Is hated Romeo not her brother? Sir,
Is she not of vile Montesco's kin, and I
A Capelete? When I did wed Elena
This deadly hatred was unborn.
The Count proceeds to state his determination to sue for a
divorce, but to which he admits he can hardly expect Elena to
agree. He gives full vent to his passion thus—
Let not a vile Montesco live to breathe
The balmy air we breathe each sunny morn!
Be their cursed ashes scattered to the winds!
Old Capelete replies—
Come, let us go kill this Romeo; thus
The head removed, the other members die.
Old Capelete promises that in the event of the Count obtaining
a divorce, he will treat with him for the hand of Julia. The
Count takes his leave, and Romeo discovers himself. Old Capelete
is furious, and draws his sword upon him; Romeo remains on the
defensive, and, in reply to his taunts, remarks—
Just anger is the offspring of true courage, sir,
But treachery of fear.
Andrés now re-enters, accompanied by Count Paris, and on discovering Romeo they shout—
