Now, the morning after the Capulet feast, Mercutio and Benvolio search for Romeo. Mercutio blames Romeo’s absence on his love for the “pale, hard-hearted wench,” Rosaline. Benvolio has discovered that Tybalt has sent Romeo a challenge to duel, and Mercutio is amused at the thought of an encounter between Romeo, the romantic, and Tybalt, the fashionable “Prince of Cats.” Romeo then arrives and engages in a long series of linked puns and quibbles with Mercutio.

The Nurse arrives with her servant, Peter, looking for Romeo. Mercutio exasperates her with his quick, sharp mockery. Mercutio leaves with Benvolio, and Romeo tells the Nurse that Juliet should meet him at Friar Laurence’s cell at 2 p.m. that afternoon to be married. The Nurse is to collect a rope ladder from Romeo so that he can climb to Juliet’s window to celebrate their wedding night.