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....
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