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In Romeo and Juliet, the Queen Mab speech is a metaphor for love. Why did Shakespeare use this idea for love?

In Act I, Scene 4 of Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio tells Romeo that Queen Mab has visited Romeo in his sleep. Queen Mab is a curious creature who is "no bigger than an agate stone/ On the forefinger of an alderman" (I.4.56-57). In other words, she is a tiny creature who is as big as a ring. Her mini wagon is pulled by a gnat. She rides through lovers' brains and makes them dream of love. When Queen Mab drives over the lips of women, they, "straight on kisses dream, /Which oft the angry Mab with blisters plagues, /Because their breaths with sweetmeats tainted are" (I.4.77-79). In other words, Queen Mab rides over women's lips, and they dream of kisses. Then, Queen Mab gives them blisters because their breath smells like candy, which she does not like. This story is a metaphor for the idea that love can bring with it suffering and punishment. Shakespeare used this story to foreshadow the punishment that will come to the lovers, Romeo and Juliet.

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