I am the greatest, able to do least,
Yet most suspected, as the time and place
Doth make against me of this direful murder;
And here I stand, both to impeach and purge
Myself condemned and myself excused.
– William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet, Act 5, Scene 3. It’s confession time for Friar Laurence. He explains to Prince Escalus how he secretly married Romeo and Juliet and his flawed plans to reunite them went tragically wrong. Carrying a great deal of guilt for his role in the lovers’ deaths, the Friar accepts responsibility for his impulsive and reckless decision. He stands ready to take whatever punishment the Prince decrees.