Romeo, Benvolio, and Mercutio enter at the feast at the Capulet house. They are wearing masks so they will not be noticed. Mercutio, a friend of the Prince, speaks with Romeo about his despair for Rosaline. Romeo tells Mercutio that he is miserable and that love hurts.
Mercutio gives a speech about Queen Mab, a fairy queen who supposedly brings dreams to humans. They end their talk and prepare to enter the house. Romeo speaks of danger to come: " . . . Some consequence, yet hanging in the stars,/ Shall bitterly begin his fearful date/ With this night's revels and expire the term/ Of a despised life, closed in my breast,/ By some vile forfeit of untimely death." Act 1, Scene 4, lines 107-111