Romeo & Juliet (B1) Full Version
August 23, 2025 • Tristan Palumbo
This story of tragedy and hope was written by William Shakespeare in 1595.
I have rewritten it in simpler English with love and care, so you can enjoy this masterful storytelling.
Chapter 1: The Feud
Long ago, in the beautiful city of Verona, Italy, there lived two rich families: the Capulets and the Montagues. These families hated each other very much. They had been enemies for many years.
Whenever these families met in the streets, there was violence.
The people of Verona were tired of living in fear from the fighting between the Capulets and the Montagues.
Romeo was the only son of Lord Montague. But he was a kind and adventurous young man.
Romeo didn’t care about the feud between the families. He was sad for another reason. He liked a girl named Rosaline, but she didn’t like him back.
Romeo wandered around the city, feeling heartbroken.
He walked to the town square and stared into the fountain. He watched the water splash around. Suddenly, he heard a voice: “Cousin!”
Romeo turned to see his cousin, Benvolio. Benvolio greeted him with a big smile.
“Forget about Rosaline,” Benvolio said. “There are many pretty girls in Verona.”
“But none like Rosaline,” Romeo said.
“I’ve got an idea!” said Benvolio excitedly. “The Capulets are having a big party tonight! Let’s check it out!”
“But the Capulets hate us!” said Romeo.
“So we’ll wear masks so nobody sees we’re Montagues!”
Romeo’s eyes sparkled; he liked this idea. “Deal!” said Romeo.
The two cousins laughed and high-fived. They were excited about their plan, although it was very dangerous.
That night, Romeo, Benvolio, and their best friend Mercutio put on beautiful masks and snuck into the Capulet’s party. They wanted to have fun! And to see what the Capulets were like.
Chapter 2: The Party
The Capulet mansion was big and beautiful. There were colorful lights everywhere. A band played, and people laughed and danced. Everyone was having a good time.
The three Montague boys were thrilled to be there! But they kept their masks on tight, to not be recognized.
Romeo looked around the grand hall. He looked up the stairs, where his eyes suddenly stopped. At the top stood the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she smiled warmly at everyone.
Romeo could not take his eyes off her.
Without thinking, Romeo walked up the stairs to her.
She grinned shyly as he came closer.
Romeo bowed slightly and held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”
She nodded and put her small hand in his. They walked down to the dance floor. They moved to the music and held each other close. Their eyes locked, as if the rest of the world had disappeared.
After the dance, Romeo led her to the mansion gardens. It was a warm night, and the air smelled sweet with roses and jasmine. They stood under an apple tree.
“Who are you?” asked the girl.
Romeo took off his mask. “I’m Romeo.”
“Romeo Montague?” she asked, shocked.
Romeo winked at her.
“You must be brave, coming to this party,” she said. “My family hates you guys.”
“I don’t care about our family’s feud,” Romeo said.
“I feel the same,” she said, looking up at him with wide eyes. She introduced herself as Juliet, the daughter of Lord Capulet.
Together, they walked slowly along a path lined with blooming flowers. Their hands brushed against each other as they walked, until Romeo held her hand. They felt something inside they had never felt before.
Juliet seemed worried. “Our families will never let us be together.”
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Then, they heard a shout! “Montague!”
It was Juliet’s angry cousin, Tybalt. “How dare you come here!” he growled.
Romeo said, “I mean no harm, friend. I only want to enjoy the party.”
“Montague dog! Leave immediately!” said Tybalt, taking out his sword.
Romeo had to leave quickly. He smiled to Juliet. “I’ll see you again soon, I promise.” And he left.
After Romeo had left the party, he couldn’t stop thinking about Juliet. He knew he had to see her again, as soon as possible.
As he walked home, Romeo made a decision. He turned around and walked back to the Capulet house.
He climbed into the Capulet garden. Then, he quietly walked to Juliet’s bedroom window, in the darkness.
Chapter 3: The Balcony
Later that night, Juliet walked onto her bedroom balcony. The candles and moonlight made her shine divinely. Romeo watched her from the shadows, captivated by her beauty.
Juliet looked up at the stars. She said, “Romeo, oh Romeo! Why do you have to be a Montague? If you weren’t, we could be together without fear.”
“Romeo, Romeo! Where are you?” Juliet said, already missing him.
She leaned over the balcony’s handrail, staring out into the garden’s darkness.
Then, Romeo stepped out from the shadows. “I’m here, my love.”
Juliet jumped in shock! “Romeo! If my family sees you here, they might kill you!”
“I had to see you once more, my love.”
“Quick! Come up here!” Juliet said.
Romeo climbed onto her balcony, and they sat talking together all night. They shared their hopes and fears, and wondered if the feud would ever end. They had much in common, and the night was magical for them both.
Then, in a perfect moment, they kissed on the balcony, under the stars and the moon.
Juliet held Romeo’s hand, and looked into his eyes with wonder.
“Oh Romeo, do you really love me? If not, please tell me,” said Juliet.
“I love you, Juliet Capulet. How can I prove it?” he said.
“If your love is true, ask me for marriage. It is the only way we can be together.”
“Yes, we will marry,” said Romeo, holding her close. “I will arrange everything for tomorrow, my love. We’ll marry in secret. Nobody can stop us!”
“Keep your promise, and I will follow you wherever God will take you.” A tear fell from Juliet’s eye.
“I’ll send you a message tomorrow morning where to meet me,” he said. He held her hand to his mouth and kissed it softly.
As the sun rose, they kissed a final time, and Romeo left.
They were thrilled for a future together, one where no one could keep them apart.
That morning, as the city was beginning to wake up, Romeo walked quickly through the quiet streets. He searched for his priest, to make the wedding arrangements.
Chapter 4: The Secret Marriage
That morning, Romeo found Friar Laurence, a kind and wise priest. Friar Laurence was like a father to Romeo. He always gave Romeo good advice. Romeo told the priest about Juliet and asked him to marry them in secret.
At first, Friar Laurence was unsure, but then he agreed to marry them. He hoped it would end the feud between the two families. Friar Laurence had already conducted many funerals because of the violence, and he had had enough.
Once it was arranged, Romeo gave a message to Juliet’s trusted nanny, telling Juliet to meet him at the church at 1pm.
When Juliet woke up, the sun was shining warmly through the window onto her bed. She wasn’t sure if the previous night was all a dream.
Suddenly, her nanny ran to her with a message, “My dear, Romeo has given me a message for you.” Juliet’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“He said to meet him at the church at 1pm. Romeo is a good man. And today my dear, you will marry him! Time to get you ready!”
Soon, Juliet would marry someone she loved, rather than someone of her parents’ choosing.
Juliet put on a simple white dress so no one would grow suspicious. Then, she and her nanny left the house on horseback towards the church.
Juliet met Romeo at a small stone church, just outside Verona. It was in a field full of wildflowers, with the sun lighting up its ancient stone walls.
When Juliet arrived, she got off her horse and ran into Romeo’s arms. They hugged tightly, and on this special day, they looked perfect.
Romeo put a flower in her hair. Then, he opened his hand, showing two rings. “Oh Romeo, you arranged everything!” said Juliet excitedly.
In the empty church, Friar Laurence performed the marriage ceremony. The ceremony was short, but beautiful. Only Juliet’s nanny was there to watch.
Friar Laurence said, “Romeo, do you take Juliet to love until death do you part?”
“I do,” said Romeo.
“And do you, Juliet?”
“I do,” said Juliet, smiling widely.
Romeo carefully put a ring on Juliet’s finger. Juliet did the same for Romeo, her hands shaking slightly.
“You are now husband and wife,” said the priest. The nurse clapped and threw flower petals at them.
They kissed, and Juliet looked deeply into Romeo’s eyes. Their dreams were within reach. They walked out of the church together.
However, their happiness didn’t last long…
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Chapter 5: A Terrible Fight
After the wedding, Romeo met Benvolio and his best friend Mercutio in the town square. They all talked happily by the fountain.
Romeo was about to tell them about the wedding, “My dear friends! I have the most wonderful news…”
But suddenly, an angry voice interrupted the moment.
“Montague!…”
“Fight me!”
Juliet’s cousin, Tybalt arrived. He stood in front of the boys, dressed completely in black. His sword glistened in his belt.
“You Montague filth were not invited to my house!” he said. He spat on the floor.
The town square became silent. Parents took their children away.
“I will not fight you, Tybalt!” Romeo said. He tried to explain about the wedding: “We have no reason to fight because…”
Romeo’s best friend Mercutio stepped in front of Romeo, “You think you’re tough, Tybalt? Leave now, before you get hurt!”
Tybalt pulled out his sword. Mercutio pulled out his as well. A sword fight started, attracting a crowd.
Tybalt attacked first. He lunged forward, his sword aimed at Mercutio’s chest. But Mercutio jumped back quickly. Tybalt’s sword just missed.
Then, Mercutio swung his sword at Tybalt. Tybalt ducked under it.
“Stop this!” Romeo shouted. Romeo jumped in between the two boys. He tried to stop the fight.
While he was holding back Mercutio, Tybalt stabbed Mercutio under Romeo’s arm. The sound of Tybalt’s sword going into Mercutio’s ribs made the crowd go pale.
Mercutio fell to the ground, holding his chest. His face turned white. He couldn’t breathe. Romeo hugged his best friend close.
Mercutio said, “I curse both your families! A plague on your families!” Those were his last words. The boy died in Romeo’s arms.
Tears of grief and anger filled Romeo’s eyes. Romeo pulled out his sword and pointed it at Tybalt. “Either you or I, or both of us will go with him!”
Tybalt was ready for him.
Romeo ran at Tybalt, and in just three moves, he thrust his sword deep into Tybalt’s chest.
Tybalt stepped back and sat down on the fountain’s edge. He looked down at his wound, and pressed his hand against it. Blood spilled out between his fingers.
Tybalt looked up at Romeo in confusion. Then he saw the wedding ring on Romeo’s finger.
“My cousin, do you see this?” said Romeo, pointing to the ring, crying wildly. “Just yesterday I married Juliet! You are now my family!”
Tybalt couldn’t believe it! Then, he fell backwards into the fountain. The water turned red.
Tybalt was the second young man to die that day because of the feud.
Romeo fell onto his knees. “What have I done?” He put his hands over his face.
Verona’s guards circled Romeo, and grabbed him. They took him away, and threw him in jail.
The next day, the courtroom was packed. Hundreds had come to see what would happen to the famous young Montague.
Guards brought Romeo out in front of the crowd. Chains were around his arms and ankles.
Romeo told the crowd what had happened, and how Mercutio was killed. Romeo knew he could be executed but at worst would never see Juliet again.
After many hours, the courtroom reached a decision. The judge said, “Our beautiful city has become a place of violence and fear. Today, we will make it safer. Romeo Montague, you will leave Verona and never return. If you do return, you will face execution! Do you understand?”
While these words were said, the only thing Romeo thought about was Juliet.
Juliet’s nanny was in the crowd. She rushed home to tell Juliet what had happened.
Chapter 6: The Plan
When Juliet heard the news, she cried all night. She could not live without Romeo.
Then she had another problem. Juliet’s parents wanted her to marry a rich man named Count Paris within a few days.
Her parents didn’t know she was already married to Romeo! The thought of marrying someone she did not love made Juliet sick. She had to find a way to join Romeo, no matter what.
That night, Juliet searched for Friar Laurence for help. Her horse ran quickly through the heavy mist, and it was difficult to see. She finally found the priest outside the old church.
Juliet told him everything that had happened. She begged for him to think of a way for her to be with Romeo. The Friar thought deeply, and then made a plan.
They walked into the basement of the church. Their echoing footsteps were drowned out by the sound of rain outside.
In the basement, the priest went to a cabinet and pulled out a small bottle.
“I have a daring plan,” said the priest.
He gave Juliet a special potion. “Drink this potion the night before your wedding to Paris. You’ll go into a very deep sleep.”
“What will happen to me?” she said.
“Your body will become cold and stiff. For 42 hours your family will think you’re dead!”
He continued, “Then, they’ll put your body in the Capulet tomb.”
“What about Romeo?”
“I’ll send a message to Romeo explaining the plan. Only he will know you are not truly dead. Romeo will go to the tomb and he will be there waiting for you when you wake up!”
For the first time in days, Juliet smiled. She imagined being with Romeo again.
Friar Laurence said, “And then promise me this. Together, you’ll run away far from here. You two are too good for this world.”
Juliet was nervous, but she trusted the priest. “I promise,” she said, and put the potion in her bag. She hugged the priest and left the church.
The night before her wedding to Paris, the Capulet household was full of joy and celebration! Paris’s family had come for drinks and dinner. There were speeches and fireworks. Everyone was excited for tomorrow’s big event!
But that night, Juliet went to bed early. She said she was tired and needed to rest for tomorrow.
In her room, Juliet took out the priest’s potion from her bag. She sat on her bed and held the small bottle. The liquid was a strange color. Juliet was scared.
Then, she imagined waking up in the tomb and seeing Romeo waiting beside her. “This is for you, my love,” she whispered to herself. “I love you so much. I love you more than the heavens and the Earth.”
Juliet took a deep breath, and then drank the potion. It tasted bitter.
As she swallowed, she suddenly felt cold all over. Her eyes quickly got heavy. She lay down. Her last thoughts were of her new life with Romeo in a new city, far away. She smiled and fell into a deep sleep.
As the priest foretold, sweet Juliet’s skin turned white and her lips turned blue. Her body became cold and stiff.
Chapter 7: The Message
That night, Friar Laurence got on his horse. He rode to Romeo to explain the plan. However, when he got to the city gates, they were locked because there was a plague in the city. The guards told the Friar to go away.
Friar Laurence pleaded with the guards to allow him to pass. But they did not listen to him. Then, Friar Laurence tried riding past the guards, but they pulled him off his horse and locked him in a cell for the night.
That night, Romeo did not receive the message that Juliet was not really dead. Romeo did not learn about the plan!
The next morning, the nanny went to wake up Juliet, but she could not. Juliet lay still and cold. The nurse screamed for help.
Lord and Lady Capulet ran into Juliet’s bedroom. Their beloved daughter lay dead, on her wedding day. Her parents’ painful cries echoed through the mansion.
With great sorrow, they dressed her in a beautiful white dress and put her young body in the family tomb.
News of Juliet’s death spread quickly through Verona. People gathered in the streets, saying, “The young Capulet girl—dead on her wedding day. What terrible luck for that family!”
Travelers and merchants brought the news to the nearby city of Mantua, where Romeo now lived.
Romeo could not believe what he had heard! He had to find out if this was true. He had to see Juliet again.
Romeo raced back to Verona, knowing if he was seen he could be killed.
In his mad grief, Romeo bought a powerful poison before going to the Capulet tomb.
When Romeo walked into the tomb, it was quiet, dark and smelled of roses. Statues of angels silently watched him.
Then, he saw her. Juliet lay there, looking peaceful and beautiful, even in death. She looked like she was sleeping.
Romeo burst into tears and then knelt next to her. He held her hand, and said how much he loved her.
He cried, “Oh my love! I know this poison is quick.” He kissed her cold lips one last time. “And with your kiss, I will die.”
He opened the bottle of poison. Then, he lifted the bottle, and drank every last drop. He lay next to her and put his arms around her. And for the first time in months, he was at peace, knowing he would join her soon.
Chapter 8: The Awakening
Juliet slowly opened her eyes. At first, everything was blurry.
Then, she saw Romeo lying next to her, and her heart filled with joy. She reached out to touch his face.
But something felt wrong, “Oh Romeo, Romeo?” She shook him but he did not move. Then, she saw the empty bottle of poison in his hand.
“Romeo, what have you done?” She shook him harder, but he did not wake up. “No, no, no,” she repeated, shaking her head.
“Oh, Romeo, why did you do this?” Tears streamed down her cheeks. She pulled Romeo’s body close, hugging him tightly. “Please, don’t leave me,” she sobbed, her whole body shaking.
She took the bottle from his hand and tried to drink it too—but there was none left.
“May poison be on your lips, so I can be in my rightful place.” She kissed his lips, hoping there was still poison on them, but nothing happened.
Juliet’s cries echoed in the empty tomb. She had woken, excited to start a new life with her love, but instead found the end of the world.
She took Romeo’s dagger and held its tip over her heart.
The sound of footsteps approached. “Noise? I must be quick,” cried Juliet. “Oh happy dagger, my body is your sheath. Stay inside me until you rust!”
With all her strength, she pushed the dagger deep into her heart, and lay on top of her husband.
Chapter 9: The Aftermath
People arrived at the tomb to find the tragedy.
Soon, the Capulet and Montague families arrived too. They saw their children, lying embraced and still. Everyone was crying, and asking what had happened.
Friar Laurence stood at the front. He told the whole story, “Romeo and Juliet were deeply in love and got married in secret. They knew they were not free to love each other in this world.”
The Friar told everyone about their plan, about Juliet’s sleeping potion and how Romeo did not get the message.
Friar Laurence called out, “All are punished! All are punished!” His voice echoed through the tomb.
The children’s fathers, Lord Capulet and Lord Montague stood there in silence, filled with shame.
Finally, Lord Capulet turned to Lord Montague and said, “Brother Montague, please shake my hand. It was my daughter’s wish.”
Lord Montague said, “I’ll give you that, and more. I’ll make the most beautiful statue in all of Verona, of your faithful Juliet.”
Lord Capulet said, “And I will make one of your Romeo, to forever stand next to her. And our children will never be forgotten.”
That day, Lord Capulet and Lord Montague promised to end the feud between their families. They would now live in peace, for their children Romeo and Juliet.
Chapter 10: Peace at Last
Today, the gold statues of Romeo and Juliet stand side by side, so the two lovers will always be together. These statues remind people of the power of love, and the terrible consequences of hate.
Romeo and Juliet’s love brought their families together. They showed that love can bring peace, and that love has the power to change the world.
The End.
© Tristan Palumbo. First published on Simple English Books. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder.
