Paris's Proposal and the Invitation

Scene summary

On the street, Capulet talks with Paris about the marriage proposal he has made. Capulet says that at their age, he and Montague, both subject to the same penalty, have no trouble keeping the peace, and Paris laments that the two houses have lived so long in discord. Returning to the proposal, Capulet repeats what he had already said: Juliet has not yet turned fourteen, and it is best to wait two more summers. When Paris observes that there are mothers younger than she is, he answers that girls married early spoil early, and that Juliet is the only hope he has left, now that the earth has swallowed the others. He asks Paris to win her and says that his will as a father is only part of her consent. He invites him to the ball that night, where he may see other girls, and hands a servant the guest list so that he can notify people across the city.

The servant cannot read and asks for help from whoever he finds on the street, who is Romeo, in the company of Benvolio. Benvolio tries to cure Romeo's sadness by saying one fire puts out another and that he should seek a new passion; Romeo answers with a joke and says he is trapped and tormented like a madman. Romeo reads the list aloud and sees among the names that of Rosaline, the girl over whom he suffers. The servant thanks him, says his master is the rich Capulet and invites everyone who is not a Montague. Benvolio reminds him that Rosaline will be at the party and proposes that Romeo compare her face with those of other girls; Romeo swears there is no one who could surpass her, but agrees to go, to see her beauty shine.