1.

ROMEO & JULIET Cousin Capulet

Servant #1 By the Virgin Mary, it must be thirty years.
Where’s Potpan? He should be helping clear the table. Is
Capulet
he carrying plates? Is he washing plates?
What! It can’t be that long. It was after we danced at
Servant #2 Lucentio’s wedding, and come this spring that will have
been twenty-five years ago that we were at a masked
When there’s only one person with good manners
ball.
around here and he gets his hands dirty yelling at us too,
it’s an unpleasant thing.
Cousin Capulet
Servant #1 It’s more, definitely more.  Lucentio’s son is older than
that, sir. His son is thirty.
Get these chairs out of here, take away the side-board,
take care of the serving dishes. You, be a good fellow
Capulet
and save me a piece of the marzipan, be so kind as to tell
the porter to show Susan Grindstone and Nell back to the What are you saying? His son was still under 21 two
kitchen. Anthony and Potpan! years ago.

Second Servant     Romeo

Yep, we’re here and ready. [To a Servingman] Who’s the lady who is enriching that
knight by letting him hold her hand?
Servant #1
Servant
I’ve been looking for you and calling for you, and you’re
needed now in the great hall. I don’t know, sir.

Third Servant Romeo

We can’t be in the kitchen and the dining room at the Oh, she could teach torches a thing or two about
same time. [To other servants] Keep smiling, boys, let’s brightness! She shines in the night like a dazzling
be quick, and may the winner take all, as they say. diamond in a dark Ethiopian’s ear. Her beauty is too
precious to be used up during this lifetime, too precious
Capulet for the earth.
Welcome gentlemen. The ladies will dance with you
She stands out from the other women like a white dove
unless they have corns on their feet. Ah, my young
among a flock of crows. When the dance is over, I’ll
ladies, which of you can deny you want to dance now?
watch where she stands, and make my hand blessed just
Any of you who acts shy must have corns, I’m sure of it.
by touching hers. Was I in love before? My eyes
Did I hit close to home? Welcome, gentlemen. I
convince me not, since I never realized what true beauty
remember back in the day when I wore a mask and
is before tonight.
whispered sweet nothings in a beautiful girl’s ear that
could sweep her off her feet. Oh, but those days are long
Tybalt
gone. You are welcome here, gentlemen. Come,
musicians, play. Make some room in the hall! Make That sounds like the voice of a Montague. Go get my
room, and get on your feet, girls. sword, boy. How dare he come our party disguised in
that mask to sneer at us? By the honor of my Capulet
[Music is playing and they’re starting to dance.] ancestors, I say that striking him dead would be no sin.
Bring in more light, you fools, and fold away those
dining tables. And throw some water in the fireplace-- Capulet
it’s gotten too hot in here. If I do say so myself, this
My nephew, what’s going on? Why are you talking so
spontaneous dance is turning out quite well. No, come
angrily?
sit here with me, my good cousin, for our dancing days
are over. How long has it been since we were last
Tybalt
partying in masks?
Uncle, that is a Montague, our enemy, who has come to Why, it’s disgraceful, uncle.
our party out of spite so he can mock our festivities.
Capulet
Capulet
Oh, go on. You’re an insolent boy. So you think it’s a
It’s young Romeo, isn’t it? disgrace, indeed? Well, this foolishness of yours may
just cost you, I know that. So you have to contradict me,
Tybalt do you? [To guests] Good Heavens, it’s time for the
dancing. Well said, my dears. [To Tybalt] You’re acting
That’s him, that bastard Romeo.
like a conceited ass. You can go. Be quiet at once, or--
[To servant] more light, more light--[to Tybalt] I’ll shut
Capulet
you up. [To guests] Oh, how marvelous, my dears!
Calm down, gentle nephew. Leave him alone. He’s
behaving quite properly. And honestly, everyone in Tybalt
Verona says he’s a nice, well-mannered boy. I will not
Being forced to be quiet while I’m this angry makes my
have him mistreated in my house, not for the wealth of
blood boil. I can’t do anything about it now, but
the whole town.
Romeo’s intrusion into our party will turn my polite
facade into bitterness.
So be patient and don’t pay any attention to him. That’s
what I want, so if you respect my decisions, you should
Romeo
put on a smile and quit frowning, which is not an
appropriate look for a feast anyway. [To Juliet, taking her hands]
I fear I’ve defiled your hands, which are like a holy
Tybalt shrine to me, by touching them with my own unworthy
hands.  But I have an agreeable way to make it up to
It is appropriate when one of the guests is a bastard. I
you. My lips are ready to smooth over that rough touch
won’t tolerate him.
with a tender kiss, like two devoted pilgrims before a
holy place.
Capulet
You will indeed tolerate him. Listen young man! I say Juliet
he will be tolerated. Go on. Am I the master of this
Good worshipper, you’re too harsh on your own hand, as
house, or are you? Not tolerate him! God help me! You
it shows a perfectly polite devotion by holding mine.
want to cause a scene! You want to make a commotion
After all, pilgrims touch the hands of saints, and the
like a cock in the hen house! You want to show that
hands kiss when their palms are brought together.
you’re “the man!”
Romeo
So be patient and don’t pay any attention to him. That’s
what I want, so if you respect my decisions, you should Yes, but don’t the saints and the worshipers have lips,
put on a smile and quit frowning, which is not an too?
appropriate look for a feast anyway.
Juliet
Tybalt
Yes, pilgrim, lips that they should use for prayer.
It is appropriate when one of the guests is a bastard. I
won’t tolerate him. Romeo
Well then, dear saint, let our lips do what our hands are
Capulet
doing. They’re praying for something after all, a kiss, so
You will indeed tolerate him. Listen young man! I say their faith doesn’t turn into despair.
he will be tolerated. Go on. Am I the master of this
house, or are you? Not tolerate him! God help me! You Juliet
want to cause a scene! You want to make a commotion
Saints don’t act first, although they may respond to
like a cock in the hen house! You want to show that
prayers.
you’re “the man!”
Romeo
Tybalt
Then don’t move while I get my prayers answered.
[He kisses her] Come here, nurse. Who’s that gentleman over there?
Now all the sin has been purged from my lips thanks to
yours. Nurse
That’s old Tiberio’s son and heir.
Juliet
Then that sin has passed from your lips to mine.

Romeo Juliet
A sin from my lips? Oh what a sweetly suggested And who’s that just now going out the door?
trespass! Give it back to me.
Nurse
[He kisses her again.]
Bless me, I think that’s young Petrucio.
Juliet
You kiss by the book. Juliet
And who’s that following him, the one who would not
Nurse
dance all evening?
Madam, your mother wants a word with you.
Nurse
Romeo
I don’t know.
Who is her mother?
Juliet
Nurse
Go find out his name.
Heavens, young man, her mother is the lady of this
house, and a good, wise, and virtuous lady she is. I [Nurse departs]
nursed her daughter, who you were just talking to. I’ll If he’s already married, I’ll likely go to my grave an old
tell you, whoever lands her will be rolling in the dough. maid rather than marry anyone else.

Romeo Nurse
Don’t tell me she’s a Capulet. What fate! My life is in His name is Romeo, and he’s a Montague. In fact, he’s
my enemy’s hands. I can’t live without her. the only son of Lord Montague, your great enemy.

Benvolio Juliet
Let’s take off. As the saying goes, “Quit while you’re The only love I’ve ever known comes from the only
ahead.” thing I hate! I met him too early, before I knew who he
was, and I found out who he was too late. What a terrible
Romeo way for me to fall in love for the first time--with a hated
enemy.
I’m afraid that is only too true. Staying more would be
my undoing.
Nurse
Capulet What’s this? What did you say?
No, gentlemen, don’t leave now. We have a little
Juliet
something for dessert coming.
Oh, just a rhyme I learned from someone I was dancing
[They indicate that they need to leave] with.
That’s so? Well, then, I thank you all for coming, honest
gentlemen. Good night. [To the servants] Bring more [One calls within 'Juliet.']
torches here. Come, let’s go to bed. Oh, dear me, I swear
it’s getting late. I’m going to bed. Nurse
We’re coming, we’re coming! Come, let’s go. All the
Juliet
guests have gone.
 Mercutio:

2. SECRET WEDDING That’s none of your business

Tybalt:
Father Lawrence’s house. 
I’m looking for him. And I’m going to find him.
Father Lawrence and Romeo are talking.
Mercutio:
Romeo:
Are you looking for a fight?
Good day father. Juliet will be here very soon. I’ll be
very happy when we’re married. Benvolio:
Father Lawrence: Stop it, you two! (Romeo enters.)
Listen, Romeo. You only loved Rosaline for a few Tybalt:
weeks. Remember, if you marry Juliet, you must love
her, and stay with her, for the rest of your life. There he is! Romeo! Come here!

Romeo: (He pulls out his sword.)

Yes Father, I understand. I’ll always love her. You came to our house last night, didn’t you? Well, we
don’t want the Montagues in ourhouse. I’m going to
(Juliet enters, and kisses Romeo.) teach you a lesson. Come on, get out your sword and
fight!
Juliet:
Romeo:
The Nurse told me to meet you here. She said that Father
Lawrence would marry us. Tybalt, I’m not your enemy! The Montagues and
Capulets are going to be good friends. Something
Father Lawrence:
wonderfull has happened.
And I will. Come with me.
Tybalt:
 What are you talking about?
3. MORE TROUBLE 
Mercutio:
A busy street in Verona.
 Why won’t you fight with him, Romeo?
Some people are walking along the street. Mercutio and
(He pulls out his sword.)
Benvolio are talking.
Well, I’ll fight. Come on!
Benvolio:
(Mercutio and Tybalt start fighting.)
It’s hot today, isn’t it? I don’t like this weather. People
feel angry when it’s so hot. Romeo:
(Tybalt and some friends enter.) Stop fighting! Don’t you remember what Prince Escalus
said? Benvolio, help me to stop them.
Mercutio:
(Benvolio and Romeo try to stop them. Tybalt
Look! It’s the Capulets – over there!
stabs Mercutio and runs away. Mercutio falls.)
Benvolio:
Mercutio:
Don’t start an argument, we don’t want trouble.
Why did you stand between us? I – I’m hurt!
Mercutio:
Romeo:
I’m not afraid of Tybalt.
I’m sorry, Mercutio – I was trying to help.
Tybalt:
Mercutio:
 Where is Romeo? He’s your friend, isn’t he?
I need a doctor. Oh, you Montagues and Capulets, what comes back to Verona, he will die. Now go home, and
a stupid argument! You’re both wrong, to fight, and keep the peace.
hate, and fight again like this! Ah –I’m dying! (Mercutio
dies.)
Romeo: 4. ANOTHER MESSAGE

Mercutio! He’s dead! Tybalt! Come back! Juliet is alone in her room.
(He pulls out his sword angrily.)  Juliet:
You’ve killed my friend. Now I’m going to kill you! I’m so excited! ---
(Tybalt enters again. They fght, and Romeo kills him. Romeo is going to be with me tonight! We’re married
Some people who are watching start shouting.) now, but the only people who know are Father Lawrence
Benvolio: and my Nurse. Here she is now.

This is terrible! Romeo, run away! You’ll be in trouble if (The Nurse enters.)
the Prince finds you here!
Nurse:
Romeo:
Juliet, my dear, something terrible has happened.
Oh, no! What have I done?
(She starts crying.) He’s dead, he’s dead.
(He runs away.)
Juliet:
(Prince Escalus, Lord and Lady Montague, Lord
and Lady Capulet, servants, and others enter.) Who’s dead? Not Romeo? Not my husband?

Prince Escalus: Nurse:

What’s happened? How did these men die? No, Tybalt is dead.
Benvolio: Juliet:
Tybalt killed Mercutio, sir. Mercutio was Romeo’s Oh, no! My cousin Tybalt! How did he die?
friend. Romeo was very angry, and he killed Tybalt.
Nurse:
Lady Capulet:
There was a fight, and Romeo killed him.
Romeo must die! He’s a murderer! He killed my nephew
Tybalt! Juliet:
Prince Escalus: It can’t be true! Romeo never fights.
But Tybalt was a murderer too, Lady Capulet. Nurse:
Lady Capulet: But it is true. Tybalt killed Romeo’s friend Mercutio,
No, he wasn’t! That’s what Benvolio says, but he’s a and Romeo was very angry. The two of them started
Montague.Romeo must die! fighting, and Romeo killed Tybalt.

Lord Montague: Juliet:

Sir, our son is not a murderer. He killed Tybalt because  Where’s Romeo now? And what’s going to happen to
he was angry. him?

Prince Escalus: Nurse:

Listen, all of you. I have decided not to execute Romeo. Romeo is hiding in Father Lawrence’s house. The Prince
Buthe must leave Verona, and he can never come back. has told Lord Montague that Romeo must leave Verona
Tell him that he must leave immediately. If he ever and never come back.
Juliet:
So, I’ll never see him again! (She starts crying.) Father Lawrence:
Nurse: I’m happy to see you, Nurse. Have you been with Juliet?

Don’t cry, my dear. Listen. I’ll go to Father Lawrence’s Nurse:

house and tellRomeo to come here secretly tonight, to Yes. I saw her a few minutes ago, crying and shaking,
say goodbye to you. just like Romeohere.
Juliet: Romeo:
Thank you, Nurse. You’re very kind. Wait – take this But I killed her cousin. Does she still love me?
ring.
Nurse: 
(She gives her a ring.)
Yes, of course she does.
Give it to Romeo, and tell him that I love him.
(She gives Romeo Juliet’s ring.)
5. BAD NEWS FOR ROMEO
She sends youthis ring.
Father Lawrence’s house. Romeo is hiding. Father La
Father Lawrence:
wrence enters.
Listen, Romeo. You can go to see Juliet tonight. But
Father Lawrence: then you must leave Verona. Later, I will tell everybody
Romeo – where are you? It’s me, Father Lawrence. that you and Juliet are married,and I will ask the Prince
(Romeo comes out.) to think again. Perhaps you can come back to
Veronasoon. But you have to leave Verona tonight and
Romeo: go to Mantua. Do you agree todo that?
What did Prince Escalus say? Am I going to die? Romeo:
Father Lawrence: Yes, Father. How long must I stay in Mantua?
No. Killing Tybalt was wrong. But the Prince is not Father Lawrence:
going to execute you. He said that you must leave
Verona immediately, and never come back. I’m not sure. Stay there until I send you a message.
Don’tcome back until you hear from me. Now go and
Romeo: say goodbye to Juliet.
This is terrible! (He starts crying.)
Leaving Juliet is worse than dying.
Father Lawrence:
Just listen, Romeo! You are lucky. The Prince has been
kind to you.
Romeo:
But I want to die! I can’t live without Juliet!
(There is a knock on thedoor.)
Father Lawrence:
Hide, Romeo! If anyone nds you here, there will be
trouble!
Romeo:
It doesn’t matter. I want to die.
(The Nurse enters.)