Take thou this vial, being then in bed,
And this distilled liquor drink thou off;
When presently through all thy veins shall run
A cold and drowsy humour, for no pulse
Shall keep his native progress, but surcease:
No warmth, no breath, shall testify thou livest.
– William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet, Act 4, Scene 1. Friar Laurence offers Juliet a way out of her father’s forced marriage to Paris. He gives her a vial of potion, which will put her in a deep sleep and mimic the appearance of death, making her appear dead to others. This is a reckless plan on the part of the Friar, which will lead to a tragic fate for both Juliet and Romeo.