The opera has a German libretto by Friedrich Wilhelm Gotter that is based upon Christian Felix Weiße's translation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Gotter's text also makes Julie the strongest and most important character in the opera, which is further reflected in Benda's score.

Gotter also gave his version of Romeo and Juliet a happy ending, in accordance with operatic tradition at that time.

He is suspicious that Julie's emotional behavior may not be over her cousin's death but Romeo's departure and is fearful that the two may be in love.

Laura returns and warns her of a plot hatched by Camilla which could result in her incarceration and forced marriage.

Friar Laurence arrives and suggests a solution to Julie's dilemma: a sleeping draught will make her appear dead and, once laid in the family vault, Romeo will be able to rescue her and take her away forever.

The Capulet Family mourns over the body of Julie and she is laid in the mausoleum close to the corpse of Tybalt.

He persuades Capulet to swear that he would accept Romeo Montague as his son-in-law if only his daughter could be restored to life.