I Do but Keep the Peace

Act 1 Scene 1

      For what it's worth, I tried to stop the feud. It has gotten so bad that even now, the servants brawl over...over what? It has been so long that I don't even remember the reason for our strife. Oh Gregory, oh Sampson, those logger-headed canker-blossoms. They fight for their pride but they have no dignity. I thought I had a chance to end the quarrel until Tybalt Capulet came. To think, I actually believed that he would help me in finding a reasonable conclusion. Ay, was I wrong. His hatred for all Montagues blurs his moralities and any sense of peace. I had no choice but to engage in the fray myself. To make matters even worse, Lord Capulet and Lord Montague both joined the feud, completely embarrassing both houses in front of the whole village. How are our houses ever suppose to agree if our masters cannot even see past our cursed bloodlines?

      Finally, Prince Escalus arrived with his train. Death, he claimed, would be the penalty if another public dispute occurred. He left immediately, taking Lord Capulet with him and breaking up the horrific display. Prince Escalus only wants what is best for the village, something both houses have yet to realize. I only try to keep the peace, but obviously I am not enough.

      Not so long after, Romeo came about. My cousin was in a familiar mood, one of sorrow and nostalgia. His greeting only brought on more of his saddened state. Rosaline: the one woman who seems to cause Romeo such heartache, and the rest of us a headache. I must say, though, how dumbstruck I was when I heard of her vow for eternal virginity. I guess it is insensitive of me to snicker at his heartbroken behavior, as I have never been in his predicament, but he is not himself. His usual high-spirits have been trampled into the dirt, replaced by continuous groaning. "Forget to think of her," I say, "examine other beauties." But still, he continued to whine, insisting that he would never be able to forget his Rosaline.

--Benvolio