Answer:
Explanation:
Benvolio is trying to be sure the whole thing looks like Tybalt's fault. He's trying to have the prince believe that Romeo was acting in defense only.
Benvolio said, "Romeo, that spoke him fair, bade him bethink
How nice the quarrel was and urged withal
Your high displeasure. All this uttered
With gentle breath, calm look, knees humbly bowed, " making Romeo sound very calm, and saying he told Tybalt the Prince would not be happy if they fought.
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The next lines, "Could not take truce with the unruly spleen
Of Tybalt deaf to peace, but that he tilts
With piercing steel at bold Mercutio’s breast" refer to the fact that Tybalt wouldn't listen to Romeo's request to not fight.
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When Benvolio says, "Romeo, he cries aloud,
“Hold, friends! Friends, part!” " he's again trying to show that Romeo was trying to keep the peace.
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and then Benvolio said,
"An envious thrust from Tybalt hit the life
Of stout Mercutio, and then Tybalt fled.
But by and by comes back to Romeo,
Who had but newly entertained revenge,
And to ’t they go like lightning, for ere I
Could draw to part them was stout Tybalt slain.
170 And, as he fell, did Romeo turn and fly. This is the truth, or let Benvolio die"
So Tybalt killed Mercutio, ran away and then came back while Romeo had just had a moment to think of revenge and start to fight. They fought so quickly Benvolio couldn't stop them before Tybalt was dead.
Hope this helps.
