University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Rom.
This gentleman, the prince's near allie,
My very friend, hath got his mortal hurt
In my behalf; my reputation's stain'd
With Tibalt's slander: O sweet Juliet,
Thy beauty's power makes me effeminate,
And in my temper softned valour's steel.

Enter Benvolio.
Ben.
O Romeo, Romeo, brave Mercutio's dead,
That gallant spirit hath aspir'd the clouds,
Which too untimely here did scorn the earth.

Enter Tibalt.
Ben.
Here comes the furious Tibalt back again.

Rom.
Alive? in triumph? and Mercutio slain?
Away to heaven respective lenity,
And fire-ey'd fury be my conduct now!
Now, Tibalt, take the villain back again,
That late thou gav'st me; for Mercutio's soul
Is but a little way above our heads,
And thou or I, must keep him company.

Tib.
Thou wretched boy, that didst consort him here,
Shalt with him hence.

Rom.
This shall determine that.

[They fight, Tibalt falls.
Ben.
Romeo, away, begone:
The citizens are up, and Tibalt slain—
Stand not amaz'd, the prince will doom thee dead,
If thou art taken: hence, be gone, away.

Rom.
O! I am fortune's fool.
[Exit Romeo.