The Act again opens with a Prologue wherein the chorus reiterates
what has ocurred.
Act Two, Scene One
The party ended, leaving Romeo outside the Capulet house, gazing
up in lovesick rapture at Juliet's window. He does not answer when Benvolio
calls to him.
Act Two, Scene Two
Just then, to his joy, Juliet leaned from her balcony. Romeo
whispered: "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is
the East, and Juliet is the sun!"
As he debates within himself whether to speak to her, she, thinking
herself alone, begins to pour out her heart: "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore
art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name; or, if thou wilt not,
be but sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a Capulet."
Unable to contain himself, Romeo stepped out of the shadows.
Though ashamed at her overheard declaration, Juliet reconfirmed her passion,
but warned him that if her family discovered him there, he would be killed.
Romeo was not alarmed, "For stony limits cannot hold love out."
As he swore of his love by the moon, and by his heart, Juliet begged him not
to swear at all. Things were happening too fast; the world seemed suddenly
brilliant and fragile "like the lightening which cloth cease to be."
So, the fragile lovers exchange vows and agree to meet the next morning.
Act Two, Scene Three
On his way home, Romeo stops by the monastery to visit Friar Lawrence. He
is already up and outside gathering herbs. His knowledge of their potential
is a foreshadowing of events to come.
When the Friar sees Romeo, he is surprised to see him so early in the morning
and greets him, "Our Romeo hath not been in bed tonight." Romeo
replies, "I have been feasting with mine enemy."
He continues, "Plainly know my heart's dear love is set on the fair
daughter of rich Capulet ... what thou must combine by holy marriage."
The Friar teases Romeo for his fickle nature (only yesterday he had professed
undying love for Rosaline), but agrees to perform the marriage, in the hope
that "this alliance may so happy prove to turn your households' rancor
to pure love."
Act Two, Scene Four
The following morning, Mercutio and Benvolio are searching for Romeo; Tybalt
had sent out a challenge for him to fight. But when the pair finally meet
up with their enamored young kinsman, he is in no mood for fighting.
At this point Juliet's nurse comes on the scene and takes Romeo aside to
demand his intentions. Romeo assures her that his love is in earnest and bids
her to bring Juliet to the Friar's cell, where they would be married that
afternoon.
Act Two, Scene Five
Juliet is waiting in the garden to hear what the Nurse has to say about Romeo.
She finally arrives and tells Juliet that Romeo has arranged with Friar Lawrence
to perform the marriage.
Act Two, Scene Six
While Romeo awaits Juliet's arrival, the Friar tells Romeo not to act too
hasitly. Romeo is too happy to take any heed of the warning and the Friar
performs the marriage ceremony.
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