Romeo and Juliet. Othello / Ромео и Джульетта. Отелло

They drew their swords and eyed each other, neither side quite daring to begin the fight until Capulet’s men saw Benvolio[5 - Benvolio – Бенволио] (Romeo’s cousin), one of their master’s kinsmen, approaching their way. So with a great show of boldness they began to attack. Benvolio sternly bade them put up their swords. But before he had ended this quarrel, Tybalt[6 - Tybalt – Тибальт], a young man of the house of Capulet, was behind him with rapier drawn. This Tybalt was a fiery soul, an eager duelist, and very skilful with his rapier.

When Benvolio saw Tybalt, he asked him to be peaceful and help him to end the fray. But Tybalt sneered at him.

“What?” said he. “Talk of peace with your sword drawn? I hate the word peace as much as I hate hell, all Montagues, and you.”

Such insults were too much for Benvolio, and in a moment the fight began. At the sound of the fight the citizens came running out of their houses, eager to part them or to join in; and soon there was a fierce battle up and down the streets of Verona as more and more joined in on one side or the other.

Even old Capulet, aroused by the cries, came out, with his wife following and trying to drag him back; and before long old Montague and his wife also were cheering on their own household: and abusing the Capulets.

Reports of the fray soon reached the Prince, who called for his horses and soldiers and galloped down to restore order. At the sight of the Prince the brawlers were suddenly quiet. They lowered their weapons and stood sullenly looking at each other.

The Prince called Capulet and Montague before him, and spoke to them in anger.

“Three times,” he said, “you, Capulet, and you, Montague, disturbed the quiet of our streets with your brawls. If ever you disturb the peace again you will pay for it with your lives. “

He commanded Capulet to go with him, and all the rest to return peaceably back to their homes. When quiet was restored Montague asked Benvolio how the quarrel had started.

“Some of Capulet’s servants,” he replied, “were already fighting with some of yours as I approached.

I drew my sword to part them, when Tybalt came at me; and so we fell to fighting, and more and more came out to join one side or the other, till the Prince himself came.”

“Where is my son Romeo?” asked Lady Montague. “I am glad he was not in this brawl.”

“Madam,” replied Benvolio, “an hour before sunrise Romeo rose and went walking by himself, sad and moody.