Romeo Montague Must Not Live!

Act Three, Scene One:

Tragedy struck this morning. My brother's son Tybalt was murdered by one of those loathsome Montagues - Romeo. I was a fool not to recognize what that despicable family was capable of. My poor nephew lay dead in the square, and Romeo and his gang of murderers had fled. The only one to stay behind was Benvolio who actually had the gall to tell the Prince that Romeo had been reluctant to fight but that Tybalt (who now dead could not defend himself) was the one who instigated the entire brawl. Despite my grief, I would not let this lie stand. I told the Prince that Benvolio is a Montague himself and was just defending his own clan. An eye for an eye is what I demanded. Romeo deserved to die!

Unfortunately, the Prince was ridiculously lenient. He only banned Romeo from Verona, forbidding his return. In fact, should he enter Verona's gates ever again, he will be put to death. I suppose I should have some sympathy for the Prince. Mercutio, one of Romeo's friends, was killed by Tybalt, and he was related to the Prince. We've all lost someone it seems. But at least the Montague's kin still lives. Romeo still walks the streets, and Tybalt lies dead in the family crypt. No, I cannot have sympathy. Our loss is greater. I still argue Romeo should not live!

A Match Juliet Cannot Refuse

Act One, Scene Three:

Paris met with my husband this morning to discuss his desire to marry Juliet. Of course, my husband was reluctant to hear his proposal. He's never quite recovered from losing all of our children to early graves, and I know that he'd like to hold on to Juliet for a few more years. He claims that Juliet, at only 13 years of age, is far too young to marry. But, of course, he recognizes that Paris, a young nobleman related to Prince Escalus, is an excellent catch.

I personally think it's rather ironic that he considers Juliet to be too young. He married me when I was her age! Of course, it's different when it's your own child, but I still believe he dotes on her too much. Not me. As Juliet's mother, I recognize the need to be practical. I was going to speak to Juliet privately about the marriage proposal but decided to include her Nurse. She's such a coarse and bawdy woman, and her non-stop comments about sex are especially irritating not to mention embarrassing, but she's been in Juliet's life so long that there's no point in excluding her.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get a real sense of how Juliet feels about the proposal. She certainly didn't say "yes," but then again she didn't say "no" either. In fact, looking back on the discussion, she spoke very little. True, it's difficult to get a word in edge-wise with her Nurse around, but Juliet seemed so quiet and submissive. I assured her that Paris possesses both good looks and a strong character. She didn't ask any questions about him, but when I asked her if she could fall in love with Paris, she did respond that if looking leads to liking she suspects she will.

Paris will be at our party tonight, so hopefully Juliet will see him and immediately fall in love. I know my husband will feel better about the match, knowing that Juliet desires it. And, of course, I will feel better knowing that my daughter will be suitably wed.

Get Over This Feud Already...

Act One, Scene One:

Childish fighting among boys once again broke out in the courtyard this morning.  Unfortunately, I suspect our two servants, Sampson and Gregory, provoked the incident, but it hardly matters. It could just as easily have been two of the house of Montague.  That hot-headed nephew of mine Tybalt couldn't wait to join the fray, immediately jumping in and threatening to spear the first Montague he could get his hands on.  Verona's citizens, who have probably had just about enough of this tiresome behavior, threatened to club us all into submission.  Worse still, my old husband entered into the commotion and without hesitation called for his sword.  He's so full of hot air.  He couldn't swing a cane, let alone a heavy blade.  Thankfully, Lady Montague shares my feelings and held her husband back.  We women may have little power over the state, but we certainly know how to keep our husbands in check.  

Luckily, Escalus, the Prince of Verona, intervened before anyone was hurt.  He too has certainly had enough of this childish behavior.  I suppose he was particularly irritated that Lords Montague and Capulet as nobles did not use their seniority and rank to try to restore peace. Lady Montague and I could have told him that those two are no better than their servants, eager to jump into a pointless brawl.  Honestly, I cannot even remember how the feud even started.  Probably some comment made generations ago that the other mistook as insulting his honor.  Ridiculous!

I only hope these men take the Prince's threat seriously.  He warns that another brawl like this, and he will punish them with DEATH!  He certainly was smart to escort my husband away from the courtyard.  I'll bet if the Prince had simply left, the fighting would have started anew....