At this point, Paris, a kinsman to Prince Escalus, enters and informs Friar Laurence that he has been granted permission by the Prince to marry Juliet the following Thursday. Paris shares his excitement about the upcoming nuptials and plans to visit Juliet that same day.
Friar Laurence is left alone once again, and his soliloquy reveals his dilemma. He recognizes the potential danger of Juliet marrying Paris while Romeo remains exiled. He hopes for divine guidance and devises a plan to send a message to Romeo, informing him of the arranged marriage and instructing him to return to Verona in secret.
As the scene progresses, Friar John, a fellow friar, arrives. Friar Laurence entrusts him with the crucial task of delivering the letter to Romeo in Mantua. He emphasizes the urgency and importance of the message, hoping that Romeo will receive it before the scheduled wedding takes place.
With the dispatch of Friar John, Act 4, Scene 1 comes to an end, leaving Friar Laurence and the audience awaiting the outcome of this clandestine communication and its impact on the fate of Romeo and Juliet.