By Adam Silbert
Verona-Monday. Romeo Montague was banished from Verona
today by order of the Prince as retribution for the slaying of Tybalt
Capulet. Only eyewitness, Benvolio
Montague described the melee during which local Veronan, Mercutio (rumored to
be close friend of the accused) was initially slain by Tybalt Capulet. The altercation seemed to be fueled by
a long standing feud that exists between the Capulets and Montagues.
Eyewitness
Benvolio recounted a rapidly escalating confrontation between Mercutio and
Tybalt during which Mercutio defamed Tybalt allegedly calling him “Prince of
Cats.” According to
Benvolio, Tybalt Capulet was angry that Romeo Montague had earlier appeared
uninvited at a Capulet party and had engaged in conversation with local beauty,
Juliet Capulet. Apparently enraged
at the possibility of a potential Capulet/Montague relationship, Tybalt took to
the streets in search of Romeo only to encounter a similarly belligerent
Mercutio.
Witnesses
state that a sword fight broke out shortly thereafter leaving Mercutio mortally
wounded. Subsequent to this outbreak, Romeo Montague arrived at the scene and
upon learning of his friend’s demise, confronted Tybalt Capulet and additional
swordplay followed during which Romeo Montague fatally stabbed Tybalt Capulet.
At the urging of Benvolio, Romeo fled the scene.
In
hopes of easing tensions between the rival families, the Prince decreed that
Romeo Montague be banished from the province. Local authorities were placed on
alert as an uneasy calm settled over Verona.