Now was Romeo blessed indeed, and Juliet, who knew his intent from a messenger which she had dispatched, did not fail to be early at the cell of Friar Lawrence, where their hands were joined in holy marriage, the good friar praying the heavens to smile upon that act, and in the union of this young Montague and young Capulet, to bury the old strife of their families.
The ceremony being over, Juliet hastened home, where she stayed, impatient for the coming of night, at which time Romeo promised to come and meet her in the orchard, where they had met the night before.
That same day, Romeo's friends, Benvolio and Mercutio, walking through the streets of Verona, were met by a party of the Capulets with the impetuous Tybalt at their head. He, seeing Mercutio, accused him of associating with Romeo, a Montague. Mercutio, who had as much fire and youthful blood in him as
Tybalt, replied to this accusation with some sharpness; and, in spite of all Benvolio could say to moderate their wrath, a quarrel began. Romeo himself passing that way, the fierce Tybalt turned from Mercutio to Romeo.
Romeo wished to avoid a quarrel with Tybalt, because he was the kinsman of Juliet and much beloved by her; besides, this young Montague had never thoroughly entered into the family quarrel, being by nature wise and gentle, and the name of a Capulet, which was his dear lady's name, was now rather a charm than a watchword to excite fury. So he tried to reason with Tybalt, whom he saluted
mildly by the name of Good Capulet, as if he, though a Montague, had some secret pleasure in uttering that name; but Tybalt, who hated all Montagues as he hated hell drew his weapon; and Mercutio, who knew not of Romeo's secret motive for desiring peace with Tybalt provoked Tybalt as well; and Tybalt and Mercutio fought, till Mercutio fell, receiving his death's wound while Romeo and Benvolio were trying to part the combatants.
Mercutio being dead, Romeo kept his temper no longer, but returned the scornful appellation of villain which Tybalt had given him, and they fought till Tybalt was slain by Romeo.
