Romeo and Juliet

Why does mercutio stand up to fight tybalt when romeo won't !?

Act Three Scene one !

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Mercutio believes that Romeo's refusal is an act of cowardice. Not knowing that his friend hs just married Juliet, Mercutio proclaims Romeo's refusal to defend his honor a "calm, dishonorable, vile submission." Thus, he tkes the matter into his own hands and defends Romeo's honor himself. 

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Romeo and Juliet