Act III

(Friar is praying; Romeo arrives)

Romeo: Good morning, Father.

Friar: Who greets me in this friendly way so early? Young son, why aren’t you in bed? Old people can’t sleep easily, but young people can. You didn’t go to bed last night, Romeo, did you?

Romeo: You are right.

Friar: What! Have you been with Rosaline?

Romeo: No. I’ve forgotten that name. It brought me only sadness and pain.

Friar: Good boy! But where have you been then?

Romeo: I was at my enemy’s party, enjoying myself…then…suddenly I’ve fallen in love with the beautiful daughter of rich Capulet, and she’s in love with me too. We want to get married. Please, agree to marry us today.

Friar: But this is a great change! Have you so quickly forgotten Rosaline? I see that young people don’t fall in love with their hearts but with their eyes. How many tears did you cry for Rosaline? But that wasn’t true love…so it doesn’t mean I want you to stop loving one woman and start loving another one.

Romeo: Don’t be angry with me. My new love is very different from Rosaline. She loves me as much as I love her.

Friar: All right then, I’ll help you for one reason only. Perhaps this marriage will end the terrible hate between your two families…perhaps it will turn that hate into love.

(leave the stage)

Mercutio: Where is Romeo? Did he go home last night?

Benvolio: No to his father’s house. I spoke to his servant.

Romeo: Good morning to both of you.

Mercutio: Morning…you escaped from us very cleverly last night.

Romeo: I’m sorry, my dear Mercutio. I had some very important business to do.

Mercutio: Well, you are very friendly now. You’re like the real Romeo again – the old friend that we know. Isn’t this better than being sad about love?

(the Nurse arrives in bright colours)

Nurse: Good morning gentlemen. Can you tell me where I can find young Romeo?

Romeo: Yes, I can tell you. That’s my name.

Nurse: If you are Romeo, I’d like to speak to you alone.

Benvolio (to Mercutio): Maybe she’s going to ask him to dinner. (they laugh)

Mercutio: Are you coming to your father’s house?

Romeo: I’ll meet you there later.

Mercutio: (kissing nurse hand) Goodbye, old lady.

Nurse: What a rude boy – he was making fun of me! Now, sir, my lady asked me to find you. But first, tell me if your feelings are true…my lady is very young and…

Romeo: Oh, I’m very serious. And I always keep my promises. Tell her to come to Friar Laurence’s house this afternoon. And there she and I can get married.

Nurse: This afternoon, sir? Then she’ll be there.

Romeo: Give my best greetings to your lady.

Nurse: yes, a thousand times.

Juliet: I sent Nurse to find Romeo at nine o’clock. She promised to return in half an hour. Oh, she’s so slow! The messengers of love have to travel quickly! It’s midday now, three long hours and she still hasn’t come back. She’s old. She doesn’t have the feelings and the warm blood of a young person. (the Nurse’s coming) Oh, sweet Nurse, what new? Did you meet Romeo?..Oh, why do you look so sad? If you have bad news, tell me kindly. If it’s good news, then don’t look so unhappy.

Nurse: I’m tired (is sitting)…leave me alone for a minute. All my body aches! I’ve walked a long way!

Juliet: Come on, tell me…speak, dear Nurse, speak!

Nurse: Well… Romeo’s face is more handsome than other men’s faces… he’s a very nice and polite young man… Have you had dinner yet?

Juliet: No, no. I knew all these things before. What did he say about our marriage? What about that?

Nurse: I’ve got a terrible headache! My back is hurting too – oh, my back, my back! Why did you send me out? I’m nearly died from that walk…

Juliet: Mmmmm…I’m really sorry you’re not feeling well. Sweet, sweet Nurse, tell me, what did my love say?

Nurse: Your love says, like an honest gentleman, and a kind and polite one… Where’s your mother?

Juliet: My mother? Here at home. Where do you think she is??? Speak…

Nurse: Dear lady why are you so angry? Is this all thanks I get? In future you can take your own messages!

Juliet: What did Romeo say?

Nurse: Have you got a permission to go to church today?

Juliet: I have.

Nurse: Then hurry to Friar Laurene’s house. Your husband is waiting for you there. Now your face is turning red…Now I’m going to have my dinner…and you, go quickly to Friar Laurance.

Juliet: I’m flying… Thank you, what good news!

(both leave; Friar and Romeo come)

Friar: I hope this marriage won’t result any trouble for us

Romeo: I hope not too. If you join our hands in marriage, death can’t hurt us. If I can call her mine, that’s enough for me.

Friar: These strong feelings of love don’t bring happiness. They burn, and then they die. Don’t love so strongly. Then your love will be a long one. Here comes the lady.

Juliet: Good evening, Father.

Friar: Good evening.

Romeo: Oh, Juliet, are you filled with happiness as I am? Speak to me with your sweet, musical voice.

Juliet: I can’t describe how happy I am!

Friar: Come with me. This won’t take long. I’m not going to leave you two alone until you’re married.

ACT IV

Benvolio: Please, dear Mercutio, let’s go home. It’s very hot and the Capulets are in town. If we meet them, we’ll get into a fight. This heat is making everybody crazy.

Mercutio: YOU are the kind of person who likes starting fights.

Benvolio: (surprised) Me? Am I really?

Mersutio: Yes. You are always looking for a trouble. And now you are telling me not to get into a fight.

(Tybalt arrives from one side)

Benvolio: Oh no! Here come the Capulets.

Mercutio: Oh, good!

Tybalt: Good evening gentlemen. Can I talk to you?

Mercutio: You only want to talk to us? Don’t you want to fight us too?

Tybalt: You’ll find me ready for that, sir, if you make me angry. Mercutio, you’re a great friend of Romeo’s.

Mercutio: That’s right. Is that a problem? (taking out his sword) Here’s my sword. Do you want to know how sharp it is?

Benvolio: (trying to keep the peace) We’re talking in a very open space. Let’s go somewhere private, or discuss things calmly. Everybody is looking at us.

Mercutio: Fine. They can look. But I’m not leaving here.

(Romeo arrives)

Tybalt (to Mercutio): Well, I’m not interested in fighting you, sir. Here comes the man I’m interested in. Romeo, my heart fills with hate when I see you.

Romeo: I have a good reason to be a friend to you. I’m not going to get angry about the way you’ve greeted me. You don’t know who I am. Goodbye.

Tybalt: Boy, you’re rude! You’re not going to escape now. Turn and take out your sword.

Romeo: I’ve never done anything wrong to you. I respect you better than you can imagine. I respect your name as much as mine. So, please, dear Capulet, don’t continue trying to make me angry.

Mercutio: Why are you being so weak? Do you want Tybalt to win? (taking his sword) Tybalt, come over here!

Tybalt: What do you want?

Mercutio: To fight you! Take your sword out before I kill you!

Tybalt: I’m ready for you!

Romeo: Dear Mercutio, put your sword away!

Mercutio (to tybal): Let’s see how you can use your…knife!

Romeo: Take your sword out, Benvolio! Help me top this fight! Please, gentlemen, swords away! The Prince has ordered you not to fight in the streets of Verona. Stop, Tybalt! Mercutio, enough!

(Romeo steps between Tybalt and Mercutio. He puts up his arms to stop the fight and Tybalt pushes his sword into Mercutio)

Mercutio: I’m hurt! (falling down) I’m dying. Has Tybalt escaped? Isn’t he hurt?.. Well…it’s only a small cut, but it’s enough…go and get a doctor.

Romeo: Be brave…it can’t be a very deep cut…

Mercutio: Not it’s not…but it is enough to kill me. Ask for me tomorrow and you’ll find me in my grave. Why did you come between us?

Romeo: I was only trying to help.

Mercutio: Help me into a house Benvolio. A curse on both your families! They have killed me. (Benvolio helps him to go)

Romeo: Mercutio, the Prince’s close relative and my dear friend, is seriously hurt because of me. Oh, sweet Juliet, I saw your lovely face and acted like a woman.

Benvolio: Oh Romeo, brave Mercutio is dead!

Romeo: Sad things have happened today but they’re only the beginning. More troubles are going to follow.

Benvolio: Here comes the angry Tybalt back again.

Romeo: Tybalt is alive and Mercutio is dead! I’m not going to hold myself back now. Tybalt Mercution is wainting for you to join him in death. One of us, or both of us, must go with him.

Tybalt: You were his friend, you stupid boy. YOU go with him!

(they fight and Romeo kills Tybalt)

Benvolio: Tybalt is dead! The townspeople are coming! Run, Romeo! Don’t just stand there looking surprised. If they catch you, the Prince will order your death. Go, run!

Romeo: Oh, what have I done!

Benvolio: What are you waiting for? Run, now!

(Romeo runs away, the Prince. Lord Capulet, Lord Montague and their wives arrive)

Prince: Who began this terrible fight?

Lady Capulet: Tybalt! My brother’s child! Oh, Prince! Husband! Tybalt is dead! Prince, a Montague killed Tybalt. Take the life of a Montague in return for his death. Oh, Tybalt, Tybalt!

Prince: Benvolio, speak!

Benvolio: Tybalt started the fight. But Romeo didn’t want to fight and Mercutio was fighting with Tybalt. Romeo put up his arms to stop that and Tybalt killed Mercutio. Then he returned and Romeo, crazy from Mercutio’s death killed Tybalt and ran away.

Lady Capulet: Benvolio is a relative of the Montague. He’s lying. Romeo killed Tybalt, so Romeo must die too.

Prince: Tybalt killed Mercutio. Romeo killed Tybalt. Whose turn is it die now?

Lady Montague: Nor Romeo’s, Prince. He was Mercutio’s friend. Tybalt killed Mercutio and his punishment by law is death. So Romeo killed him.

Prince: And for that crime I am going to banish him from Verona. I’ve lost my relative from your stupid fighting. It’s no use crying – I’m not going to change my mind. Romeo must leave now!

ACT V

Juliet: Hurry, sun, go down! Come night, come, Romeo! You are like the bright day to me. Oh here comes my nurse with news. What is it Nurse?

Nurse: He’s dead! He’s dead, dead!!! Everything is finished for us, lady. Oh what a sad day! Oh Romeo! Who could imagine this terrible thing!

Juliet: Has Romeo killed himself? Give me a quick answer!

Nurse: I saw his dead body, I saw it with my own eyes. It was pale, all pale and covered with blood.

Juliet: Now my heart will break! If Romeo is dead, I want to die too.

Nurse: Oh dear Tybalt! I’m still alive and you’re dead!

Juliet: What? Are Tybalt and Romeo both dead? My dearest cousin and my husband?

Nurse: Tybalt is dead and the Prince has banished Romeo from Verona.

Juliet: Did Romeo kill Tybalt?

Nurse: Yes, yes! Oh sad day, yes! A curse on Romeo!

Julie: Don’t talk about Romeo like that! Oh my poor Romeo, why did you kill my cousin?... But you are alive and that is the reason to be happy…but…why am I crying? Romeo is banished – it’s more terrible that the death. Where are my father and mother?

Nurse: Crying by Tybalt’s body. Do you want to go to them?

Juliet: No…They can wash his body with their tears…when their ears are dry, I’ll still cry about Romeo’s banishment.

Nurse: Hurry to your room. I’ll go and find Romeo. I know where he is.

Juliet: Oh find him! Tell him to come and say goodbye to me for the last time!

Friar: Come out, Romeo. Don’t be afraid.

Romeo: What’s the news? What are the Prince’s orders? What new troubles are coming to me? Has the Prince ordered my death?

Friar: You’re always thinking about problems. He’s ordered your banishment.

Romeo: Banishment!? Be kind and say “death”! Banishment is more terrible than death.

Friar: He has banished you from Verona but don’t lose hope – the world is a big place.

Romeo: There is no world outside the walls of Verona.

Friar: You’re very ungrateful! That’s a great kindness, and you can’t see it!

Romeo: Kindness? Every cat and dog can live here happily and look at Juliet. But not me! Don’t you have any poison to kill me?

Friar: You, silly boy!...Get up. There’s somebody at the door. Hide yourself. (knocking) Who’s there? I’m just coming! What do you want?

Nurse: Let me in and I’ll tell you. I’ve come from lady Juliet.

Friar: Welcome then.

Nurse: Oh tell me, Father, where is my lady’s husband? Where’s Romeo?

Friar: Over there…crying…

Nurse: Oh, Juliet is just same, exactly the same… (to Romeo) Get up, if you’re a man! Think about Juliet and get up!

Romeo: Did you say something about Juliet? How is she? I’ve killed her cousin and destroyed our happiness. Where is she? How is she? What does she say about our love?

Nurse: She doesn’t say anything, sir. She cries and cries. She falls down on her bed, then gets up. She calls out Tybalt’s name, and then Romeo’s and then falls again.

Romeo: My name is hateful to me. I’m going to kill myself. (takes the knife)

Friar: Stop! Are you a man? You look like a man, but you’re crying like a woman and acting like a wild animal. Your Juliet is alive. That’s the reason to be happy. Tybalt wanted to kill you but you killed Tybalt – that’s another reason to be happy! The Prince decided to banish you not to kill – one more reason to be happy!

Romeo: Thank you, Father. Tell Juliet I’ll be there at time.

Nurse: I’ll tell my lady that you are coming. Here sir, she asked me to give you this ring. Hurry – it’s getting late.

Romeo: I feel much happier now!

Friar: Go now. You must leave Verona before daylight tomorrow morning, before the city guards see you. Go to Mantua. I’ll find a servant and give message to him. He’ll bring you all the good news from here. Goodbye.

Romeo: I’m very sorry to leave you. But happiness is waiting for me. Goodbye.

ACT VI

Lord and Lady Capulet come in with Paris

Lord Capulet: Many sad things have happened, sir. We haven’t had time to talk to our daughter about marriage. You must understand that she loved her cousin Tybalt very much. I did too. Well, everything ends in death. It’s late. She won’t come down tonight. It’s time for us to go to bed.

Paris: Good night, Madam. Give my best greetings to your daughter.

Lady Capulet: I will. I’ll talk to her early in the morning. She’s shut up in her room tonight, full of her great sadness.

Lord Capulet: Sir Paris, I’m going to make you an offer of my child’s love. I’m sure that she’ll listen to me in everything. Wife, talk to Juliet before you go to bed. Tell her about Paris’s love. Tell her that on Wednesday… But wait! What day is it today!

Lady Capulet: Monday.

Lord Capulet: Monday! Well, Wednesday is too soon. Let’s say Thursday. Tell her that on Thursday, this noble gentleman will marry her.

All of them leave

Juliet: Do you really have to go? It’s still night.

Romeo: No, morning is coming. See, my love, the clouds of night are moving away in the east. The stars have disappeared and there’s daylight over the mountain tops.

Juliet: That light isn’t daylight. I’m sure about that! Please stay. You don’t have to go yet.

Romeo: That grey light isn’t the light of morning – it’s moonlight. I prefer to stay here with you than to go. Welcome, death! Let’s talk, my love. It isn’t daylight yet.

Juliet: Yes, it is, it is! Hurry away from here – go! It’s getting lighter and lighter.

Romeo: It’s getting lighter, but our troubles are getting darker.

The Nurse hurries in

Nurse: Madam!

Juliet: Yes, Nurse?

Nurse: Your mother is coming to your room. It’s daylight now. Be careful!

Juliet: Daylight comes in through this window but Romeo, the light of my life, goes out.

Romeo: Goodbye! Give me a kiss and I’ll climb down. (He climbs through the window)

Juliet: Have you gone, my love, my friend, my husband? I want to hear from you every hour of every day.

Romeo: Goodbye! I’ll send you messages as often as I can.

Juliet: Oh, do you think we’ll ever meet again?

Romeo: Of course we will. One day in the future we’ll talk about these troubles and laugh.

Juliet: Oh, I’m imagining terrible things I see you looking like a dead man in a grave. You’re very pale.

Romeo: And you’re pale too, my love.

Juliet goes away from the window and Lady Capulet comes in

Lady Capulet: Hello, daughter! Are you up? Who are you, Juliet?

Juliet: Not very well.

Lady Capulet: Are you still crying about Tybalt’s death? You can’t bring him back to life. So stop crying.

Juliet: I loved him very much, and now I’ve lost him.

Lady Capulet: Perhaps you’re crying because his murderer is still alive.

Juliet: What murderer, Madam?

Lady Capulet: Romeo. Don’t cry. I’ll send a message to a man in Mantua. Romeo is living there now. I’ll tell him to poison Romeo. Then he’ll be dead, and you’ll be happy…But I’ve brought you some good news.

Juliet: Good news is always welcome in sad times. What is it?

Lady Capulet: You have a wise father, child. He knows how unhappy you are. So he’s preparing a very happy day for you.

Juliet: Really Madam? What day is that?

Lady Capulet: Early on Thursday morning, the noble young Paris will marry you at St. Peter’s Church.

Juliet: No, he won’t! Please tell my father, Madam, that I’m not ready for marriage. And when I AM ready, I prefer to marry Romeo than Paris. And you know that I hate Romeo. This is terrible news!

Lady Capulet: Here comes your father. Tell him yourself. See what kind of answer he gives you!

Lord Capulet: How are you, girl? Not still crying about Tybalt? Well, wife? Did you tell her about our decision?

Lady Capulet: Yes, I did. But the silly girl isn’t happy about our plans for her.

Lord Capulet: What do you mean? I don’t understand you wife. Isn’t she grateful to us? We’ve found a very fine husband for her. Isn’t she pleased? Listen, my fine lady, get yourself ready to go with Paris to St. Peter’s Church on Thursday. Or…I’ll pull you there!

Lady Capulet: Stop! Stop! Are you crazy?

Juliet: Father, please be patient. Pleas listen to me!

Lord Capulet: You ungrateful girl! I’m telling you, get to church on Thursday or never look me in the face again! Well, we were very lucky to have one child. That’s what we thought. But I see now that this child is a curse for us.

Nurse: Don’t be angry with her, sir!

Lord Capulet: And why not? You are a stupid old woman! Be quiet!

Lady Capulet: Don’t be so angry.

Lord Capulet: It makes me crazy! Every hour of every day, I’ve worked hard to find a good husband for her. Now I’ve found a find young gentleman from a noble family. Well, if you don’t marry him, I’ll never forgive you! You can’t stay here in my house. I’m not joking! If you want to continue as my daughter, I’ll give you to Paris. If not, then die in the streets! (he leaves)

Juliet: Is there no pity in heaven? Oh, my sweet mother, please don’t throw me out. Stop this marriage only for a month, or even a week.

Lady Capulet: don’t talk to me. I’m not going to say anything to help you (she leaves too)

Juliet: Oh, Nurse, how can we stop this terrible marriage? Please help me! Say something king to me.

Nurse: All right then. The Prince has banished Romeo and Romeo can’t return. So I think you should marry Paris. Oh, he’s fine gentleman. I’m sure you’ll be happy in this second marriage. It’s better than your first. And even if it isn’t your first marriage has ended. Romeo is of no use to you now.

Juliet: Do you really mean that?

Nurse: Yes, I do.

Juliet: …Well, thank you very much. I feel much better now. Tell my mother that I’ve gone to see Friar Laurence.

Nurse: I will. You’re doing a wise thing.

Juliet: The bad old woman! She’s said a thousand good things about Romeo in the past. I’ll never tell her my secrets again. I’ll go to see Friar Laurence. Perhaps he’ll have a plan to help me. If not, I can kill myself.