Witty, Playful, Energetic, With An Undercurrent Of Romantic Secrecy.

Benvolio and Mercutio wonder where Romeo has been, jest about his love life, and caution him about Tybalt's challenge. The scene turns lively with punning and wordplay as the Nurse arrives with a message from Juliet, arranging for the lovers' marriage.

On a Verona street, Benvolio and Mercutio look for Romeo and exchange witty banter about his infatuation with Rosaline, then discuss a letter Tybalt has sent challenging Romeo. Mercutio mocks Tybalt's flair for dueling and jokes about Romeo's penchant for poetry. When Romeo appears, Mercutio teases him about his lovesickness and engages in a battle of wits full of puns and repartee, delighting in Romeo's return to sociability. The scene grows even livelier with the arrival of the Nurse and her servant Peter, on an errand from Juliet. Mercutio insults the Nurse, leading to a comic exchange before Benvolio and Mercutio leave. The Nurse warns Romeo against mistreating Juliet and receives assurances of Romeo's intentions. Romeo instructs the Nurse to tell Juliet to come to Friar Lawrence's cell that afternoon, where they will be secretly married. Their arrangement also relies on the Nurse's discretion and the delivery of a rope ladder for Romeo's secret nighttime access to Juliet. The Nurse departs, eager to bring good news to Juliet.