O, mickle is the powerful grace that lies
In herbs, plants, stones, and their true qualities:
For nought so vile that on the earth doth live
But to the earth some special good doth give,
Nor aught so good but strain’d from that fair use
Revolts from true birth, stumbling on abuse:
Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied;
And vice sometimes by action dignified.
– William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 3. As Friar Laurence gathers herbs in his garden, he speaks about the great power in herbs and plants. This can be a force for good or ill, depending on how it is handled. There is nothing on earth that is so evil it cannot provide the earth some good, he says. The friar is speaking about how herbs can be used to make medicine or poison. But is also referring to the human condition. Situations have the potential for good or evil, bounty or disaster. Virtue if misused can turn into vice, and vice can become virtue through incorrect action. This theme of the duality of all things is found throughout the play, it’s evident in many situations and characters. One example is the love between Romeo and Juliet. This is a good thing and transformative, but it is also dangerous and destructive, leading to their deaths following some rash decisions. Their deaths in turn also lead to good, bringing an end to the feud between their warring families. The friar’s speech is foreshadowing of the tragic events that happen at the end of the play.