Good citizens of Verona, we are here to grieve the loss of a precious child of God. Romeo Montague, a young man who was like a son to me has passed away due to a series of misfortunate events. Although Romeo passed far too soon, we can still remember the legacy Romeo has left us, and appreciate the many lessons he has taught us. I first knew Romeo as a little boy, born into a family in a harsh, long-lasting feud with the Capulet household. Over the years, I served as a mentor to him. He would often come to my cell to confide his problems to me. It was through these talks that I befriended him and instilled upon him the fundamentals of life. I taught him to disregard the conflict between his family and the Capulets, and to always acquire new friends, not enemies. Romeo turned out to be a polite, kind, and caring young man. He was also a very solitary young man; he would rather take walks through the sycamore trees than run around with his friends. One day, Romeo visited me in order to seek my advice. He was lovesick and depressed that Rosaline didn’t return the love he felt for her, and that she decided to become a nun. Sympathetically, I counseled him and advised him, as his friends Mercutio and Benvolio did, to find another woman in Verona. Romeo was still lovesick, but before long, Romeo was back yet again; this time barring good news. Romeo had found a new love, and this time, the feeling of love was mutual. I remember Romeo saying such words as, “Then plainly know my heart’s dear love is set on the fair daughter of rich Capulet: As mine on hers, so hers is set on mine; And all combined, save what thou must combine” (2. 3. 57-60).
Romeo had an incredibly deep love for Juliet. He helps me to appreciate the little things in life, and I am very thankful to have been blessed enough to have been so close to him. I was so moved by Romeo’s words, and passion for his love, that I agreed to marry him and Juliet