady, such a man!Perfect as any in the world!

LADY CAPULETWhat say you? Can you love the gentleman?Tonight you shall behold him at our feast.

Look to his young face, and find delight in how ‘Bs sculpted.


JULIETI’ll look to like, if looking liking move.

Enter POTPAN.

POTPANMadam, the guests are come and supper is served.

I beseech you, follow straight.

LADY CAPULETWe follow you. Juliet! The count awaits!

JULIET looks at NURSE.

NURSEGo, girl, seek happy nights to happy days!

ALL exit. Curtain closes.

SCENE 6

Curtain opens. Outside the house of CAPULET. Music can be heard.MERCUTIO enters and stands downstage. BENVOLIO and ROMEO follow.

ABRAM and BALTHASAR carry torches behind.ALL wear masks and simple costumes.

MERCUTIO‘Tis a lively night! Oh happy music!

ROMEOAnd what shall we say if we are asked our reason for entering?

BENVOLIODo not fear, cousin. You do not wear worried well.We’ll have a look, dance a dance, and then be gone.

ROMEOGive me a torch, I am not for dancing.

MERCUTIONay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance!


ROMEONot I, believe me. You have dancing shoes with nimble soles.

I have a soul of lead. It stakes me to the ground.

MERCUTIOYou are a lover! Borrow cupid’s wings and soar!

BENVOLIOCome! Knock and enter!

And no sooner that we’re in than every man take to his feet!

All cross upstage. All party guests, wearing masks, enter the stage.

ANTHONY, POTPAN, and PETER enter stage right with LUCINDA, ZITA and MARTA

CAPULET enters stage leJ with LADY CAPULETJULIET and PARIS follow, arm and arm. TYBALT follows.

CAPULETWelcome, gentleman! Was once a day when I did wear a mask

and whisper into a fair lady’s ear. ‘Tis gone for me.Come, musicians, play!

A new song starts. ANTHONY, POTPAN and PETERstart to dance with LUCINDA, ZITA and MARTA.

MONTAGUES stand upstage right.TYBALT stands upstage leJ.

GREGORY and SAMPSON enter and join him.

Music fades.

CAPULETWell, daughter, how suits you this fine knight?

JULIETFor a dance, he suits me fine.

PARIS‘Tis you who are truly fine, Juliet. As fine as the morning dew.

Come, shall we have a dance?

PARIS takes JULIET’s hand and they join the dancers.


ROMEO steps forward with BALTHASAR.

ROMEOWhat lady is that who graces the hand of the Count Paris?

BALTHASARI know not, sir.

ROMEOOh, how she teaches the torches to burn!

How brightly she shines! Did my heart love Bll now?I never saw true beauty Bll this night!Go, Balthasar, and find her name.

BALTHASAR roams the room. ROMEO steps back to watch JULIET.TYBALT steps forward with GREGORY and SAMPSON

TYBALTHe, by his voice, must be a Montague.What dares him to enter this house?

Sampson, fetch me my sword.Now, by the honor of my kin, I’ll strike him dead!

SAMPSON exits. CAPULET steps forward.

CAPULETWhy, how now, nephew? What angers you?

TYBALTUncle, that is a Montague!

GREGORYPerhaps young Romeo!

SAMPSON returns with a small sword.He hands it to TYBALT.

TYBALT‘Tis he, the villain!

CAPULETCalm yourself and let him alone.


TYBALTLet him alone? As a guest?

CAPULETI’ll not have you shed blood on this happy night.

Therefore be paBent. Take no note of him.

TYBALTI shall not endure him!

CAPULETHe shall be endured! What, good boy! I say he shall!

Am I the master here, or you? Let him alone!

CAPULET walks away from TYBALT.The music stops, and the dancers rest. All guests quietly visit and exit.

SCENE 7

JULIET leaves the dancers and steps downstage.ROMEO follows, they are alone.

ROMEO suddenly takes JULIET’s hand.

ROMEOYour hand, so smooth and holy, deserves be\er than my rough touch.

But my lips, like blushing pilgrims, stand ready to smooth it with a tender kiss.

ROMEO bends to kiss her hand.JULIET takes it quickly away.

JULIETGood pilgrim, you do wrong your hands too much.For saints have hands, that pilgrims’ hands do touch.

And palm to palm does make a holy kiss.

JULIET puts her hands up and ROMEOplaces his palms against hers.

ROMEOHave not saints lips? And holy pilgrims too?

JULIETAy, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer.


ROMEOOh then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do,

and answer this pilgrim’s prayer.

JULIETYet saints do not move, though they listen.

ROMEOThen do not move.

ROMEO leans in and kisses JULIET.

JULIETYou kiss by the book!

NURSE enters.

NURSEMadam, your mother craves a word with you.

JULET slowly lets go of ROMEO’s hands.She exits.

ROMEOWho is her mother?

NURSESilly, boy. Her mother is the lady of the house.

I nursed her daughter with whom your were talking.I tell you, he that takes her hand will be the wealthiest man alive.

NURSE exits.

ROMEOShe is a Capulet! My heart is in the hands of my enemy!

BENVOLIO and MERCUTIO enter. ABRAM and BALTHASAR follow.

BENVOLIOCome, cousin. Let us be gone. Our game is done.

MERCUTIOWe best depart before trouble finds us.


ROMEOI fear I’ve already found trouble.

MERCUTIOThen hear me, and depart!

ROMEOI cannot leave when my heart lives here.

ROMEO backs away and turns to exit, running.

BENVOLIORomeo! Cousin!

BALTHASAR(to BENVOLIO) He hath run that way and leapt the orchard wall.

BENVOLIOCall, good MercuBo.

MERCUTIOCome, he hath hid himself among these trees.

‘Tis silly to seek a man that cares not to be found.

MERCUTIO exits. All others follow. Curtain closes.

SCENE 8

Curtain opens. JULIET’s chambers.NURSE and JULIET enter. JULIET wears a nightgown.

JULIETGood nurse, who was he that would not dance?

NURSEThe gentle one? On whose lips I did find you?

JULIETAy, he!

NURSEI dare not say.


JULIETGentle nurse, pray tell me!

NURSEHis name is Romeo, and a Montague.The only son of your greatest enemy.

JULIET(quietly to herself) My only love sprung from my only hate!

NURSEWhat’s this?

JULIET(quickly) A rhyme I learned from one I danced with.

NURSEWell, ‘Bs Bme to put your rhyming head to bed.

Get thee to thy rest.

JULIETAier some air from this bright night. Good night, dear Nurse.

NURSE kisses JULIET on the forehead and exits.JULIET brushes her hair.

ROMEO enters in front and below the stage.

ROMEOHow I am doomed to love those I cannot.

The daughter of Capulet!

JULIET moves to her balcony on the stage.ROMEO speaks to himself.

ROMEOBut soi! What light through yonder window breaks?

It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,

Who is already sick with grief, for thou art far more fair than she.

JULIETAy, me!


ROMEO She speaks! Oh, speak again, bright angel!

Thou art as glorious as a winged messenger of heaven!

JULIETOh Romeo! Romeo! Where art thou Romeo?Deny your father and refuse your name!

Or, if you’ll not, swear your love and I’ll no longer be a Capulet.

ROMEO(to himself) Shall I hear more, or shall I speak?

JULIET‘Tis only your name that is my enemy!

What is a Montague? ‘Tis not a hand, nor foot, nor arm, nor face, nor any other part belonging to a man.

What is in a name? A rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet!Romeo, refuse your name and take all of me!

ROMEOJust call me your love and I’ll never more be Romeo.

JULIET(startled) Who is there?

What man are you who hath stumbled on my dreaming?

ROMEOA man with a name I cannot speak.

‘Tis the name of your enemy.

JULIETAre you Romeo? Are you Montague?

ROMEONeither, fair maid, if either you dislike.

JULIETRomeo! If they find you they will murder you!

ROMEO starts to climb the stage to be closer to JULIET.

ROMEOIf you do not love me, let them find me!

I’d rather my life be ended by their hate than by your denial.Sweet lady, I swear by yonder blessed moon -‐


JULIETSwear not by the moon!

She is not constant, changing shape by the night.

ROMEOWhat shall I swear by?

JULIETDo not swear at all, or if you must, swear by thy gracious self.

ROMEOWell, then I swear -‐

JULIETNo, do not swear. Although I take joy in thee,

this is not the night for contracts. This is too rash, too sudden.

JULIET turns to look inside.

JULIETSweet Romeo, goodnight! Let us think of our love as a rose bud,fresh and new. And this bud, ripened by the summer’s breeze,

may be a beauBful flower when next we meet.

ROMEO reaches out for her hand.

ROMEOOh, will you leave me so unsaBsfied?

JULIETWhat more saBsfacBon can you have tonight?

ROMEOYour vow of love in return of mine.

JULIETI gave you my vow before you requested it.

And yet, I would give it again.My love is as deep and boundless as the sea.The more I give to you, the more I have!

NURSE(from off stage) Juliet?


JULIET(to ROMEO) I hear some noise within. Dear love, goodbye.

(to NURSE) I come, good Nurse!(to ROMEO) Stay but a li\le, I will come again.

JULIET leaves the balcony and quickly exits.

ROMEOOh blessed, blessed night! I am afraid I am but dreaming!

JULIET enters and runs to the balcony again.

JULIETDear Romeo, I must now to bed.

But know, if your purpose is marriage I will have thee!Send word tomorrow by my nurse, whom I’ll send your way.

And all my fortunes at your foot I’ll lay, and follow you throughout the world.

NURSE(from off stage) Juliet!

JULIET(to NURSE) I come! I come!

(to ROMEO) But if you won’t marry, I ask you...

NURSE(from off stage) Juliet, Juliet!

JULIET(to ROMEO) Leave me alone to grieve.

ROMEOSweet lady, if you’ll have me, I am yours.

JULIET‘Till tomorrow then. A thousand Bmes good night!

JULIET starts to exit, then turns back.

ROMEOA thousand Bmes worse is to miss your light. Good night.


JULIETParBng is such sweet sorrow,

I might say goodnight ‘Bll night be tomorrow.

JULIET runs back inside and exits.ROMEO climbs down to the front of the stage.

ROMEONow I’ll to the friar, to whose good heart I’ll trust my intenBons.

ROMEO exits. Curtain closes.

SCENE 9

Curtain opens. Streets of Verona. MERCUTIO and BENVOLIO enter.

MERCUTIOWhere the devil should our Romeo be?

Came he not home last night?

BENVOLIONot to his father’s house.

But Tybalt, kinsman to old Capulet, hath sent a le\er to our house.

MERCUTIOA challenge?

BENVOLIOAy, and Romeo will answer it.

MERCUTIOAlas, poor Romeo! He is already dead!

He’s been shot through the ear with a love song.He is not the man to fight Tybalt.

ROMEO enters.

BENVOLIOHere comes Romeo!

MERCUTIO(to ROMEO) There he is! He that made fools of us!


ROMEOGood morrow to you both.

Fools only make fools of themselves.

MERCUTIOYou slipped away from us, sir.

NURSE and PETER enter.

ROMEOPardon, good MercuBo. My business was great.

And here comes even greater business.

MERCUTIOGreater indeed. What business have you with this boat?

NURSE(to PETER) My fan, Peter!

MERCUTIOGood, Peter, to quickly hide her face,

for I find the fan more lovely.

NURSEGood morrow, gentleman.

Can any of you tell me where I may find the young Romeo?

ROMEOI am the youngest by that name.

NURSEIf you be he, sir, I desire conference with you.

MERCUTIO(to ROMEO) She will eat you for supper!

BENVOLIORomeo, will you to your father’s?

We’ll to dinner soon.

ROMEOI will follow you.


MERCUTIOFare thee well, ancient lady.Though fair we find you not!

BENVOLIO and MERCUTIO exit.

NURSEI pray you, sir, what saucy man was that?

ROMEOA man, good lady, who loves to hear himself talk.

NURSEPray you, sir, a word.

NURSE pulls ROMEO away from PETER.

NURSEMy young lady bid me ask you out.

What she asked me to say, I’ll not say unBl you promise not to lead her to fools paradise.

ROMEO(sincerely) Good nurse, I protest unto thee -‐

NURSEYou’ve a good heart and, in faith, I’ll tell her that.

Lord, she will be a joyful woman.

ROMEOTell her to meet me at the cell of Friar Lawrence.

This aiernoon she’ll be married.

NURSEThis very aiernoon, sir?

She will be there.

NURSE goes to leave.

ROMEOCommend me to thy lady!


NURSEAy, a thousand Bmes.

Peter?

PETERAnon!

NURSEAway with us!

NURSE exits and PETER follows.ROMEO exits opposite side.

SCENE 10

The church. FRAIR LAWRENCE and ROMEO enter.

FRIAR LAWRENCESo smile the heavens upon this holy act!

And may this marriage end the violence between two houses.

ROMEOAmen, amen.

FRAIR LAWRENCEI only pray that sorrow find us not aier ‘Bs done.

ROMEONo sorrow can ruin the joy I find in her.Love, all powerful, will devour death.It is enough I may but call her mine.

FRIAR LAWRENCEHere comes the lady.

JULIET enters and runs to ROMEO.They embrace.

JULIETGood evening, Friar.


FRIAR LAWRENCERomeo is happy you are here!

JULIETAs I am, Friar.

ROMEOAh, Juliet, your happiness is as great as mine,

but your words are more beauBful.Tell of the imagined happiness we shall both

receive in this marriage.

JULIETMy imaginaBon is too full for words.

And anyone who can tell of their happiness is but a beggar.My true love is so great that I cannot

sum up sum of half my wealth!

FRIAR LAWRENCECome, come with me and we will make short of this ceremony.

You shall not stay alone Bll holy church bind two in one.

FRIAR exits. ROMEO and JULIET quickly follow, holding hands.

SCENE 11

Streets of Verona.BENVOLIO and MERCUTIO enter. ABRAM and BALTHASAR follow.

BENVOLIOI beg of you, good MercuBo, let us reBre!

This day is hot and, for sure, the Capulets are out. And if we meet we shall not ‘scape a brawl.

For now, in these hot days, the mad blood is sBrring!

MERCUTIOAh, Benvolio! You say you’ll ‘scape a brawl,

but when one comes you, with much happiness, draw.

TYBALT enters. GREGORY, SAMPSON and ANTHONY follow.


BENVOLIO(to MERCUTIO) By my head, here come the Capulets.

MERCUTIOBy my heel, I care not!

TYBALT(to GREGORY) Follow me close, for I will speak to them.

(to BENVOLIO) Good evening, Gentlemen. A word with one of you?

MERCUTIOJust one word and nothing else?

Or will you make it a word and a strike?

TYBALTYou shall find me ready to strike if you give me reason.

MERCUTIOBut you, Tybalt, could find reason without giving.

TYBALTMercuBo, wander you with Romeo?

MERCUTIOWander? What do you make us? Minstrels?If I am a minstrel, then here is my fiddlesBck.

(draws his sword) I’ll swing it to make you dance!

BENVOLIO steps between MERCUTIO and TYBALT.

BENVOLIOGood men, this here is a public place.Either withdraw to a private place,

or else depart. Here all eyes gaze on us.

MERCUTIOMen’s eyes were made to look.

I will not budge for no man’s pleasure.

ROMEO enters.

TYBALTWell, peace be with you. Here comes my man.

(to ROMEO) Romeo, thou art a villain!


ROMEOTybalt, I have reason to love thee.I will not argue over such a greeBng.

Therefore, farewell.

ROMEO goes to leave.

TYBALTBoy, this shall not excuse the wrongyou have done to me. Turn and draw!

ROMEO turns to TYBALT.

ROMEOI’ve never wronged you, Tybalt.

Rather, I love thee for reason I cannot explain.And so, good Capulet, a name I love as much as my own,

be saBsfied with my withdrawal.

MERCUTIO(to ROMEO) Oh dishonorable submission!

Romeo! What do you say?

MERCUTIO draws his sword and points it at TYBALT.

MERCUTIOTybalt, you ratcatcher, you Prince of Cats, I challenge you!

ROMEOGentle MercuBo, put away your sword!

TYBALT(drawing his sword) Nay, draw it forth!

MERCUTIO and TYBALT start to duel.ROMEO draws his sword.

ROMEODraw your sword, Benvolio. Beat down their weapons!

Gentlemen, for shame! Stop this outrage!The Prince has forbidden brawling in the streets.

Hold, Tybalt! Good MercuBo!

The fight conVnues. ROMEO tries to stop it.


TYBALT stabs MERCUTIO, then steps away.

ANTHONYTybalt, away!

SAMPSONYou must flee this bloody site!

All Capulets exit.MERCUTIO puts his hand to his wound.

MERCUTIOI am hurt. I am finished! Is he gone without a cut?

A plague on both your houses!

BENVOLIOWhat, art thou hurt?

MERCUTIOAy, ay, a scratch, a scratch.

BALTHASARI shall fetch a surgeon!

BALTHASAR exits running.

ROMEOCourage, man. The hurt cannot be much.

MERCUTIONo, ‘Bs not so deep, but ‘Bs enough.

Look for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.My Bme here is done. A plague on both your houses!

(to ROMEO) Why came you between us?I was hurt under your arm!

ROMEOI thought ‘twas all for the best.

MERCUTIOHelp me into some house, Benvolio.They have made worms’ meat of me.

A plague on both your houses!

BENVOLIO helps MERCUTIO. They exit, ABRAM follows. M. Greene © 201430 May only be copied for single classroom use.

ROMEOMy reputaBon was stained by Tybalt’s slander!

This gentleman, my very friend, received his mortal blow on my behalf.

BENVOLIO enters.

BENVOLIOOh Romeo, Romeo, brave MercuBo is dead!That gallant spirit has risen to the clouds!

TYBALT enters.

Here comes the furious Tybalt back again!

ROMEOAlive in triumph, and MercuBo slain!My fire-‐eyes are filled with fury.

ROMEO draws his sword.

ROMEONow, Tybalt, take the “villain” back again.

MercuBo’s soul is but a li\le way above our headswaiBng for you to keep him company.

Either you or I, or both, must go with him!

TYBALTWretched boy, you wandered with him on earth,

you shall wander with him hence!

ROMEO and TYBALT duel.ROMEO strikes, TYBALT falls down dead.

ROMEO drops his sword and covers his eyes.

BENVOLIORomeo, away, be gone!

The ciBzens see all, and Tybalt is slain.Stand not amazed! The Prince will doom thee to death

if you are taken. Hence, be gone, away!

ROMEO falls to his knees.


ROMEOOh, I am fortune’s fool!

BENVOLIOWhy do you stay? Away!

ROMEO stands, takes his sword, and exits running.

SCENE 12

WATCHMEN enter running.

WATCHMAN 1 Which way ran the man that killed MercuBo?

WATCHMAN 2Tybalt, the murder, where did he run?

BENVOLIO(poinVng to TYBALT) There lies Tybalt, sir.

WATCHMAN 3(to TYBALT) Up, sir, come with us!

TYBALT lies moVonless.

WATCHMAN 1We charge thee in the Prince’s name!

BENVOLIOYou waste your breath for he is dead.

PRINCE, CAPULET, LADY CAPULETMONTAGUE, and LADY MONTAGUE enter.

PRINCEWhere are the vile beginners of this brawl?

BENVOLIOThere lies the man, slain by young Romeo,

that killed your friend MercuBo.

LADY CAPULET runs to TYBALT


LADY CAPULETTybalt, my nephew! My brother’s son!

Oh, the blood is spilled of our dear kinsman!

CAPULETPrince, as thou art true,

for the blood of ours, make blood of a Montague.

PRINCERomeo killed Tybalt and Tybalt killed MercuBo.

Now who shall pay the price?

LADY MONTAGUENot Romeo, Prince!

MONTAGUEHe was MercuBo’s friend.

He only did the job of JusBce by taking the life of Tybalt.

PRINCEAnd for that offense, I immediately exile him hence!

Let Romeo go in in haste, or, the hour that he is found, shall be his last.

PRINCE exits. Curtain closes.

SCENE 13

Curtain opens. JULIET’s chambers.

JULIETOh, let the night come!

Let Romeo leap into my arms, untalked of and unseen.

NURSE enters.

JULIETAy, me, what news?

Why do you wring your hands?

NURSEWe are undone, lady! We are undone!

Alas, the day! He’s gone, he’s killed, he’s dead!


JULIETCan heaven be so hateful?

NURSERomeo can, though heaven is not.

Oh, Romeo! Who ever would have thought?

JULIETHow can you torment me so?Has Romeo killed himself?

If he is killed, say “ay,” or if not, “no.”

NURSEI saw the wound! I saw it with my eyes!

JULIETOh, break my heart!

I resign to the vile earth. Let us be buried together!

NURSEOh, Tybalt! Tybalt! Honest gentleman!

I never thought I’d see you dead.

JULIETWhat is this? Romeo slaughtered and Tybalt dead?

NURSETybalt is dead, and Romeo banished.

Romeo has killed him.

JULIET No! ‘Tis not so!

NURSEThere’s no trust, no faith, no honesty in men.

Shame come to Romeo!

JULIETMay your tongue burn for such a wish!

NURSEWill you defend he who killed your cousin?


JULIETShall I not defend he who is my husband?

Where are my father and mother?

NURSEWeeping and wailing over Tybalt’s body.

JULIETThey wash his wounds with their tears.

I shall save mine for Romeo.

NURSEStay in your chambers. I’ll find Romeo to comfort you.

NURSE exits. JULIET sits quietly to wait.

SCENE 14

COUNT PARIS, CAPULET and LADY CAPULETenter on the opposite side of the stage.

PARISThese Bmes of woe are not a Bme for wooing.

CAPULETJuliet loved her kinsman Tybalt.

She cries for him and shall not come down tonight.

LADY CAPULETI will speak to her soon and move her to marry.

CAPULETSir Paris, we shall make an argument for our child’s love.

And she shall follow our bidding.Wife, go to her before you go to bed.

Tell her she shall be married on Thursday to this noble man.

PARISMy lord, I wish that Thursday were tomorrow!

ROMEO enters on JULIET’s side of the stage.They hug and sit next to each other. They appear to be talking.


CAPULETThursday, be it then. Goodnight.

PARISGoodnight, sir.

PARIS exits.

CAPULETGo to Juliet. Prepare her, wife, for this wedding day.

They exit.

SCENE 15

JULIET’s chambers. ROMEO stands to leave.

JULIETWill you be gone? ‘Tis not yet near day!

ROMEOI hear the lark. It welcomes the morning.

JULIETIt was the nighBngale, and not the lark,

that pierced your fearful ear.

ROMEONo nighBngale. Look, love: rosy streaksthat paint the clouds in the eastern sky.I must be gone and live, or stay and die.

JULIET‘Tis not daylight. ‘Tis but a meteor!

Therefore stay, you need not be gone.

JULIET kisses him.

ROMEOOh, let me be taken! Let me be put to death!

It shall be as you say, so let it be night.I have more care to stay than will to go.

NURSE enters. M. Greene © 201436 May only be copied for single classroom use.

NURSEMadam! Your lady mother is coming to your chamber!

The day has broken. Be wary, look about!

NURSE exits. JULIET and ROMEO run to the window.

ROMEOFarewell, farewell. One kiss, and I’ll be gone.

They kiss. ROMEO starts to climb down the stage.

JULIETAnd so you go? Oh, my husband, friend!

I must hear from you everyday! Oh the days shall be long!

ROMEOFarewell! I will send greeBngs, my love!

JULIETOh, shall we ever meet again?

ROMEOI have not a doubt. And all these woes will serve

as memories in our Bme to come.

JULIETOh lord! Methinks I see you now, as pale as a corpse in a tomb.

ROMEOTrust me, love, in my eyes so are you.

This sorrow takes our color. Adieu! Adieu!

ROMEO exits running.

SCENE 16

LADY CAPULET (from offstage) Daughter, are you up?

LADY capulet enters JULIET’s chambers.JULIET leaves the window.


LADY CAPULETWhy, how now, Juliet?

JULIETMadam, I am not well.

LADY CAPULETWeeping for your cousin’s death?

JULIETLet me weep for such a loss.

LADY CAPULETWell weep no more. We will have vengeance.

And now I’ll tell you joyful Bdings, girl!

JULIETAnd what joy comes in such sad Bmes?

LADY CAPULETGive thanks to your father, Juliet! He has done well for you!

JULIETI thank him for my life. What more?

LADY CAPULETMy child, early next Thursday morn,

the gallant, young and noble gentleman,the Count Paris, shall happily make you his joyful bride!

JULIETHe shall not make me a joyful bride!

I pray you, tell my lord and father, I will not marry yet!

JULIET begins to cry.

LADY CAPULET(angry) Here comes your father, tell him so yourself.

CAPULET and NURSE enter.

CAPULETWhy Juliet? How now? What, sBll in tears?

How now, wife? Have you you not delivered the news?


LADY CAPULETAy, sir, but she will have none of it.

CAPULET(to JULIET) What, does she not give us thanks?

We have found a worthy gentleman to be her husband!

JULIET gets down on her knees before her father.

JULIETGood Father, I beseech you on my knees!

Here me speak!

CAPULETHang thee, young baggage! Disobedient wretch!

JULIET stands before her father.

JULIETBut Father!

CAPULETGet thee to church on Thursday or never look me in the face!

To have such a daughter is but a curse!

NURSEGod in heaven! My lord, you should not say so!

CAPULETAnd why not, you mumbling fool?

LADY CAPULETHusband, you are too hot. You must rest.

CAPULETWell, Thursday is near. If you be my daughter, you’ll wed.

If not, then beg, starve, and die in the streets!

CAPULET exits. LADY CAPULET follows.

JULIETOh God! Oh Nurse! How shall this be prevented?

What say you? Have you not a word of joy?Some comfort?


NURSEIn faith, here is my comfort.

Romeo is banished. He shall not return to you.As this situaBon stands, I think it best you marry with the count.

I think you will be happier in this second match.

JULIETDo you speak from the heart?

NURSEAnd from my soul.

JULIET pauses to think.

JULIETNurse, go to my father. Tell him I am sorry for angering him

and that I’ve gone to Friar Lawrence to confess.

NURSEI will! And this is wisely done!

NURSE exits.

JULIETDoes my sweet nurse abandon me?

There is no comfort, no wise advice in her.I shall go to the friar for council.

JULIET exits. Curtain closes.

SCENE 17

Curtain opens. The church.FRIAR LAWRENCE opens the door for JULIET.

JULIETOh, shut the door! And aier you do, come weep with me!

I am past hope, past cure, past help!

FRIAR LAWRENCEOh Juliet, I know of your situaBon.

You are to be married next Thursday.


JULIETTell me not of this, Friar.

Unless you can tell me how I may prevent it.I wish to die if you speak not of a remedy!

FRIAR LAWRENCE pauses to think.

FRIAR LAWRENCEWait, my daughter. I do spy some kind of hope.

If, rather than marry Paris, you have the strength to take your life,then it is likely you’ll try what I suggest.

JULIETOh bid me leap, rather than to marry Paris!

Hide me with a dead man! There is nothing I will not do to be a wife to my sweet love.

FRIAR LAWRENCEListen, then. Go home, be merry, and agree to marry Paris.

Tomorrow night let not the nurse sleep with you in your chamber. (shows her a vial) Take this vial in your hands.

When you are in bed, drink all of it. It will bring a cold and drowsy sleep. No pulse shall be detected. No warmth, no breath shall prove you live.Thinking you are dead, your parents will leave you in your family’s tomb,

and there I shall send Romeo to find you.

JULIETGive it to me quickly! I shall gladly drink of it!

FRIAR LAWRENCE gives JULIET the vial.

FRIAR LAWRENCEGet you gone. Be strong and prosperous.

I shall send a friar, with great speed, to give word of this to Romeo.

JULIETLove give me strength. Farewell, dear Friar.

They both exit separately. Curtain closes.


SCENE 18

Curtain opens. JULIET’s chamber on one side of the stage.CAPULET, LADY CAPULET, ANTHONY and POTPAN

stand on the opposite side of the stage.

CAPULETPotpan?

POTPANYes, my lord.

CAPULETThe invited guests are wri\en here.

CAPULET hands a paper to POTPAN.

CAPULETMake sure they receive word of my daughter’s marriage.

POTPANWith speed, my lord.

POTPAN exits.

CAPULETAnd Anthony?

ANTHONYYes, my lord.

CAPULETGo and hire twenty able cooks.

ANTHONYI shall find the best, my lord.

ANTHONY exits. JULIET enters.

CAPULETHow now, my headstrong daughter?

I hear you’ve gone to repent your sin of disobedience.


JULIETI beg your pardon, Father. I am ever ruled by you.

CAPULETWord has been sent to the count.Your willingness gives us joy.

We’ll have this knot knit up tomorrow morning!

JULIETTomorrow is but Wednesday.

CAPULETAy! Your husband is eager.

JULIETThen I’ll to bed.

LADY CAPULETNeed you my help?

JULIETNo madam. So please you, let me now be lei alone.

And let the nurse stay with you this night.With such preparaBons, you have need of her.

LADY CAPULETVery well. Get thee to bed and rest.

JULIETGood night.

JULIET exits, then enters in her chamberon the opposite side of the stage.

LADY CAPULETIt is late and there’s is much to be done.

CAPULETQuiet, my lady. All things shall be done.

And with great happiness!

JULIET goes to her window to watch her parents.CAPULET and LADY CAPULET exit.


JULIETFarewell! God knows when we shall meet again.There is a faint cold that creeps through my veins.

I wish to call them back for comfort. But my dismal act must act alone.(holding the vial) Come, vial. I’ll bring you to my lips.(she stops) But what if this mixture does not work?

Shall I be married tomorrow? And what if my Romeo does not come?

Shall I die alone in the tomb with li\le air?Enough of this. I must drink.

(bringing the vial to her lips) Romeo, Romeo!Here’s a drink. I drink to thee!

JULIET drinks from the vial and falls to the floor.Curtain closes.

SCENE 19

Streets of Mantua.ROMEO walks as BALTHASAR enters running.

ROMEONews from Verona! How now, Balthasar?Do you bring me le\ers from the friar?

How fares my Juliet? Nothing can be wrong if she be well.

BALTHASAROh, pardon me for bringing such sad news!

ROMEOWhat is it Balthasar?

BALTHASARYour love sleeps in Capulet’s tomb. Her spirits with the angels live.

ROMEOCan this be true?

BALTHASARI saw her laid low in the vault, and presently came to tell you.

ROMEO falls to the ground.


ROMEOThen I defy you, stars!

(to BALTHASAR) Have you no le\er from the friar?

BALTHASARNo, my good lord.

ROMEO stands.

ROMEOHire horses, I will go to Verona tonight.

BALTHASARYour looks are pale, sir. Your wild eyes suggest some misadventure.

ROMEOLeave me and do the thing I bid you do!

BALTHASARYes, my good lord.

BALTHASAR exits.

ROMEOWell, Juliet, I will lay with you tonight.I remember an apothecary in Verona.

He shall give me medicine for this misfortune.And with one sip I’ll join my love in a holier place.

ROMEO exits. Curtain closes.

SCENE 20

Curtain opens. The church.FRIAR LAWRENCE paces. FRIAR JOHN enters, holding a le\er.

FRIAR LAWRENCEBrother John! Welcome from Mantua.

What says Romeo? Or, if he has wri\en, give me the le\er.

FRIAR JOHNBrother Lawrence, I am sorry to report:

Never in Mantua did I arrive. The way was blocked.


FRIAR LAWRENCEWho brought my le\er, then to Romeo?

FRIAR JOHNI could not send it. Here it is again.

FRIAR JOHN gives the le\er back to FRIAR LAWRENCE.

FRIAR LAWRENCEWhat misfortune!

Brother John, the le\er was full of importance! NeglecBng it could do much danger!Go again and this Bme find a way!

FRIAR LAWRENCE gives the le\er back to FRIAR JOHN.FRIAR JOHN exits.

Now I must to the tomb alone. Within three hours fair Juliet will awake.

I will bring her to my cell where Romeo may find her.

FRIAR LAWRENCE exits. Curtain closes.

SCENE 21

Curtain opens. JULIET lays in a tomb on one side of the stage.ROMEO stands on the other side, in the streets of Verona.

ROMEOWhat, ho! Apothecary!

APOTHECARY enters.

APOTHECARYWho calls so loud?

ROMEOCome here, man. There is forty ducats.

ROMEO give APOTHECARY coins.

ROMEOGive me a vial of poison that will make

its weary taker fall down dead. M. Greene © 201446 May only be copied for single classroom use.

APOTHECARYSuch mortal drugs I have. But the law brings death

to any that should sell them.

ROMEOHere’s more coin, then.

ROMEO hands him more money.APOTHECARY gives ROMEO a vial of poison.

APOTHECARYAnyone who drinks of this

will die no sooner than it reaches lips.

ROMEOMuch thanks, Apothecary.

APOTHECARY exits.

ROMEOCome, poison, go with me to Juliet’s grave,

for there I must taste of you.

ROMEO crosses the stage towards the tomb.

SCENE 22

ROMEO enters the tomb.

ROMEOA grave? Oh no! For here lies Juliet,

and her beauty fills this dark place with light.Oh, my love, my wife! Why are you sBll so fair?Shall I believe you only sleep? No, ‘Bs not so.So here I shall lay with you forevermore.

ROMEO kisses JULIET and takes the vial in his hands.

Here’s to my love!ROMEO drinks the poison.

Oh, apothecary, your drugs are quick!Thus, with a kiss, I die.


ROMEO kisses JULIET and dies beside her.JULIET wakes up.

JULIETOh dark tomb! Where is my lord?I do remember where I should be,and here I am. Where is my Romeo?

JULIET looks down to see ROMEO

What is this? A cup, closed in my true love’s hand?Poison? No! Did you drink all and leave no drop for me?I will kiss your lips. Some poison may hang on them.

JULIET kisses ROMEO.

JULIETYour lips are sBll warm. What misfortune has happened here?

WATCHMEN 1 and 2 enter on the opposite side of the stage.BALTHASAR follows them.

WATCHMAN 2Lead, boy. Which way?

JULIETWhat, who comes? I best be quick.

(taking ROMEO’s dagger) Oh, happy dagger,my heart is your sheath. There rust and let me die!

JULIET stabs herself and dies.WATCHMAN 1 and BALTHASAR enter the tomb.

BALTHASARA piBful sight! Juliet, bleeding, warm and newly dead!

She lays atop of a cold Romeo!

WATCHMAN 1(to Watchman 2) Run to the Capulets! Rise up the Montagues!

WATCHMAN 2 quickly exits.FRIAR LAWRENCE enters the stage running.


FRAIR LAWRENCEI fear I have come too late!Dear God, let it be not so!

WATCHMAN 3 enters with PRINCE ESCALUS

PRINCEWhat has happened here?

What misadventure calls me form my morning rest?

WATCHMAN 1My prince, here lies Romeo and Juliet,

warm and newly dead.

PRINCEWho knows the murderer?

WATCHMAN 2 enters with CAPULET, LADY CAPULET, MONTAGUE, and LADY MONTAGUE.

CAPULETWhy do the people cry in the streets?

Why do they come running towards our family monument?

PRINCELook, and you will see.

The parents enter the tomb.

LADY CAPULETOur daughter bleeds! But she is newly buried!

MONTAGUEOh, my son! Where are your manners?You beat your father to the grave!

Mothers lay by their children. Fathers exit the tomb.

CAPULETWho can explain this sad and strange scene?

FRIAR LAWRENCEHere I stand. You may quesBon me.


PRINCEThen say at once what you do know of this.

FRIAR LAWRENCE.Romeo, there dead, was husband to that Juliet.And she, there dead, was Romeo’s faithful wife.I married them in secret. But aier Tybalt’s death,

Romeo was banished. For him, not Tybalt, Juliet cried.And then there was to be a marriage.Juliet did come to me to rid her of it.

I gave her a sleeping poBon which gaveher the look of death. MeanBme I wrote to Romeo,

to come and rescue her from her false grave.But, alas, the le\er never was delivered.

BALTHASARI brought my master news of Juliet’s death.

He, nor I, knew not of such a plot.He, giving me this le\er for his father,

then returned to Verona.

PRINCEGive me the le\er. I will look on it.

BALTHASAR hands PRINCE the le\er.

PRINCEThis le\er makes good of the friar’s words.

And here he writes that he would buy poison,and come to die and lie with Juliet.

PRINCE hands the le\er to MONTAGUE.

Oh you enemies! Capulet! Montague!See what comes of your hate?

Heaven found a way to kill your joys with love!

MONTAGUE and CAPULET look at each other.

CAPULETOh, brother Montague, give me your hand.

On my daughter’s life, I am sorry. Accept it, and I’ll ask nothing more.

MONTAGUE shakes his hand. M. Greene © 201450 May only be copied for single classroom use.

MONTAGUEBut I can give you more.

I will raise a statue pure in gold to honor that of faithful Juliet.

MONTAGUE and CAPULET embrace.PRINCE steps forward to speak to all.

PRINCEA gloomy kind of peace this morning brings,The sun, full of sorrow, shows not his head.Go hence, and talk more of these sad things.Some shall be pardoned, and some punishéd.

For never was a story more full of woethan this of Juliet and her Romeo.

Curtain closes.

CURTAIN CALL

THE END


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William&Shakespeare’s& ROMEO & JULIETwp-blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/eseal/files/2015/05/... · My%weapon%is%out!%Iwill%back%thee! ... And%‘twas%then%Icame%upon%the%brawl. LADY%MONTAGUE