Still Star-Crossed (2016) s01e03 Episode Script
All the Worlds a Stage
1 Previously on "Still Star-Crossed" I'd rather be a servant until the day I die than be the wife of a Montague.
You are a Capulet Lady now.
It is your duty to behave as one.
Capulets have been building that church for two generations.
Yet not anymore, it seems.
Marriage of Capulet and Montague was the right move, brother.
The longer their families fight, the weaker Verona becomes.
[Gasps.]
You screwed yourself out of the first marriage I arranged for you.
You're not going to screw yourself out of this one.
I love you.
Romeo.
If this gets out, it's war.
I want you to marry Benvolio Montague.
Roseline: Do you seriously think this will work? A Capulet? A Montague? Escalus is determined.
And when my brother's determined His mind can't be changed.
I'm just grateful you're here.
Your Grace.
Escalus: Lady Rosaline.
It's good to see you're well.
Was there something you needed, brother? I was just telling your sister how happy I am to be betrothed to Benvolio.
You were? I was.
That's quite the change of heart.
Who can say what the heart wants? Now that I've spent some time with him, I see how foolish I was to protest the match.
He is quite witty And handsome.
And in fact my heart cannot wait until the day we wed.
Well, your heart will have less time to wait than it thinks.
We're moving up the betrothal ceremony.
You didn't tell her yet? I hadn't had the chance.
After what happened at the feast, we believe that the sooner your two Houses are united, the sooner peace will return.
That is wonderful news.
Your Grace.
My Princess.
The Ambassador from Venice has arrived.
Thank you, Matteo.
Shall we? 20,000! You mock me.
20,000 ducats is no mockery.
For a Capulet bride? I'll throw in 100 head of sheep.
Sheep? 40,000 ducats for the hand of my niece, or the betrothal is off.
Do you have something to say about the quality of my livestock? If you asked them to jump off the Ponte Pietra, each would argue who should go first.
Don't tempt me.
Lord Capulet: If I did, I wouldn't be the first.
Pay his price, Montague.
Your Grace Pay.
His.
Price.
But let us be absolutely clear what he's buying.
A spectacle.
Of a love between your two houses so strong that it stopped the war between you.
The people must believe that.
The world must believe that.
You know how fast rumors travel.
And the Ambassadors of Milan and Venice will be all too happy to send whispers home that we are weak and ripe for conquest.
Is that all? I regret, your Grace, that it is not.
The architect of my family's great cathedral slipped from the scaffolding and fell to his death.
[Scoffs, coughs.]
How horrible.
Lord Capulet: And until his blueprints are found, I am afraid that I am forced to cease construction.
With the dome so near completion.
Rest assured that, uh, the cathedral will be the pride of Verona before long.
Yet for now, it is a blemish on our skies.
It's hardly a blemish! Let us not bicker, gentlemen.
The wedding won't be for some time, and we can hold the betrothal in the city square.
So I'm to stand before all of Verona and promise that one day, I'll be married to a Montague.
I still say it's better than praying your life away in a nunnery.
It's not about praying or God.
It's about living a life that's your own.
Instead of some Montague's.
My life won't be my own, no matter what happens to you.
I could ask the Montague to pay your bride price as well as mine.
Would he do that? Is he kind? No.
Maybe.
I don't know.
But I promise I will find a way to make sure you don't stay in servitude [Knock on door, door opens.]
From the Montague.
It's an invitation.
To a picnic.
What?! And a sonnet! "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate" Not very good, is it? You sent her a sonnet?! - I did.
- [Arrow twangs.]
Commissioned at great expense.
The aim is off.
Well, you can tell whoever wrote it that our House Steward found it quite touching.
Though how he came to hear it, I don't know The whole city should hear it, soon enough.
I paid the town criers to shout it from the rooftops.
It's propaganda.
A grand game to convince the world that you and the Capulet girl are madly in love.
Do you expect anyone to believe that? They will if you sell it.
You're having a picnic with her.
Tomorrow.
A picnic?! I promised to marry the woman for the love of God, do not make me spend time with her! Once you have married, and produced an heir, you never need lay eyes on her again.
But until then? Montague name, Capulet blood makes for one happy, powerful family.
If only Romeo and Juliet had lived.
[Inhales, exhales deeply.]
Play the game, nephew.
[Arrow thuds.]
And cheer up.
Remember: You're in love.
The moneylender tells you his patience is waning.
He returns to Verona tomorrow, and will not leave without payment.
I need another day.
Tell him what ask him for more time.
I will have his money after the betrothal ceremony.
Go, send him a letter.
My Lord? [Grunts.]
Aah! [Screams.]
[Body thuds.]
[Door creaks.]
Pietro? Who's there? Wait Ohh! Ooh! My Lord! Where is she? Did you see her?! See who? No one passed here? No.
[Breathing heavily.]
I I I beg your pardon.
Good night.
Juliet? [Indistinct conversations.]
Truccio: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day" [Laughter.]
"So long as men can breathe or eyes can see I'll take that Capulet whore for free.
" [Laughter.]
I want no more trouble with you, Truccio.
And you should want no more from me.
[Chuckles.]
Who knew Lord Montague's nephew had such a sweet tongue? Are you going to use it on your very own Capulet harlot? Or was it only the traitor Romeo who got to taste the forbidden Capulet fruit? [Chuckles.]
[Grunts.]
[Laughter.]
[Both grunting.]
Say his name again, and see what happens, peasant Ugh! Say my cousin's name again! [Footsteps approaching.]
Where's my wife? In the gardens, my Lord.
Searching for Juliet's cat.
He's gone missing.
What madness is this? No madness, my Lord.
Only memories.
My wife made made this "shrine"? It's ghoulish.
Get rid of it.
It comforts her.
There's no harm done.
She's just keeping Juliet's spirit close.
Spirit? Please.
Juliet is dead.
Perhaps the dead never truly leave us.
There are more things in heaven and earth, my Lord, than we can dream of.
It's a comforting thought, at least.
We all have our ways to grieve.
Perhaps you have yet to find yours.
Benvolio: I'm the laughingstock of Verona.
I cannot go through with this marriage.
My private life must remain my own.
It's non-negotiable Capulet's architect is dead.
What? He fell from the scaffold on the cathedral.
Or was pushed.
By Lord Capulet? [Scoffs.]
If his architect is dead, he can justify why the cathedral hasn't been finished without revealing the truth about his debt.
[Chuckling.]
Desperate men do desperate things.
If the Capulets had their way, we'd be erased from the scrolls of history.
They'd put us right back on their land.
Tending their sheep.
Never aspiring above our station.
But I'm not gonna let that happen.
You are going to marry that Capulet girl.
She will take the Montague name, and once she's provided a Montague heir, you can screw as many slatterns as your heart and your loins desire.
Now, come nephew.
Let's plan your wedding.
[Breathing heavily.]
Steady Steady, my Lord Once more.
You push yourself too far.
I must, if I am to heal.
Or would you keep me down here forever? I'm desperate to go outside.
A man could go mad down here.
Lady Capulet will not approve.
Of fresh air? Of allowing you to be seen.
Must you always follow the rules? [Indistinct conversations.]
Capulet, what are you doing? Playing the part.
As should you.
Perhaps neither one of us needs to be on this stage.
Hold your tongue and listen.
You have no wish to be betrothed to me, nor I to you.
But I have a plan to sever that chain before it binds us.
You shall be promised to another: God.
[Chuckling.]
God? At the feast you said you wished to be a nun.
So let me give you what you want: I can arrange for a carriage to pick you up at The Globe Tavern tonight to take you to the nunnery at San Massimo.
I know the abbess there.
I can get a message to her, telling her to expect you.
Become Sister Rosaline, and you'll never have to be Rosaline Montague [Footsteps approaching.]
Pardon the interruption.
Ambassadors, may I introduce Rosaline Capulet and Benvolio Montague.
Truly, all of Europe can learn from them it is through their pure and honest love that their warring families will lay down their arms.
Ambassadors Gonzaga, Crevelli, and Donato.
Fair Rosaline, congratulations.
Venice is delighted by the idea of your union.
As is Milan.
Oh.
Thank you, Ambassadors.
I should make it to Verona more often.
In peace, this is a beautiful city.
And the union of our two most powerful families will only make it more so.
I look forward to tomorrow's betrothal.
I hope you can attend our wedding as well? I count the hours until that fair day.
Me too.
- I truly am a lucky man.
- [Chuckles.]
Gentlemen, shall we be off? I'd love to hear the news from the other courts.
Let the men talk first, good sister.
There's plenty of time for gossip over the dinner table.
Well? The Abbey? Do it.
[Laughter.]
Your Grace.
Lord Montague.
Go on.
You'll find my brother inside.
I'm not here to see your brother.
You are far more like your father than the Prince is.
You appreciate detail.
His Grace sees a tapestry.
But you see the threads.
And which thread are you here to discuss, Lord Montague? Verona is a broken city, desperately in need of a symbol of strength.
The new cathedral was meant to be that symbol But the architect is dead.
That architect is dead.
I have one of my own.
If your Grace would allow me, I'd be happy to finish it myself.
[Laughs.]
Do you think flattery will blind me? The Capulets are the patron of that church, and you wish to unseat them.
Won't Montague and Capulet be flesh and blood soon enough? I have a fresco in mind Abraham sacrificing his son.
Though I lack the artistic eye to oversee it.
You have always been a great champion of the arts would you consider leading the charge? [Scoffs.]
I have no need of men and their sons.
But I would support a fresco of a female saint Catherine, perhaps.
Or Margaret Who slayed the dragon.
As an inspiration to Verona's women.
With you as its patroness, I'm sure they won't lack for inspiration.
Lady Capulet: Do you truly believe that only God's hand was responsible for such a sudden death? That cannot be.
Nurse: Giuliana, we've been through this a hundred times And we'll go through it a hundred times more, until it makes sense! [Sighs.]
The night of the ball, Juliet said she was ill.
She said she felt tired What do you want? Do you think Do you think that she's truly gone? Because I have felt her presence, sometimes.
As though she remains in this house.
Do you know of what I speak? I know you don't wonder how our daughter died.
I know you shed no tears.
I know you shun her crypt.
I've been occupied Forcing a betrothal between our House and the House of our enemies! Yes, you've been busy.
Good night, Silvestro.
Livia: Does this please you, my Lord? Count Paris: More than there are words to say.
Livia? Yes, my Lord? Will you call me Paris? If it pleases you.
Lady Capulet called you her niece.
And so I am.
My father was Lord Capulet's brother.
Was? He died, three years ago.
And my mother soon after.
The Capulets took us in.
As servants, even though you're of noble blood? 'Tis better than the streets.
And we're allowed to leave, if a nobleman wishes to buy our freedom.
My sister is about to be betrothed.
I'm sure your uncle got a fine bride price for her the man drives a hard bargain to marry into his House.
[Chuckles.]
You must have loved Juliet dearly.
She was beautiful, to be sure.
As it seems all the women of House Capulet are.
[Chuckles.]
But Juliet was my father's choice, not mine.
You don't think you could have grown to love her? I'm sure I could have.
But if I'm to fall in love, I think I'd prefer to know the woman I'm falling in love with.
We should get back Please, not yet.
Ah.
I may be a servant, my Paris.
But I am still a lady.
Very well.
There's still nowhere I'd rather be than here.
[Chuckles.]
[Indistinct conversations.]
[Giggling.]
Benvolio I missed you.
And I you.
But you're not supposed to be here I'm never supposed to be here.
And yet, here I am.
So let's leave Verona.
Tonight.
Of course, my Lord.
And where would we go? Mmmm Milan.
Where I would be a blacksmith.
Always looked like fun.
[Chuckles.]
And you? I have a limited set of skills, my Lord.
Though I suppose I could always run a brothel of my own.
A blacksmith and the madam.
Sounds like the makings of a pretty good life.
Really, why are you here? I went to a feast the other night, at the Royal Palace.
All the great families wearing their fancy clothes, eating the Prince's fancy food and drinking the Prince's fancy wine.
That doesn't sound so awful.
You say that, but you'd hate it.
It's just a bunch of old men, caught up in even older rivalries And how is that different than any other night? It's not.
That's the point.
Romeo is dead.
Mercutio is dead.
My friends, my parents everyone I ever loved, anything that ever tied me to this place, is gone.
All I have left is my uncle, and he hates me.
But I have money.
And I have you.
So do you want to leave with me? For real? [Scoffs.]
If we run away, your uncle would make sure we end up as dead as your friends.
I have a plan afoot.
We can be free.
No.
We can't.
[Sighs.]
You shouldn't be here.
[Indistinct conversations.]
[Knock on door.]
Enter.
[Door opens.]
I'm glad you're up.
I spoke with Lord Montague What? You look like Father, sitting there.
With a word, I took the heads of three men the other day.
With a word, I have the power to change the course of a life forever.
But who am I to wield that sword? You are a Prince.
I am a man, the same faults as any other.
Rosaline will survive.
I am asking her forcing her to marry into a family that killed her father.
And if she doesn't, we are all dead.
What kind of a man will you be, then? We have already lost her, Escalus.
If you turn back now, it'll have been for nothing.
[Sighs.]
[Bells tolling.]
Aah! Rosaline: Uncle? How did you get out of your room? Juliet kept a key hidden in the fireplace.
But I'll stay in that room as I have been.
And I'll be betrothed to Benvolio Montague.
But my cooperation comes at a price.
You're in no position to bargain, girl.
You say that Montague and Capulet must become one to forge a lasting peace.
Aye.
But there will be no peace between our Houses if the people don't believe that I came to this union willingly.
My Lord.
You are very bold.
I am my father's daughter.
You are, indeed.
I'll be betrothed to Benvolio Montague, if you make my sister a Lady once more.
If Lady Livia is the price for your cooperation, it's one I'm willing to pay.
But, Rosaline Yes, Uncle? As you say, the world is watching.
It sees a city at war, a ruler untested Your betrothal, and the wedding that will follow, are spectacles.
Europe must believe that you are in love.
And that your children, and your children's children, are the foundation of a lasting peace.
So you must give them a convincing show.
I said I was willing Willing? [Chuckles.]
No.
Benvolio is your beloved, and you have no greater desire on this earth than to be his wife.
Or your sister remains a servant evermore.
Are we understood? We are, my Lord.
Rosaline? What are you doing down here? Looking for you.
Waiting for you.
Where have you been? Out.
In the garden.
I wanted some fresh air.
It's lonely here, without you.
Why are you wearing your cloak? I thought I was going to The Montague arranged for me to leave.
To plead sanctuary at the abbey.
There was a carriage that was going to take me and Why didn't you go? You've always wanted to be a nun.
And you wouldn't have to get married Yes, but I would have left you behind.
Uncle agreed to raise your station, but only if I wed that man with a smile on my face.
And I know how much you want to leave, and find a husband of your own, so I can find a husband from here! Don't be silly.
But you'll never have your freedom you'll belong to him, 'til death do you part.
Don't ruin your life for me, Rosaline, please.
Go to the abbey! It's too late.
And anyway, what life would I have without my sister by my side? Tomorrow, I will be betrothed.
To the Montague.
[Cheers and applause.]
Greetings, my love.
- I'm sorry.
- Me too.
[Cheers and applause.]
[Fanfare plays.]
If you're trying to do your patriotic duty, I believe the Ambassadors have been convinced.
I'm sorry? Do you take delight in my torture? I? Torture you? Then call it off.
After all, are you not the Prince? You know I cannot.
Then pray excuse me, your Grace.
I must go join my future husband.
[Cheers and applause.]
Oh, cheer up, brother.
Do you not see a united Verona before you? And when the Ambassadors send word home, the whole world will know.
Let's get on with it.
[Cheers and applause.]
In but a few months' time, Lady Rosaline, niece to Lord Capulet, shall wed Lord Benvolio, heir to the House of Montague.
And through their love, and this marriage, their warring families shall forge a lasting peace.
Amor vincit Omnia.
Love conquers all.
[Cheers and applause.]
And now, good Lords the bride price.
Don't spend it all in one place.
Children of God, you present yourselves before your Prince, your families, and your City, to declare your promise of future marriage.
I bind you now as a symbol of that promise [Cheers and applause.]
In the name of the Lord, I, Benvolio of the House of Montague, do bind myself to thee, Rosaline, of the House of Capulet, and promise I will take thee as my wife.
In the name of the Lord, I, Rosaline of the House of Capulet [Donkey braying.]
Man: My Prince.
[Crowd gasps.]
A wedding gift, to bless this foul union! [Crowd gasps.]
Guards! Seize him! [Screams.]
[People screaming.]
[People screaming.]
[Coughs.]
We need water! To the river! No, no, no.
It's not safe God's teeth! Where are you going? After him! Come on! [Indistinct shouting.]
Man: More water! Now! Your Grace Never mind me.
Get the Princess to the palace.
She says she wants to stay with the people.
It matters not, what she wants.
[Groans.]
No.
No! Stay with me, Ambassador.
Your Grace, you're to come with me.
No.
He cannot die.
He mustn't die Your Grace! No! N-No! The Prince commands it.
Let me go at once! No! You oaf what are you doing?! Beg pardon, but this will please you as much as I Indeed.
Now hurry, or he'll get away I know how to cut him off.
This way [Indistinct shouting, screaming.]
My Lord? Silvestro! Come.
This way.
[Grunts.]
Show your face, coward! Truccio? You! [Grunts.]
Traitor! You taint our name with Capulet blood! I do what I must to end this war.
This war will never end.
He won't allow it.
No you don't! [Grunts.]
Aah! [Body thuds.]
[Gasps.]
Montague what have we done? Why do you grieve him? He killed all those people.
Do you forget, he tried to rape you? Come, we must away.
God above, what happened to you?! No, this I-it's not my blood.
There was an explosion.
- An attack.
- Where? How? Are you hurt? It's not It's not my blood.
It's all right.
You're fine Why do the Montagues wish to destroy our city? What? Do you deny your family is behind this? Truccio was your kinsman In name alone! I had no love for him, you saw it you think my family would do this? [Scoffs.]
Why not? Montagues are all the same you fight us and fight us until the city's ruined and there's no more blood to shed.
And Capulets are such peacemakers - Truccio was - An illiterate peasant! Not some mastermind.
Believe me.
"A wedding gift, to bless this foul union.
" Think of it.
He called out no family by name.
If this was an act of one House against the other, why would he hide his loyalty? Why attack all Verona Montagues and Capulets both? - He hid his face.
- Hmm.
And if each family believes it was the other He said it himself: This war will never end.
He won't allow it.
"He" who? I know not.
But if we can find out, Montagues and Capulets will have a common enemy.
And with our families united There'll be no reason for us to marry! [Chuckles.]
And here I thought you were counting the hours.
[Labored breathing.]
Isabella: Surely you can save him The Ambassador must live I have done everything in my power, your Grace.
Mercury, turpentine, but they have had little effect [Breathes rapidly.]
I could have saved him, if only you'd let me No one could have saved him So you had me scooped up and carried off like a child Your safety was more important Than our relationship with Venice? Now that the Ambassador's blood is on our hands? And Gonzaga's run home to Milan to tell them what he saw here? [Archbishop speaking Latin.]
This was the act of some mad man.
The guards will find him, and we will have justice.
Venice and Verona have been allies for a hundred years Alliances can change overnight.
Ambassador Donato is the Doge's brother.
Don't pretend you won't be held responsible.
This was supposed to be our shining moment and instead, we've been plunged even further into darkness.
Lord Capulet: My love? Please.
What sorcery is this? What devil's work? Have I lost my mind? Show yourself.
[Sobbing.]
My little mouse my Juliet I miss you so.
[Whispers.]
Beware.
You are a Capulet Lady now.
It is your duty to behave as one.
Capulets have been building that church for two generations.
Yet not anymore, it seems.
Marriage of Capulet and Montague was the right move, brother.
The longer their families fight, the weaker Verona becomes.
[Gasps.]
You screwed yourself out of the first marriage I arranged for you.
You're not going to screw yourself out of this one.
I love you.
Romeo.
If this gets out, it's war.
I want you to marry Benvolio Montague.
Roseline: Do you seriously think this will work? A Capulet? A Montague? Escalus is determined.
And when my brother's determined His mind can't be changed.
I'm just grateful you're here.
Your Grace.
Escalus: Lady Rosaline.
It's good to see you're well.
Was there something you needed, brother? I was just telling your sister how happy I am to be betrothed to Benvolio.
You were? I was.
That's quite the change of heart.
Who can say what the heart wants? Now that I've spent some time with him, I see how foolish I was to protest the match.
He is quite witty And handsome.
And in fact my heart cannot wait until the day we wed.
Well, your heart will have less time to wait than it thinks.
We're moving up the betrothal ceremony.
You didn't tell her yet? I hadn't had the chance.
After what happened at the feast, we believe that the sooner your two Houses are united, the sooner peace will return.
That is wonderful news.
Your Grace.
My Princess.
The Ambassador from Venice has arrived.
Thank you, Matteo.
Shall we? 20,000! You mock me.
20,000 ducats is no mockery.
For a Capulet bride? I'll throw in 100 head of sheep.
Sheep? 40,000 ducats for the hand of my niece, or the betrothal is off.
Do you have something to say about the quality of my livestock? If you asked them to jump off the Ponte Pietra, each would argue who should go first.
Don't tempt me.
Lord Capulet: If I did, I wouldn't be the first.
Pay his price, Montague.
Your Grace Pay.
His.
Price.
But let us be absolutely clear what he's buying.
A spectacle.
Of a love between your two houses so strong that it stopped the war between you.
The people must believe that.
The world must believe that.
You know how fast rumors travel.
And the Ambassadors of Milan and Venice will be all too happy to send whispers home that we are weak and ripe for conquest.
Is that all? I regret, your Grace, that it is not.
The architect of my family's great cathedral slipped from the scaffolding and fell to his death.
[Scoffs, coughs.]
How horrible.
Lord Capulet: And until his blueprints are found, I am afraid that I am forced to cease construction.
With the dome so near completion.
Rest assured that, uh, the cathedral will be the pride of Verona before long.
Yet for now, it is a blemish on our skies.
It's hardly a blemish! Let us not bicker, gentlemen.
The wedding won't be for some time, and we can hold the betrothal in the city square.
So I'm to stand before all of Verona and promise that one day, I'll be married to a Montague.
I still say it's better than praying your life away in a nunnery.
It's not about praying or God.
It's about living a life that's your own.
Instead of some Montague's.
My life won't be my own, no matter what happens to you.
I could ask the Montague to pay your bride price as well as mine.
Would he do that? Is he kind? No.
Maybe.
I don't know.
But I promise I will find a way to make sure you don't stay in servitude [Knock on door, door opens.]
From the Montague.
It's an invitation.
To a picnic.
What?! And a sonnet! "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate" Not very good, is it? You sent her a sonnet?! - I did.
- [Arrow twangs.]
Commissioned at great expense.
The aim is off.
Well, you can tell whoever wrote it that our House Steward found it quite touching.
Though how he came to hear it, I don't know The whole city should hear it, soon enough.
I paid the town criers to shout it from the rooftops.
It's propaganda.
A grand game to convince the world that you and the Capulet girl are madly in love.
Do you expect anyone to believe that? They will if you sell it.
You're having a picnic with her.
Tomorrow.
A picnic?! I promised to marry the woman for the love of God, do not make me spend time with her! Once you have married, and produced an heir, you never need lay eyes on her again.
But until then? Montague name, Capulet blood makes for one happy, powerful family.
If only Romeo and Juliet had lived.
[Inhales, exhales deeply.]
Play the game, nephew.
[Arrow thuds.]
And cheer up.
Remember: You're in love.
The moneylender tells you his patience is waning.
He returns to Verona tomorrow, and will not leave without payment.
I need another day.
Tell him what ask him for more time.
I will have his money after the betrothal ceremony.
Go, send him a letter.
My Lord? [Grunts.]
Aah! [Screams.]
[Body thuds.]
[Door creaks.]
Pietro? Who's there? Wait Ohh! Ooh! My Lord! Where is she? Did you see her?! See who? No one passed here? No.
[Breathing heavily.]
I I I beg your pardon.
Good night.
Juliet? [Indistinct conversations.]
Truccio: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day" [Laughter.]
"So long as men can breathe or eyes can see I'll take that Capulet whore for free.
" [Laughter.]
I want no more trouble with you, Truccio.
And you should want no more from me.
[Chuckles.]
Who knew Lord Montague's nephew had such a sweet tongue? Are you going to use it on your very own Capulet harlot? Or was it only the traitor Romeo who got to taste the forbidden Capulet fruit? [Chuckles.]
[Grunts.]
[Laughter.]
[Both grunting.]
Say his name again, and see what happens, peasant Ugh! Say my cousin's name again! [Footsteps approaching.]
Where's my wife? In the gardens, my Lord.
Searching for Juliet's cat.
He's gone missing.
What madness is this? No madness, my Lord.
Only memories.
My wife made made this "shrine"? It's ghoulish.
Get rid of it.
It comforts her.
There's no harm done.
She's just keeping Juliet's spirit close.
Spirit? Please.
Juliet is dead.
Perhaps the dead never truly leave us.
There are more things in heaven and earth, my Lord, than we can dream of.
It's a comforting thought, at least.
We all have our ways to grieve.
Perhaps you have yet to find yours.
Benvolio: I'm the laughingstock of Verona.
I cannot go through with this marriage.
My private life must remain my own.
It's non-negotiable Capulet's architect is dead.
What? He fell from the scaffold on the cathedral.
Or was pushed.
By Lord Capulet? [Scoffs.]
If his architect is dead, he can justify why the cathedral hasn't been finished without revealing the truth about his debt.
[Chuckling.]
Desperate men do desperate things.
If the Capulets had their way, we'd be erased from the scrolls of history.
They'd put us right back on their land.
Tending their sheep.
Never aspiring above our station.
But I'm not gonna let that happen.
You are going to marry that Capulet girl.
She will take the Montague name, and once she's provided a Montague heir, you can screw as many slatterns as your heart and your loins desire.
Now, come nephew.
Let's plan your wedding.
[Breathing heavily.]
Steady Steady, my Lord Once more.
You push yourself too far.
I must, if I am to heal.
Or would you keep me down here forever? I'm desperate to go outside.
A man could go mad down here.
Lady Capulet will not approve.
Of fresh air? Of allowing you to be seen.
Must you always follow the rules? [Indistinct conversations.]
Capulet, what are you doing? Playing the part.
As should you.
Perhaps neither one of us needs to be on this stage.
Hold your tongue and listen.
You have no wish to be betrothed to me, nor I to you.
But I have a plan to sever that chain before it binds us.
You shall be promised to another: God.
[Chuckling.]
God? At the feast you said you wished to be a nun.
So let me give you what you want: I can arrange for a carriage to pick you up at The Globe Tavern tonight to take you to the nunnery at San Massimo.
I know the abbess there.
I can get a message to her, telling her to expect you.
Become Sister Rosaline, and you'll never have to be Rosaline Montague [Footsteps approaching.]
Pardon the interruption.
Ambassadors, may I introduce Rosaline Capulet and Benvolio Montague.
Truly, all of Europe can learn from them it is through their pure and honest love that their warring families will lay down their arms.
Ambassadors Gonzaga, Crevelli, and Donato.
Fair Rosaline, congratulations.
Venice is delighted by the idea of your union.
As is Milan.
Oh.
Thank you, Ambassadors.
I should make it to Verona more often.
In peace, this is a beautiful city.
And the union of our two most powerful families will only make it more so.
I look forward to tomorrow's betrothal.
I hope you can attend our wedding as well? I count the hours until that fair day.
Me too.
- I truly am a lucky man.
- [Chuckles.]
Gentlemen, shall we be off? I'd love to hear the news from the other courts.
Let the men talk first, good sister.
There's plenty of time for gossip over the dinner table.
Well? The Abbey? Do it.
[Laughter.]
Your Grace.
Lord Montague.
Go on.
You'll find my brother inside.
I'm not here to see your brother.
You are far more like your father than the Prince is.
You appreciate detail.
His Grace sees a tapestry.
But you see the threads.
And which thread are you here to discuss, Lord Montague? Verona is a broken city, desperately in need of a symbol of strength.
The new cathedral was meant to be that symbol But the architect is dead.
That architect is dead.
I have one of my own.
If your Grace would allow me, I'd be happy to finish it myself.
[Laughs.]
Do you think flattery will blind me? The Capulets are the patron of that church, and you wish to unseat them.
Won't Montague and Capulet be flesh and blood soon enough? I have a fresco in mind Abraham sacrificing his son.
Though I lack the artistic eye to oversee it.
You have always been a great champion of the arts would you consider leading the charge? [Scoffs.]
I have no need of men and their sons.
But I would support a fresco of a female saint Catherine, perhaps.
Or Margaret Who slayed the dragon.
As an inspiration to Verona's women.
With you as its patroness, I'm sure they won't lack for inspiration.
Lady Capulet: Do you truly believe that only God's hand was responsible for such a sudden death? That cannot be.
Nurse: Giuliana, we've been through this a hundred times And we'll go through it a hundred times more, until it makes sense! [Sighs.]
The night of the ball, Juliet said she was ill.
She said she felt tired What do you want? Do you think Do you think that she's truly gone? Because I have felt her presence, sometimes.
As though she remains in this house.
Do you know of what I speak? I know you don't wonder how our daughter died.
I know you shed no tears.
I know you shun her crypt.
I've been occupied Forcing a betrothal between our House and the House of our enemies! Yes, you've been busy.
Good night, Silvestro.
Livia: Does this please you, my Lord? Count Paris: More than there are words to say.
Livia? Yes, my Lord? Will you call me Paris? If it pleases you.
Lady Capulet called you her niece.
And so I am.
My father was Lord Capulet's brother.
Was? He died, three years ago.
And my mother soon after.
The Capulets took us in.
As servants, even though you're of noble blood? 'Tis better than the streets.
And we're allowed to leave, if a nobleman wishes to buy our freedom.
My sister is about to be betrothed.
I'm sure your uncle got a fine bride price for her the man drives a hard bargain to marry into his House.
[Chuckles.]
You must have loved Juliet dearly.
She was beautiful, to be sure.
As it seems all the women of House Capulet are.
[Chuckles.]
But Juliet was my father's choice, not mine.
You don't think you could have grown to love her? I'm sure I could have.
But if I'm to fall in love, I think I'd prefer to know the woman I'm falling in love with.
We should get back Please, not yet.
Ah.
I may be a servant, my Paris.
But I am still a lady.
Very well.
There's still nowhere I'd rather be than here.
[Chuckles.]
[Indistinct conversations.]
[Giggling.]
Benvolio I missed you.
And I you.
But you're not supposed to be here I'm never supposed to be here.
And yet, here I am.
So let's leave Verona.
Tonight.
Of course, my Lord.
And where would we go? Mmmm Milan.
Where I would be a blacksmith.
Always looked like fun.
[Chuckles.]
And you? I have a limited set of skills, my Lord.
Though I suppose I could always run a brothel of my own.
A blacksmith and the madam.
Sounds like the makings of a pretty good life.
Really, why are you here? I went to a feast the other night, at the Royal Palace.
All the great families wearing their fancy clothes, eating the Prince's fancy food and drinking the Prince's fancy wine.
That doesn't sound so awful.
You say that, but you'd hate it.
It's just a bunch of old men, caught up in even older rivalries And how is that different than any other night? It's not.
That's the point.
Romeo is dead.
Mercutio is dead.
My friends, my parents everyone I ever loved, anything that ever tied me to this place, is gone.
All I have left is my uncle, and he hates me.
But I have money.
And I have you.
So do you want to leave with me? For real? [Scoffs.]
If we run away, your uncle would make sure we end up as dead as your friends.
I have a plan afoot.
We can be free.
No.
We can't.
[Sighs.]
You shouldn't be here.
[Indistinct conversations.]
[Knock on door.]
Enter.
[Door opens.]
I'm glad you're up.
I spoke with Lord Montague What? You look like Father, sitting there.
With a word, I took the heads of three men the other day.
With a word, I have the power to change the course of a life forever.
But who am I to wield that sword? You are a Prince.
I am a man, the same faults as any other.
Rosaline will survive.
I am asking her forcing her to marry into a family that killed her father.
And if she doesn't, we are all dead.
What kind of a man will you be, then? We have already lost her, Escalus.
If you turn back now, it'll have been for nothing.
[Sighs.]
[Bells tolling.]
Aah! Rosaline: Uncle? How did you get out of your room? Juliet kept a key hidden in the fireplace.
But I'll stay in that room as I have been.
And I'll be betrothed to Benvolio Montague.
But my cooperation comes at a price.
You're in no position to bargain, girl.
You say that Montague and Capulet must become one to forge a lasting peace.
Aye.
But there will be no peace between our Houses if the people don't believe that I came to this union willingly.
My Lord.
You are very bold.
I am my father's daughter.
You are, indeed.
I'll be betrothed to Benvolio Montague, if you make my sister a Lady once more.
If Lady Livia is the price for your cooperation, it's one I'm willing to pay.
But, Rosaline Yes, Uncle? As you say, the world is watching.
It sees a city at war, a ruler untested Your betrothal, and the wedding that will follow, are spectacles.
Europe must believe that you are in love.
And that your children, and your children's children, are the foundation of a lasting peace.
So you must give them a convincing show.
I said I was willing Willing? [Chuckles.]
No.
Benvolio is your beloved, and you have no greater desire on this earth than to be his wife.
Or your sister remains a servant evermore.
Are we understood? We are, my Lord.
Rosaline? What are you doing down here? Looking for you.
Waiting for you.
Where have you been? Out.
In the garden.
I wanted some fresh air.
It's lonely here, without you.
Why are you wearing your cloak? I thought I was going to The Montague arranged for me to leave.
To plead sanctuary at the abbey.
There was a carriage that was going to take me and Why didn't you go? You've always wanted to be a nun.
And you wouldn't have to get married Yes, but I would have left you behind.
Uncle agreed to raise your station, but only if I wed that man with a smile on my face.
And I know how much you want to leave, and find a husband of your own, so I can find a husband from here! Don't be silly.
But you'll never have your freedom you'll belong to him, 'til death do you part.
Don't ruin your life for me, Rosaline, please.
Go to the abbey! It's too late.
And anyway, what life would I have without my sister by my side? Tomorrow, I will be betrothed.
To the Montague.
[Cheers and applause.]
Greetings, my love.
- I'm sorry.
- Me too.
[Cheers and applause.]
[Fanfare plays.]
If you're trying to do your patriotic duty, I believe the Ambassadors have been convinced.
I'm sorry? Do you take delight in my torture? I? Torture you? Then call it off.
After all, are you not the Prince? You know I cannot.
Then pray excuse me, your Grace.
I must go join my future husband.
[Cheers and applause.]
Oh, cheer up, brother.
Do you not see a united Verona before you? And when the Ambassadors send word home, the whole world will know.
Let's get on with it.
[Cheers and applause.]
In but a few months' time, Lady Rosaline, niece to Lord Capulet, shall wed Lord Benvolio, heir to the House of Montague.
And through their love, and this marriage, their warring families shall forge a lasting peace.
Amor vincit Omnia.
Love conquers all.
[Cheers and applause.]
And now, good Lords the bride price.
Don't spend it all in one place.
Children of God, you present yourselves before your Prince, your families, and your City, to declare your promise of future marriage.
I bind you now as a symbol of that promise [Cheers and applause.]
In the name of the Lord, I, Benvolio of the House of Montague, do bind myself to thee, Rosaline, of the House of Capulet, and promise I will take thee as my wife.
In the name of the Lord, I, Rosaline of the House of Capulet [Donkey braying.]
Man: My Prince.
[Crowd gasps.]
A wedding gift, to bless this foul union! [Crowd gasps.]
Guards! Seize him! [Screams.]
[People screaming.]
[People screaming.]
[Coughs.]
We need water! To the river! No, no, no.
It's not safe God's teeth! Where are you going? After him! Come on! [Indistinct shouting.]
Man: More water! Now! Your Grace Never mind me.
Get the Princess to the palace.
She says she wants to stay with the people.
It matters not, what she wants.
[Groans.]
No.
No! Stay with me, Ambassador.
Your Grace, you're to come with me.
No.
He cannot die.
He mustn't die Your Grace! No! N-No! The Prince commands it.
Let me go at once! No! You oaf what are you doing?! Beg pardon, but this will please you as much as I Indeed.
Now hurry, or he'll get away I know how to cut him off.
This way [Indistinct shouting, screaming.]
My Lord? Silvestro! Come.
This way.
[Grunts.]
Show your face, coward! Truccio? You! [Grunts.]
Traitor! You taint our name with Capulet blood! I do what I must to end this war.
This war will never end.
He won't allow it.
No you don't! [Grunts.]
Aah! [Body thuds.]
[Gasps.]
Montague what have we done? Why do you grieve him? He killed all those people.
Do you forget, he tried to rape you? Come, we must away.
God above, what happened to you?! No, this I-it's not my blood.
There was an explosion.
- An attack.
- Where? How? Are you hurt? It's not It's not my blood.
It's all right.
You're fine Why do the Montagues wish to destroy our city? What? Do you deny your family is behind this? Truccio was your kinsman In name alone! I had no love for him, you saw it you think my family would do this? [Scoffs.]
Why not? Montagues are all the same you fight us and fight us until the city's ruined and there's no more blood to shed.
And Capulets are such peacemakers - Truccio was - An illiterate peasant! Not some mastermind.
Believe me.
"A wedding gift, to bless this foul union.
" Think of it.
He called out no family by name.
If this was an act of one House against the other, why would he hide his loyalty? Why attack all Verona Montagues and Capulets both? - He hid his face.
- Hmm.
And if each family believes it was the other He said it himself: This war will never end.
He won't allow it.
"He" who? I know not.
But if we can find out, Montagues and Capulets will have a common enemy.
And with our families united There'll be no reason for us to marry! [Chuckles.]
And here I thought you were counting the hours.
[Labored breathing.]
Isabella: Surely you can save him The Ambassador must live I have done everything in my power, your Grace.
Mercury, turpentine, but they have had little effect [Breathes rapidly.]
I could have saved him, if only you'd let me No one could have saved him So you had me scooped up and carried off like a child Your safety was more important Than our relationship with Venice? Now that the Ambassador's blood is on our hands? And Gonzaga's run home to Milan to tell them what he saw here? [Archbishop speaking Latin.]
This was the act of some mad man.
The guards will find him, and we will have justice.
Venice and Verona have been allies for a hundred years Alliances can change overnight.
Ambassador Donato is the Doge's brother.
Don't pretend you won't be held responsible.
This was supposed to be our shining moment and instead, we've been plunged even further into darkness.
Lord Capulet: My love? Please.
What sorcery is this? What devil's work? Have I lost my mind? Show yourself.
[Sobbing.]
My little mouse my Juliet I miss you so.
[Whispers.]
Beware.