It's interesting to think of what Friar Laurence might have put in the letter to Romeo that Romeo did not receive. It seems almost certain the friar would have made the following points:
First, no matter what rumors Romeo hears of Juliet being dead, they are false. She has just...
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been given a sleeping potion that makes her appear as if she is dead. The friar would probably remind Romeo that he, the friar, grows medicinal herbs of all sorts and knows what he is doing when it comes to giving a potion to Juliet.
The letter would also advise Romeo to appear at the tomb at night, so that the two could sneak away unseen to Mantua and await word from the friar.
The friar would also counsel Romeo to stick to the plan and not do anything impulsive, as Romeo is liable to do. He needs to trust the friar and not start drawing his own conclusions or doing anything that could put his or Juliet's life in danger. It would be completely in character for the friar to lecture Romeo.
Dear Romeo:
There has been a change in plans. Juliet is frantic because her father has moved up the wedding date which will join Paris and Juliet in marriage. Juliet wants to die. I had to intervene to keep Juliet from taking her own life. I realized I had no choice. I had to stop the wedding.
To prevent the wedding from taking place, I have devised a plan that I believe will work. I will give Juliet a sleeping potion which causes her to appear as if she is dead. Her family will believe their beloved daughter is dead and have a funeral procession and proper burial. For forty-two hours, Juliet will only be sleeping. After the potion wears off, she will awaken. You are to be there when she awakes. Then you can rescue her from the tomb. The two of you can run away together.
This will give me time to work out the feud between your parents. I will counsel both the Capulets and Montagues on the foolishness of carrying on a destructive feud all these years. It is time for the two familes to come together. When I can reunite the two feuding families, I will send word to you and Juliet. Do not return until I have sent word that it is safe to return home. I will be praying for a safe and successful outcome for this plan. God be with you and the dear Juliet.
Sincerely,
Friar Lawrence
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