Question

Read the excerpt from Act III, scene iii of Romeo and Juliet.

Nurse: O Lord! I could have stay’d here all the night
To hear good counsel: O! what learning is.
My lord, I’ll tell my lady you will come.

Romeo: Do so, and bid my sweet prepare to chide.

Nurse: Here, sir, a ring she bid me give you, sir.
Hie you, make haste, for it grows very late. [Exit.]

Romeo: How well my comfort is reviv’d by this!

Why does Romeo feel "reviv’d,” or comforted?

Answer 1

Romeo has just been crushed by banishment and fears Juliet will hate him for killing Tybalt. The Nurse’s news — that Juliet sent a ring and will come to “chide” him — shows Juliet still loves and cares for him. The ring is a tangible token of her affection and the promise of her coming gives him hope and reassurance, so his despair is lifted and his comfort is "reviv’d."