Page to Paris

When he goes to Juliet's tomb, Paris is accompanied by his Page, who is carrying a torch, for light, and flowers. Having found the way to Juliet's grave, Paris now wants to be alone. He says, "Give me thy torch, boy: hence, and stand aloof [at a distance]: / Yet put it out, for I would not be seen" (5.3.1-2) . Paris then tells his Page to "Under yond yew-trees lay thee all along [flat], / Holding thine ear close to the hollow ground" (5.3.3-4). If the Page hears anyone approach, he is to signal Paris with a whistle. Taking the flowers from the Page, Paris sends him away. The Page does as he is told, but says to himself (and us), "I am almost afraid to stand alone / Here in the churchyard; yet I will adventure" (5.3.10-11). The churchyard, with all of the graves, is a spooky place, but the Page will "adventure," take his chances.

A little later, seeing Paris fight Romeo, the Page runs away to call the Watch. After both Romeo and Juliet are dead, the Page reappears, leading the watchmen to Juliet's tomb.

In the aftermath of the events, Prince Escalus asks the Page what Paris was doing at Juliet's tomb. The Page gives a brief account of what he knows, starting with "He [Paris] came with flowers to strew his lady's grave . . . ." (5.3.281). [Scene Summary]