O brawling love! O loving hate! O anything, of nothing first create! O heavy lightness! Serious vanity! Misshapen chaos of well seeming forms! Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health! Still waking sleep, that is not what it is! This love feel I, that feel no love in this.
Whilst I was walking in Verona Gardens, thinking of Rosaline, I met Benvolio. Once again, there was a brawl in the market square. Benvolio tried to break it up but was challenged to a fight by Tybalt from the House of Capulet. I am so sick of this fighting. Why can’t everyone be at peace? Why can’t my mind be at peace? Oh how I love Rosaline! She is so rich in beauty, so fair and wise. But why does she not notice me’she will not give up her chastity for anyone or anything. How my heart pines for her sweet face. I talked with Benvolio but he does not believe how strongly I feel for her. No one does. Benvolio says that I should find another girl, one who will cure me of my pain. I know this will only emphasize Rosaline’s beauty and make me want her more. Also, when we were out walking a servant from the House of Capulet asked us to read a party invitation for him. Benvolio suggested that we go because it’ll be the perfect opportunity for me to see Rosaline amongst “more beautiful” girls. I have a bad feeling about this party. I dreamt a dream that some tragic, unknown consequence shall bring about my death. There is something in the stars I can feel it.
I have met the most beautiful girl! She shines brighter than a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear! I saw her at the Capulet ball; it was love at first sight. I have fallen in love with Juliet, daughter of Capulet. Her face lights up the room, her touch could heal the sickest man. We kissed and I know that I am truly in love. After the party I decided I had to go back and see her. We talked, made exchange of our love vows and agreed that tomorrow morning we will be wed.
Monday 20th July 1598
Dear Journal,
Early this morning I went to ask Friar Lawrence if he would marry Juliet and I. He finally agreed in hope that our marriage will end the conflict between both our families.
Afterwards I went to see Mercutio and Benvolio and the rest of the lads. Then a lady, who I think is Juliet’s Nurse, came and I told her to tell Juliet to be at Friar Lawrence’s cell where she shall be wed. So now I am waiting to go to the church. The gorgeous Juliet shall be my wife and I her devoted husband! I love you Juliet.
I am fortune’s fool! Good Mercutio is dead but I have killed Tybalt. Oh God, my lady. I am banished! Banished! I would rather be dead than be so far away from Juliet.
I cannot explain my actions, Tybalt killed my best friend and out of anger I just thrust him with my sword. I did not mean to hurt my Lady Juliet. All I can hear now is Mercutio’s last words still ringing in my ears; A plague on both your houses!
When at Friar Lawrence’s cell, Juliet’s Nurse came and told me to go and see her for she just weeps. Her and Friar Lawrence agreed that night I should go to Juliet but I must be gone by daybreak to Mantua. Friar Lawrence said that I have to stay there until he can find a way of bringing me back so Juliet and I can live happily in marriage.
Tuesday 21st July 1598
Dear Journal,
I miss Juliet already. I’m now in Mantua, impatiently waiting to hear some news and I haven’t even been here a day! I couldn’t stand leaving Juliet so early this morning. Life is unbearable without her. I don’t know how I lived until I met her! She is everything to me and I can’t wait till we’re together again. Maybe our love won’t have to be a secret anymore and both our families can reconcile and live together as one.
So many things have happened these past few days. I’ve met the love of my life, got married, lost my best friend, murdered someone and finally been banished. I still can’t believe Mercutio is dead. It’s all my fault, I didn’t mean for him to be hurt. I wish I could tell him and Tybalt how sorry I am. I also wish I could tell Juliet how much I love her. This week all seems so strange; so much has gone on. I’m so happy that I have found Juliet but I fear that something bad will come from all of this. But I don’t think it could get much worse! Hopefully I won’t have to stay here long. I trust Friar Lawrence will do everything he can to keep Juliet and myself together. I love you Juliet.
Thursday 23rd July 1598
Dear Journal,
I keep having such joyous dreams! They seem to forecast some great news. If dreams of Juliet are so delightful, I cannot begin to imagine how much more wonderful it will be to actually be with her. I dreamt that she came and found me dead and breathed such life with kisses into my lips that I revived and was an emperor! I cannot wait to see Juliet again. Wait here comes Balthasar…
I defy you stars! Oh god my beautiful lady Juliet is dead. I will lay with you tonight my love. I do remember seeing an apothecary nearby. I will pay him all I can for a dram of poison so I can again be with my wife Juliet, even if it is in death.
I will ride to Verona where in the Capulet’s tomb; I shall look upon Juliet’s fair face and, with the help of this poison, die.
