The musicians refuse to play music when Peter asks because they feel it is too sad a day to play. This is suggested by their response indicating that it is not the right time for music, implying a somber mood rather than a celebratory one.
Read the excerpt from Act IV, scene iv of Romeo and Juliet.
Peter: Musicians! O! musicians, ‘Heart’s ease, Heart’s ease:’ O! an ye will have me live, play ‘Heart’s ease.’
First Musician: Why ‘Heart’s ease?’
Peter: O! musicians, because my heart itself plays ‘My heart is full of woe;’ O! play me some merry dump, to comfort me.
Second Musician: Not a dump we; ’tis no time to play now.
The musicians refuse to play music when Peter asks because they
don’t know which songs to play.
feel it is too sad a day to play.
want to get paid more.
dislike the Capulets.
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