(Act 1, Scenes IV, V; Act 2, Scenes I, II) A Fateful Encounter That very evening Romeo, Benvolio and their friend Mercutio, all masked, entered Lord Capulet’s house, mixing with the other guests. Musicians were playing and many couples were dancing. “My heart is too heavy to dance, I had a dream last night and now I have a feeling that something terrible is going to begin at the feast…” Romeo explained to his friends. So he kept apart and watched the scene in gloomy silence, until Lord Capulet entered with a young girl. “What lady is that giving her hand to the Lord of the house?” Romeo asked a servant. As he spoke Tybalt recognized his voice and immediately informed Lord Capulet. “Uncle, that is a Montague, an enemy who has come to your feast to scorn us.” Tybalt was furious and ready to use his sword but Lord Capulet ordered him: “Take no note of Romeo. He is an honest young man and no wrong3 must be done to him in my house. Enjoy yourself instead! Remember, Tybalt, this is my will .” Romeo was incredibly attracted by the mysterious girl: he thought that she was brighter than a star, a rich jewel hanging upon the cheek of night, that she was a candid dove among black crows. He sighed, “Did my heart ever love before? I’ve never seen true beauty till this night.” He continued watching the girl and when the dance ended, he went up to her and pretended to be a pilgrim visiting the shrine of a saint 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 : remained separate from the rest. : show contempt, dislike for. : injustice. : intention. : precious stone. : side of the face. : type of pigeon. : simulated. : sacred place. 1. kept (keep-kept-kept) apart 2. scorn 3. wrong 4. will 5. jewel 6. cheek 7. dove 8. pretended 9. shrine
