Famous quotes from Romeo and Juliet

One of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, both in his lifetime and our own—with recent acclaimed productions from London’s West End to Central Park, Romeo and Juliet juxtaposes the joy and passion of first love against a violent world divided by a blood feud. Explore some of the tragedy’s most well-known quotes in the order in which they appear in the play.

A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life
—Chorus, Prologue

The two hours’ traffic of our stage
—Chorus, Prologue

You kiss by th’ book.
—Juliet, Act 1, Scene 5

My only love sprung from my only hate!
—Juliet, Act 1, Scene 5

But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the East, and Juliet is the sun.
—Romeo, Act 2, Scene 2

O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
—Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other word would smell as sweet.
—Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2

Parting is such sweet sorrow.
—Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2

For this alliance may so happy prove
To turn your households’ rancor to pure love.
—Friar Laurence, Act 2, Scene 3

These violent delights have violent ends
—Friar Laurence, Act 2, Scene 6

A plague o’ both your houses!
—Mercutio, Act 3, Scene 1

O, I am fortune’s fool!
—Romeo, Act 3, Scene 1

Hang thee, young baggage, disobedient wretch!
I tell thee what: get thee to church o’ Thursday,
Or never after look me in the face.
—Capulet, Act 3, Scene 5

Romeo, Romeo, Romeo! Here’s drink. I drink to thee.
—Juliet, Act 4, Scene 3

O true apothecary,
Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.
—Romeo, Act 5, Scene 3

O, happy dagger,
This is thy sheath. There rust, and let me die.
—Juliet, Act 5, Scene 3

All are punished.
—Prince, Act 5, Scene 3

For never was a story of more woe
Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.
—Prince, Act 5, Scene 3