Act II, scene ii of Romeo and Juliet is commonly known as the "balcony scene," and although this designation may be inaccurate (Shakespeare's stage directions call for Juliet to appear at a "window," not on a balcony), this scene has been quoted from, played, and misplayed more than any other in all of the Bard's works. It is proceeded by some astoundingly beautiful verse in Mercutio's "Queen Mab" speech of Act I, scene iv., and …showed first 75 words of 1184 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1184 total…they eyes, peace in thy breast!/Would I were sleep and peace, so sweet to rest!/Hence will I to my ghostly (sire's) close cell,/His help to crave, and my dear hap to tell" (ll.186-189). Thus, in addition to the natural sympathy that Romeo and Juliet evoke and to the beauty of the language they exchange, Shakespeare employs a number of technical, even experimental devices to increase the power of the balcony scene.