Two families, both esteemed,

In fair Verona, where our tale unfolds,

From age-old grudges ignite fresh conflict,

Where spilled blood tarnishes noble hands.

From the offspring of these two foes

A pair of star-crossed lovers end their lives;

Whose unfortunate, pitiful defeats

With their deaths, bury their parents’ strife.

The fearful journey of their doomed love,

And the continuation of their parents’ fury,

Which, save for their children’s demise, nothing could end,