Romeo and Juliet in modern English, scene by scene

About this translation

Every scene of Romeo and Juliet is set out twice: William Shakespeare’s words on one side, and on the other a plain modern English rendering of the same lines, in the same order. It is a way to read the original, not a replacement for it — the rendering says what the text says, and the text is the thing you quote.

Line numbers count the verse lines of each scene in the public-domain Project Gutenberg edition these pages are set from, so they may not match the numbering in a printed edition.

1. Act 1, Prologue — PrologueTwo families, equal in rank, in beautiful Verona, where we set our play, break out from…
2. Act 1, Scene 1 — A public place.Gregory, I give you my word, we won't carry coals.
3. Act 1, Scene 2 — A Street.But Montague is bound by the same order as I am, under the same penalty; and I don't…
4. Act 1, Scene 3 — Room in Capulet’s House.Nurse, where is my daughter? Call her out to me.
5. Act 1, Scene 4 — A Street.Well, is this speech going to be delivered as our excuse? Or shall we go in without any…
6. Act 1, Scene 5 — A Hall in Capulet’s House.Where's Potpan, that he isn't helping to clear away? Him move a plate! Him scrape a plate!

1. Act 2, Prologue — PrologueNow his old desire lies on its deathbed, and a young affection gapes wide to be its heir…
2. Act 2, Scene 1 — An open place adjoining Capulet’s Garden.Can I walk on when my heart stays here? Turn back, heavy body of earth, and find your…
3. Act 2, Scene 2 — Capulet’s Garden.He makes fun of scars, having never felt a wound.
4. Act 2, Scene 3 — Friar Lawrence’s Cell.The grey-eyed morning smiles on the frowning night, marking the eastern clouds with…
5. Act 2, Scene 4 — A Street.Where the devil can this Romeo be? Didn't he come home last night?
6. Act 2, Scene 5 — Capulet’s Garden.The clock struck nine when I sent the Nurse; she promised to be back in half an hour…
7. Act 2, Scene 6 — Friar Lawrence’s Cell.May the heavens smile on this holy act, so that later hours don't scold us with sorrow.

1. Act 3, Scene 1 — A public Place.Please, good Mercutio, let's go home. The day is hot, the Capulets are out and about, and…
2. Act 3, Scene 2 — A Room in Capulet’s House.Gallop fast, you fiery-footed horses, towards Phoebus' lodging. A driver like Phaeton…
3. Act 3, Scene 3 — Friar Lawrence’s cell.Romeo, come out; come out, you frightened man. Suffering is in love with your qualities…
4. Act 3, Scene 4 — A Room in Capulet’s House.Things have turned out so unluckily, sir, that we have had no time to persuade our…
5. Act 3, Scene 5 — An open Gallery to Juliet’s Chamber, overlooking the Garden.Are you going to leave? It's not nearly day yet. It was the nightingale, and not the…

1. Act 4, Scene 1 — Friar Lawrence’s Cell.On Thursday, sir? That's very soon.
2. Act 4, Scene 2 — Hall in Capulet’s House.Invite as many guests as are written down here.
3. Act 4, Scene 3 — Juliet’s Chamber.Yes, those clothes are the best ones. But, kind Nurse, please leave me by myself tonight…
4. Act 4, Scene 4 — Hall in Capulet’s House.Here, take these keys and bring more spices, Nurse.
5. Act 4, Scene 5 — Juliet’s Chamber; Juliet on the bed.Mistress! Hey, mistress! Juliet! Sound asleep, I'm sure she is. Come on, lamb! Come on…

1. Act 5, Scene 1 — Mantua. A Street.If I can trust the flattering eye of sleep, my dreams predict some joyful news is coming…
2. Act 5, Scene 2 — Friar Lawrence’s Cell.Holy Franciscan Friar! Brother, hello!
3. Act 5, Scene 3 — A churchyard; in it a Monument belonging to the Capulets.Give me your torch, boy. Go away and keep your distance. No, put it out, because I don't…