4 Escape to Mantua
When Prince Escalus arrived , Benvolio told him about the fight. the prince was angry but he could see Tybalt was mostly to blame. “ Romeo shall not die,” he said. “ I’ll banish him instead.”
Being banished meant Romeo would have to leave Verona and never come back. It was better than being put to death-but not much.
Gossip spread fast Verona and the nurse soon heard what had happened. With tears in her eyes, she went to tell Juliet.
Juliet was heartbroken. “ Cousin Tybalt is dead,” she sobbed, “ and I’ll never see my Romeo again!”
“ Don’t cry,” begged the nurse. “ I’ll bring Romeo to see you before he leaves. He’s hiding at the friar’s house.”
“ Yes, please find him,” Juliet said, wiping her eyes. “ Ask him to come and say goodbye.”
The nurse went straight to the friar’s house. Romeo looked as if he’d been crying too. “ Romeo, you should be grateful,” said Friar Laurence. “ The prince has spared you life.”
“ But I’m banished.” Romeo said. “ And I want to be with Juliet.”
“ Go and see her tonight,” said the friar, “ but make sure you leave Verona by dawn. Head for the city of Mantua. After a while, I’ll talk to the prince. I’ll ask him to forgive you and let you come home.”
The nurse smiled at Romeo. “ And I’ll tell Juliet you’re on your way.”
“ Thursday?” Juliet gasped. It was so soon. “ And I don’t want to marry Count Paris. Please don’t make me.” Her father scowled.
“ I won’t marry him.” Juliet shouted. “ No, no, no! ” mean, no?”
“ what do you mean, no?” said her father angrily. “ You’ll marry Count Paris on Thursday and that’s that!” And her parents left.