Benvolio is the play's peacemaker. His first words in Romeo and Juliet are "Part, fools! Put up your swords; you know not what you do" as he attempts to stop a fight. Benvolio learns Romeo is lovesick because he is in love with Rosaline, but "out of her favor." We find out that Romeo, in fact, is lusting after Rosaline, and grieving her "chastity." He calls it a "huge waste" that someone so beautiful is so chaste. Benvolio tells him to forget her and "examine other beauties."
A short time later, Benvolio and Romeo learn of the Capulets' party, which Rosaline will attend. Benvolio advises Romeo to go to the party and compare Rosaline with the other beauties of Verona who will be there. Once Romeo sees some of the other lovely young women of Verona, Benvolio believes Rosaline won't seem so beautiful to Romeo:
She shall scant show well that now seems best.
Benvolio knows his cousin well; it doesn't take Romeo long to find another love interest.
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