Romeo and Juliet — Act 1, Scene 1: Verona. A public place.

In Verona’s public street, two Capulet servants, Sampson and Gregory, joke crudely about their hatred of the Montagues and provoke a fight when Abraham and Balthasar of the Montague house arrive. Benvolio enters, tries to stop the violence, and is challenged by Tybalt, who hates peace and attacks him. More men from both families join the brawl until citizens break it up and the Prince arrives to condemn both houses for disturbing the city. After the others leave, Montague and Lady Montague ask Benvolio about Romeo, who has been seen alone and gloomy. Romeo appears, and Benvolio learns he is miserable because of unreturned love for a woman.