Capulet’s servants pick a quarrel with Montague’s, which degenerates into a general brawl. Obedient to the Prince’s ruling against brawling, Benvolio tries to part them, but he is attacked by Tybalt, who calls him a coward for speaking of peace. Infuriated citizens begin hitting at the brawlers on both sides, as Capulet and Montague themselves enter the fray. The anarchy only ceases when the Prince himself arrives and orders an end to the fighting, threatening both Capulet and Montague with death if another battle erupts. Montague, his wife and Benvolio are left alone as the others depart. Benvolio explains how the fight began, and is able to reassure his aunt that Romeo was not present. Romeo’s parents are concerned about his melancholy, and Benvolio promises to find to what’s going on. Seeing Romeo arrive, his parents leave to give Benvolio a clear field. It quickly becomes apparent from Romeo’s hackneyed phrases that he believes himself to be deeply in love with a lady who has sworn to be chaste. Benvolio advises him to find some better-looking women to run after, but Romeo insists there are none. (222 lines)
Enter Sampson and Gregory, with swords and bucklers, of the house of Capulet.
SAM. SampsonGregory, on my word, we’ll not carry coals.
GRE. GregoryNo, for then we should be colliers.