The Important Chronicle of Paris
ACT I PROLOGUE Poor Paris; always overlooked by his readers. He never had that one chance to tell his side of the story. But there are always two sides, no matter what the cause. Too late before death takes his life the hidden meaning of his death is revealed to him. But too late does he find out, for death has already crept upon him. SCENE I. Heaven. The stage is in darkness. One lone figure is seen on the stage. As the lights go up, he stirs. He is a young, well dressed man. Behind him is a large palace surrounded by clouds and sunlight. He looks out on the audience. Paris: Where am I? One moment I was dueling that tyrant Romeo, the next I am here in this strange place. Wait, mine eyes do see something. ‘Tis getting closer, it appears to be a man, but the light is enclosed upon the face that I cannot conjure who may be near me. I do say; come hither that I may see your face. Enter Dr. Phil. He walks out wearing a white suit; a bright stage light follows him everywhere he goes. Dr. Phil: Just as I expected, you are right on time Paris. Do let me introduce myself; I am the almighty supreme being, the keeper of all knowledge, the creator, the one and only. Paris: Huh? Dr. Phil: Just call me Dr. Phil, you see, I expected your arrival before you knew you were departing. I know you are confused, but trust me, I sent you here to help you. I am your friend. There is much that I need to show you, so get a move on and tell me your story. Paris: Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where I lay my scene, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes… Dr. Phil: Hold on a minute Paris, what are you rambling about? I want your story. Your whole life you have been chasing a dream, I want that story. The stage goes dark. SCENE II. Paris’ bedroom. As the lights go up Paris is laying in his bed asleep tossing and turning. In the background there is a brown dresser and a window to the right of Paris’s bed. Next to the bed Dr. Phil is sitting in a large white sofa chair with a note pad and a pen observing Paris. Paris then awakens from his sleep abruptly. Dr. Phil: What kind of dream were you having Paris? Paris: Queen Mab, the fairy that plagues men’s sleep came to my slumber. In her natural state she bade me to follow her. I followed her through a long and dark tunnel, at the end I saw myself there with another, ‘twas Juliet Capulet. As soon as I saw myself Queen Mab was no longer in her natural state, her glowing green dust disappeared as she grew to my height, her soft skin became decrepit and her shimmering hair became snakes. She spoke in a tongue, one which I didn’t understand. As her words silenced she appeared as Juliet, she was stunning. Her eyes were like wild fires growing deep in my ribs, my knees became weak with lust; I then fell and awoke. Dr. Phil: Why do you think this Queen Mab was in your dream? Paris: To show me my one true love. Since the moment that I hath had that dream I hath loved the fair Juliet. Dr. Phil: Do you have any idea why she would want to scare you? Paris: No. Dr. Phil: Is it possible that she was warning you about something? Paris: Yes, I suppose that it could be a possibility. Dr. Phil: We don’t have much time left; we need to take a look at the moment when you meet Juliet. The stage goes dark. ACT II SCENE I. Capulet’s house. In the background guests are dancing the Volt, they are embracing each other closely; the women are lifted high in the air by their male partner. Stage right Paris is watching Juliet stand alone on center stage. As Paris walks up to her the lights go up. Paris: Juliet, we finally meet. But I feel that we have already met, for I have seen you in my thoughts. You are the fairest maiden in all of Verona; please give me the honor of a dance. Paris and Juliet dance. Juliet: Paris, I have heard your name before from my father. He speaks very highly of you. Tell me, why are you here tonight? This is a first that I have seen you at one of my father’s soirees. Paris: I am here for you fair Juliet, your beauty has bid me to come. Tell me, am I too late? Does your heart belong to another? Juliet: No, why must you ask such a question? Paris: Because if you are to break my heart, I wish for it to be now and quick. Oh Juliet, might I keep your heart safe with me? Together we can be wed; you will learn to love me in time. Juliet: Paris, this is a bold gesture. I do admit that I have some fancy for you, please give me time to think. Paris: Of course, my love. The dance ends, exeunt Juliet. Paris [to the audience]: My love hath not denied me. Her heart does not belong to another because we are meant to be together. It is destiny, just like I saw in my dream. We shall be wed and live a life of ecstasy. There is nothing that can get in the way of my love for Juliet, not another man in all of Verona is good enough for her but me. I am the one that will show her the blessings of marriage, she will never go without, and will always have too much. Enters Dr. Phil, as the guests are still dancing in the background Dr. Phil approaches Paris, together they converse, but only the audience notices them. Dr. Phil: You see, I hate to break this to you Paris, but this is where you went wrong. Do you remember what you saw as you were leaving the party that night? Paris: Yes, I saw my Juliet on her balcony talking to the heavens. Dr. Phil: Did you notice anything unusual? Paris: I do remember the bushes near her balcony swaying; I found it unusual because there was no wind that night. Dr. Phil: Did you ever wonder if maybe there was a person in those bushes? Paris: That would be absurd, Juliet could not hath been with another; she is too pure, for I saw her on the morrow at church. Dr. Phil: Yes you did, let’s take a look at that moment in your life when you saw her at church. The stage goes dark. SCENE II. The next day at church. Paris walks out of the confession booth to see Juliet pacing back and forth. Behind them is a stained glass window with a large cross, the lights go up. Paris: Juliet, it is a pleasure to see you at church this afternoon. I must say, you become more elegant each time mine eyes are set upon you. Tell me, do you have an answer to my question? Juliet: Good afternoon Paris. You have not given me enough time to think about it, please give me more time and I shall have an answer on the morrow. Paris: I will come to your house on the morrow at sunrise for my answer. Good day! Juliet: Good day. Exeunt Juliet and the priest. Enter Dr. Phil. Dr. Phil: Paris, as you were leaving church, who did you see on your way out? Paris: Romeo. Dr. Phil: Have you ever seen Romeo at church before? Paris: No, but what does this have to do with me? Dr. Phil: Everything, I want you to think very hard for a moment. Think about everything that I have shown you so far. Paris [to the audience]: Every image that Dr. Phil hath shown me is of Juliet, but why of her? Could it be to show me how foolish I was? Looking at myself act as I did I find that I was being foolish. There I was chasing after the fair Juliet when it is clear that she did not love me in return. Dr. Phil questioned Juliet’s purity, then moments later he showed me Romeo, is it possible, could it be? No! Paris: I figured it out; Juliet and Romeo were secretly in love. It was Romeo in the bushes that night, and I saw him at church because he was going there to meet Juliet. Dr. Phil: Yes, you’re right. How do you feel about this? Paris: I think I’m going to be sick. Dr. Phil: If you knew then what you know now, how would you react? Paris: I don’t know, because I still love Juliet even now. Dr. Phil: Let’s move on to when you’re given the blessing to marry Juliet, perhaps after seeing this you will change your mind. The stage goes dark. SCENE III. The Capulet house. Paris is alone on stage, behind him is a hall with doors. As the lights go up he is walking anxiously. Paris: Juliet, Juliet! Where art thou? Enter Juliet There you are. I have good news; your father has given us his blessing to be wed. Isn’t this glorious? Why are you crying my fair bride? Juliet: I cry because I am overjoyed with happiness. I want to be your bride, I do; it is just that I am so surprised at the occasion; that is all. Tell me, when shall we be wed? Paris: On the morrow at noon. Oh my beautiful bride, my heart loves you so. Juliet: So does mine. Exeunt Juliet. Enter Dr. Phil. Paris: Dr. Phil, I was so foolish. I will forever live in agony with the pain that I have caused myself. Dr. Phil: Yes, to think that she was already betrothed to Romeo is horrifying. Paris: How could such a beauty tell lies from a heavenly mouth? Dr. Phil: Paris, she was afraid. Paris: I can understand why, Romeo was her loathed enemy. Her family would have disowned her. But she need not take her life because of it. I feel responsible for all of this. Dr. Phil: Don’t blame yourself Paris; this is what was supposed to happen. There is nothing you can do. But this is why I brought you to me. It would have been tragic if you died in vain, even though it will be too late when you find out. Paris: Dr. Phil, what are saying? Dr. Phil: What I’m saying is, when I send you back to Juliet’s tomb you will not remember me, but before you die, you will. Paris: Wait! Isn’t there something that I can do? Dr. Phil: No Paris, goodbye. The stage goes dim. SCENE IV. Juliet’s tomb. Paris walks alone to the tomb, in the background there are graves. In the distance thunder can be heard. As the lighting strikes it lights up the stage. Paris: My sweet Juliet, I have come to keep your cold body company in the night. I brought you flowers. Enters Romeo. Paris: Romeo, you are here to desecrate my bride’s tomb, on guard! They fight and Romeo thrusts his sword into Paris’s ribcage, just before Paris dies everything freezes for five seconds; then unfreezes. Paris: I die. Paris stumbles and falls.
Works Cited
Hylton, Jeremy. “Romeo and Juliet.” The Complete Works of William Shakespeare 1993. 9 Nov. 2005.
“List and Description of Elizabethan Dances of the Upper Class.” Elizabethan Dances 30 Nov. 2005 .
“Shakespeare Glossary.” Cliffs Notes 10 Nov. 2005 .
“Yours, Mine and Ours.” Perf. Dr. Phil. Dr. Phil. WTWC-12, Tallahassee. 22 Nov. 2005.
The Important Chronicle of Paris-Draft 1
Confession
I came to thee because my life is coming to an end, I can no longer live with the guilt that is embedded inside. I have tried to look at my past to understand where I went wrong. But ‘tis no use, ‘tis only fair Juliet’s image that keeps creeping into my mind. Doth thou think that thou can help, Dr. Phil?
Yes, I know I can. I want you to tell me everything that you are thinking. Start with your childhood, and together we can figure out what exactly is ailing you.
I am from a far away place, a cursed place, a place that was strung with hate and rivalry, the place of Verona. But as a child such anger did not fill me so. It was not until I grew to eighteen that my heart became my woe. In Verona I was born, as a babe my days were spent sucking the milk from Nurse’s tit. She was my companion, my toy. We played together and laughed together. My mother was never to be found, she was always frolicking at her leisure. It was my father for whom showed me guidance. He was a great man, a cousin to the Prince, and kinsmen to the Capulets. Day by day I would become more like him; I longed to take his place. I copied his every move; as he walked I examined, as he talked I imitated. I longed for the day to come that I would be grown, and start a family of mine own.
Too soon did I grow up and become a man of wax. I was tall, dark and handsome. I was educated and well mannered. I came from a family of wealth and respect. No woman could resist my charm, nor my traits. When I came of age to marry, maidens swooned as I passed them by in the street. Even the rose Rosalind, who gave herself to God, would hath had me for a husband had I desired. But there was only one beauty that had mine eye, Juliet Capulet. Her enchanting beauty mesmerized my corps, nothing else could enter my thoughts except for her deep brown eyes, her hair that was black as night. Juliet was the Aphrodite of Verona, I had to have her hand in marriage, no matter what cost would come upon me.
In secret I pursued her every move, until on the morn of a Tuesday did I approach her beneath her tree, she was taking in the morning dew. It was there that I confessed my dateless love. I told her my life is dry sorrow until she wed me. She was frightened by my appearance, at once she left to her balcony. There, is where she promised to meet me again on the following morn. Thrice did I meet fair Juliet Capulet on her balcony, and thrice did I confess my dateless love. In our end I told her that I would ask her father for her hand in marriage, she did not protest.
Too long had I waited to ask the Capulet’s for their fair daughter, as when I did her father protested my every plea. For her father loved Juliet as much as I. He agreed grace for grace; I paid him 100 pounds and I could have sweet Juliet, if it was her wish, then it would be done.
‘Tis the same night when Juliet came into my arms as our feet danced away. Together our voices laughed and blended together so gently a dove could have been formed. I pondered that she fancied me, for if she did not, she would have danced with others. Together we ended the night with promise to meet on the morrow for a walk in her garden, and Juliet would have her answer.
Paris, you talk about this Juliet as if you two were really in love, but it seems to me that you have a deep infatuation with her. Continue with your feelings for Juliet, and maybe we can come to a resolution.
I aimed so near as well, I was certain that my Juliet would have me. But the dear account of what Friar Lawrence had told me made me wrong. In secret my Juliet had wed Romeo Montague. When mine ears heard the news I could not believe such treason. Romeo was but a mouse-hunt, he did not deserve her. He only wanted one thing from poor Juliet; he tricked her with words for a deceiving purpose. I know this because I heard him boasting about it in the tavern. There he was, drunk and indulging in loose-gills. He wanted her because she was pure; there was no love for her true value. And I could not let such a disgrace to Juliet happen. I got up from my seat only to find myself hitting Romeo on the head with my brew. When he came to we brawled, but he was so drunken I’m certain that most of what happened was a blur to him.
To amerce Romeo I went to Tybalt for help. I paid Tybalt 500 pounds to kill Romeo. The entire plot emerged into a wreck. For Tybalt was slain by the tyrant Romeo. I wept for such a loss at the mercy of my dealings. But I rejoiced as Romeo was banished from Verona. At once I fled to Juliet and told her what a terrible husband she had. She denied my every word. Romeo had gone too far and brainwashed her thoughts. Angrily I told her that if she did not renounce Romeo, I was going to tell her father of their marriage.
Just three days later my sweet love had taken her life, the both of them had. I should have never bawd. If I would have accepted my loss my fair Juliet would still have her breath that night. She would have eventually been lifted from his curse and came into my arms once again. It was an ill-divining that had come over me. The wrath of jealousy caused my sorrows.
After Juliet’s funeral I could not bare to live in my own skin. I though for a while that if I too joined her on the other side we could be together. But I was too weak for such an act. I became a mouse-hunt. Night after night a new Juliet would enter my chambers. Still drunken the next morning I raged at my loose-gills for deceiving me, they were not my Juliet.
One night I was drunk to the core and I discovered Tybalt pouring a brew beside me. Quickly I apologized for the terrible grievances that I had caused. I woke up on the morrow in jail. I was being tried for conspiracy. I, Paris Duche, was to be sentenced for my crimes. My name was ruined and a price was put on my head by both Capulet and Montague houses. With what little money I had left of my indulgences I paid off the guard and ran away to London. I was high-lone in London, not knowing a single soul. I lived on the streets and ate waste. I became a beggar; the only thing that kept me going was the image of Juliet in my head. I told myself each day that I would return to Verona, and visit my love’s grave.
Much time had past when I came across an old friend. Rosaland, my sweet rose, noticed me and took me in. She had moved to London before the death of Juliet, and stayed under the aid of her father. Rosaland, sweet beautiful Rosaland. She was so precious to me, her long black hair shifted just as Juliet’s. Her tenderness and purity were all genuine. I had to dwell on proper form and end her life. Such an innocent beautiful creature would not survive cruelties of man. I assured her this just as her eyes windows closed for eternity. I decided that she could not suffer just as Juliet, never again would I let another innocent creature suffer.
I carried Rosaland’s precious body down to the Thames in the dark of the night, and tossed her in before it got light. What hath thou done? I started crying for the first time since Juliet’s death. But I no longer felt sorrow, I felt reconciled. The peace that came over me was too great for words to surround. I was ready to love again, and again I did.
Night upon night I searched the taverns for a fair bride. Until one night Queen Mab entered my slumber. Mab teased me with the knowledge of where my bride doth sleep. Then she danced on my dreams and showed me light, the light that doth bring me to my bride. On the morn I followed the sunrise east unto a cottage. I knocked thrice and an old maiden answered my calling. She was not elderly; only warn from the hardships of life. ‘Twas her deep brown eyes and long black hear that I cherished so. Each breathe of her was a breath of Juliet, and we wed within three months.
My beautiful Juliet hath born me two children from her womb. Each time she grew big I wished it to be Juliet Capulet that doth bear my seeds. My children are still young, and my wife grows old. I have risen up from the life of a beggar into a trade of hard labor. This is my life now, ‘tis not what I wish it be. I come to you Dr. Phil because I am having conceit. These terrible nightmares that dwell within me are unbearable. I dream of death and the terrible deeds that I hath committed. I wake up in the night screaming with sweat enclosed on my body. I cannot purge these dreams from my mind. My wife is scared at what my dreams may mean. I am scared because I do know what they mean. Dr. Phil, can thou help thee?
Yes, Paris, I think I can. Let me ask you a few questions. What year is it?
‘Tis the year 1596.
How old are you?
I shall be twenty one this fall.
Are you aware that if the year is 1596 you would be over 500 years old?
I don’t understand, ‘tis the year 1596 and I am twenty years of age.
I see, well, I have diagnosed you quite enough and if you could just sign here on this dotted line.
What is this?
I am going to have you committed.
Committed, to where, and for what?
Umm….. I am committing you because you are emotionally unstable, I know that you are having a hard time excepting reality, when you sign here I can take you to Verona to visit Juliet’s grave.
Finally, my life shall be fulfilled; thou art most kind Dr. Phil. My love, sweet Juliet, I shall join her soon.
Yes, yes of course. Nurse, can you take him away. Thank you.
The Important Chronicle of Paris-Draft 2
Confession
Where am I? Everything is so white, the light shall blind me before I witness the place in which I stand. How could this be? One moment I was dueling Romeo, within another moment I am here in this strange place. Wait, mine eyes do see something. ‘Tis getting closer, it appears to be a man, but the light is enclosed upon the face that I cannot conjure whom may be near me. This is a man whom grows close, he is ripened with age. I do say; come hither and let me speak to you, for I am in a place unknown to myself.
“Paris, you are here for a reason. I have brought you here because you are worthy of my presence. I can answer all of your life questions. If you wish, you can enter my house and no longer feel the pain that is inside of you, but I already know that you are unresolved within yourself. You have a choice, we can stay here and talk, or we can enter into my house. But since I am the keeper of all knowledge I can answer my own question. So speak Paris, and together we shall walk through your life’s secret.”
Thank you kind sir, but I do not know your name, and how can you help me? I wish to be back at my fair Juliet’s grave, my unwed bride that will forever be cradled in my heart.
“Love sick Paris, to you I am Dr. Phil. I know that I can help you because I know that inside of you there is an ocean of guilt that is embedded. You do not know where you went wrong, but I do. So please, let my ears be filled with your life. Let us start with the beginning and end with the beginning of the end.”
Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where I lay my scene, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes.
“Hold on a minute Paris, what in the world are you rambling of, this isn’t Verona anymore, I want to hear everything in your own words.”
Yes, my apologies. Well, I come from a city called Verona. It is a cursed place, strung with hate and rivalry. Everywhere you turn on the streets; there was always bloodshed among the Montagues and Capulets. This rivalry between the two families had been going on for so long that I don’t even think that they remember why they hate each other. They just know that they are supposed to hate each other. I don’t think anyone in all of Verona could give the answer as to who started the whole thing.
But as a babe I did not let such hate become my woe. I was too young to care about hither or tither. My days were spent sucking the milk from nurse’s tit. When I grew to walk nurse and I did play and frolic all the long days until dusk fell upon our home. She was my companion and friend. She was the best toy my parents had ever given to me. Days would go by and I thought nothing of seeing my parents, but to see my nurse, and be held in her arms. She was my mother and father; she raised me since birth, and spent every moment with me.
As I grew older I became curious of whom my parents were, I pondered if they were like my nurse. My mother was busy enough to not see me; I caught but glimpses of her passing me in our halls. She would meagerly glimpse at through the corner of her eye, trying her best to crack a smile she would scurry away into a door in which I was not permissible to follow. I did not complain, for at a young age I was blessed to stay in her womb, there was nothing more that I could ask of her. Her hair was long and black that shimmered as the light hit it. Her eyes were big and dark; they had a deep emotion to them, something that will always be a mystery to me. Her expressions were content; I could never conjure how she was feeling, but that of content.
It was my father whom cared to show me the life that I shall lead as a man. It was his guidance that I clung for. The older I grew, the more he would have to do with me. He taught me how to be a man. As the years passed my nurse faded into my secondary thoughts as my father’s attention encompassed me. I looked up to him, for he was the man that I so longed to become. He had inherited much of his wealth at a young age, and with his knowledge did he use his wealth to grow and prosper. He was a wealthy man, and well earned. He gained respect for our family name, a kind of respect that shall never be forgotten in mine eyes. Through marriage he was cousin to the prince, and kinsman to the great Capulets. I longed to take his place. I copied his every move; as he walked I examined, as he talked I imitated.
Too soon did I grow up and become a man of wax. I was tall, dark and handsome. I was educated and well mannered. No woman could resist my charm, nor my traits. When I came of age to marry, maidens swooned as I passed them by in the street. Even the rose Rosalind, who gave herself to God, would hath had me for a husband had I desired. But there was only one beauty that had mine eye, the one that Queen Mab doth show me each night in my slumber. Night upon night Queen Mab entered my slumber, and teased me with the knowledge of where my true bride doth sleep. She danced on my dreams and showed me light, light that doth bring me to my bride. I searched relentlessly in my pillow for the face of my beauty. Then on a full mooned night Queen Mab doth showed me her face, ‘tis the fair Juliet Capulet that I was destined to wed.
The Important Chronicle of Paris-Draft 3
Confession
ACT I
PROLOGUE
Poor Paris; always overlooked by his readers. He never had that one chance to tell his side of the story. But there are always two sides, no matter what the cause. Too late after death took his life, could he finally reveal his true self? Some say that as you leave your body to move on to the next phase of your soul, your whole life flashes before you. But then what?
SCENE I. Heaven.
The stage is in darkness. One lone figure is seen on the stage. As the lights go up, he stirs. He is a young, well dressed man. Behind him is a large palace surrounded by clouds and sunlight. He looks out on the audience.
Paris: Where am I? One moment I was dueling that tyrant Romeo, the next I am here in this strange place. Wait, mine eyes do see something. ‘Tis getting closer, it appears to be a man, but the light is enclosed upon the face that I cannot conjure who may be near me. I do say; come hither that I may see your face.
Enter Dr. Phil
Dr. Phil: Just as I expected, you are rite on time Paris. Do let me introduce myself; I am the almighty supreme being, the keeper of all knowledge, the creator, the one and only.
Paris: Huh?
Dr. Phil: Just call me Dr. Phil, you see, I expected your arrival before you knew you were departing. But the fact of the matter is, you’re here, so do you want to put on a pot in my kingdom of eternal happiness, or do you want to talk about your life?
Paris: Actually, I would like to.
Dr. Phil: Wait, don’t answer; I already know. But we need to get a move on, or you will figure this all out before I can explain. I want to hear your side of the story Paris, start with the beginning and I will help you along the way.
[Aside to audience] Especially with the end.
Paris: Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where I lay my scene, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes.
Dr. Phil: Hold on a minute Paris, what in the world are you rambling of, this isn’t Verona anymore, I want to hear everything in your own words.
SCENE II. Paris’s house as a child.
The stage is occupied by Paris as a youth and his nurse, off to the side is Paris watching with Dr. Phil. Behind them there is a bed with toys all around.
Nurse: Young and valiant Paris. I have raised you since you were strong enough to suck the milk from my tit. Day and night we used to play, but now it seems that you are growing too old for my childish games. You will grow to be a man of wax like your father. When the day comes you shall forget about me. Mark my words, you will.
Young Paris: Nurse, why do you say such things? You are my best friend, I will not forget you; unless you continue to make me eat my greens.
Nurse: It is my duty to make sure you grow up strong like you father, that is why you must eat your greens.
Enter Mrs. Duke (the mother of Paris)
Mrs. Duke: Nurse, I will be out for the day, please attend to Paris while I am gone.
Exeunt Mrs. Duke
Young Paris: She never speaks to me Nurse, is it because I have done something to cause her grief?
Nurse: Of course not, my lady has a tight schedule; that is all.
The lights go dark on Nurse and young Paris, in the background Paris and Dr. Phil speak.
Paris: She never did pay attention to me, I probably saw her but five minutes a day if I was lucky. But I do not blame her, she was a great mother.
Dr. Phil: It is a good thing that you and she were not close; it caused you to look more to your father. He was the one you needed to imitate.
Paris: Yes, but my father did not have the visions that I had. I know this because when I told him about them he told me to put them in the back of my mind. But I didn’t, like a fool I put most of my focus on them.
Dr. Phil: What kind of visions?
Paris: They were more dreams then visions. Each night Queen Mab doth came to my slumber. She danced on my dreams and teased me for years. Then one night she showed me a face, the loveliest face that mine eyes had ever laid upon. When I rose that morning I knew the face was of Juliet Capulet, and I knew that I was destined to wed her, no matter what the cost.
SCENE III. A street in Verona.
The stage is bare with townsmen just passing by. Walking through the street is Mr. Capulet and Paris.
Paris: Mr. Capulet, I have asked to meet with you because I would like to ask for Juliet’s hand in marriage.
Mr. Capulet: Juliet is far too young, but come to my soiree tonight, if Juliet wishes to marry you, you shall have my blessing.
ACT II
SCENE I. Capulet’s house.
The stage is brightly lit. Two figures are seen on the stage. Above them is a grand chandelier, behind them there is an image of people dancing in costumes.
Paris: Juliet, we finally meet. But I feel that we have already met, for I have seen you in my thoughts before. You are the fairest maiden in all of Verona; please give me the honor of a dance.
Paris and Juliet dance.
Juliet: Paris, I have heard your name before from my father. He speaks very highly of you. Tell me, why are you here tonight? This is a first that I have seen you at one of my father’s soirees.
Paris: I am here for you fair Juliet, not a day goes by that you are not thought of by me. I wish to ask for your hand in marriage. I am well respected among Verona and wealthy; I promise that I shall make you a happy bride. So what say you?
Juliet: I say that I will think about it. If you truly want me then you can wait.
Paris: What are my chances of you saying yes?
Juliet: You shall have your yes, but in time, or will you? I have not decided.
Everything freezes as Paris speaks to the audience.
Paris: My love hath not denied me. I knew that she would love me just as I love her. Together we shall wed and forever live a life of ectasy.
Enters Dr. Phil.
Dr. Phil: You see, I hate to break this to you Paris, but this is where you went wrong. You should have moved on rite here. You don’t know this, but later that night Juliet meets Romeo.
Paris: What does this have to do with me?
Dr. Phil: Everything, lets get a move on, I need you to see something.
SCENE II. The next day at church.
The stage is dark as a voice speaks, as the lights go up Juliet is talking with the priest while Paris finishes his confession for the day.
Voice: As the story progresses, the truth will come about, poor Paris did not recognize the secret that was lurking in front of the curtains as he made his confessions. Of course, he will be enlightened, but it will be too late for him.
Paris: Juliet, it is a pleasure to see you at church this afternoon. I must say, you become more elegant each time mine eyes are set upon you. Tell me, do you have an answer for me?
Juliet: Paris, this is the house of God, I cannot give you my answer here; I shall give it to you on the morrow.
Exeunt Juliet and the priest. Enter Dr. Phil.
Dr. Phil: You have no idea what you just witnessed, but that was Juliet on her wedding day.
Paris: Pardon?
Dr. Phil: Sad, but true. Juliet married Romeo just minutes after you left confession.
Paris: It can’t be true. Juliet was my bride to be! She loved me!
Dr. Phil: If she loved you, it would have been you on that day. I’m sorry Paris, but look on the brighter side, there is other fish in the sea. So are you ready for the finale, so we can go put on a pot at my place?
Paris: No! I want to see the rest.
SCENE III. Capulet’s house.
Paris has just been given the blessing to marry Juliet.
Paris: Thank you Mr. Capulet, excuse me while I go tell my bride. Juliet, Juliet.
Enter Juliet
There you are. I have good news; your father has given us his blessing to be wed. Isn’t this glorious? Why are you crying my fair bride?
Juliet: I cry because I am overjoyed with happiness. I want to be your bride, I do; it is just that I am so surprised at the occasion; that is all. Tell me, when shall we be wed?
Paris: On the morrow at noon. Oh my beautiful bride, my heart loves you so.
Juliet: So does mine. Goodnight my prince.
With tears in her eyes Juliet exits. Enter Dr. Phil.
Dr. Phil: How are you feeling Paris?
Paris: I think I am to be sick.
Dr. Phil: Yes, to think that she was already betrothed to Romeo is horrifying. It is for the better that you did not know until now. Or is it? No, it’s not. You would have prevented much that has already passed but for us is yet to come.
Paris: Dr. Phil, I’m ready to go put on that pot.
Dr. Phil: We have already gone this far, we should just carry on; I promise to make it quick.
Exit Dr. Phil and Paris, the stage goes completely dark as a voice speaks to the audience. When the voice is finished Juliet is laying on the floor as Paris walks in. Then the lights go on.
Voice: The next day Paris was supposed to wed Juliet, but as morning approached, Juliet was dead according to all but one. But that does not matter. What matters is that Paris thought her to be dead.
Enters Paris
Paris: My bride has taken her life, I do not understand why. She loved me so dearly, and I her. It is all my fault, she thought that she was not good enough to be my bride, and therefore took her own life so that I could be with some one more fair than she. Sweet Juliet, you were the only one that I truly wanted.
The stage goes completely dark. When the lights go up Paris is at the tomb were Juliet lies.
Paris: My sweet Juliet, I have come to keep your cold body company in the night. I brought you flowers.
Enters Romeo
Paris: Romeo, you are here to desecrate my bride’s tomb, on guard.
They fight and Romeo thrusts his sword into Paris’s rib cage. But just before the blade enters Paris’s ribcage, Romeo freezes. Enter Dr. Phil.
Dr. Phil: We have come to the end of our escapade; it is here at this point in your life that you met me. Everything that you just saw was your life flashing in front of you before you die. However, usually I don’t help people through it. But in your case I would have found it quite tragic had you died in vein. But to look on the better side of all of this, when I see you again in about thirty seconds we can put on that pot of tea at my place of eternal happiness.
Romeo unfreezes and the sword goes into Paris’s ribcage.
Paris: I die.
Paris falls. Light go out.