It's so dark that Romeo didn't know who he was fighting. Now, by torchlight, he sees that it was Paris--Mercutio's relative. Romeo thinks he remembers Balthasar telling him that Paris was supposed to marry Juliet, but he's so overwrought he's no longer sure.

Even now, Romeo isn't selfish. He gives his rival due honor: he buries Paris near Juliet, and curses Fate that frowned on Paris as well as on the lovers. He calls Paris, "one writ with me in sour misfortune's book," and promises, "I'll bury thee in a triumphant grave."

Then Romeo sees Juliet, and forgets everything else. As he looks ather he speaks the final irony:
O, my love, my wife! Death, that hath sucked the honey of thy breath, Hath had no power yet upon thy beauty.Thou art not conquered.(V, iii, 92-94)

You're right! we want to tell him, Death hasn't conquered her!
Another sad thing about these tender words is that they're so beautiful.
Romeo is inspired in Juliet's presence, but he's about to remove himself from her forever.
Before he starts his final farewell, he sees Tybalt, also buried in the family vault. A gentleman until the end, Romeo begs forgiveness of Tybalt, and promises that he'll kill himself to avenge Tybalt's death.

But Romeo can't keep his eyes off Juliet. Suddenly Romeo wonders if Death is in love with Juliet, and keeping her beautiful for himself. He makes his final farewell--a last look, a last hug, alast kiss. He raises the poison and cries, "Here's to my love!" This echoes Juliet when she drank the Friar's potion. Neither is able to do it for him or herself, but they have courage to do it for the other.

The poison is strong, and he dies instantly. Time has finally closed in on them. If he had waited only a few minutes, they could have lived.

My heart aches every time I read the ending. *sigh*

The Young Republic - Blue Skies (mp3)

Labels: mp3, random