Scene+2

**Capulet reveals that the elder members of the Capulet and the Montague families can easily keep the peace; the difficulty lies with the young. Capulet is keen for Paris to marry his daughter Juliet and plans a party later that night. Romeo and friends decide to turn up uninvited, Romeo hoping to see Rosaline, the object of his affection...** Capulet explains to his guest, Paris that both he and Montague are bound by the same penalty not to fight. As such, he reasons it is easy "For men so old as we to keep the peace" (for men as old as Montague and I to keep the peace), (Line 3). Paris asks Capulet on whether he will be accepted to marry Capulet's daughter Juliet (Line 6). Capulet initially says no, his daughter has "not seen the change of fourteen years; [is not yet fourteen]" (Line 9) but eventually agrees so long as Paris can win Juliet's "heart," and then her consent, advising the young Paris to woo (court) his daughter gently (Line 14-36). Speaking to a servant, we learn that Capulet plans a party to be held that very night. The Servant, now sent by Capulet to send out invitations in Verona cannot read and so cannot match the names on his list with the people he has been sent to invite to the party. The Servant happens upon (finds) Romeo and Benvolio. Romeo, pretending he is not a Montague, reads the invitation given freely by the Servant. Benvolio mentions that the fair Rosaline will be there (Line 88). This gets Romeo's attention; Rosaline is the girl who would not requite or return Romeo's love. Benvolio again tells Romeo that he will soon forget her, such will be the beauty of the many guests at the party. Romeo decides to attend the Capulet's party. **Act I. Scene III. -** The Same. A Room in Capulet's House. Juliet: "I'll look to like, if looking liking move...." **Lady Capulet discusses the idea of marriage to the young Paris with Juliet. Juliet keeps her options open. The Nurse wishes Juliet every possible happiness...** Lady Capulet calls for her daughter Juliet. Lady Capulet asks Juliet's nurse to leave them to discuss matters in private. The Nurse recalls her fond memories of Juliet as a child (Lines 16-54). Now alone with her daughter, Lady Capulet discusses the idea of marriage and specifically with the young Paris. Juliet will consider it, "I'll look to like, if looking liking move; / But no more deep will I endart mine eye / Than your consent gives strength to make it fly" by which Juliet means she will consider it if she likes Paris but ultimately will only marry him if her family approves or gives her the strength to make this idea fly (Lines 97-102). A Servant arrives, requiring Lady Capulet's attention for the upcoming party. The Nurse now famously wishes her young charge (Juliet) well, saying, "Go, girl, seek happy nights to happy days" (go girl, seek happy nights to follow happy days / be happy), (Line 106).
 * Act I.** **Scene II. -** The Same. A Street.

**Act I. Scene IV. -** The Same. A Street.

Mercutio: "If love be rough with you, be rough with love; / Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down."

**Mercutio attempts to cheer a lovesick Romeo up, telling him to be rough with love if need be.**

Accompanied by "five or six Masquers," or masked friends, Mercutio tries to cheer Romeo up, encouraging him to dance at Capulet's party (a masked ball). Politely declined, Mercutio makes an observation of his good friend's character: "You are a lover; borrow Cupid's wings, / And soar with them above a common bound" (Line 17). Mercutio and Romeo trade viewpoints on the nature of love (Lines 23-29).

When Mercutio implies that love is tender, Romeo disagrees, asking, "Is love a tender thing? it is too rough, / Too rude, too boisterous; and it pricks like thorn" (Line 25).

Mercutio advises Romeo then to fight fire with fire:"If love be rough with you, be rough with love; / Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down" (Line 28). The two now don masks to conceal their identities. Romeo is enthusiastic about this part, saying "I dream'd a dream to-night" (Line 50). Mercutio now relates his anecdote about Queen Mab (Lines 55-95).