Juliet submits, only requiring a promise that Romeus shall, through the Friar, keep her informed of his state. (1527–1700.)
Light begins to appear in the East: "As yet he saw no day, ne could he call it night." Romeus and Juliet embrace and then part:
Then hath these lovers day an ende, their night begonne,
For eche of them to other is as to the world the sunne.
Romeus sets forth, clad as a merchant venturer, to Mantua. He states his grievance to the Duke; he is overwhelmed with sorrow. (1701–1786.)
Juliet pines and pales, though she endeavours to conceal her grief. Her mother notices the change in her; tries to cheer her; bids her forget Tibalt's death. Juliet declares that, a great while since, her last tears for Tybalt were shed. Her mother informs Capilet, and tells him of her suspicion that Juliet pines for envy of her married companions; she urges Capilet to have her married. He replies that she is too young—scarce sixteen years; yet he will seek a husband. (1787–1874.)
County Paris, an Earl's son, becomes a suitor. Her mother informs Juliet, commending "his youthfull yeres, his fayrenes, and his port, and semely grace." Juliet expresses amazement; threatens to slay herself; kneels and implores. Old Capilet comes to her; she grovels at his feet; he charges her with unthankfulness and disobedience:
thou playest in this case
The dainty foole, and stubberne gyrle; for want of skill
Thou dost refuse thy offred weale, and disobey my will.
Unless by Wednesday next she consents, he will disinherit and confine her. (1875–1996.)
Next morning Juliet visits the Friar; states her case; threatens suicide, if marriage with Paris be otherwise unavoidable. The Friar is in perplexity; not five months
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