epistolary

To the Prince- As a witness, you have asked me to tell you what I have seen today in the fight between the Montagues and the Capulets. I was just walking to buy produce for the day when I saw servants dressed in Capulet livery talking and joking. Suddenly, I noticed Montague’s men walking towards them—and, not surprisingly, they insulted each other until one from each side was standing, sword drawn, ready to duel. They began to fight, but I saw Benvolio, Lord Montague’s nephew, arrive to the scene soon with his sword already out, trying to beat down their swords with his own and demanding that they cease fighting. However, Tybalt, one of Capulet’s relatives (who is extremely hot-tempered, as I’m sure you know), showed up next, and laughed at Benvolio’s attempts at peace before drawing and provoking Benvolio to fight. From there, the citizens grew angry and began fighting, and Lady Capulet and Lady Montague had to hold their rather elderly husbands back from the fight. This is when you came on the scene and made your speech, telling the heads of both houses that if another fight were to occur in Verona, they would both be punished with death. Everyone left from there, including you—only Montague, his wife, and Benvolio lingered after the crowd. Montague seemed to be asking Benvolio something—I think he was asking about the start of the fight, but of course from my window I couldn’t hear what he was saying. The three conversed for some time, with all looking concerned, when Romeo, the son of Montague, came walking down the road. At once, I knew what they were discussing, because both of his parents fled the scene while Benvolio stayed behind to talk to his cousin. Romeo was looking very morose, and Benvolio tried to cheer him up; however, it didn’t seem like Benvolio was able to do so. They then both left, and the Verona streets were calm again...though I could still feel the tension of the fight left behind.
 * This is an anthology of all of the letters that were sent about before and after the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. After their deaths, there was great mourning in the city. Many letters in regards to the relationship between Romeo and Juliet and their deaths were uncovered which proved to Verona that love defies the boundaries that people set. The letters are as follows: **
 * Act 1, Scene 1 **

Sincerely, A Verona citizen and your witness

Mercutio, Recall what we discussed of Romeo yesterday morning. His acting peculiar, his love for Juliet, and his repeating absence. Fearing for him, I followed him through the night. Hiding in the cover of a bush behind him, I found him at the home of the Capulets. He was standing below Juliet’s balcony and speaking to her. Never in my life have I seen our Romeo this way. He spoke poetically for Juliet, speaking some nonsense of how her eyes were brighter than stars. I knew not what he meant, I only listened to him make himself a fool. Juliet spoke not three words, and Romeo was entranced. He begged her speak again, calling her “an angel.” All of this repulsed me. I tried with great struggle to hold back laughter, and barely succeeded. Juliet turned and spoke to herself, asking why Romeo had to be a Montague, and asking why their love must be forbidden. Romeo heard her well, apart from her knowing, He asked himself whether or not he should speak, or listen for more, so in love with her voice and words. Again, I tried to hold back laughter. To see our Romeo like this was such a new and entertaining sight! As Juliet spoke more, Romeo made himself known. He told Juliet that he would take any new name that she desired, if it made her happy. Juliet was surprised, and asked to know who it was that hid in the darkness and heard her private thoughts. He said that he wanted not to say who he was, knowing that the name gave her displeasure. She knew immediately who he was by his voice. Juliet quickly warned Romeo that he would be killed if he stayed. He cared not, and told her that he would stay regardless. The two of them promised each other their love for one another, vowing to be devoted only to one another. Our poor Romeo, he is to love struck to even think of what he is doing. After the two talked for a long while, Juliet left at the call of her nurse. The two women spoke, and Romeo, in a daze, began to walk home. He spoke to himself of his love and how he wanted nothing more than to be with her again. I quietly left my hiding place and followed him home. I fear for him. His constant going to see Juliet is going to get him into trouble. If Capulet or his lady sees him, he will surely be killed. He is just a boy in love, and this love is going to get him into harms way. Benvolio Dear Juliet, This is your Nurse. I know you will never receive this letter, but I feel it is my duty to write it anyway, if only to honor your memory. Maybe if I place it on your grave, you will somehow come down from the heavens and read my poorly written, nearly unreadable words and forgive me for everything and anything I ever did to hurt you during your life and especially in the last week before your death. I know I may have been rough on you in your life, (and you must know I only did it because it was my job, you see,) but I don’t think I ever told you how much I loved you, especially when you were a child. Oh, when you were a baby I loved you so much. I’ll never forget the day you stopped nursing from my breast. Why, that was the same day as that earthquake! I remember putting that wormwood on my breast. God that was awful. No wonder you put up such a fight with my breast! Then that earthquake started shaking the dove house, and I didn’t need to be told twice to get the heck out of there. But by then, you could walk as fast as your little legs could take you. Well, you didn’t really walk, you mostly waddled. And you had cut your forehead I think it was the day before, and you were crying and crying your eyes out, you poor thing. Then my husband, that joyful man, may he rest in peace, picked you up and said to you, I’ll never forget what he said. He said, “Yes, did you fall on your face? Well, don’t worry; you’ll fall backward when you get smarter! Won’t you, Jule?” And it was the funniest thing because you just stopped your wailing and said, “Yes.” Just stopped that crying in the blink of an eye and just said “Yes.” It was one of my favorite memories of you. And oh, that poor forehead of yours! There was the biggest, most ugly bruise on it, must of heart so badly! But you just stopped your crying, and said “Yes.” Oh, that just kills me. But now, look where we all are. Oh, what a most terrible thing. What a tragedy. You and Romeo, both dead. I mean, I thought Paris was just as suitable for you as Romeo, but you loved Romeo so much; I just wanted you to be happy. But now I can never be happy again, for I allowed you and Romeo to be united, and look what it led to. I shall never forgive myself. I mean it when I say; you were indeed the prettiest baby I ever nursed. It has always been my dying wish to see you married, and it did come true, though now that you’re dead it seems my dying wish is that you would not have died this way. I am writing this to just show you in any way I can that though I was rough, though I raised you with a firm hand, I loved you more than you could ever imagine. You were like a daughter to me. I believe I loved you as much as your mother, but in a different way. I wish I could do this last week over, and never allow you out of my sight. When I pass on, all I ask is that you forgive me a bit, and put in a good word to the Lord so I can at least be in the same place as you are now, because I know you are with him. I love you. Love, Your Nurse Dear Romeo, We won’t need an excuse to go to the Capulet’s party—it’s past the feast, they’ll already be dancing. I think that you must dance, to enlighten your down spirits lately. Don’t even try to talk us out of it, saying that your soul is too heavy—you’re a lover, use Cupid’s wings to help you dance better than usual. Even though he currently has you under a spell for Rosaline, don’t think of love as a burden, it’s too tender. If love is hard on you, you must fight back! Now, I’ll need a mask to cover my flaws. Why would I care if someone sees my flaws? My mask will blush for me! And when we go into the Capulets’ house, we’ll immediately start dancing. Remember what I said earlier: you //will// dance tonight! You’re being like a stick in the mud, only you’re stuck in love. We’ll pull you out, don’t worry! But let’s get going, we’re wasting daylight, even though it’s night! We’re wasting our torches’ fiery light, Romeo, I know you’ll try to twist my words like you always do, using all of your senses to be clever. And before you try to back out again, we’ll be fine going to the ball tonight, don’t worry. You can speak about dreams (as always) as much as you’d like, Romeo, but I had a dream, too—that dreamers often lie. Yes, friend, they //do// lie in bed...but not while they dream the truth, as you’ve claimed many times before. (Don’t I know you so well, that I can tell what you’re planning to say to me, even though I’m writing with pen and paper?) For you’ve been with Queen Mab too often to count. Queen Mab, you ask? Why, she’s the fairies’ midwife! She travels in a little wagon led by atoms and rides over men’s noses when they’re sleeping! The wheels of her wagon are spiders’ legs, and the cover of her seat is grasshoppers’ wings. Everything she has is made of miniscule things almost invisible to humans. And every night, she rides her magical wagon through lovers’ minds to make them dream of love; she rides over royal knees, and they dream of curtseying; she rides over lawyer’s fingers, and they dream of their money; she rides over ladies’ lips, and they dream of kisses. But she also puts blisters on their lips because they have sweet breath, and she gets jealous. Sometimes, she’ll ride over courtier’s nose, and he dreams of finding out a way to cheat someone’s money. And then sometimes she tickles a priest’s nose with a tithe, and he dreams then about more money from his churchgoers. Sometimes still she drives over a soldier’s neck, and he dreams about cutting the enemy’s throat, and of other violent acts—and then she drums in his ear, and he awakes with a jolt, says a few prayers, and drifts off again. This is the same fairy that tangles horses’ manes in dirty tangles which are unlucky to undo. This is the one who gives maids the proper posture for first holding a lover and then bearing children. She’s the one—! Sorry, friend, I’ve gotten carried away. I was talking about dreams; dreams, which come from a lazy brain. They’re only silly imagination, thin as air, and as mercurial as the wind, which can blow in one direction at first and another only a few minutes later. But don’t spend all your time reading this! We won’t want to be late for the dancing—the supper is undoubtedly done, by this time. I know you’ll be feeling pretty ominous about this affair, since Rosaline’s going to be there, but you mustn’t put so much in store by fate. Come on, let’s go and have a good time! I can hear the drums now! Your friend, Mercutio By: Rachael Capulet 10 Capulet Lane Verona, Italy Dear Capulet, When you welcomed everyone to your party, you saw that there were masked dancers. I saw that one was a Montague, more specifically, Montague’s son, Romeo. I cannot bear that Romeo came to your party for Juliet. We specifically said that no one associated with Montague could come in, but you didn’t make him leave. You told me to leave him alone because he was a “gentleman” in your house, and you didn’t want any inappropriate representations of you, Capulet, even though I wanted to rip his head off for being there. I know you were upset and angry that I had this antipathy against him, so you scolded me for being this way. Then, on top of just being at your house and dancing, he met up with Juliet and they kissed twice! They saw each other from across the room and Romeo said he’d never seen a more beautiful woman. This made me so angry because I thought he was mocking our family. I am still angry about this quandary and might take action, but you will probably not get this letter until I do. Best regards, Tybalt Dear Romeo, Why do you have to be a Montague? Change your name and be some other name! Your name is what my enemy is, and if you don’t change it, I will give you my love and take your name in marriage. But, you know what? Even if you weren’t a Montague, you would still be yourself; you would still be the same. Your name is not something you can see or touch, it doesn’t make you who you are. Why does it matter? You would still be just as perfect and wonderful as you still are if you had a different last name. Oh Romeo, get rid of your name, and take me in exchange! If our families knew of our love, they would surely kill you. Romeo, tell me you love me and mean it! Don’t lie about it and don’t pretend to love me, I want you to be sure. I want you to promise you truly love me, and if you think it’s too soon, I can play hard to get if that’s what you want, I’ll do anything to win your love, Romeo. And I promise, if you love me back I will be the most faithful girl you have ever met. On second thought, we shouldn’t be so serious tonight, we haven’t even thought about this yet, we are being too spontaneous. It is too sudden today. Romeo I have to go because my nurse is calling me but if you truly feel in your heart that your love for me is real and you want to marry me, write me back and tell me, I will send a messenger to you, and you can tell him when we will be married. Then I will marry you and be with you forever. With all the love in my heart, Juliet //** Act 2, Scene 2  **// Juliet Capulet 1012 Lovers’ Lane Verona, Italy April 7
 * Act 1, Scene 2 **
 * Act I, Scene 3 **
 * Act 1, Scene 4 **
 * Act I, Scene 5 **
 * Act 2, Scene 1 **

Dear Romeo,

Why do you have to be a Montague? Change your name and be some other name! Your name is what my enemy is, and if you don’t change it, I will give you my love and take your name in marriage. But, you know what? Even if you weren’t a Montague, you would still be yourself; you would still be the same. Your name is not something you can see or touch, it doesn’t make you who you are. Why does it matter? You would still be just as perfect and wonderful as you still are if you had a different last name. Oh Romeo, get rid of your name, and take me in exchange!

If our families knew of our love, they would surely kill you. Romeo, tell me you love me and mean it! Don’t lie about it and don’t pretend to love me, I want you to be sure. I want you to promise you truly love me, and if you think it’s too soon, I can play hard to get if that’s what you want, I’ll do anything to win your love, Romeo. And I promise, if you love me back I will be the most faithful girl you have ever met.

On second thought, we shouldn’t be so serious tonight, we haven’t even thought about this yet, we are being too spontaneous. It is too sudden today. Romeo I have to go because my nurse is calling me but if you truly feel in your heart that your love for me is real and you want to marry me, write me back and tell me, I will send a messenger to you, and you can tell him when we will be married. Then I will marry you and be with you forever.

With all the love in my heart, Juliet Dearest Juliet, After our long talk on the balcony, I felt that it was necessary that I go and consult my dear friend, the Friar about the matter. You spoke of marriage on that night, and so who better to talk to then that Friar himself? I stumbled upon him while spoke quietly to himself, and I listened for a short while to his speech. His intelligence was astounding, and so I came in and joined him so that he would know that I was there. When he saw me, he knew at once I was tired, and he knew that I hadn’t slept. There was fear in his eyes because he suspected I’d been with another woman for the night. But I assured him that this wasn’t true, and I proceeded to tell him about you. I told him about our talk, and at first, he couldn’t believe it! He asked me if I still loved Rosaline, and I told him that I didn’t. He seemed shocked that I’d gotten over her so quickly, so I did my best to explain to him why I no longer cared for her the way that I used to. This was the least of my problems though. The Friar was not the only one to doubt my love for you. You wouldn’t even believe how much teasing I get because of our relationship! People just don’t think we’re serious! I found Mercutio and Benvolio talking about me when they thought I wasn’t around. They talked of how I switched my sights from woman to woman without much thought. Talking about how just a week before I’d loved Rosaline, and now you instead. They talked about me like I was some sort of child! And then when I’d had enough, I came over and in a well mannered tone, said “Good Morning” to both of them. We talked for a while, sort of teasing each other and fooling around, until suddenly who came by, but your Nurse and her husband Peter. They approached us and said “Hello,” and then the Nurse began to ask for me! The boys were very rude and teased her quite a bit, but she held her own and fired right back with jibes of her own. Soon enough, she became annoyed with us though, and you could see that she was losing her temper very quickly. She took me aside and we began to talk of you. She told me stories of you when you were younger. I told her to tell you come to Friar Lawrence’s cell and you she said she would pass on the message. She has passed it on to you, hasn’t she? I certainly hope so, at least. I cannot wait to see you soon, my dear. Until then, Romeo Dear Romeo, When I sent the Nurse to go find you, I had no idea that it’d take so long. I worried the entire time she was gone. I was anxious to find out what you’d said, but it took her ages to go there and back and I was nervous about what might have happened. When she finally came back, she had this mournful expression on her face and I became even more frightened. I asked her what was wrong. She told me that she was just tired, and that she needed to sit down for a moment or too, but I begged her to tell me what you had said. She said that you were a handsome boy, one of great looks, but that there wasn’t much to be said for your manners. She said you seemed very gentle nonetheless, and she approved of you. I asked about the wedding, but she kept changing the subject, just to annoy me. Isn’t that rude? I finally managed to get her to say that you wanted me to meet you in Friar Lawrence’s cell, and that you wanted to marry me. I was overjoyed, to say the least. Lovingly, Juliet Dear Citizens of Verona, I have a proclamation for all citizens. As you know, today, there was a fight between the Montagues and Capulets. My kinsman, Mercutio, and Lady Capulet’s cousin, Tybalt died. I banished the Montague, Romeo, from Verona for disturbing the peace and for killing a citizen, Tybalt. I also decree that the next time there is a fight or outbreak between these two noble families, there will be a serious consequence, because I am mad that a member of my royal family died, Mercutio. Yours, Prince Escalus Dear Romeo, I long for you to come. You are most beautiful and I wish to see you! My nurse just entered the room and told me, “He’s dead! He’s dead!” She had me going that you were dead, but after a while she clarified her statement that my cousin, Tybalt was dead and you were banished! I was upset that you killed Tybalt, but I was more upset that you were banished from Verona forever. You are my husband and I love you, but how can I live without you? I must be with you somehow! The nurse is coming to get you now, and to give you this and my ring, to show you I still love and care for you. I love you more than my life, Juliet Dear Juliet, I have informed Romeo of Prince Escalus’ decision to banish him from Verona. He thinks that there is no life outside of Verona for him, because Verona is his world, and life without a world is death. I told him that the prince was being merciful when he gave him the punishment of banishment, not death. He cannot live without you, Juliet. He told me that heaven was where you were, and everywhere else was horrible. Then, someone came to the door. It was your nurse, coming to tell Romeo of your sorrow and to give him your ring. Romeo was acting very childish about his punishment and I told him to stop, because that won’t help you and him get together again. I told him to come there tonight and sneak in your bedroom so you can talk to each other and work things out. Hopefully I can convince the prince to pardon Romeo, then you and him can live together! I am sending this letter with your nurse and told her to hurry with bringing it to you so you can be informed with everything that has gone on today. Always, Friar Laurence Dear Diary, Today was the day I decided that I would come out and ask for Juliet’s hand in marriage. I went to the Capulet’s estate and asked if Lord and Lady Capulet would take a walk with me. I noticed that they were greatly troubled. I then discovered that their nephew, Tybalt had just been killed. What great timing! Still, I had come to ask for Juliet, so I did, and to my delight, Lord Capulet accepted, thinking that the joy of marriage would bring Juliet out of her grief for her cousin. We agreed to marry on Thursday! It will be the best day of my life -Paris Epistolary: Dear Diary, It seems to me that you are the only source that I can truly vent to. I just hope that nobody comes across this. Today just might be the **Worst Day of My Life**! I can’t STAND my family! They are so selfish! I truly believe that they do not care about me, or love me in the way that a family should love a child. I started out talking to my love, Romeo in my room. He is banished from Verona, so he visits me at night, when he is less likely to be caught. The sun was starting to appear from behind the horizon; I knew what it meant, he would be leaving soon. Oh, how I love him! He told me that he had to leave, but I didn’t want him to. I didn’t want to be left alone, away from him. We starting bickering, with love of course, and joking around that he would sacrifice his life just to stay with me; I told him to leave. Oh, how I chuckle just thinking about the situation. His face is etched into my memory. Oh, I love him so dearly! The nurse came into my room, and told me that my mother was coming. I had to kiss Romeo farewell, and off he went. I had no idea if I’d ever see him again. I can’t even consider that; being separated from Romeo for life. Oh, the sadness that washed over me. But this smidge of depression is nothing compared to what happened once my love left. Mother entered my room with an unnatural look of happiness spread across her face. She told me that she was very aware of how sad I was over the loss of my cousin, my dear cousin Tybalt. She has a large distaste for Romeo, the very man who killed him, and the very man who just as severely stole my heart. Ah yes, he is a killer and a thief. Oh, he is just so very splendid! It killed me; I had to pretend that I hated Romeo just as much as her. Ha! I’m laughing just thinking about it; if only she knew the truth! I should be an actress, honestly. I played the part of a single-minded Capulet so well. I even considered killing Romeo for her as vengeance for my cousin. Ha! I would never wound my love! If only mother knew, if only she knew. She eventually put her hatred for my love aside to talk to me about the good news. Mother was determined that this “good news” she was about to tell me, would take back every tear that escaped from my tear ducts. Unfortunately, this “good news” was anything but. She wants me to MARRY Paris! Not only that though, she wants me to marry him on Thursday! Thursday is just a few days away! I told my mother the truth, well…almost the truth. I told her that I just could not and would not marry him. Then Father entered my bedroom. Mother explained to Father that I will not marry Paris, but that I am grateful for his consideration. That blew the lid off the top. Father completely lost it. He started calling me all of these terrible things! He even told me that I was nothing more than an anemic lump of flesh! He told me that if I did not marry Paris, that I would be disowned! Disowned! How can Father be so cruel as to disown me?!?! It just isn’t fair! Nobody understands me! My life is meaningless without Romeo! I begged and begged my Father to stop and be rational, but he just doesn’t listen. My nurse even tried to tell him to settle down, but he just did not. I cannot understand him. Father stormed out of my room like a madman, leaving the nurse, mother, and me alone. I tried to tell my mother that I cannot marry Paris, but she refused to listen. She told me that she was done with me. How can two parents be so cruel, and to their own child?!?! Mother walked out on me, following in the steps of Father. Then I went up to the nurse, and tried to talk to her. I asked her how I could possibly get out of such a situation. I wanted some pity from somebody, and she was the only one left. I expected her to comfort me, and soothe my soul, but instead she did what my parents did. She told me that it was in my best interest to marry Paris. Do I have nobody to support me in my life?!?! Maybe that’s why Romeo is so precious to me; maybe it’s because of the fact that he actually cares about me, and loves me unconditionally. My own nurse turned her back on me; how can this even happen. Her only reason for wanting me to marry Paris is because he is a “gentleman” with a very admirable reputation. How shallow can a person be! I want to love the person I marry, that is why I married Romeo! Nobody can understand me! I can only pray that Romeo and I can be with each other again, and that this whole situation with Paris will just blow over. Wishful thinking is all that’s helping me cope. For now, Juliet Dearest Romeo, Today I was on my way to Friar Lawrence’s, and as I was about to round the bend in the road, I heard familiar voices. It was the County Paris and Friar Lawrence they were talking about our “wedding day.” Paris told the Friar that it was to take place on Thursday, and the Friar said how that was very soon. He said that Paris does not what my mind. Oh, Romeo! How true that is! Paris claimed that I was grieving over Tybalt too much, and that I was in no state to talk of love with. I am glad that Paris is leaving me alone, whatever the reason. At this point, I decided to come around the bend so that the two could see me. Paris greeted me as though we were already married. He kept talking to me and wished that he would stop and leave me alone. Romeo, how I wish that things were different! I dread having to marry Paris! He kept talking about how my face is his and how I am ruining it with my tears, my tears for you. I tried to change the subject by asking the Friar if it was a good time for him to hear my confession, he asked Paris to leave, finally. Once he was gone, I began to cry, for it was all just too much! Friar Lawrence tried to comfort me, but at the same time making me realize that there was nothing I could do. And I think that seems to true, Romeo! I would die before I would marry Paris, and think that this might just have to be the case! This is what I told Friar Lawrence. I told not to speak of the wedding to me, and I showed him the knife I had with me. I told him that I would kill myself right then and there, unless he proposed a solution. He told me that he had a solution, but he did not know if I would be brave enough. Romeo, I could be brave enough to do anything in the world if it means that I can be with you for the rest of my life! So Friar Lawrence told me his idea. I should go back home and pretend to be fine with marrying Paris. However, Friar Lawrence gave me a vial of a substance that will make me appear to be dead. My family will put me in a tomb, and then I will wake up. Friar Lawrence will send word to you of our plan, because I doubt that this letter will reach you in time, if at all. If all goes well, you will be there when I wake, and we will leave Verona forever, to be together! I immediately agreed to this plan, although it scares me very much. There is so much that could go wrong! Romeo, if I never see you again, know that I love you with all of my heart, soul, mind and body. I will never love anyone or anything as I love you. Pray that all will go well. I think of you always, my love, Your dearest Juliet My dear sister, Such awful things have occurred since I last wrote. You know, of course, of my lady Juliet, whom I have raised lovingly since she was born. Well, the day that was to be her wedding day, I went to her chamber to wake her and dress her for the happy occasion. But when I entered her room, she appeared to be still asleep, lying on her bed! I was surprised that my lady Juliet would sleep so late on her wedding day, and proceeded to tell her to arise quickly, for her bridegroom Paris was waiting. And then, my dear sister, I drew the curtains of my lady’s bed and a horrible sight met my eyes. My dear lady Juliet was not simply asleep, but appeared to be dead! I called for the lady Capulet, who hastened to her daughter’s chamber. I could scarcely speak, but Lady Capulet soon realized what had happened, and was as horrified as I was. She began to weep and moan and her cries brought her husband to the room. When he arrived he would not believe what his wife told him, that his daughter was dead, dead on her wedding day. Oh, what a terrible thing it was! Oh, my dear Juliet, the light of my life, dead! You cannot imagine my despair. But then Friar Lawrence and the County Paris entered, along with several musicians who had been hired to give entertainment at the wedding. They inquired whether Juliet was ready for the ceremony, and when they learned of what had happened, Paris too was devastated. Friar Lawrence tried to tell not to be so sad, because our lady Juliet is now in heaven and it was God who gave her to us, so it is God who has the right to take her away. He said that we could not keep her from dying some day. I suppose that he is right, but it does not lessen my despair. Lord Capulet arranged for all the wedding festivities to be changed to a funeral. Oh sister, life in the Capulet house will never be the same again without my dear, dear Juliet! But now I must go, but I wanted to tell you about this accursed misfortune. I hope you are well, and that I will see you soon, Your loving sister, nurse of Juliet Capulet Dear Diary, It is late Tuesday night as I sit here in my room quietly writing this. My hand is shaking as I write //these very words//, and my heart beats loud as a drum. My nurse was just in here, but I quickly dismissed her, saying that I have many prayers to say for I am in need of the heavens blessing. Then my mother decided to see if I needed any help, but I also dismissed her. I told her that my nurse and I have already figured out the best things to wear for tomorrow’s ceremony. I suggested that that the nurse sits up with her tonight. She will surely have enough things to do that will keep her up well past midnight. The sudden festivities //must// require extensive preparations. My mother wished me well and left, leaving me alone in the big room. I must admit I have never felt so alone in my entire life. No one was going to untangle me from this situation but myself, and this is something I //must// do, as much as I feared what would lie ahead. Oh, God only knows when I will see my dear mother and nurse again! This terrible fear grips me, oh how I wish I could call them both back! But alas, I must do what Friar Lawrence said. The vial is nestled under my pillow right this very moment, waiting to be consumed. Things begin to race through my head, awful and frightful things. What if this potion does not work? I must use a knife then. What if Friar Lawrence is so disgraced that he mixed up this potion to really kill me? What if I wake up in the tomb before Romeo can get there? Oh that is something positively dreadful! With no good air to breathe I might suffocate. But even worse, if I live I will be completely consumed by darkness, death, and God knows what else. And the stench! All the bones of my family members - and the corpse of freshly entombed Tybalt - will be rotting as I lay there, helpless and afraid. Oh, and they say the moans of the dead will drive someone insane! What if I go mad in there! Oh Romeo, Romeo, I drink to you! Dear Count of Italy, The situation with Lady Juliet Capulet and Romeo Montague has dispersed for the time being, seeing as how Lady Juliet has accepted her mother’s proposal for the marriage to Paris. They are preparing themselves for the wedding by calling for dates in the kitchen. They called to awaken Miss Juliet and get her ready for the day. More information later when I receive it. Truly Yours, Bethany Naccarato
 * Act 2, Scenes 3 & 4 **
 * Act 2, Scene 5 **
 * Act 3 Scene 1 **
 * Act 3, Scene 2 **
 * Act 3, Scene 3 **
 * Act 3, Scene 4 **
 * Act 3, Scene 5 **
 * Act 4, Scene I **
 * Act 4, Scene 2 **
 * Act 4, Scene 3 **
 * Act 4, Scene 4 **
 * Act 5, Scene 1 **

Dear Prince, I feel that I must confess something to you about the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Before all of this occurred, Romeo was lighthearted and joyful. His spirits were high because he thought he would soon see Juliet. Everybody could tell that he was happy! And then his servant came and gave him the news of Juliet’s “death”. He, of course, believed his servant without question, and you could see, even from where I was standing on the street, the heartbreak that filled him. He began to mutter to himself, cursing and storming around the street like a madman. And then he came towards me, and I will not lie to you Prince, I was terrified. He was out of control! And here he was, hurrying towards me. I backed away a bit, but he advanced on me a bit, and began begging me for poison. Poison, of all things! Of course, I immediately said no, but he was relentless. And then he brought up the idea of the amount he would pay me. Telling me how in need of money I looked. And after continuous pressuring, I caved and I gave him the poison for a large fee. Because of this, I feel as though I’ve played a hand in both of their deaths. I hope that my confession to you can ease my own guilt. Best of wishes to you and yours, The Apothecary Friar Lawrence, I am very sorry but I was not able to deliver your letter to Romeo. I was in another town visiting a friar who was caring for the sick. But the town officials suspected that both he and I had caught the sickness from the invalids, and quarantined us, stoutly refusing to let us go. Please find your letter to Romeo enclosed. I am sorry I could not deliver it. I am aware that it is very important- not just a friendly greeting. Truly, you cannot imagine how sorry I am. I suppose that you must carry out your plan alone now. I know that Juliet will not be happy, but you can tell her it is my fault. Please forgive me, and ask Juliet to forgive me as well. I hope that your plan works out even though I have failed you. When I see you again I will try to make amends for this. Deepest regrets, Friar John Dear Prince Escalus, In this letter it will explain everything that has happened between the children of the Capulets and the Montagues. Romeo was married to Juliet and Juliet was Romeo’s faithful wife. I was the one that married them. The day they got married was the same day as the death of Tybalt. This caused Romeo to part from the city. Juliet mourned, not for Tybalt, but for her husband. Capulet would have her married to County Paris. Juliet came to me and I came up with a plan for her to not marry Paris or she would have killed herself right there in my cell. I gave her a sleeping potion which was intended to look like she died. Meanwhile, I wrote to Romeo for him to come and take her out of the grave when the force of the potion would stop. Friar John was supposed to give him the letter, but he was not able to. My letter was returned back. She was alone when she woke up. I came to take her to my cell where she would be hidden until I could contact Romeo. When I arrived, I saw Paris and Romeo lying dead on the ground. Juliet woke up and I begged her to come with me. I heard a noise and went out of the tomb. Juliet didn’t follow and killed herself. This is all I know. Her nurse secretly knows about the marriage. If this is my fault, sacrifice my life. After I explained the story to the Montagues and the Capulets, they had decided to make a statue of the other family’s children. Yours Truly, Friar Lawrence
 * Act 5, Scene 2 **
 * Act 5, Scene 3 **