Ace 2 Scene 2
Help from Father Lawrence
It is early in the morning. Father Lawrence is in his garden.
FATHER LAWRENCE : I use these flowers to make medicines. The medicines are good, but they can be dangerous. So I make them very, very carefully.
Romeo enters.
FATHER LAWRENCE : Good morning, Romeo. It’s very early. What’s the matter – can’t you sleep?
ROMEO : No, I can’t, Father Lawrence. I’m in love, and I need your help.
FATHER LAWRENCE : You’re in love with Rosaline, aren’t you?
ROMEO : Rosaline? No, Father, I never think about her now. I’m in love with Juliet, Lord Capulet’s daughter.
FATHER LAWRENCE : This is very sudden! Does she love you?
ROMEO : Yes, she does. We want to marry, and we want to do it today. But we must do it secretly. If we tell our families, they’ll stop us. You’ll help us, won’t you?
FATHER LAWRENCE : I’m not sure. Your families are enemies, aren’t they?
ROMEO : Yes, Father But that’s nt important to me, or to Juliet
FATHER LAWRENCE : Wait a minute – if you two marry, perhaps the arguments will finish, and your families will be friends! Yes, Romeo,I’ll help you. Come to my house with Juliet this afternoon, and I’ll marry you.
ROMEO : That’s wonderful! Thank you, Father!
Ace 2 Scene 3
A message for Juliet
A Street in Verona. Mercutio and Benvolio are talking.
BENVILIO : Mercutio – have you seen Romeo this morning?
MERCUTIO : No. He’s not interested in his friends any more. He’s only interested in love
BENVILIO : Tybalt saw Romeo at the party last night, and he’s relly angry.
MERCUTIO : Ha! Who’s afraid of Tybalt? Look, here comes Romeo now!
Romeo enters.
BENVILIO : Romeo – where have you been? Don’t you want to see your friends any more?
MERCUTIO : You’re in love with Rosaline, aren’t you? That’s why you don’t want to be with us!
Romeo laughing.
ROMEO : No, I’m not in love with Rosaline.
BENVOLIO : Tybalt is angry with you. He saw you at the party.
Romeo laughing again.
ROMEO : But Tybalt is a Capulet. The Capulet are my friends.
MERCUTIO AND BENVOLIO : Your friends! What do you mean?
Nurse entering.
NURSE : Excuse me. I’m looking for Romeo, Lord Montague’s son. Do you know him?
MERCUTIO : This is Romeo.
NURES : Oh! Isn’t he good – looking! I’d like to talk to you, Romeo.
She looks at the other.
NURES : Alone, please.
Benvolio and Mercutio leave, laughing.
NURES : Juliet asked me to find you. She loves you very much, you know.
ROMEO : And I love her too. I’ve already spoken to Father Lawrence, the priest. Tell Juliet to come to his house this afternoon. He has agreed to marry us.You mustn’t tell her mother or father
NURES : Don’t worry, my dear, I won’t tell them. They want her to marry Paris, but she doesn’t like him! And he’s not as good – looking as you!
ROMEO : Don’t forget to tell her – this afternoon, at Father Lawrence’s house!
Ace 2 Scene 4
A secret wedding
Father Lawrence’s house. Father Lawrence and Romeo are talking.
ROMEO : Juliet will be here very soon. I’ll be very happy when we’re married.
FATHER LAWRENCE : Listen, Romeo. You only loved Rosaline for a few weeks. Remember, if you marry Juliet, you must love her, and stay with her, for the rest of your life.
ROMEO : Yes, Father, I understand. I’ll always love her.
Juliet enters, and kisses Romeo.
JULIET : The Nurse told me to meet you here. She said that Father Lawrence would marry us.
FATHER LAWRENCE : And I will. Come with me.