In this excerpt from act V of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Romeo encounters Paris when he enters Juliet’s grave. Paris challenges him to a duel, but Romeo pleads to be left alone before he is forced to fight. What does this excerpt reveal about Romeo’s character? ROMEO: I must indeed; and therefore came I hither.
Good gentle youth, tempt not a desperate man;
Fly hence, and leave me: think upon these gone;
Let them affright thee. I beseech thee, youth,
Put not another sin upon my head,
By urging me to fury: O, be gone!
By heaven, I love thee better than myself;
For I come hither arm'd against myself:
Stay not, be gone; live, and hereafter say,
A madman's mercy bade thee run away.