The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters - PREVIEW： Chronicles #18

00:00:00.000 Hello, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome back to Chronicles, where today we are going to

00:00:20.380 be talking all about Romeo and Juliet, which is here, of course, in my complete works of

00:00:28.020 Shakespeare. For those of you who've been watching this series since the beginning, you'll know that

00:00:33.700 one of the very early conversations I had was an excellent one where I was able to sit down with

00:00:39.480 AA and pick his brains all about Shakespeare in general, had a wonderful conversation about the

00:00:46.580 histories, something of the tragedies, a little bit of the comedies. It felt like a great introductory

00:00:52.480 episode to Shakespeare. But now I think it's time to return to Shakespeare, and we'll start focusing

00:00:59.920 on each play individually. And what better place to begin than Romeo and Juliet? Of course, one of

00:01:07.840 Shakespeare's most famous plays, one of his most performed plays, I think it's regarded as like the

00:01:14.520 second most performed Shakespeare play. Also, of course, one of the most famous love stories in

00:01:21.360 all of literature. Of course, like many of Shakespeare's other plays, he draws upon other

00:01:28.820 texts, other versions of stories, and obviously in many cases from actual histories, in order to create

00:01:37.360 a more definitive and remarkable version of the original. So in the case of Romeo and Juliet, back in

00:01:45.660 1562, so about 35 years before we have the first performances of Romeo and Juliet in about 1597. So in

00:01:56.380 62, you had a narrative poem by Arthur Brooke, who wrote the tragical history of Romeo and Juliet. That was

00:02:05.500 in English, but that in itself was a translation of a French version of the story. And that French

00:02:13.320 telling of the story was itself inspired by Matteo Bandolo's Italian novella from 1554. And so you can see

00:02:23.380 the story of Romeo and Juliet carrying on from Italy, where of course the play is set, into the theatres of

00:02:33.540 Tudor England. But actually, the story of the Montagues and the Capulets is much, much older. In fact, the first

00:02:43.460 ever mention of these two families comes from Dante in his Divine Comedy, specifically during the Purgatorio

00:02:52.360 section, where Dante says,

00:02:54.600 Come and see, you who are negligent, Montagues and Capulets, Minaldi and Filippesi, one lot already

00:03:03.320 grieving, the other in fear. Come, you who are cruel, come and see the distress of your noble families,

00:03:12.020 and cleanse their rottenness. This seems to be our first name drop in history of the Montagues and Capulets,

00:03:21.320 which of course leads to enormous speculation on whether or not these two families were in fact very, very famous

00:03:29.160 in medieval, or perhaps even older, Italy for their feuds and the civil unrest that this feud brought to the streets.

00:03:38.720 But irrespective of the names of the actual families, the tale of two lovers destined to die,

00:03:48.460 and their love to turn to tragedy, is of course a much older trope in storytelling. Probably one of the greatest

00:03:56.000 examples of it comes from classical antiquity in the playwright Ovid's Metamorphosis, where in that play,

00:04:03.940 Pyramus and Thisbe are, again, two lovers from feuding houses, and both meet tragic ends.

00:04:12.400 Shakespeare, of course, himself was obviously very, very familiar with Ovid's work, given that Pyramus

00:04:18.700 and Thisbe appear in the play within the play towards the end of The Midsummer Night's Dream,

00:04:24.700 right? It is the play that Bottom and the rest of the actors are preparing for in order to perform for

00:04:31.960 the king. But we shall talk about A Midsummer Night's Dream another time. This is, of course,

00:04:37.660 about Romeo and Juliet. And so, as always, let's begin with the story itself, and then we can

00:04:45.000 unpack it and talk all about it.

00:04:53.340 Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona where we lay our scene.

00:04:59.920 From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.

00:05:06.720 From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life.

00:05:14.280 Whose misadventured, piteous overthrows Doth with their death bury their parents' strife.

00:05:20.560 The fearful passage of their death-marked love, And the continuance of their parents' rage,

00:05:26.460 Which, but their children's end, naught could remove,

00:05:29.880 Is now the two-hour traffic of our stage, The which, if you with patient ears attend,

00:05:37.840 What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.

00:05:42.720 Act I, scene I begins on the street, where Capulet's men, Samson and Gregory,

00:05:48.180 Banter and roam with chest-puffing bravado.

00:05:51.220 Aspying Montague's men nearby, The two instigate a needless quarrel,

00:05:56.680 And soon sabres are drawn against one another.

00:05:59.960 The fight draws in Benvolio for the Montagues, And Tybalt for the house of Capulet.

00:06:05.920 The sound of steel grows louder, And before long,

00:06:09.640 The elderly Montague and Capulet Mean to personally defend the honour of their families.

00:06:14.620 The fair street of Verona Is now marred by the cacophonous violence.

00:06:20.320 Only Prince Aeschylus restores order, As Montagues and Capulets drop their weapons.

00:06:27.140 Rebellious subjects, enemies to peace, Profaners of this neighbour's stainard steel,

00:06:33.000 Will they not hear?

00:06:34.540 What ho, you men, you beasts, That quench the fire of your pernicious rage,

00:06:39.780 With purple fountains issuing from your veins, On pain of torture from those bloody hands,

00:06:46.920 Throw your mistempered weapons to the ground, And hear the sentence of your moved prince.

00:06:52.940 Three civil brawls, bred of an airy word, By thee, old Capulet, and Montague,

00:06:59.400 Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets, And made Verona's ancient citizens,

00:07:05.340 Cast by their grave-beseeming ornaments, To wield old partisans in hands as old,

00:07:12.380 Cankered with peace, to part your cankered hate.

00:07:16.360 If ever you disturb our streets again, Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.

00:07:22.620 For this time all the rest depart away.

00:07:25.200 You, Capulet, shall go along with me, And Montague, come you this afternoon,

00:07:30.380 To know our father pleasure in this case, To old Freetown, our common judgement place.

00:07:36.540 Once more, on pain of death, All men depart.

00:07:40.660 The fighters retire, and Montague is left with Benvolio,

00:07:44.820 Asking if he has seen Romeo, The lord's only son.

00:07:49.080 His parents are concerned for him, As he seems stricken with melancholy,

00:07:52.960 But they know not what has caused it.

00:07:56.260 They take their leave of Benvolio, Who soon meets with his cousin, Romeo.

00:08:01.300 After prying, Romeo reveals that he is lovesick, And tortured by the girl's unrequited feelings.

00:08:08.080 Benvolio advises him to look to other beauties, So that he might move past this sorrow.

00:08:14.020 Scene two introduces us to Paris, A young suitor to Juliet,

00:08:18.680 Only daughter of the Capulets.

00:08:20.760 Juliet is a darling of her father's eye, And seeing that Paris is a noble man,

00:08:26.820 He gives him permission to woo his daughter At the evening's masquerade.

00:08:31.740 Capulet then sends a serving man forth into the streets, To invite the listed guests.

00:08:36.840 But the fellow's a poor reader, And happens upon Romeo and Benvolio,

00:08:40.980 And asks if they can tell him The names of the people he's to invite.

00:08:45.740 One name catches Romeo's attention.

00:08:47.900 Rosalyn, the girl that his heart and loins Greatly long for.

00:08:53.660 At this same ancient feast of Capulets,

00:08:56.360 Sups a fair Rosalyn, whom thou so loves,

00:08:59.100 With all the admired beauties of Verona.

00:09:02.100 Go thither, and with unattained eye,

00:09:05.160 Compare her face with some that I shall show,

00:09:08.000 And I will make thee think thy swan a crow.

00:09:11.080 Romeo decides that he will go to the masque.

00:09:13.980 In scene three, we are introduced to Juliet.

00:09:18.300 She is two weeks away from her 14th birthday.

00:09:21.440 Her mother, Lady Capulet, and her nurse,

00:09:24.520 Also attend her in this scene.

00:09:26.720 Her mother broaches the topic of marriage with her daughter,

00:09:29.880 Telling her to look fondly tonight on good Paris.

00:09:32.880 What say you? Can you love the gentleman?

00:09:36.720 This night you shall behold him at our feast.

00:09:39.700 Read o'er the volume of young Paris' face,

00:09:42.780 And find a light writ there with beauty's pen.

00:09:46.300 Examine every married liniment,

00:09:48.680 And see how one another lends content,

00:09:51.620 And what obscured in this fair volume lies,

00:09:55.100 Find written in the margin of his eyes,

00:09:57.780 This precious book of love,

00:10:00.280 This unbound lover,

00:10:02.260 To beautify him only lacks a cover.

00:10:05.460 The fish lives in the sea,

00:10:07.380 And tis much pride for fair without the fair within to hide.

00:10:11.300 That book in many's eyes doth share the glory,

00:10:14.580 That in gold clasps locks in the golden story.

00:10:18.980 So shall you share all that he doth possess,

00:10:22.220 By having him, making yourself no less.

00:10:25.160 Speak briefly, can you like of Paris' love?

00:10:29.600 I'll look to like, if looking liking move,

00:10:32.880 But no more deep will I in dart mine eye,

00:10:35.780 Than your consent gives strength to make it fly.

00:10:39.160 Scene four begins with a troop of maskers,

00:10:41.860 Torchbearers, and a drummer boy,

00:10:43.760 But the imperishable centre of the party's spirit

00:10:47.640 Is Mercutio, the great libertine of Verona.

00:10:51.360 He frolics merrily, with Romeo and Benvolio in his company,

00:10:55.940 Loquaciously yammering on and on.

00:10:58.820 Benvolio tells Mercutio that his talk is both endless and meaningless.

00:11:03.480 True.

00:11:03.760 I talk of dreams, which are the children of an idle brain,

00:11:07.920 Begot of nothing but vain fancy,

00:11:10.580 Which is as thin as substance as the air,

00:11:13.360 And more inconstant than the wind,

00:11:15.900 Who woos, even now, the frozen bosom of the north,

00:11:19.480 And, being angered, puffs away from fence,

00:11:22.760 Turning his side to a dew-dropping south.

00:11:25.640 They enter Capulet's grounds,

00:11:27.440 Where the household and guests mingle with gaiety.

00:11:30.300 It is on that night that Romeo first gazes upon Juliet,

00:11:35.700 Love at first sight.

00:11:38.160 Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright,

00:11:41.740 It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night,

00:11:44.880 As a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear,

00:11:48.100 Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear,

00:11:51.500 She shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,

00:11:55.260 As yonder lady o'er her fellow shows,

00:11:58.320 The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand,

00:12:01.620 And touching hers make blessed my rude hand.

00:12:05.200 Did my heart love till now,

00:12:07.140 Forswear it, sight,

00:12:08.680 For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.

00:12:12.460 But not all present at the masque are merry.

00:12:15.980 Tybalt sees Romeo, and is incensed with rage,

00:12:19.920 To see a man of Montague,

00:12:22.200 So free about his family's estate,

00:12:24.700 His temper is a storm,

00:12:26.860 But Capulet demands that he must not escalate events,

00:12:31.260 And clearly shows an elder's wisdom,

00:12:34.020 And tells Tybalt plainly,

00:12:35.940 That Romeo is welcome,

00:12:38.060 Tybalt's hand is stayed,

00:12:39.760 But he departs with these ominous lines,

00:12:43.580 Patience perforce with willful column eating,

00:12:46.660 Makes my flesh tremble in their different greeting,

00:12:50.060 I will withdraw,

00:12:51.800 But this intrusion shall,

00:12:53.800 Now seeming sweet,

00:12:55.400 Convert to bitterest gall.

00:12:57.860 Meanwhile, each second that Romeo and Juliet share,

00:13:01.400 In one another's company,

00:13:02.960 Only leaves them more besotted.

00:13:05.320 They kiss,

00:13:06.260 And their union is destiny itself.

00:13:09.060 The nurse intrudes,

00:13:10.280 And draws Juliet away to her mother.

00:13:12.980 Juliet's nursing reveals to Romeo,

00:13:15.020 The truth of Juliet's Capulet blood.

00:13:17.360 Juliet then asks her nurse

00:13:19.560 To find out the young man's name.

00:13:22.200 Go, go ask him,

00:13:23.620 If he be married,

00:13:24.760 My grave is like to be my wedding bed.

00:13:27.760 His name is Romeo,

00:13:29.400 And a Montague,

00:13:30.520 The only son of your great enemy.

00:13:33.060 My only love sprang from my only hate,

00:13:35.940 Too early seen unknown,

00:13:37.580 And known too late.

00:13:39.080 Prodigious birth of love it is to me,

00:13:41.440 That I must love a loathed enemy.

00:13:44.180 They depart,

00:13:45.000 And act one comes to an end.

00:13:47.920 The next act begins with Romeo fleeing from his friends,

00:13:51.860 Enthralled by his need to see Juliet once more.

00:13:55.380 Mercutio mocks his feelings for Rosalind,

00:13:58.300 And the fickleness of his friend.

00:14:00.660 Then he and Benvolio retire,

00:14:02.640 Deducing that Romeo does not wish to be found.

00:14:06.000 We then come to Act 2, Scene 2,

00:14:08.980 The balcony scene.

00:14:10.460 Perhaps the most famous moment of romance,

00:14:13.200 In all of literature.

00:14:14.600 O Romeo, Romeo,

00:14:17.160 Wherefore art thou Romeo?

00:14:19.540 Deny thy father,

00:14:20.740 And refuse thy name.

00:14:22.360 Or, if thou wilt not,

00:14:24.400 Be but sworn my love,

00:14:26.440 And I'll no longer be a Capulet.

00:14:29.240 Shall I hear more,

00:14:30.540 Or shall I speak at this?

00:14:32.240 Tis but thy name that is my enemy.

00:14:34.940 Thou art thyself,

00:14:36.380 Though not a Montague.

00:14:37.480 What's Montague?

00:14:39.420 Is it nor hand,

00:14:41.180 Nor foot,

00:14:42.020 Nor arm,

00:14:42.600 Nor face?

00:14:43.520 Oh,

00:14:43.900 Be some other name,

00:14:45.400 Belonging to a man.

00:14:47.260 What's in a name?

00:14:48.740 That which we call a rose,

00:14:50.460 By any other word,

00:14:51.760 Would smell as sweet.

00:14:53.520 So Romeo would,

00:14:54.760 Were he not Romeo called,

00:14:56.980 Retain that dear perfection,

00:14:58.800 Which he owes,

00:14:59.860 Without that title,

00:15:01.160 Romeo,

00:15:01.760 Doff thy name,

00:15:03.040 And for thy name,

00:15:04.760 Which is no part of thee,

00:15:06.840 Take all myself.

00:15:08.880 Upon hearing the confessions

00:15:10.440 Of this maiden's heart,

00:15:12.240 Romeo reveals himself

00:15:13.700 By moonlight in the orchard below.

00:15:16.380 Juliet is frightened

00:15:17.440 That he will be discovered,

00:15:19.240 But the young man is confident

00:15:20.660 In the knight's protective cloak.

00:15:23.480 Romeo seeks to assure her

00:15:25.060 That his love shall be

00:15:26.560 A constant one.

00:15:28.500 Lady,

00:15:29.240 By yonder blessed moon I vow

00:15:30.900 That tips with silver

00:15:32.620 All these fruit treetops,

00:15:34.800 Oh, swear not by the moon,

00:15:36.660 The inconstant moon,

00:15:38.200 That monthly changes

00:15:39.280 In her circled orb,

00:15:40.820 Lest that thy love

00:15:41.680 Prove likewise variable.

00:15:43.660 What shall I swear by?

00:15:45.600 Do not swear at all.

00:15:47.500 Or, if thou wilt,

00:15:49.660 Swear by thy gracious self,

00:15:51.900 Which is the god of my idolatry,

00:15:54.840 And I'll believe thee,

00:15:56.800 If my heart's dear love.

00:15:58.540 Well, do not swear,

00:15:59.960 Although I joy in thee,

00:16:01.420 I have no joy

00:16:02.400 Of this contract tonight.

00:16:04.240 It is too rash,

00:16:05.520 Too unadvisor,

00:16:06.460 Too sudden,

00:16:07.320 Too like the lightning,

00:16:08.520 Which doth cease to be,

00:16:10.660 Ere one can say,

00:16:12.380 It lightens,

00:16:13.760 Sweet good night.

00:16:15.640 This bud of love,

00:16:16.900 By summer's ripening breath,

00:16:18.780 May prove a beauteous flower

00:16:20.620 When next we meet.

00:16:22.740 Good night,

00:16:23.780 Good night,

00:16:24.800 A sweet repose and rest,

00:16:26.540 Come to thy heart,

00:16:27.620 As that within my breast.

00:16:29.720 Oh,

00:16:30.320 Wilt thou leave me

00:16:31.300 So unsatisfied?

00:16:32.800 Well,

00:16:33.100 What satisfaction

00:16:34.120 Canst thou have tonight?

00:16:35.440 It's exchange of thy love's

00:16:37.020 Faithful vow for mine.

00:16:38.640 They both pledge their love,

00:16:40.300 And after the nurse's call

00:16:41.640 Has Juliet withdraw and return,

00:16:43.940 The two lovers exchange

00:16:45.360 Further words of romance,

00:16:47.360 And agree that at nine o'clock

00:16:49.260 The next day,

00:16:50.480 Juliet will send a messenger to him.

00:16:53.180 They leave each other

00:16:54.180 In the highest of spirits.

00:16:56.320 Scene three,

00:16:57.220 Caesar's introduced to

00:16:58.380 Friar Lawrence.

00:16:59.700 He is a tender-hearted man,

00:17:01.300 And of sincere piety.

00:17:03.420 Romeo enters a chapel,

00:17:05.060 And the Friar quickly deduces

00:17:06.580 That the young man

00:17:07.460 Has not slept that night,

00:17:09.180 But mistakes Romeo's

00:17:10.720 Nocturnal activities

00:17:11.860 For a night of sin

00:17:13.060 With Rosalind.

00:17:14.500 But Romeo reveals

00:17:15.600 That he now loves another.

00:17:17.860 Then plainly know

00:17:19.000 My heart's dear love is set

00:17:20.760 On the fair daughter

00:17:22.380 Of rich Capulet,

00:17:24.160 As mine on hers,

00:17:25.320 So hers is set on mine,

00:17:27.460 And all combined,

00:17:29.280 Save what thou must combine,

00:17:30.980 By holy marriage.

00:17:33.240 When and where and how

00:17:34.720 We met,

00:17:35.580 We wooed and made exchange

00:17:37.240 Of vow.

00:17:38.040 I'll tell thee as we pass,

00:17:39.740 But this I pray,

00:17:41.120 That thou consent

00:17:42.160 To marry us today.

00:17:43.960 Holy Saint Francis,

00:17:45.480 What a change is here!

00:17:47.340 Is Rosalind that thou didst love

00:17:49.180 So dear,

00:17:49.940 So soon forsaken?

00:17:51.840 Young men's love then lies,

00:17:53.720 Not truly in their hearts,

00:17:55.720 But in their eyes.

00:17:57.040 Jesus Maria,

00:17:58.340 What a deal of brine

00:18:00.160 Hath washed thy sallowed cheeks

00:18:02.320 For Rosalind!

00:18:03.660 How much salt water

00:18:04.880 Thrown away in waste,

00:18:07.040 To season love

00:18:08.160 That of it doth not taste!

00:18:10.480 The sun not yet

00:18:11.460 Thy sighs from heaven clears,

00:18:13.860 Thy old groans yet ringing

00:18:15.640 In mine ancient ears.

00:18:17.780 Lo, here upon thy cheek

00:18:19.640 The stain doth sit,

00:18:21.480 Of an old tear

00:18:22.600 That is not washed off yet.

00:18:24.320 If e'er thou wast thyself

00:18:27.060 And these woes thine,

00:18:29.300 Thou and these woes

00:18:30.820 Were all for Rosalind,

00:18:32.760 And art thou changed?

00:18:34.380 Pronounced the sentence then.

00:18:36.200 Women may fall

00:18:37.180 When there's no strength in men.

00:18:39.480 Though he is sceptical

00:18:40.800 Of Romeo's swiftly changing affections,

00:18:43.960 Friar Lawrence agrees

00:18:45.020 To marry Montague to Capulet

00:18:47.300 In the hopes that such a love match

00:18:49.380 May finally end the feud

00:18:50.900 Between their two houses,

00:18:52.260 We then return to the inseparable duo

00:18:54.720 Of Benvolio and Mercutio,

00:18:57.140 Where we learn from them

00:18:58.120 That Tybalt has challenged Romeo

00:19:00.220 To a duel,

00:19:01.300 On account of his daring

00:19:02.500 To visit the Capulet estate

00:19:04.100 Yesterday evening.

00:19:05.520 Mercutio despises Tybalt.

00:19:08.600 Romeo meets the two,

00:19:09.900 And they engage in the banter

00:19:11.420 And camaraderie

00:19:12.480 That defines the best relationships

00:19:14.280 Between men.

00:19:15.580 As Juliet had sworn,

00:19:17.060 Her nurse then comes to Romeo

00:19:18.600 As liaison of the lovers.

00:19:20.500 The nurse has a deep loyalty

00:19:22.440 To Juliet

00:19:23.120 And interrogates Romeo

00:19:24.780 As to whether his intentions

00:19:26.180 Are honourable.

00:19:27.380 The dashing young man

00:19:28.400 Cools her fears

00:19:29.460 And tells her

00:19:30.360 That if Juliet will meet him

00:19:31.980 At Friar Lawrence's cell

00:19:33.320 That afternoon

00:19:34.100 That they shall be married.

00:19:36.220 Not only does the nurse

00:19:37.300 Rejoice at the news,

00:19:38.780 But tells Romeo

00:19:39.620 That she will see

00:19:40.740 That a ladder

00:19:41.560 Is placed at Juliet's balcony tonight

00:19:44.020 So that Romeo and Juliet

00:19:45.620 Can share their wedding night together.

00:19:47.500 The nurse returns to Juliet

00:19:49.940 And after much comical stalling

00:19:52.340 And leaving Juliet in suspense,

00:19:54.760 The young girl hears

00:19:55.860 That her heart's desire

00:19:57.140 Is close at hand.

00:19:58.940 Later that afternoon,

00:20:00.440 Romeo and Juliet

00:20:01.260 Are wed by Friar Lawrence.

00:20:04.080 Act three begins,

00:20:05.480 And we return to the streets,

00:20:07.340 Where Tybalt's high temper

00:20:08.760 Finally brings about new unrest.

00:20:11.360 He and his Capulet lackeys

00:20:13.540 Encounter Benvolio and Mercutio

00:20:15.700 And he declares his challenge to Romeo.

00:20:19.080 Very soon,

00:20:20.060 The newlywed Romeo appears.

00:20:22.660 Romeo,

00:20:23.480 The love I bear thee

00:20:24.960 Can afford

00:20:25.720 No better term than this.

00:20:27.720 Thou art a villain.

00:20:29.760 Tybalt,

00:20:30.360 The reason that I have to love thee

00:20:32.520 Doth much excuse

00:20:34.080 The appertaining rage

00:20:35.540 To such a greeting.

00:20:37.480 Villain I am none.

00:20:39.000 Therefore farewell.

00:20:39.880 I see thou knowest me not.

00:20:42.740 Boy,

00:20:43.820 This shall not excuse

00:20:45.360 The injuries that thou hast done me.

00:20:47.760 Therefore turn and draw.

00:20:49.780 I do protest

00:20:50.720 I never injured thee,

00:20:52.260 But love thee better

00:20:53.400 Than thou canst devise,

00:20:55.340 Till thou shall know

00:20:56.320 The reason of my love.

00:20:58.260 And so,

00:20:59.020 Good Capulet,

00:21:00.180 Which name I tender

00:21:01.740 As dearly as mine own,

00:21:03.660 Be satisfied.

00:21:05.140 Unable to gain satisfaction

00:21:06.800 From Romeo,

00:21:07.660 He instead fights Mercutio.

00:21:10.120 And the two engage

00:21:10.940 In a wicked duel

00:21:11.940 Of wits and blades.

00:21:13.820 Alas then,

00:21:14.600 But these moments

00:21:15.460 Are Mercutio's last

00:21:16.740 As he bleeds out

00:21:18.180 In the streets of Verona

00:21:19.380 Telling Romeo,

00:21:21.240 A plague on both houses.

00:21:23.460 Romeo is distraught

00:21:24.760 And wrath

00:21:25.660 Grows within him.

00:21:27.600 Though he avenges his friend

00:21:29.000 By killing Tybalt in turn,

00:21:31.120 His wedding day is ruined

00:21:32.480 By his killing

00:21:33.500 Of Juliet's cousin.

00:21:34.840 Romeo flees the scene

00:21:36.300 And the people of the city

00:21:37.380 Congregate in the aftermath.

00:21:39.680 Benvolio gives an honest account

00:21:41.480 Of events to the prince

00:21:42.680 Who decrees that Romeo

00:21:44.180 Is banished from Verona.

00:21:46.780 The Montagues

00:21:47.620 Deeply despair.

00:21:49.580 The next two scenes

00:21:50.560 Deal with both Juliet's

00:21:52.160 And then Romeo's reactions

00:21:53.680 To this tragedy.

00:21:55.220 Juliet at first assumes Romeo dead

00:21:57.380 And her sorrow is unrelenting.

00:22:00.220 The nurse corrects her

00:22:01.300 And tells her that Romeo is alive

00:22:03.640 But has run away

00:22:05.360 From Tybalt's murder.

00:22:07.080 The young girl curses

00:22:08.320 Her new husband's name

00:22:09.580 But then fickily retracts

00:22:11.400 Her comments

00:22:12.020 And vows to be ever loyal

00:22:13.860 To her poor husband.

00:22:15.720 The nurse consoles her

00:22:16.840 Saying that she shall

00:22:18.200 Still have her wedding night

00:22:19.660 And that she will seek out Romeo.

00:22:22.340 Juliet gives her a ring

00:22:23.760 And the nurse departs.

00:22:25.660 Romeo has fled to Friar Lawrence

00:22:27.680 And becomes inconsolable

00:22:29.740 When the Friar tells him

00:22:31.320 That he is to be banished.

00:22:33.060 The elder insists

00:22:34.060 That it is a mercy

00:22:35.080 As the sentence

00:22:36.140 Should have been death.

00:22:37.720 But Romeo rages.

00:22:39.380 Tis torture and not mercy.

00:22:41.580 Heaven is here

00:22:42.340 Where Juliet lives

00:22:43.700 And every cat and dog

00:22:45.180 And little mouse

00:22:45.900 Every unworthy thing

00:22:47.840 Live here in heaven

00:22:49.160 And may look on her.

00:22:51.120 But Romeo may not.

00:22:52.840 More validity.

00:22:54.080 More honourable state.

00:22:55.360 More courtship

00:22:56.420 Lives in carrion flies

00:22:57.840 And Romeo

00:22:58.540 They may seize

00:22:59.980 On the white wonder

00:23:01.520 Of dear Juliet's hand

00:23:03.260 And steal immortal blessings

00:23:05.300 From her lips

00:23:06.460 Who even in pure

00:23:08.300 And vestal modesty

00:23:09.680 Still blush

00:23:10.600 And thinking

00:23:11.580 Their own kiss is sin.

00:23:13.400 But Romeo may not.

00:23:15.340 He is banished.

00:23:16.620 Flies may do this

00:23:17.860 But I from this must fly.

00:23:19.720 They are free men

00:23:21.000 But I am banished.

00:23:22.960 And sayest thou yet

00:23:24.160 That exile is not death

00:23:25.980 Hath thou no poison mixed

00:23:28.120 No sharp ground knife

00:23:29.960 No sudden means of death

00:23:31.740 Though ne'er so mean

00:23:33.540 But banished it to kill me

00:23:35.820 Banished it.

00:23:37.960 O friar the damned

00:23:39.080 To use that word in hell

00:23:40.760 Howling attends it

00:23:42.860 How hast thou the heart

00:23:44.500 Being a divine

00:23:45.580 A ghostly confessor

00:23:46.940 A sin absolver

00:23:48.180 And my friend professed

00:23:50.360 To mangle me with that word

00:23:52.900 Banished

00:23:53.880 The nurse arrives

00:23:55.660 And after much reasoning

00:23:57.120 Romeo reclaims his senses

00:23:59.100 And taking the ring

00:24:00.360 Readies himself

00:24:01.560 For his wedding night

00:24:02.640 With Juliet

00:24:03.320 In scene four

00:24:04.700 We find Capulet

00:24:05.820 His wife and Paris

00:24:07.080 Speaking in the wake

00:24:08.280 Of the family's loss

00:24:09.380 Tybalt is slain

00:24:10.900 And their dear daughter

00:24:12.240 Mourns for him

00:24:13.140 Or so they believe

00:24:14.980 That to be the reason

00:24:15.960 For Juliet's tears

00:24:17.300 Capulet

00:24:18.580 Keen to bring some joy

00:24:20.160 To the family

00:24:20.860 And finally set in

00:24:22.120 The question

00:24:22.640 Of Juliet's marriage

00:24:24.140 Tells Paris

00:24:25.120 That they may marry

00:24:26.100 On Thursday

00:24:26.840 And believes that

00:24:28.260 Juliet will respect

00:24:29.520 His decision

00:24:30.260 And rejoice

00:24:31.240 Whilst this conversation

00:24:33.080 Occurs

00:24:33.620 Juliet is with Romeo

00:24:35.120 But there is much uncertainty

00:24:37.560 For the young lovers

00:24:38.700 As daylight beckons

00:24:40.160 Shortly after Romeo flees

00:24:42.820 Juliet is met by her mother

00:24:44.860 Who tells her of the wondrous news

00:24:47.400 She is to be wed to Paris

00:24:49.480 Juliet is in anguish

00:24:51.640 As she doesn't know how to handle

00:24:53.900 This book to politely refuse

00:24:55.680 Where her mother is stunned

00:24:57.640 Her father is outraged

00:24:59.700 Hang thee

00:25:01.320 Young baggage

00:25:02.780 Disobedient wretch

00:25:04.820 I tell thee what

00:25:06.220 Get thee to church

00:25:07.460 A Thursday

00:25:08.020 Or never after

00:25:09.440 Look me in the face

00:25:10.660 Speak not

00:25:11.780 Reply not

00:25:12.660 Do not answer me

00:25:13.880 My fingers itch

00:25:15.960 Wife

00:25:16.760 We scarce thought was blessed

00:25:18.280 That God had lent us

00:25:19.800 But this only child

00:25:21.000 But now I see

00:25:22.140 This one is one too much

00:25:23.520 And that we have a curse

00:25:25.060 In having her

00:25:25.900 Out on her

00:25:27.000 Hilding

00:25:27.620 Juliet's parents both disown her

00:25:30.100 And Eve and her nurse

00:25:31.760 Gently tells her

00:25:32.860 That the only solution

00:25:34.160 Is to marry Paris

00:25:35.340 Act 4 begins with

00:25:36.880 A play's only scene

00:25:38.060 Between Juliet and Paris

00:25:39.640 Where the two speak

00:25:41.060 With one another

00:25:41.840 At the friar's cell

00:25:43.040 Paris is courteous

00:25:44.700 And affectionate

00:25:45.580 And Juliet is

00:25:46.620 Kind

00:25:47.420 But indifferent

00:25:48.600 When Paris departs

00:25:50.420 Friar Lawrence

00:25:51.280 Devises a plan

00:25:52.340 That will allow

00:25:53.360 Sweet Juliet

00:25:54.360 To be reunited

00:25:55.520 With her Romeo

00:25:56.460 He produces

00:25:57.700 A potion

00:25:58.600 That shall induce

00:25:59.700 A deep sleep

00:26:00.560 And her family

00:26:01.600 Will believe her

00:26:02.520 To be dead

00:26:03.160 A letter

00:26:04.240 Will be sent to Romeo

00:26:05.480 Who is in exile

00:26:06.420 In Mantua

00:26:07.060 Explaining the plan

00:26:08.600 When Juliet is laid

00:26:10.100 In the family tomb

00:26:11.100 She will awake

00:26:12.340 And the two lovers

00:26:13.520 May live out

00:26:14.600 Their days

00:26:15.340 Away from their

00:26:16.240 Family's hate

00:26:17.020 And feuds

00:26:17.740 Juliet agrees

00:26:19.360 To the friar's plan

00:26:20.280 And returns home

00:26:21.200 Where she meets

00:26:22.000 Her father

00:26:22.560 And lies to him

00:26:23.880 She tells him

00:26:25.080 That she has been

00:26:25.700 To church

00:26:26.400 Asking the lord's

00:26:27.680 Forgiveness

00:26:28.080 For her rebellion

00:26:28.920 Against her father's

00:26:30.080 Will

00:26:30.340 That she fully

00:26:31.360 Intends to

00:26:32.180 Correct her error

00:26:33.380 And regain his love

00:26:35.380 By marrying Paris

00:26:36.780 Capulet is delighted

00:26:38.380 At the reversal

00:26:39.140 Of his fortunes

00:26:40.320 And departs

00:26:41.280 To tell Paris

00:26:42.140 In act 4

00:26:43.780 Scene 3

00:26:44.480 Juliet delivers

00:26:45.680 A remarkable

00:26:46.520 Soliloquy

00:26:47.640 As she ruminates

00:26:48.860 On the choice

00:26:49.500 Before her

00:26:50.220 And whether she

00:26:51.220 Should drink

00:26:51.840 The potion

00:26:52.460 There are so many

00:26:53.700 Ways it may go wrong

00:26:55.100 But in the end

00:26:56.120 For Romeo

00:26:57.040 She drinks

00:26:58.260 Naturally scene 4

00:27:00.060 Sees her mother

00:27:00.900 Father and nurse

00:27:02.080 Meet with abject horror

00:27:03.820 Upon seeing Juliet's

00:27:05.680 Seemingly lifeless body

00:27:07.320 It is the bitterest

00:27:09.340 Of days

00:27:09.900 And the hearts

00:27:10.820 Of the entire household

00:27:12.140 Are broken

00:27:12.720 By the loss

00:27:13.660 The wedding

00:27:14.480 Is to be cancelled

00:27:15.360 And all change

00:27:16.920 From revelry

00:27:17.780 To mourning

00:27:18.680 Friar Lawrence

00:27:20.240 Soon arrives

00:27:21.280 And feign surprise

00:27:22.400 And sadness

00:27:23.120 At this dark turn

00:27:24.440 The musicians

00:27:25.620 Less concerned

00:27:26.880 By the family's trauma

00:27:28.060 Decide to linger

00:27:29.320 So that they might

00:27:30.360 At least have lunch

00:27:31.540 Our final act

00:27:32.900 Begins with Romeo

00:27:33.880 In his exile

00:27:34.880 In Mantua

00:27:35.540 His spirits are high

00:27:36.920 Until his friend

00:27:38.080 Balthazar

00:27:38.780 Tells him that he brings

00:27:40.000 News of Juliet

00:27:41.220 From Verona

00:27:42.340 And of her death

00:27:43.540 Romeo reacts

00:27:45.080 By saying

00:27:45.840 Then I deny you

00:27:47.520 Stars

00:27:48.280 Romeo is clearly

00:27:50.500 Suicidal

00:27:51.440 And affirms

00:27:52.380 That he will

00:27:52.920 Rest with Juliet

00:27:54.040 Tonight

00:27:54.780 He visits

00:27:56.180 An apothecary

00:27:57.120 And has a potion

00:27:58.260 Mixed for himself

00:27:59.440 Far off in Verona

00:28:01.200 Friar Lawrence

00:28:02.400 Learns that his letter

00:28:03.460 Never reached Romeo

00:28:04.560 As the messenger

00:28:05.580 Was quarantined

00:28:06.720 Due to an outbreak

00:28:07.840 Of plague

00:28:08.480 The friar

00:28:09.480 Realises the

00:28:10.440 Calamitous consequences

00:28:11.780 And hurries to

00:28:12.940 The Capulet family's tomb

00:28:14.420 Act 5

00:28:15.660 Scene 3

00:28:16.660 Romeo arrives at the tomb

00:28:18.640 But he is not alone

00:28:20.000 Paris is also present

00:28:22.420 And has come to lament

00:28:24.160 For Juliet

00:28:24.880 He spies Romeo

00:28:26.880 And believes that Romeo

00:28:28.300 Is the source of Juliet's death

00:28:30.160 And that she died of heartbreak

00:28:32.280 Over her cousin Tybalt

00:28:33.880 Though he does not seek

00:28:35.880 Confrontation

00:28:36.820 No one will stand

00:28:38.360 Between Romeo

00:28:39.280 And his perfect death

00:28:41.060 By Juliet's side

00:28:42.500 He fights and then kills Paris

00:28:44.740 But respectfully carries

00:28:46.440 His corpse

00:28:47.280 Into the tomb

00:28:48.260 And resigned to his fate

00:28:50.320 He kisses Juliet

00:28:51.440 And departs from life

00:28:53.200 With these words

00:28:54.420 Come, bitter conduct

00:28:56.760 Come, unsavoury guide

00:28:58.960 Thou desperate pilot

00:29:01.040 Now at once run on

00:29:02.600 The dashing rocks

00:29:03.880 Thy seasick weary bark

00:29:05.740 Here's to my love

00:29:07.520 Oh, true apothecary

00:29:09.880 Thy drugs are quick

00:29:11.320 Thus with a kiss

00:29:12.840 I die

00:29:13.620 Moments too late

00:29:15.420 Friar Lawrence arrives

00:29:16.920 All his hopes

00:29:18.120 For the triumph of love

00:29:19.500 And reconciliation

00:29:20.460 In ruin

00:29:21.960 Juliet awakens

00:29:23.920 And though the friar

00:29:24.880 Tries to draw her

00:29:26.100 Away from the tomb

00:29:27.000 She is adamant

00:29:28.120 That she will die

00:29:29.200 With Romeo

00:29:29.840 The friar attempts to flee

00:29:31.860 Lest he be apprehended

00:29:33.340 By the watchman

00:29:34.180 And Juliet takes

00:29:35.540 Romeo's dagger

00:29:36.500 Hearing footsteps

00:29:38.140 Closing in

00:29:38.940 She says

00:29:39.800 Yea, noise

00:29:41.540 Then I'll be brief

00:29:42.960 Oh, happy dagger

00:29:44.580 This is thy sheath

00:29:46.500 There, rust

00:29:47.880 And let me die

00:29:49.560 And so she does

00:29:51.020 Falling upon her true love

00:29:53.080 The prince arrives

00:29:55.100 With Montague and Capulet

00:29:56.860 Who find their only children

00:29:58.700 Dead in the tomb

00:29:59.960 It is a grievous torment

00:30:01.780 For Capulet

00:30:02.760 Having already believed

00:30:04.480 His daughter had died already

00:30:06.280 Friar Lawrence is brought forward

00:30:08.520 And he tells all the secrets

00:30:10.640 Of their children's hidden love

00:30:12.580 And after many generations

00:30:14.880 Capulet and Montague

00:30:17.160 Shake hands

00:30:18.460 And make peace

00:30:20.020 Their blood feud

00:30:21.740 Dying with their children

00:30:23.240 Who will be immortalised

00:30:25.380 In golden statues

00:30:26.660 So that their houses

00:30:28.500 May never forget

00:30:30.140 O brother Montague

00:30:31.960 Give me thy hand

00:30:33.300 This is my daughter's jointure

00:30:35.540 For no more can I demand

00:30:37.000 But I can give thee more

00:30:38.860 For I will ray her statue

00:30:40.700 In pure gold

00:30:41.680 That while Verona

00:30:43.180 By that name is known

00:30:44.560 There shall no figure

00:30:46.080 At such rate be set

00:30:47.560 As that of true

00:30:49.080 And faithful Juliet

00:30:50.380 As rich shall Romeos

00:30:52.300 By his ladies lie

00:30:53.640 Poor sacrifices of our enmity

00:30:56.060 A glooming peace

00:30:57.480 This morning with it brings

00:30:59.040 The sun for sorrow

00:31:00.560 Will not show his head

00:31:02.080 Go hence

00:31:03.080 To have more talk

00:31:04.320 Of these sad things

00:31:05.560 Some shall be pardoned

00:31:07.480 And some punish it

00:31:08.760 For never was a story

00:31:10.600 Of more woe

00:31:11.840 Than this of Juliet

00:31:13.280 And her Romeo

00:31:14.940 If you enjoyed this piece

00:31:18.240 Of premium content

00:31:19.140 From the Lotus Eaters

00:31:20.240 Head to our website

00:31:21.420 Where you can find more

00:31:32.080 And then

00:31:34.240 He has already lady

00:31:35.680 Let's pray

00:31:38.000 That this is

00:31:40.740 Our Onun

00:31:41.960 Would not show her

00:31:43.040 A relatively comfortable

00:31:43.260 Of course

00:31:44.900 When anything

00:31:45.560 Of there was or

00:31:46.400 The him

00:31:47.000 Would not show her

00:31:47.480 The message

00:31:48.260 Is that

00:31:48.580 There's too

00:31:49.000 Of that

00:31:49.400 The

00:31:49.480 The

00:31:49.960 The

00:31:50.380 People

00:31:51.560 jet

00:31:51.860 Ash

The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters - October 18, 2025

PREVIEW： Chronicles #18 ｜ Romeo & Juliet Part 1

Episode Stats

Length

Words per Minute

Word Count

Sentence Count

Misogynist Sentences

Hate Speech Sentences

Summary

Transcript