Prince Escalus warns that the next one to disturb the peace of Verona with another civil brawl, will be sentenced to death.
If ever you disturb our streets again,
Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace. (1.1.86-87)
The feud between the Capulets and the Montagues involves longstanding differences and visceral hatred. Furthermore, it may even be at the point where some of the people in the families do not even know the origin of this feud. So, because this is one of many conflicts that have occurred--even the servants are involved now--the prince is extremely frustrated and angry that his citizens are causing such civil strife. Therefore, he threatens those who have been fighting with a sentence of death in the hope that such a verdict will effectively prevent more brawls.
Shakespeare presents this highly emotional opening scene as one presaging disaster. Indeed, it is not surprisingly that Prince Escalus closes the play alluding to the same feud.
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