What is the most likely reason that Benvolio doesn't tell the whole truth to the prince?

He knows that if he says Mercutio started the fight, then the prince will be less sympathetic to him.
He knows that if all the details were included, the prince would see Romeo as the villain.
He does not want to tell about his own involvement in order to avoid punishment.
There was simply not enough time to explain the whole story.

Question

What is the most likely reason that Benvolio doesn't tell the whole truth to the prince?

He knows that if he says Mercutio started the fight, then the prince will be less sympathetic to him.
He knows that if all the details were included, the prince would see Romeo as the villain.
He does not want to tell about his own involvement in order to avoid punishment.
There was simply not enough time to explain the whole story.

paki · Answer

it's the first one.... He knows that if he says Mercutio started the fight, then the prince will be less sympathetic to him..... @Kobes