July 16th 1560
Oh woe is me! Yesterday I was so happy. Oh Juliet! I shall never see you again! And to think I was with you this morning.
This morning I was up early, unable to stay a-bed a moment longer than necessary. I was to see my love this fine morning. Later I was laughing and joking with Mercutio and Benvolio, when a somewhat voluptuous lady did enter the courtyard. Being spry lads as we are, Mercutio, Benvolio and myself laughed at her. We mocked her until she asked for me, telling me she had a message for me from Lady Juliet. I listened at once. Benvolio and Mercutio had a good banter at the fact that such a hideous woman should wish to talk with me. Beasts! They know not of my predicament. Anyway, this sweet lady, who was Juliet's nurse, told me what I wanted to hear. She told me Juliet loved me, oh what music to my ears it was.
I told her to tell Juliet to go to the cell of Friar Lawrence later that day and there we should be married. Her nurse went all the way back to Juliet to deliver my wishes and later that day we were married. I was so happy.
I came out of Friar Lawrence's cell and made my way back to my home. I was light-headed and peaceful. In the courtyard of my house I was told immediately that Tybalt, Juliet's cousin, wished to fight me for intruding upon their festivities the previous evening. He said he wished to kill me. Well, I had no desire to fight my own kinsman so I declined graciously, thinking that would be the end of such a matter. But it was not to be. Mercutio, dear brave friend, offered to fight the duel for me. I tried to dissuade him but he insisted. They fought and Mercutio was wounded. We thought he was but jesting as he lay still. I lifted up his arm in order to pull him to his feet and we all gasped at the torrents of blood that gushed forth. My dear friend was dead. We were all so shocked. For a few seconds of blessed relief I stood numb over the body of my fallen friend. Then, as the pain and guilt returned to my body I started to look for Tybalt. My blood was hot and eager for his. I could hear Benvolio shouting at my to come away, away. Away! I heeded not his words though now I might wish I had. I found Tybalt. We fought. At last he lay dead at my feet. The murderer was done by. But, wait, that second killer was I. I had killed my own kinsman.
I cannot describe to you the feeling of shock, horror and revulsion that poured into my very veins. I couldn't move.
I had killed my own kinsman.
I was rushed to Friar Lawrence's cell where I am now writing this diary. The good friar is forming a plan but it is of little interest to me. I have been told that I am to be banished and may never return on pain of death. They think they are being merciful but I would rather be dead that be separated from my Juliet forever.
I weep continuously. What shall become of me?
RM