Sampson and Gregory, two people who are guards for the Capulet family, enter car rying

their guns and vests. Sampson Listen, Gregory, bro we will not sit back and let them diss us like this. We're not taking it at all. Gregory Right! That'll make us look like cowards. Sampson We can't stand by and let them run us, if we have to, we will fight back, which already looks like something that is inevitable. I can't stand their crap talking any longer. Gregory Look bro we have to think wisely here, should we go up against a mass of broad shouldered, pointy teeth, monsters like these by ourselves or should we wait for the others? Sampson So what? We're gorgons,one look and their stone. (Sampson sighs) Ok, but if they want war, I'm ready. Every time I strike, it'll be to kill. Believe that! Gregory But I haven't seen you hit anyone in a long time. You're not easy to get mad. Sampson Seeing something otherworldly that tries to bully me makes me want to go off the wall. Why are they even here? Gregory I don't know but it's okay to say their not leaving anytime soon. Sampson If I even see one of those goblins while passing, I'd pull out my strap and star t blasting them one by one. Gregory Well you'll proba....Wait do you hear that? Sampson What? I don't hear anything bro, are you okay. Gregory Shhhhh. I hear them. Pull out the guns. It's war time. Sampson I'm ready, let's go. (Enter Abram and another ogre from the castle of Montagues.) Sampson Yo, I've got my gun out, go first and I got ya back. Okay? Gregory I don't trust you dude. You're all about the big talk,

but I belive you'll turn around and run away. Sampson Why are you so worried about me? Just start shooting! Gregory NO! I have the right to be worried about you! And I am! Sampson Alright. We're on our last straw and can't afford to break the law. We'll let them start the fight. But, believe me, you know who is gonna end it. Gregory I gotcha. I'll mug them while they walk by us and let them take it how they want to. Sampson No. I'll throw up the bird and let them know how we feel. If they continue walking, they're cowards and will bring shame upon their families. (Sampson throws up his middle finger at the two ogres) Abram I know you're not flipping us off. Sampson You see my finger in the air, right? Abram If it's war you want then lets go. Sampson Well let loose. Enter Benvolio Gregory (whispering to Sampson) Shutup! Here comes Ben. Sampson Fuck it. If its war they want I;ll give it to them (Sampson pulls out his gun and load it with amunition) Abram Drop the guns and lets fight like men. Hands only! And cover those raw eyes! Its an advantage, coward! Sampson Thats it! (They fight) Benvolio (draws his strap) Stop! Come apart now fools. You have no clue what you're about to do! Enter Tybalt (Laughing at Benvolio) You lame! Are you really about to fight with these scumbags? Face me and look into my eyes, I'm the one who is going to be the cause of your death!

Benvolio Hold on now, I'm only trying to keep them civilized and peaceful. Either shut your mouth or draw your weapon to help me with these men. Tybalt Shut the fuck up! You have your gun out and still talking about peace? I hate that word as much as I hate the Devil,his location, and the Montagues. Le ts' go at it! (Benvolio flips his gun and strikes Tybalt in the head with one lt falls to the ground and holds his head while trying to fight ash and bang his head until the life of his opponent pours out He proceeds to pull out his sword and slashs his neck from ear s it off completely and shows the two Capulet servants) Benvolio (roaring) Now run and tell that! (Gregory and Sampson slowly walks away) (Capulet and Lady Capulet enter.) Capulet Who is making all of this noise? Pass me my shotgun! (Capulet loads his weapon w ith two bullets) Lady Capulet Stop being such a pussy. Why do need a gun? Capulet Leave me alone, woman! Montague is out there waving his gun from side to side. You know he's always trying to vex me! (Montague and Lady Montague enter.) Montague Capulet, you're an evil man! Don't hold me back! Let me at him! Lady Montague No Montague. Stay away from him, you won't touch him. Prince Escalus enters with his servants. Rebellious subjects, enemies to peace, Profaners of this neighbor-staind steel! Will they not hear? What, ho! You men, you beasts, That quench the fire of your pernicious rage With purple fountains issuing from your veins, On pain of torture, from those bloody hands Throw your mistempered weapons to the ground, And hear the sentence of your movd prince. Three civil brawls, bred of an airy word, By thee, old Capulet, and Montague, Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets quick blow. Tyba back. Benvolio b unto the ground. to ear then chop

And made Verona s ancient citizens Cast by their grave-beseeming ornaments, To wield old partisans in hands as old, Cankered with peace, to part your cankered hate. If ever you disturb our streets again, Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace. For this time, all the rest depart away. You, Capulet, shall go along with me, And, Montague, come you this afternoon To know our farther pleasure in this case, To old Free-town, our common judgment-place. Once more, on pain of death, all men depart. Montague Who started it? Hmm? Tell me? Benvolio I was trying to seperate those two clowns from fighting our servants but then Tybalt came and started to talk smack. He drew his gun and before I kne w it I had his head in my head and the Prince was shouting, telling everyone to leave . Lady Montague Romeo is no where to be found. Do you know where he's at? Thank heavens he wasn't around to witness this fight. He probably would have killed those two Capulets with one swing of his knife. You know they're always t rying to turn us into stone. Benvolio Before sunrise I saw him walking around the house, looking miserable. He seen me and fled. I didn't follow him because I wanted to respect his privacy . Montague He's such a pussy. All he does is bitch and moan about how sad he is and how he needs love. Benvolio What is wrong with him? Montague Hell if I know. Benvolio Well get in his face and ask him why? Montague You know what i really don't give a rats ass. I have a meeting with the 'Prince of Egypt' or some type of shit like that. He makes my skin crawl and I'm a 7'11'

monster. Romeo enters Benvolio Here he comes. Go to your conference. I'll talk to him. Montague Come on Lady. Lets go. (Montague and Lady Montague exits) Benvolio Whats up. Romeo What time is it? Benvolio A little bit after nine. Romeo Damn. I've been in my thoughts so long, it seems like days have passed. Was that my pops who left fast? Benvolio Yea. Now what is it that's making you act like such a pussy. Romeo Fuck you bro. I don't have something I need and it's making my hours long. Benvolio What? Love? Romeo Yea. Benvolio Well bro thats love. Sometimes its good but most of the time, it can be a little jackass. Now get up lets go for a walk. Ogre to ogre. Romeo Are you crying? Benvolio No, I'm laughing at your ass Romeo Why?

Benvolio Because. Romeo, you were the ladies man. Now you're all sad over what, pussy. You have to get out of this funk. Romeo There is yet another problem with love, Now I must carry your sympathy, As well as my grief. Goodbye, my friend. Benvolio Wait a minute! I will come with you. If you leave me with only this, you are making a mistake. Romeo I am lost; I am not here: I'm not Romeo, he is somewhere else. Benvolio Seriously tell me, who are you in love with? Romeo Shall I groan and tell you? Benvolio No, tell me in sadness. Romeo In seriousness, I love a woman. Benvolio I would have hoped so. Romeo You hoped correctly. She is beautiful also. Benvolio It is good she was hit with Cupid's arrow. Romeo Unfortunately the arrow missed her.

She is like Diana, the goddess of chastity. She will not fall victim to loving words, She will not pay attention to lusting eyes, She will not be moved by my wealth. When she dies, her beauty dies with her. Benvolio Then she has sworn to remain a virgin? Romeo She has, it is such a waste. Her beauty is starving from her seriousness, She will not have children. She is too beautiful, too smart, too beautiful, To reach heaven by not allowing me pleasure. She has sworn not to love, I am dead inside as I tell you now. Benvolio Forget about her. Romeo Teach me how I should forget. Benvolio You should worship your eyes, Look at other beautiful women. Romeo That would only make me appreciate her beauty more. Show me a lady who walks by beautifully, Her beauty shall only remind me of my love. Goodbye. You can't teach me how to forget. Benvolio I'll convince you you're wrong, or die trying.

Scene 2 A street near the Capulet house Capulet enters with Paris, a kinsman of the Prince, and Servant Capulet Montague is obligated the same as I, In the same punishment, and it's not hard, For us old men to be at peace with each other. Paris You both have an honorable reputation, It is sad you have lived as enemies for so long. What do you say about my proposal to marry Juliet? Capulet I will say what I have said before: My child is still new to the world, She is not fourteen yet; Let us wait for two more years So that she will truly be ready for marriage. Paris The younger they are, the happier mothers they will be. Capulet Those who marry early are devastated. All of my children are dead except for Juliet; She is my pride on Earth. Try to win her affection though Paris, My will to allow you to marry her is not enough, I will approve of whomever she chooses. Tonight I am holding a party, I have invited many guests, Ones that I love, and you also, You are welcome to add to the numbers there. Tonight at the part you will see many lovely women,

When you see them compared to Juliet your opinion may change. Come with me please. To the Servant, handing him a paper. Go servant, look about Find these people in Verona The ones whose names are on this paper and tell them, My house and my welcome wait for their pleasure. Paris and Capulet leave. Servant I can not read! There is no way I can find any of these people. I must find those who can read. What luck! Men who can read have come. Benvolio and Romeo enter. Benvolio Romeo, one beautiful woman will make you forget of Rosaline, You should learn to love somebody else to rid yourself of this disease that is l ove. Romeo Your plantain foliage is good for that. Benvolio Why? Romeo Your injured shin. Benvolio Are you insane or something? Romeo I am not crazy, but I feel as if I am. I am in prison with no food. I am a poor tortured soul. Good evening fellow Servant

God gives you a good evening. Can you read? Romeo No I can't. Servant Maybe you have learned to read without a book. Can you read anything? Romeo If I can speak that language I can. Servant Goodbye then, I shall leave you alone. Romeo Stay, I can read! He reads "Signior Martino and his family; Count Anselmo and his sisters; The widow of Vitruvio; Signior Placentio and his nieces; Mercutio and his brother Valentine; My uncle Capulet, his wife, and his daughters; My beautiful nieces Rosaline and Livia; Signior Valentio and his cousin Tybalt; Lucio and the beautiful Helena." Where should they go? Servant Up. Romeo Where? Servant To eat supper at our house. Romeo Whose house? Servant

My master's house ofcourse. Romeo I should have asked you that before. Servant My master is the rich lord Capulet; if you are not a Montague, I wish you to come and drink some wine. Have a good day! He leaves. Benvolio At the supper of the Capulet's, Your beautiful Rosaline will be, Along with all of the other beautiful women of Verona. Go to the party and with unbiased eyes, Compare Rosaline to the beauty of others. Romeo If the love I have for Rosaline, Which is like a religion, Changes because of such lies, Let my tears be turned to fire and my eyes be burned. Benvolio You have seen Rosaline alone, Now compare her to other women. Romeo I shall go, but only to look upon Rosaline.

Scene 3 Capulet's House Lady Capulet and Nurse enter. Lady Capulet Nurse, where is Juliet? Call her for me. Nurse Come Juliet!

Juliet enters. Juliet What? Who wants me? Nurse Your mother calls you. Juliet I am here mom. What do you want? Lady Capulet Nurse please leave, this is a secret matter. No! Stay! You know my daughter is ready for marriage. Nurse Yes, I can tell how old she is by the hour. Lady Capulet She isn't fourteen yet. Nurse She isn't fourteen, I know. How long until August 1, the day after her birthday? Lady Capulet It is in about two weeks and some days away. Nurse I can't wait until she reaches fourteen. She will be the same age as Susan, may she rest in peace. Then she will be married, I remember an earthquake on the day I stopped breast-feeding Juliet. I placed wormwood upon my breast to discourage her feeding. Then she could stand alone by God. She could run and waddle about; On that day she cut her forehead. Then my husband, bless that man, joked with her to fall backwards, Juliet stopped crying and answered yes! Lady Capulet

Silence Nurse! Nurse Yes my lady. I can't help but laugh though When I think of her crying and saying yes. There was a big bump on her forehead. Yet she still stopped crying and said yes. Juliet Please stop now Nurse. Nurse As you wish my lady! You were the most beautiful baby I have ever nursed. I wish I could live to see you married once. Lady Capulet What do you think about marriage Juliet? Juliet It is an honor I don't dream of. Nurse An honor? If I weren't your only nurse, I would say you had sucked wisdom from m e. Lady Capulet Think of marriage now then. Women younger than you are now mothers. I was your mother at about your age, Yet you are still unmarried. The great Paris wishes to marry you now. Nurse A man, Juliet! He is a man so perfect he could be a wax statue. Lady Capulet Verona doesn't have a flower like that. Nurse

Yes, he is a flower in faith. A beautiful flower! Lady Capulet Can you love Paris, Juliet? Tonight you shall see him at the feast. Read him as if he were an elegant book, a sight to behold! The beautiful book that is he needs only a cover, you Juliet, To become even better. He may be hiding even more wonderful qualities inside. To marry him makes you no less. Nurse No less? No, women become bigger when they are pregnant! Lady Capulet Can you love Paris, Juliet? Juliet I'll look at him with the intention of liking him, If simply looking can make me like him. A servingman enters. Servingman Madam, the guests have come. You are all wanted at the feast. Please, come quickly! Lady Capulet We shall follow you. Juliet, Count Paris is waiting for you. Nurse Go and seek happiness my lady!

Scene 4 A street near the Capulet House Romeo, Mercutio, Benvolio, and five or six other Maskers enter. Romeo

Should we send a messenger announcing our arrival? Benvolio That custom is out of date now. We won't send someone dressed as a blindfolded Cupid, Carrying a bow and looking like a scarecrow. Let them think what they want. We shall dance one dance with them and go. Romeo I want a torch; I am not for this stumbling. Despite my sadness, I shall carry the light. Mercutio No Romeo, you must dance! Romeo I shall not dance. You are made for dancing With nimble shoes; My soul of sadness keeps me on the ground. Mercutio You are a lover. Borrow Cupid's wings. Fly with them above your normal boundaries. Romeo I have been pierced by his arrow, So I soar with light feathers, and bound like this I can't dance under this woe. Under the burden of love I sink. Mercutio To sink is to burden loveThat is too much oppression for a lovely thing. Romeo Love is tender? I thought it was hard and hurts like a thorn. Mercutio You must be rough with love.

Prick love for pricking you with its horns, and you shall beat love. Give me a mask for an ugly face. I don't care if people notice my ugliness. Here, look at my heavy eyebrows. Benvolio Come, let us enter and dance. Romeo Let playful people tickle the grass on the floor with their dancing. I'll stick with the old saying and hold a candle and watch the dancers. I am done playing with love. Mercutio Don't be foolish Romeo! We should not waste more time. Romeo I am not foolish. Mercutio We are only delaying. Please listen to us. Romeo I know we mean well by coming here, But I have no desire to go. Mercutio Why, may I ask? Romeo I had a dream. Mercutio So did I. Romeo What was yours? Mercutio That dreamers often lie.

Romeo Sleeping in bed, what they do dream is true. Mercutio I see Queen Mab, queen of the fairies, has brought dreams to you. She is no bigger than the jewel for a ring. She goes night by night through the brains of lovers And through her they dream of love; She makes lawyers dream of fees; And ladies dream of kisses; Sometimes she makes a member of the King's court dream of his rewards. Or she makes one dream of a well-paying position for a church parson. Sometimes she makes soldiers dream of killing their enemies. Or of ambushes, or fine Spanish blades. Romeo Mercutio, hold your tongue! You speak of nothing! Mercutio Exactly. This is why you should not take your dreams too seriously. Benvolio This is really off the topic of our discussions. The supper is done, and we will be late! Romeo I shall not be cheered. I fear something terrible caused by the stars will happen at the party. Benvolio Oh, just let us go in! End of Scene 4. Scene 5 A hall in Capulet's house; the scene of the party. Servingmen enter with napkins. First Servingman Where is Potpan? Why has he gone? He has moved a wooden plate!

Second Servingman Unwashed hands of men are a bad thing. First Servingman Put away the joint-stools, Remove the cupboard, Look for the plate. It is good you have saved me a piece of marzipan, And if you love me let the porter allow Susan Grindstone, Nell, Anthony, and Pot pan in! Second Servingman Yes, boy, ready. First Servingman We are requested in the great chamber. Third Servingman We can't be in two places at once. Come, we must move hastily! They leave. Maskers enter with Capulet, Lady Capulet, Juliet, all the Guests, and Servants. Capulet Welcome men. Ladies who don't have corns on their toes shall dance with you! Any woman too shy to dance will be assumed to have corns. Musicians play! Start dancing, girls! Music plays and everybody starts to dance. We need more light fools! Turn the tables up! Quench the fire, for it is too hot in here. This is easy for you servants. Sit please, good cousin Capulet. We are too old to dance. How long has it been since we were at a party. Second Capulet It has been thirty years. Capulet

It hasn't been that long! It has only been twenty-five years since we were at a party. Second Capulet It has been thirty. Capulet Can you tell me how? Romeo To servant May you tell me who that lady is across the dance hall? Servant I don't know. Romeo She teaches the torches to burn bright! She is like a jewel in the ear of an Ethiopian. Her beauty is too rich to use, too precious for this world. She is like a dove surrounded by crows. When the dance is done, I shall bless my hand, By touching that of such a beauty. I have never loved before this moment, I have never seen true beauty before. Tybalt His voice signifies to me that he is a Montague. Servant, fetch my sword! He has come to mock this party! Capulet Tybalt, why are you so angry? Tybalt A Montague has come to our party to spite us! Capulet Isn't he Romeo? Tybalt

Yes, it is the villain Romeo. Capulet I am not concerned about Romeo's presence here. He has a reputation for being well mannered after all. Please Tybalt, calm down and enjoy the party. Tybalt I will not tolerate him here. Capulet Yes, you shall. You are acting childishly. Stop, that's enough! I am the master, not you. You shall endure him. You won't cause everything to go wrong. Tybalt You shame me Uncle. Capulet You dare to challenge my authority? Tybalt I shall restrain myself only because I am forced to. My suppressed anger gives me seizures though. I shall get my revenge against this Romeo. He leaves. Romeo If the touch of my hand offends you, This holy shrine, then my punishment is this: I am willing to make it up with a kiss. Juliet Do not say such bad things of yourself! Saints have hands that commoners' hands touch too, And hand to hand is a holy kiss.

Romeo Saints have lips and hands too, don't they? Juliet Yes, lips they must use in prayer. Romeo Let our lips do what hands do then! They pray, unless their faith turns to despair. Juliet Saints don't move, but they will for prayer's sake. Romeo Then don't move as I kiss you to remove my sin. Romeo kisses her. Juliet Have my lips absorbed your sin? Romeo My sin should not trespass there! Give me back my sin! Romeo kisses her. Juliet You kiss like an expert. Nurse Juliet, your mother wishes to speak with you. Romeo Who is her mother? Nurse Juliet is the daughter of Lady Capulet, a wise lady. I nursed her daughter that you have just spoken with. Let me tell you, anybody who wins her over shall become rich. Romeo Then she is a Capulet? Oh dear, my life belongs to my enemy! Benvolio

Come, we must leave. The party is over. Romeo It is, as I feared. Capulet No men. It is not over. We have a banquet coming up. They whisper in his ear. Is it true? I thank you then for your honesty. Good night! More light please! The Maskers leave. Come then; let's go to bed. Servant, it is late. I shall sleep now. Everybody except for Juliet and Nurse leave. Juliet Come here nurse. Who is that man? Nurse That is the son of Tiberio. Juliet Who is going out of the door now? Nurse That is young Petruchio. Juliet Who is the one that did not dance? Nurse I don't know. Juliet Ask his name then. If he is married, my grave shall be my wedding bed. Nurse His name is Romeo but he is a Montague. He is the son of your enemy. Juliet My only love from my only hate! I fell in love with before I learned who he is. Unlucky for me that I must love an enemy! Nurse What does that mean? Juliet It is a rhyme I have just learned from the one I danced with earlier.

Somebody calls to Juliet from within. Nurse Come, let us go. Everybody is gone. They leave.