Throughout my travels across Italy, and in fact, the world (and time), I have found many wonders of the world that have been overlooked. For the interests of my citizens and loyal following, I have compiled them here.
1. Utada Hikaru-Dareka no Negai ga Kanau Koro (When Someone's Wishes Comes True)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll1oJ63xhWI
English Translation: http://www.animelyrics.com/jpop/utada/darekanonegai.htm
Written and performed by a truly amazing musician with an uncanny knack for connection, this song accurately describes my sentiments, particularly in regards to Romeo and Juliet's love. Describing a relationship where everyone cannot have the person they want, this is extremely reflective of the roles and wants of Romeo and Juliet as lovers and as Capulets or Montagues. The beautiful, nostalgic black and white scheme of the performance perfectly fit with my memories of that fateful night.
2. Socrates
The Greek philosopher is truly one of my greatest heroes. His world-renowned theories are astounding, but to me, his analytical process and view of philosopher-lead government are the most important. The presence and usage of logic is extremely important to me, an ideal that I have been bred to learn, study, and adopt since birth. Although I still require much more work in this respect, I believe Socratic analysis should be the basis for good government.
3. Julius Caesar
I truly consider Caesar to be one of the greatest statesman the world has ever known, or will know. His military prowess is unmatched, as proven by his triumphs at Pharsalus and with Alesia. Although I am just a ruler of a small city-state, I do have grand dreams, and hope of uniting all of Italy. Caesar's most well-known accomplishment would undoubtedly be the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire, just as I hope mine would be the transformation of Verona into the most well-off city, and perhaps country, in the world.
4. Leonardo da Vinci
Known as the archetypical Italian Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci is truly superhuman. His powers of invention, curiosity, and unendingly creative mind set him apart from mere mortals, and simply demand respect. Just like any member of the upper class, I am a patron of the arts, and da Vinci is, in my opinion, the best painter ever to live on the planet.
5. Mahatma Gandhi
Throughout my life, the importance of peace, justice, and co-existence has been impressed upon me. I have tried, in every step of my rule as prince of Verona, to incorporate such eliments into my work. None other than Mahatma Gandhi has been my guiding vision. His integrity and endless commitment to peace and justic through nonviolence is a trait that all should embody (especially the Capulets and Montagues).
Monday, March 30, 2009
When Someone's Wishes Come True
Today, a travelling musician came to our court today, and played a very melancholy tune. He said he learnt it while on his travels to the Far East, and played it here, translated in Italian, for us. As the lyrics recount, we become more selfish the more we wish for happiness. Everyone's wishes cannot be granted at once.
Just as Romeo and Juliet wished to be forever in each others arms, and the Capulet wished for the happy marriage of Paris and Juliet, and I wished for the end of the Capulet-Montague feud, not everyone's wishes was granted. As selfless my wish, it became domineering, and my sole purpose for the past several days. Today, my wish was granted, with dreadful consequences. Romeo, Juliet, and Paris died, for the sake of Verona. As the Montagues and Capulets were streaming tears profusely down their faces, my heart was simultaneously broken into a million peaces and sealed back together.
Although the Montagues and Capulets have bonded, and the city may sleep at peace again, I will not rest yet, for never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo.
Just as Romeo and Juliet wished to be forever in each others arms, and the Capulet wished for the happy marriage of Paris and Juliet, and I wished for the end of the Capulet-Montague feud, not everyone's wishes was granted. As selfless my wish, it became domineering, and my sole purpose for the past several days. Today, my wish was granted, with dreadful consequences. Romeo, Juliet, and Paris died, for the sake of Verona. As the Montagues and Capulets were streaming tears profusely down their faces, my heart was simultaneously broken into a million peaces and sealed back together.
Although the Montagues and Capulets have bonded, and the city may sleep at peace again, I will not rest yet, for never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo.
Exodus
The always brilliant Friar Laurence has hatched another plan, this one to reunite the two lovers. In addition from the romantic notion of allowing two loves to come together, they may prove to be the best hope this city has of ending the feud between the families. The Friar has briefed me on his plans, and as much as I can, I will attempt to assist him. However, the two families have spies all across the Mediterranean, and even our correspondence is in danger of discovery, and so my hands will be tied.
In truth, I have lost all respect for the two warring families. Romeo and Juliet are, however, different. Their love for each other transcends boundaries and prejudices, the true foundation of peaceful co-existence. Although I have tried to save Romeo from certain death in Verona, I do not believe Mantua shall be safe either. My contacts in the Capulet residence have alerted me of a plan by the Lady to assasinate Romeo in Mantua. Such action is simply vile, and I have already sent a message to my contacts in Mantua, with the express purpose of protecting Romeo from harm. He is, after all, perhaps Verona's last hope.
In truth, I have lost all respect for the two warring families. Romeo and Juliet are, however, different. Their love for each other transcends boundaries and prejudices, the true foundation of peaceful co-existence. Although I have tried to save Romeo from certain death in Verona, I do not believe Mantua shall be safe either. My contacts in the Capulet residence have alerted me of a plan by the Lady to assasinate Romeo in Mantua. Such action is simply vile, and I have already sent a message to my contacts in Mantua, with the express purpose of protecting Romeo from harm. He is, after all, perhaps Verona's last hope.
Devil Inside
On some days, I truly wonder if the devil resides in our city. Must our city, our beloveds, our citizens, and our kin suffer as the evil one wrecks havoc upon us?
As all are aware in this city, two beautiful sons of our city have been murdered, one has been banished, and the entire city is weeping. My dear cousin, Mercutio, has died at the hands of Tybalt, a Montague. Romeo has avenged my dear cousin Mercutio, yet he must suffer exactly for that. As family, I would congratulate and thank Romeo for his efforts, and denounce Tybalt and the Capulets. Yet, as the prince of Verona, I cannot do so. I must be fair and just, and punish those who disobey the law of Verona.
Nevertheless, I cannot do so. I cannot bear to see more lives killed. I cannot bear to see dear friends depart, and I cannot bear to destroy true love. Yet, as the lawbringer, the need for order in city comes first, and Romeo cannot stay. I have amerced the two families with so strong a fine, that you shall all repent the loss of mine, for mercy but murders, pardoning those that kill.
As all are aware in this city, two beautiful sons of our city have been murdered, one has been banished, and the entire city is weeping. My dear cousin, Mercutio, has died at the hands of Tybalt, a Montague. Romeo has avenged my dear cousin Mercutio, yet he must suffer exactly for that. As family, I would congratulate and thank Romeo for his efforts, and denounce Tybalt and the Capulets. Yet, as the prince of Verona, I cannot do so. I must be fair and just, and punish those who disobey the law of Verona.
Nevertheless, I cannot do so. I cannot bear to see more lives killed. I cannot bear to see dear friends depart, and I cannot bear to destroy true love. Yet, as the lawbringer, the need for order in city comes first, and Romeo cannot stay. I have amerced the two families with so strong a fine, that you shall all repent the loss of mine, for mercy but murders, pardoning those that kill.
The Beauty of Unconditional Love
Friar Laurence is an extremely important part of the city. An extremely altruistic, competent, and trustworthy individual full of integrity, his commitment to the peacekeeping of this city is simply astounding. Unknown by others, the Friar and I keep constant correspondence with each other, updating each other with news throughout the city. It was through this channel that I learnt of some surprising but ultimately hopeful news.
Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet have married! I cannot express my joy at this news, just as two lovers cannot express their love in words. If the Montagues and the Capulets were to become connected by marriage, they may be forced to end their feud! Unfortunately, nobody knows of this marriage outside the four of us, and it is unlikely either of their families will approve of the marriage. However, out of respect for the Friar and the two young Veronans, I will keep quiet, and pray for their blessings.
Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet have married! I cannot express my joy at this news, just as two lovers cannot express their love in words. If the Montagues and the Capulets were to become connected by marriage, they may be forced to end their feud! Unfortunately, nobody knows of this marriage outside the four of us, and it is unlikely either of their families will approve of the marriage. However, out of respect for the Friar and the two young Veronans, I will keep quiet, and pray for their blessings.
Another Fight. Again.
This morning, my rebellious subjects, the Montagues and Capulets, were at each other throats' again. I know not of how the quarrel started, and I wish not to know. No matter what happened, this affray is completely unaccepted, disturbing the peace of my beloved city, Verona, and causing unnecessary annoyance to our citizens. Although the Montagues and Capulets are both very loyal to Verona, and have demonstrated their patriotism, their feud disturbs the very foundation of this city, created by Verona's ancient citizens, of peaceful co-existence.
No matter what measures I take, the two families still do not stop their quarrels. Listen, my enemies of peace, three civil brawls, bred of an airy word, by thee, old Capulet and Montague, have thrice disturb'd the quiet of our streets. On all three times, I have threatened death, banishment, and other forms of amercement. Although, out of love for my citizens, I have yet to act on my word, the next time an affray occurs again, I will take serious measures against the two families.
No matter what measures I take, the two families still do not stop their quarrels. Listen, my enemies of peace, three civil brawls, bred of an airy word, by thee, old Capulet and Montague, have thrice disturb'd the quiet of our streets. On all three times, I have threatened death, banishment, and other forms of amercement. Although, out of love for my citizens, I have yet to act on my word, the next time an affray occurs again, I will take serious measures against the two families.
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