* "Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;
Whose misadventured piteous overthrows
Do with their death bury their parents' strife."
* "But as two seas with standing bank and shore
Fight the world's wreck with world's opposing will
Where violent floods but come in with less roar
Drown'd their own wrath with Neptune's rage and skill.
So loved the two authority with equal might
And drew into themselves divested strength."
* "Then private vengeance of their fathers' quarrel,
When bloody Tybalt, Romeo's cousin, slain
Cool reason hurried forth his fume of blood,
And Tybalt's soul did make dear expiation
For Romeo's exile."
Metaphors
* "But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun."
* "When he beheld her, straight he did enquire
Which snow-dove flew to seek her breeding nest;
And through his eyes the tender wounded heart
Took the impression of her beauty's theft,"