The Capulet's villa was on the quiet side of the city. Lady Capulet took headaches often, and for that reason only Juliet did not get to make friends, as she saw no one except maids, her nurse, and her family. Feasts were a rare thing in their household, happening only a few times a year.
Capulet strolled down a hall with Count Paris, a suitor who was interested in marrying his daughter. "Montague has sworn an oath just like I have, and he's under the same penalty. I don't think it will be hard for men as old as we are to keep the peace."
Paris smiled pleasantly. "You both have honorable reputations, and it's too bad you've been enemies for so long. But what do you say to my request?"
"I can only repeat what I've said before. My daughter is still very young. She's not even fourteen years old. Let's wait two more summers before we start thinking she's ready to get married."
Paris tried to forget his frustration. "Girls younger than she often marry and become happy mothers."
"Girls who marry so young grow up too soon." He thought of his wife. "But go ahead and charm her, gentle Paris; make her love you. My permission is only part of her decision. If she agrees to marry you, my blessing and fair words will confirm her choice. Tonight I'm having a feast that we've celebrated for many years. I've invited many of my closest friends, and I'd like to welcome you and add you to the guest list. You'll be delighted by young women as fresh as spring flowers. Look at anyone you like, and choose whatever woman seems best to you. Once you see a lot of girls, you might not think my daughter's the best anymore. Come along with me." Capulet turned to a page boy. "Go, little fellow, walk all around Verona. Find the people on this list and tell them they're welcome at my house tonight."
It was late afternoon, and Benvolio was still trying to comfort his cousin. "Come on, Romeo. You can put out one fire by starting another. Make yourself lovesick by gazing at some new girl, and your old lovesickness will be cured." Benvolio offered.
Instead of answering, Romeo turned to a page boy who looked lost. "Good evening."
"Excuse me, sir, do you know how to read?" The little boy said nervously.
"Yes, if I know the language and the letters." Romeo smiled. The boy handed him the letter, and the two cousins read together.
"I'll tell you so you don't have to ask. My master is the great and rich Capulet, and if you don't belong to the house of Montague, please come and drink a cup of wine. Have a nice day!" The boy smiled and skipped away, obviously pleased with himself.
"The beautiful Rosaline whom you love so much will be at Capulet's traditional feast, along with every beautiful woman in Verona." Benvolio winked at his cousin.
"If my eyes ever lie to me like that, let my tears turn into flames and burn them for being such obvious liars! A woman more beautiful than the one I love? The sun itself has never seen anyone as beautiful since the world began." Romeo gave his cousin a sad look, then sighed." I'll go with you. Not because I think you'll show me anything better, but so I can see the woman I love."