Much Ado about Nothing

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Much adoe about Nothing

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expandMe Act I

expandMe Act I. Scene I. Before Leonato's house.

1 - 1:    Act I. Scene I. Before Leonato's house.

Enter Leonato, Hero, and Beatrice, with a Messenger

 

Leonato (1)

I learn in this letter that Don Peter of Arragon

comes this night to Messina.

Much adoe about Nothing
Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.

Enter Leonato Gouernour of Messina, Innogen his wife, Hero his daughter, and Beatrice his Neece, with a messenger.

Leonato. I learne in this Letter, that Don Peter of Arragon,

comes this night to Messina

 

Messenger (2)

He is very near by this: he was not three leagues off

when I left him.

Mess. He is very neere by this: he was not

three Leagues off when I left him

 

Leonato (3)

How many gentlemen have you lost in this action?

Leon. How many Gentlemen haue you lost in this

action?

 

Messenger (4)

But few of any sort, and none of name.

Mess. But few of any sort, and none of name

 

Leonato (5)

A victory is twice itself when the achiever brings

home full numbers. I find here that Don Peter hath

bestowed much honour on a young Florentine called Claudio.

Leon. A victorie is twice it selfe, when the atchieuer

brings home full numbers: I finde heere, that Don Peter

hath bestowed much honor on a yong Florentine, called

Claudio

 

Messenger (6)

10

Much deserved on his part and equally remembered by

Don Pedro: he hath borne himself beyond the

promise of his age, doing, in the figure of a lamb,

the feats of a lion: he hath indeed better

bettered expectation than you must expect of me to

tell you how.

Mess. Much deseru'd on his part, and equally remembred

by Don Pedro, he hath borne himselfe beyond the

promise of his age, doing in the figure of a Lambe, the

feats of a Lion, he hath indeede better bettred expectation,

then you must expect of me to tell you how

 

Leonato (7)

He hath an uncle here in Messina will be very much

glad of it.

Leo. He hath an Vnckle heere in Messina, wil be very

much glad of it

 

Messenger (8)

I have already delivered him letters, and there

appears much joy in him; even so much that joy could

20

not show itself modest enough without a badge of

bitterness.

Mess. I haue alreadie deliuered him letters, and there

appeares much ioy in him, euen so much, that ioy could

not shew it selfe modest enough, without a badg of bitternesse

 

Leonato (9)

Did he break out into tears?

Leo. Did he breake out into teares?

 

Messenger (10)

In great measure.

Mess. In great measure

 

Leonato (11)

A kind overflow of kindness: there are no faces

truer than those that are so washed. How much

better is it to weep at joy than to joy at weeping!

Leo. A kinde ouerflow of kindnesse, there are no faces

truer, then those that are so wash'd, how much better

is it to weepe at ioy, then to ioy at weeping?

 

Beatrice (12)

I pray you, is Signior Mountanto returned from the

wars or no?

Bea. I pray you, is Signior Mountanto return'd from

the warres, or no?

 

Messenger (13)

I know none of that name, lady: there was none such

30

in the army of any sort.

Mess. I know none of that name, Lady, there was

none such in the armie of any sort

 

Leonato (14)

What is he that you ask for, niece?

Leon. What is he that you aske for Neece?

 

Hero (15)

My cousin means Signior Benedick of Padua.

Hero. My cousin meanes Signior Benedick of Padua

 

Messenger (16)

O, he's returned; and as pleasant as ever he was.

Mess. O he's return'd, and as pleasant as euer he was

 

Beatrice (17)

He set up his bills here in Messina and challenged

Cupid at the flight; and my uncle's fool, reading

the challenge, subscribed for Cupid, and challenged

him at the bird-bolt. I pray you, how many hath he

killed and eaten in these wars? But how many hath

he killed? for indeed I promised to eat all of his killing.

Beat. He set vp his bils here in Messina, & challeng'd

Cupid at the Flight: and my Vnckles foole reading the

Challenge, subscrib'd for Cupid, and challeng'd him at

the Burbolt. I pray you, how many hath hee kil'd and

eaten in these warres? But how many hath he kil'd? for

indeed, I promis'd to eate all of his killing

 

Leonato (18)

40

Faith, niece, you tax Signior Benedick too much;

but he'll be meet with you, I doubt it not.

Leon. 'Faith Neece, you taxe Signior Benedicke too

much, but hee'l be meete with you, I doubt it not

 

Messenger (19)

He hath done good service, lady, in these wars.

Mess. He hath done good seruice Lady in these wars

 

Beatrice (20)

You had musty victual, and he hath holp to eat it:

he is a very valiant trencherman; he hath an

excellent stomach.

excellent stomacke

 

Messenger (21)

And a good soldier too, lady.

Mess. And a good souldier too Lady

 

Beatrice (22)

And a good soldier to a lady: but what is he to a lord?

Beat. And a good souldier to a Lady. But what is he

to a Lord?

 

Messenger (23)

A lord to a lord, a man to a man; stuffed with all

honourable virtues.

Mess. A Lord to a Lord, a man to a man, stuft with

all honourable vertues

 

Beatrice (24)

50

It is so, indeed; he is no less than a stuffed man:

but for the stuffing,--well, we are all mortal.

Beat. It is so indeed, he is no lesse then a stuft man:

but for the stuffing well, we are all mortall

 

Leonato (25)

You must not, sir, mistake my niece. There is a

kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick and her:

they never meet but there's a skirmish of wit

between them.

Leon. You must not (sir) mistake my Neece, there is

a kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick, & her:

they neuer meet, but there's a skirmish of wit between

them

 

Beatrice (26)

Alas! he gets nothing by that. In our last

conflict four of his five wits went halting off, and

now is the whole man governed with one: so that if

he have wit enough to keep himself warm, let him

60

bear it for a difference between himself and his

horse; for it is all the wealth that he hath left,

to be known a reasonable creature. Who is his

companion now? He hath every month a new sworn brother.

Bea. Alas, he gets nothing by that. In our last conflict,

foure of his fiue wits went halting off, and now is

the whole man gouern'd with one: so that if hee haue

wit enough to keepe himselfe warme, let him beare it

for a difference betweene himselfe and his horse: For it

is all the wealth that he hath left, to be knowne a reasonable

creature. Who is his companion now? He hath

euery month a new sworne brother

 

Messenger (27)

Is't possible?

Mess. Is't possible?

 

Beatrice (28)

Very easily possible: he wears his faith but as

the fashion of his hat; it ever changes with the

next block.

Beat. Very easily possible: he weares his faith but as

the fashion of his hat, it euer changes with y next block

 

Messenger (29)

I see, lady, the gentleman is not in your books.

Mess. I see (Lady) the Gentleman is not in your

bookes

 

Beatrice (30)

No; an he were, I would burn my study. But, I pray

70

you, who is his companion? Is there no young

squarer now that will make a voyage with him to the devil?

Bea. No, and he were, I would burne my study. But

I pray you, who is his companion? Is there no young

squarer now, that will make a voyage with him to the

diuell?

 

Messenger (31)

He is most in the company of the right noble Claudio.

Mess. He is most in the company of the right noble

Claudio

 

Beatrice (32)

O Lord, he will hang upon him like a disease: he

is sooner caught than the pestilence, and the taker

runs presently mad. God help the noble Claudio! if

he have caught the Benedick, it will cost him a

thousand pound ere a' be cured.

Beat. O Lord, he will hang vpon him like a disease:

he is sooner caught then the pestilence, and the taker

runs presently mad. God helpe the noble Claudio, if hee

haue caught the Benedict, it will cost him a thousand

pound ere he be cur'd

 

Messenger (33)

I will hold friends with you, lady.

Mess. I will hold friends with you Lady

 

Beatrice (34)

Do, good friend.

Bea. Do good friend

 

Leonato (35)

80

You will never run mad, niece.

Leo. You'l ne're run mad Neece

 

Beatrice (36)

No, not till a hot January.

Bea. No, not till a hot Ianuary

 

Messenger (37)

Don Pedro is approached.

Mess. Don Pedro is approach'd.

Enter Don Pedro, Don John, Claudio, Benedick, and Balthasar

 

Don Pedro (38)

Good Signior Leonato, you are come to meet your

trouble: the fashion of the world is to avoid

cost, and you encounter it.

Enter don Pedro, Claudio, Benedicke, Balthasar, and Iohn the bastard.

Pedro. Good Signior Leonato, you are come to meet

your trouble: the fashion of the world is to auoid cost,

and you encounter it

 

Leonato (39)

Never came trouble to my house in the likeness of

your grace: for trouble being gone, comfort should

remain; but when you depart from me, sorrow abides

and happiness takes his leave.

Leon. Neuer came trouble to my house in the likenes

of your Grace: for trouble being gone, comfort should

remaine: but when you depart from me, sorrow abides,

and happinesse takes his leaue

 

Don Pedro (40)

90

You embrace your charge too willingly. I think this

is your daughter.

Pedro. You embrace your charge too willingly: I

thinke this is your daughter

 

Leonato (41)

Her mother hath many times told me so.

Leonato. Her mother hath many times told me so

 

Benedick (42)

Were you in doubt, sir, that you asked her?

Bened. Were you in doubt that you askt her?

 

Leonato (43)

Signior Benedick, no; for then were you a child.

Leonato. Signior Benedicke, no, for then were you a

childe

 

Don Pedro (44)

You have it full, Benedick: we may guess by this

what you are, being a man. Truly, the lady fathers

herself. Be happy, lady; for you are like an

honourable father.

Pedro. You haue it full Benedicke, we may ghesse by

this, what you are, being a man, truely the Lady fathers

her selfe: be happie Lady, for you are like an honorable

father

 

Benedick (45)

If Signior Leonato be her father, she would not

100

have his head on her shoulders for all Messina, as

like him as she is.

Ben. If Signior Leonato be her father, she would not

haue his head on her shoulders for al Messina, as like him

as she is

 

Beatrice (46)

I wonder that you will still be talking, Signior

Benedick: nobody marks you.

Beat. I wonder that you will still be talking, signior

Benedicke, no body markes you

 

Benedick (47)

What, my dear Lady Disdain! are you yet living?

Ben. What my deere Ladie Disdaine! are you yet

liuing?

 

Beatrice (48)

Is it possible disdain should die while she hath

such meet food to feed it as Signior Benedick?

Courtesy itself must convert to disdain, if you come

in her presence.

Beat. Is it possible Disdaine should die, while shee

hath such meete foode to feede it, as Signior Benedicke?

Curtesie it selfe must conuert to Disdaine, if you come in

her presence

 

Benedick (49)

Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I

110

am loved of all ladies, only you excepted: and I

would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard

heart; for, truly, I love none.

Bene. Then is curtesie a turne-coate, but it is certaine

I am loued of all Ladies, onely you excepted: and

I would I could finde in my heart that I had not a hard

heart, for truely I loue none

 

Beatrice (50)

A dear happiness to women: they would else have

been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God

and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that: I

had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man

swear he loves me.

Beat. A deere happinesse to women, they would else

haue beene troubled with a pernitious Suter, I thanke

God and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that, I

had rather heare my Dog barke at a Crow, than a man

sweare he loues me

 

Benedick (51)

God keep your ladyship still in that mind! so some

gentleman or other shall 'scape a predestinate

120

scratched face.

Bene. God keepe your Ladiship still in that minde,

so some Gentleman or other shall scape a predestinate

scratcht face

 

Beatrice (52)

Scratching could not make it worse, an 'twere such

a face as yours were.

Beat. Scratching could not make it worse, and 'twere

such a face as yours were

 

Benedick (53)

Well, you are a rare parrot-teacher.

Bene. Well, you are a rare Parrat teacher

 

Beatrice (54)

A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours.

Beat. A bird of my tongue, is better than a beast of

your

 

Benedick (55)

I would my horse had the speed of your tongue, and

so good a continuer. But keep your way, i' God's

name; I have done.

Ben. I would my horse had the speed of your tongue,

and so good a continuer, but keepe your way a Gods

name, I haue done

 

Beatrice (56)

You always end with a jade's trick: I know you of old.

Beat. You alwaies end with a Iades tricke, I know

you of old

 

Don Pedro (57)

That is the sum of all, Leonato. Signior Claudio

130

and Signior Benedick, my dear friend Leonato hath

invited you all. I tell him we shall stay here at

the least a month; and he heartily prays some

occasion may detain us longer. I dare swear he is no

hypocrite, but prays from his heart.

Pedro. This is the summe of all: Leonato, signior Claudio,

and signior Benedicke; my deere friend Leonato, hath

inuited you all, I tell him we shall stay here, at the least

a moneth, and he heartily praies some occasion may detaine

vs longer: I dare sweare hee is no hypocrite, but

praies from his heart

 

Leonato (58)

If you swear, my lord, you shall not be forsworn.

To Don John

Let me bid you welcome, my lord: being reconciled to

the prince your brother, I owe you all duty.

Leon. If you sweare, my Lord, you shall not be forsworne,

let mee bid you welcome, my Lord, being reconciled

to the Prince your brother: I owe you all

duetie

 

Don John (59)

I thank you: I am not of many words, but I thank

you.

Iohn. I thanke you, I am not of many words, but I

thanke you

 

Leonato (60)

140

Please it your grace lead on?

Leon. Please it your grace leade on?

 

Don Pedro (61)

Your hand, Leonato; we will go together.

Exeunt all except Benedick and Claudio

Pedro. Your hand Leonato, we will goe together.

Exeunt. Manet Benedicke and Claudio.

 

Claudio (62)

Benedick, didst thou note the daughter of Signior Leonato?

Clau. Benedicke, didst thou note the daughter of signior

Leonato?

 

Benedick (63)

I noted her not; but I looked on her.

Bene. I noted her not, but I lookt on her

 

Claudio (64)

Is she not a modest young lady?

Claud. Is she not a modest yong Ladie?

 

Benedick (65)

Do you question me, as an honest man should do, for

my simple true judgment; or would you have me speak

after my custom, as being a professed tyrant to their sex?

Bene. Doe you question me as an honest man should

doe, for my simple true iudgement? or would you haue

me speake after my custome, as being a professed tyrant

to their sexe?

 

Claudio (66)

No; I pray thee speak in sober judgment.

Clau. No, I pray thee speake in sober iudgement

 

Benedick (67)

Why, i' faith, methinks she's too low for a high

150

praise, too brown for a fair praise and too little

for a great praise: only this commendation I can

afford her, that were she other than she is, she

were unhandsome; and being no other but as she is, I

do not like her.

Bene. Why yfaith me thinks shee's too low for a hie

praise, too browne for a faire praise, and too little for a

great praise, onely this commendation I can affoord her,

that were shee other then she is, she were vnhandsome,

and being no other, but as she is, I doe not like her

 

Claudio (68)

Thou thinkest I am in sport: I pray thee tell me

truly how thou likest her.

Clau. Thou think'st I am in sport, I pray thee tell me

truely how thou lik'st her

 

Benedick (69)

Would you buy her, that you inquire after her?

Bene. Would you buie her, that you enquier after

her?

 

Claudio (70)

Can the world buy such a jewel?

Clau. Can the world buie such a iewell?

 

Benedick (71)

Yea, and a case to put it into. But speak you this

160

with a sad brow? or do you play the flouting Jack,

to tell us Cupid is a good hare-finder and Vulcan a

rare carpenter? Come, in what key shall a man take

you, to go in the song?

Ben. Yea, and a case to put it into, but speake you this

with a sad brow? Or doe you play the flowting iacke, to

tell vs Cupid is a good Hare-finder, and Vulcan a rare

Carpenter: Come, in what key shall a man take you to

goe in the song?

 

Claudio (72)

In mine eye she is the sweetest lady that ever I

looked on.

Clau. In mine eie, she is the sweetest Ladie that euer

I lookt on

 

Benedick (73)

I can see yet without spectacles and I see no such

matter: there's her cousin, an she were not

possessed with a fury, exceeds her as much in beauty

as the first of May doth the last of December. But I

170

hope you have no intent to turn husband, have you?

Bene. I can see yet without spectacles, and I see no

such matter: there's her cosin, and she were not possest

with a furie, exceedes her as much in beautie, as the first

of Maie doth the last of December: but I hope you haue

no intent to turne husband, haue you?

 

Claudio (74)

I would scarce trust myself, though I had sworn the

contrary, if Hero would be my wife.

Clau. I would scarce trust my selfe, though I had

sworne the contrarie, if Hero would be my wife

 

Benedick (75)

Is't come to this? In faith, hath not the world

one man but he will wear his cap with suspicion?

Shall I never see a bachelor of three-score again?

Go to, i' faith; an thou wilt needs thrust thy neck

into a yoke, wear the print of it and sigh away

Sundays. Look Don Pedro is returned to seek you.

Bene. Ist come to this? in faith hath not the world one

man but he will weare his cap with suspition? shall I neuer

see a batcheller of three score againe? goe to yfaith,

and thou wilt needes thrust thy necke into a yoke, weare

the print of it, and sigh away sundaies: looke, don Pedro

is returned to seeke you.

Enter Don Pedro

 

Don Pedro (76)

What secret hath held you here, that you followed

180

not to Leonato's?

Enter don Pedro, Iohn the bastard.

Pedr. What secret hath held you here, that you followed

not to Leonatoes?

 

Benedick (77)

I would your grace would constrain me to tell.

Bened. I would your Grace would constraine mee to

tell

 

Don Pedro (78)

I charge thee on thy allegiance.

Pedro. I charge thee on thy allegeance

 

Benedick (79)

You hear, Count Claudio: I can be secret as a dumb

man; I would have you think so; but, on my

allegiance, mark you this, on my allegiance. He is

in love. With who? now that is your grace's part.

Mark how short his answer is;--With Hero, Leonato's

short daughter.

Ben. You heare, Count Claudio, I can be secret as a

dumbe man, I would haue you thinke so (but on my allegiance,

marke you this, on my allegiance) hee is in

loue, With who? now that is your Graces part: marke

how short his answere is, with Hero, Leonatoes short

daughter

 

Claudio (80)

If this were so, so were it uttered.

Clau. If this were so, so were it vttred

 

Benedick (81)

190

Like the old tale, my lord: 'it is not so, nor

'twas not so, but, indeed, God forbid it should be

so.'

Bened. Like the old tale, my Lord, it is not so, nor 'twas

not so: but indeede, God forbid it should be so

 

Claudio (82)

If my passion change not shortly, God forbid it

should be otherwise.

Clau. If my passion change not shortly, God forbid it

should be otherwise

 

Don Pedro (83)

Amen, if you love her; for the lady is very well worthy.

Pedro. Amen, if you loue her, for the Ladie is verie

well worthie

 

Claudio (84)

You speak this to fetch me in, my lord.

Clau. You speake this to fetch me in, my Lord

 

Don Pedro (85)

By my troth, I speak my thought.

Pedr. By my troth I speake my thought

 

Claudio (86)

And, in faith, my lord, I spoke mine.

Clau. And in faith, my Lord, I spoke mine

 

Benedick (87)

And, by my two faiths and troths, my lord, I spoke mine.

Bened. And by my two faiths and troths, my Lord, I

speake mine

 

Claudio (88)

200

That I love her, I feel.

Clau. That I loue her, I feele

 

Don Pedro (89)

That she is worthy, I know.

Pedr. That she is worthie, I know

 

Benedick (90)

That I neither feel how she should be loved nor

know how she should be worthy, is the opinion that

fire cannot melt out of me: I will die in it at the stake.

Bened. That I neither feele how shee should be loued,

nor know how shee should be worthie, is the

opinion that fire cannot melt out of me, I will die in it at

the stake

 

Don Pedro (91)

Thou wast ever an obstinate heretic in the despite

of beauty.

Pedr. Thou wast euer an obstinate heretique in the despight

of Beautie

 

Claudio (92)

And never could maintain his part but in the force

of his will.

Clau. And neuer could maintaine his part, but in the

force of his will

 

Benedick (93)

That a woman conceived me, I thank her; that she

210

brought me up, I likewise give her most humble

thanks: but that I will have a recheat winded in my

forehead, or hang my bugle in an invisible baldrick,

all women shall pardon me. Because I will not do

them the wrong to mistrust any, I will do myself the

right to trust none; and the fine is, for the which

I may go the finer, I will live a bachelor.

Ben. That a woman conceiued me, I thanke her: that

she brought mee vp, I likewise giue her most humble

thankes: but that I will haue a rechate winded in my

forehead, or hang my bugle in an inuisible baldricke, all

women shall pardon me: because I will not do them the

wrong to mistrust any, I will doe my selfe the right to

trust none: and the fine is, (for the which I may goe the

finer) I will liue a Batchellor

 

Don Pedro (94)

I shall see thee, ere I die, look pale with love.

Pedro. I shall see thee ere I die, looke pale with loue

 

Benedick (95)

With anger, with sickness, or with hunger, my lord,

not with love: prove that ever I lose more blood

220

with love than I will get again with drinking, pick

out mine eyes with a ballad-maker's pen and hang me

up at the door of a brothel-house for the sign of

blind Cupid.

Bene. With anger, with sicknesse, or with hunger,

my Lord, not with loue: proue that euer I loose more

blood with loue, then I will get againe with drinking,

picke out mine eyes with a Ballet-makers penne, and

hang me vp at the doore of a brothel-house for the signe

of blinde Cupid

 

Don Pedro (96)

Well, if ever thou dost fall from this faith, thou

wilt prove a notable argument.

Pedro. Well, if euer thou doost fall from this faith,

thou wilt proue a notable argument

 

Benedick (97)

If I do, hang me in a bottle like a cat and shoot

at me; and he that hits me, let him be clapped on

the shoulder, and called Adam.

Bene. If I do, hang me in a bottle like a Cat, & shoot

at me, and he that hit's me, let him be clapt on the shoulder,

and cal'd Adam

 

Don Pedro (98)

Well, as time shall try: 'In time the savage bull

230

doth bear the yoke.'

Pedro. Well, as time shall trie: In time the sauage

Bull doth beare the yoake

 

Benedick (99)

The savage bull may; but if ever the sensible

Benedick bear it, pluck off the bull's horns and set

them in my forehead: and let me be vilely painted,

and in such great letters as they write 'Here is

good horse to hire,' let them signify under my sign

'Here you may see Benedick the married man.'

Bene. The sauage bull may, but if euer the sensible

Benedicke beare it, plucke off the bulles hornes, and set

them in my forehead, and let me be vildely painted, and

in such great Letters as they write, heere is good horse

to hire: let them signifie vnder my signe, here you may

see Benedicke the married man

 

Claudio (100)

If this should ever happen, thou wouldst be horn-mad.

Clau. If this should euer happen, thou wouldst bee

horne mad

 

Don Pedro (101)

Nay, if Cupid have not spent all his quiver in

Venice, thou wilt quake for this shortly.

Pedro. Nay, if Cupid haue not spent all his Quiuer in

Venice, thou wilt quake for this shortly

 

Benedick (102)

240

I look for an earthquake too, then.

Bene. I looke for an earthquake too then

 

Don Pedro (103)

Well, you temporize with the hours. In the

meantime, good Signior Benedick, repair to

Leonato's: commend me to him and tell him I will

not fail him at supper; for indeed he hath made

great preparation.

Pedro. Well, you will temporize with the houres, in

the meane time, good Signior Benedicke, repaire to Leonatoes,

commend me to him, and tell him I will not faile

him at supper, for indeede he hath made great preparation

 

Benedick (104)

I have almost matter enough in me for such an

embassage; and so I commit you--

Bene. I haue almost matter enough in me for such an

Embassage, and so I commit you

 

Claudio (105)

To the tuition of God: From my house, if I had it,--

Clau. To the tuition of God. From my house, if I

had it

 

Don Pedro (106)

The sixth of July: Your loving friend, Benedick.

Pedro. The sixt of Iuly. Your louing friend, Benedick

 

Benedick (107)

250

Nay, mock not, mock not. The body of your

discourse is sometime guarded with fragments, and

the guards are but slightly basted on neither: ere

you flout old ends any further, examine your

conscience: and so I leave you.

Exit

Bene. Nay mocke not, mocke not; the body of your

discourse is sometime guarded with fragments, and the

guardes are but slightly basted on neither, ere you flout

old ends any further, examine your conscience, and so I

leaue you.

Exit.

 

Claudio (108)

My liege, your highness now may do me good.

Clau. My Liege, your Highnesse now may doe mee

good

 

Don Pedro (109)

My love is thine to teach: teach it but how,

And thou shalt see how apt it is to learn

Any hard lesson that may do thee good.

Pedro. My loue is thine to teach, teach it but how,

And thou shalt see how apt it is to learne

Any hard Lesson that may do thee good

 

Claudio (110)

Hath Leonato any son, my lord?

Clau. Hath Leonato any sonne my Lord?

 

Don Pedro (111)

260

No child but Hero; she's his only heir.

Dost thou affect her, Claudio?

Pedro. No childe but Hero, she's his onely heire.

Dost thou affect her Claudio?

 

Claudio (112)

O, my lord,

When you went onward on this ended action,

I look'd upon her with a soldier's eye,

That liked, but had a rougher task in hand

Than to drive liking to the name of love:

But now I am return'd and that war-thoughts

Have left their places vacant, in their rooms

Come thronging soft and delicate desires,

270

All prompting me how fair young Hero is,

Saying, I liked her ere I went to wars.

Clau. O my Lord,

When you went onward on this ended action,

I look'd vpon her with a souldiers eie,

That lik'd, but had a rougher taske in hand,

Than to driue liking to the name of loue:

But now I am return'd, and that warre-thoughts

Haue left their places vacant: in their roomes,

Come thronging soft and delicate desires,

All prompting mee how faire yong Hero is,

Saying I lik'd her ere I went to warres

 

Don Pedro (113)

Thou wilt be like a lover presently

And tire the hearer with a book of words.

If thou dost love fair Hero, cherish it,

And I will break with her and with her father,

And thou shalt have her. Was't not to this end

That thou began'st to twist so fine a story?

Pedro. Thou wilt be like a louer presently,

And tire the hearer with a booke of words:

If thou dost loue faire Hero, cherish it,

And I will breake with her: wast not to this end,

That thou beganst to twist so fine a story?

 

Claudio (114)

How sweetly you do minister to love,

That know love's grief by his complexion!

280

But lest my liking might too sudden seem,

I would have salved it with a longer treatise.

Clau. How sweetly doe you minister to loue,

That know loues griefe by his complexion!

But lest my liking might too sodaine seeme,

I would haue salu'd it with a longer treatise

 

Don Pedro (115)

What need the bridge much broader than the flood?

The fairest grant is the necessity.

Look, what will serve is fit: 'tis once, thou lovest,

And I will fit thee with the remedy.

I know we shall have revelling toight:

I will assume thy part in some disguise

And tell fair Hero I am Claudio,

And in her bosom I'll unclasp my heart

290

And take her hearing prisoner with the force

And strong encounter of my amorous tale:

Then after to her father will I break;

And the conclusion is, she shall be thine.

In practise let us put it presently.

Exeunt

Ped. What need y bridge much broder then the flood?

The fairest graunt is the necessitie:

Looke what will serue, is fit: 'tis once, thou louest,

And I will fit thee with the remedie,

I know we shall haue reuelling to night,

I will assume thy part in some disguise,

And tell faire Hero I am Claudio,

And in her bosome Ile vnclaspe my heart,

And take her hearing prisoner with the force

And strong incounter of my amorous tale:

Then after, to her father will I breake,

And the conclusion is, shee shall be thine,

In practise let vs put it presently.

Exeunt.

expandMe Act I. Scene II. A room in Leonato's house.

1 - 2:    Act I. Scene II. A room in Leonato's house.

Enter Leonato and Antonio, meeting

 

Leonato (116)

How now, brother! Where is my cousin, your son?

hath he provided this music?

Enter Leonato and an old man, brother to Leonato.

Leo. How now brother, where is my cosen your son:

hath he prouided this musicke?

 

Antonio (117)

He is very busy about it. But, brother, I can tell

you strange news that you yet dreamt not of.

Old. He is very busie about it, but brother, I can tell

you newes that you yet dreamt not of

 

Leonato (118)

Are they good?

Lo. Are they good?

 

Antonio (119)

As the event stamps them: but they have a good

cover; they show well outward. The prince and Count

Claudio, walking in a thick-pleached alley in mine

orchard, were thus much overheard by a man of mine:

10

the prince discovered to Claudio that he loved my

niece your daughter and meant to acknowledge it

this night in a dance: and if he found her

accordant, he meant to take the present time by the

top and instantly break with you of it.

Old. As the euents stamps them, but they haue a good

couer: they shew well outward, the Prince and Count

Claudio walking in a thick pleached alley in my orchard,

were thus ouer-heard by a man of mine: the Prince discouered

to Claudio that hee loued my niece your daughter,

and meant to acknowledge it this night in a dance,

and if hee found her accordant, hee meant to take the

present time by the top, and instantly breake with you

of it

 

Leonato (120)

Hath the fellow any wit that told you this?

Leo. Hath the fellow any wit that told you this?

 

Antonio (121)

A good sharp fellow: I will send for him; and

question him yourself.

Old. A good sharpe fellow, I will send for him, and

question him your selfe

 

Leonato (122)

No, no; we will hold it as a dream till it appear

itself: but I will acquaint my daughter withal,

20

that she may be the better prepared for an answer,

if peradventure this be true. Go you and tell her of it.

Enter Attendants

Cousins, you know what you have to do. O, I cry you

mercy, friend; go you with me, and I will use your

skill. Good cousin, have a care this busy time.

Exeunt

Leo. No, no; wee will hold it as a dreame, till it appeare

it selfe: but I will acquaint my daughter withall,

that she may be the better prepared for an answer, if peraduenture

this bee true: goe you and tell her of it: coosins,

you know what you haue to doe, O I crie you mercie

friend, goe you with mee and I will vse your skill,

good cosin haue a care this busie time.

Exeunt.

expandMe Act I. Scene III. The same.

1 - 3:    Act I. Scene III. The same.

Enter Don John and Conrade

 

Conrade (123)

What the good-year, my lord! why are you thus out

of measure sad?

Enter Sir Iohn the Bastard, and Conrade his companion.

Con. What the good yeere my Lord, why are you

thus out of measure sad?

 

Don John (124)

There is no measure in the occasion that breeds;

therefore the sadness is without limit.

Ioh. There is no measure in the occasion that breeds,

therefore the sadnesse is without limit

 

Conrade (125)

You should hear reason.

Con. You should heare reason

 

Don John (126)

And when I have heard it, what blessing brings it?

Iohn. And when I haue heard it, what blessing bringeth

it?

 

Conrade (127)

If not a present remedy, at least a patient

sufferance.

Con. If not a present remedy, yet a patient sufferance

 

Don John (128)

I wonder that thou, being, as thou sayest thou art,

10

born under Saturn, goest about to apply a moral

medicine to a mortifying mischief. I cannot hide

what I am: I must be sad when I have cause and smile

at no man's jests, eat when I have stomach and wait

for no man's leisure, sleep when I am drowsy and

tend on no man's business, laugh when I am merry and

claw no man in his humour.

Ioh. I wonder that thou (being as thou saist thou art,

borne vnder Saturne) goest about to apply a morall medicine,

to a mortifying mischiefe: I cannot hide what I

am: I must bee sad when I haue cause, and smile at no

mans iests, eat when I haue stomacke, and wait for no

mans leisure: sleepe when I am drowsie, and tend on no

mans businesse, laugh when I am merry, and claw no man

in his humor

 

Conrade (129)

Yea, but you must not make the full show of this

till you may do it without controlment. You have of

late stood out against your brother, and he hath

20

ta'en you newly into his grace; where it is

impossible you should take true root but by the

fair weather that you make yourself: it is needful

that you frame the season for your own harvest.

Con. Yea, but you must not make the ful show of this,

till you may doe it without controllment, you haue of

late stood out against your brother, and hee hath tane

you newly into his grace, where it is impossible you

should take root, but by the faire weather that you make

your selfe, it is needful that you frame the season for your

owne haruest

 

Don John (130)

I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in

his grace, and it better fits my blood to be

disdained of all than to fashion a carriage to rob

love from any: in this, though I cannot be said to

be a flattering honest man, it must not be denied

but I am a plain-dealing villain. I am trusted with

30

a muzzle and enfranchised with a clog; therefore I

have decreed not to sing in my cage. If I had my

mouth, I would bite; if I had my liberty, I would do

my liking: in the meantime let me be that I am and

seek not to alter me.

Iohn. I had rather be a canker in a hedge, then a rose

in his grace, and it better fits my bloud to be disdain'd of

all, then to fashion a carriage to rob loue from any: in this

(though I cannot be said to be a flattering honest man)

it must not be denied but I am a plaine dealing villaine, I

am trusted with a mussell, and enfranchisde with a clog,

therefore I haue decreed, not to sing in my cage: if I had

my mouth, I would bite: if I had my liberty, I would do

my liking: in the meane time, let me be that I am, and

seeke not to alter me

 

Conrade (131)

Can you make no use of your discontent?

Con. Can you make no vse of your discontent?

 

Don John (132)

I make all use of it, for I use it only.

Who comes here?

Enter Borachio

What news, Borachio?

Iohn. I will make all vse of it, for I vse it onely.

Who comes here? what newes Borachio?

 

Borachio (133)

I came yonder from a great supper: the prince your

40

brother is royally entertained by Leonato: and I

can give you intelligence of an intended marriage.

Enter Borachio.

Bor. I came yonder from a great supper, the Prince

your brother is royally entertained by Leonato, and I can

giue you intelligence of an intended marriage

 

Don John (134)

Will it serve for any model to build mischief on?

What is he for a fool that betroths himself to

unquietness?

Iohn. Will it serue for any Modell to build mischiefe

on? What is hee for a foole that betrothes himselfe to

vnquietnesse?

 

Borachio (135)

Marry, it is your brother's right hand.

Bor. Mary it is your brothers right hand

 

Don John (136)

Who? the most exquisite Claudio?

Iohn. Who, the most exquisite Claudio?

 

Borachio (137)

Even he.

Bor. Euen he

 

Don John (138)

A proper squire! And who, and who? which way looks

he?

Iohn. A proper squier, and who, and who, which way

lookes he?

 

Borachio (139)

50

Marry, on Hero, the daughter and heir of Leonato.

Bor. Mary on Hero, the daughter and Heire of Leonato

 

Don John (140)

A very forward March-chick! How came you to this?

Iohn. A very forward March-chicke, how came you

to this:

 

Borachio (141)

Being entertained for a perfumer, as I was smoking a

musty room, comes me the prince and Claudio, hand

in hand in sad conference: I whipt me behind the

arras; and there heard it agreed upon that the

prince should woo Hero for himself, and having

obtained her, give her to Count Claudio.

Bor. Being entertain'd for a perfumer, as I was smoaking

a musty roome, comes me the Prince and Claudio,

hand in hand in sad conference: I whipt behind the Arras,

and there heard it agreed vpon, that the Prince should

wooe Hero for himselfe, and hauing obtain'd her, giue

her to Count Claudio

 

Don John (142)

Come, come, let us thither: this may prove food to

my displeasure. That young start-up hath all the

60

glory of my overthrow: if I can cross him any way, I

bless myself every way. You are both sure, and will assist me?

Iohn. Come, come, let vs thither, this may proue food

to my displeasure, that young start-vp hath all the glorie

of my ouerthrow: if I can crosse him any way, I blesse

my selfe euery way, you are both sure, and will assist

mee?

 

Conrade (143)

To the death, my lord.

Conr. To the death my Lord

 

Don John (144)

Let us to the great supper: their cheer is the

greater that I am subdued. Would the cook were of

my mind! Shall we go prove what's to be done?

Iohn. Let vs to the great supper, their cheere is the

greater that I am subdued, would the Cooke were of my

minde: shall we goe proue whats to be done?

 

Borachio (145)

We'll wait upon your lordship.

Exeunt

Bor. Wee'll wait vpon your Lordship.

Exeunt.

expandMe Act II

expandMe Act II. Scene I. A hall in Leonato's house.

2 - 1:    Act II. Scene I. A hall in Leonato's house.

Enter Leonato, Antonio, Hero, Beatrice, and others

 

Leonato (146)

Was not Count John here at supper?

Actus Secundus.

Enter Leonato, his brother, his wife, Hero his daughter, and Beatrice his neece, and a kinsman.

Leonato. Was not Count Iohn here at supper?

 

Antonio (147)

I saw him not.

Brother. I saw him not

 

Beatrice (148)

How tartly that gentleman looks! I never can see

him but I am heart-burned an hour after.

Beatrice. How tartly that Gentleman lookes, I neuer

can see him, but I am heart-burn'd an howre after

 

Hero (149)

He is of a very melancholy disposition.

Hero. He is of a very melancholy disposition

 

Beatrice (150)

He were an excellent man that were made just in the

midway between him and Benedick: the one is too

like an image and says nothing, and the other too

like my lady's eldest son, evermore tattling.

Beatrice. Hee were an excellent man that were made

iust in the mid-way betweene him and Benedicke, the one

is too like an image and saies nothing, and the other too

like my Ladies eldest sonne, euermore tatling

 

Leonato (151)

10

Then half Signior Benedick's tongue in Count John's

mouth, and half Count John's melancholy in Signior

Benedick's face,--

Leon. Then halfe signior Benedicks tongue in Count

Iohns mouth, and halfe Count Iohns melancholy in Signior

Benedicks face

 

Beatrice (152)

With a good leg and a good foot, uncle, and money

enough in his purse, such a man would win any woman

in the world, if a' could get her good-will.

Beat. With a good legge, and a good foot vnckle, and

money enough in his purse, such a man would winne any

woman in the world, if he could get her good will

 

Leonato (153)

By my troth, niece, thou wilt never get thee a

husband, if thou be so shrewd of thy tongue.

Leon. By my troth Neece, thou wilt neuer get thee a

husband, if thou be so shrewd of thy tongue

 

Antonio (154)

In faith, she's too curst.

Brother. Infaith shee's too curst

 

Beatrice (155)

Too curst is more than curst: I shall lessen God's

20

sending that way; for it is said, 'God sends a curst

cow short horns;' but to a cow too curst he sends none.

Beat. Too curst is more then curst, I shall lessen Gods

sending that way: for it is said, God sends a curst Cow

short hornes, but to a Cow too curst he sends none

 

Leonato (156)

So, by being too curst, God will send you no horns.

Leon. So, by being too curst, God will send you no

hornes

 

Beatrice (157)

Just, if he send me no husband; for the which

blessing I am at him upon my knees every morning and

evening. Lord, I could not endure a husband with a

beard on his face: I had rather lie in the woollen.

Beat. Iust, if he send me no husband, for the which

blessing, I am at him vpon my knees euery morning and

euening: Lord, I could not endure a husband with a

beard on his face, I had rather lie in the woollen

 

Leonato (158)

You may light on a husband that hath no beard.

Leonato. You may light vpon a husband that hath no

beard

 

Beatrice (159)

What should I do with him? dress him in my apparel

and make him my waiting-gentlewoman? He that hath a

30

beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no

beard is less than a man: and he that is more than

a youth is not for me, and he that is less than a

man, I am not for him: therefore, I will even take

sixpence in earnest of the bear-ward, and lead his

apes into hell.

Beatrice. What should I doe with him? dresse him in

my apparell, and make him my waiting gentlewoman? he

that hath a beard, is more then a youth: and he that hath

no beard, is lesse then a man: and hee that is more then a

youth, is not for mee: and he that is lesse then a man, I am

not for him: therefore I will euen take sixepence in earnest

of the Berrord, and leade his Apes into hell

 

Leonato (160)

Well, then, go you into hell?

Leon. Well then, goe you into hell

 

Beatrice (161)

No, but to the gate; and there will the devil meet

me, like an old cuckold, with horns on his head, and

say 'Get you to heaven, Beatrice, get you to

40

heaven; here's no place for you maids:' so deliver

I up my apes, and away to Saint Peter for the

heavens; he shows me where the bachelors sit, and

there live we as merry as the day is long.

Beat. No, but to the gate, and there will the Deuill

meete mee like an old Cuckold with hornes on his head,

and say, get you to heauen Beatrice, get you to heauen,

heere's no place for you maids, so deliuer I vp my Apes,

and away to S[aint]. Peter: for the heauens, hee shewes mee

where the Batchellers sit, and there liue wee as merry as

the day is long

 

Antonio (162)

[To Hero] Well, niece, I trust you will be ruled

by your father.

Brother. Well neece, I trust you will be rul'd by your

father

 

Beatrice (163)

Yes, faith; it is my cousin's duty to make curtsy

and say 'Father, as it please you.' But yet for all

that, cousin, let him be a handsome fellow, or else

make another curtsy and say 'Father, as it please

50

me.'

Beatrice. Yes faith, it is my cosens dutie to make curtsie,

and say, as it please you: but yet for all that cosin, let

him be a handsome fellow, or else make an other cursie,

and say, father, as it please me

 

Leonato (164)

Well, niece, I hope to see you one day fitted with a husband.

Leonato. Well neece, I hope to see you one day fitted

with a husband

 

Beatrice (165)

Not till God make men of some other metal than

earth. Would it not grieve a woman to be

overmastered with a pierce of valiant dust? to make

an account of her life to a clod of wayward marl?

No, uncle, I'll none: Adam's sons are my brethren;

and, truly, I hold it a sin to match in my kindred.

Beatrice. Not till God make men of some other mettall

then earth, would it not grieue a woman to be ouermastred

with a peece of valiant dust: to make account of

her life to a clod of waiward marle? no vnckle, ile none:

Adams sonnes are my brethren, and truly I hold it a sinne

to match in my kinred

 

Leonato (166)

Daughter, remember what I told you: if the prince

do solicit you in that kind, you know your answer.

Leon. Daughter, remember what I told you, if the

Prince doe solicit you in that kinde, you know your answere

 

Beatrice (167)

60

The fault will be in the music, cousin, if you be

not wooed in good time: if the prince be too

important, tell him there is measure in every thing

and so dance out the answer. For, hear me, Hero:

wooing, wedding, and repenting, is as a Scotch jig,

a measure, and a cinque pace: the first suit is hot

and hasty, like a Scotch jig, and full as

fantastical; the wedding, mannerly-modest, as a

measure, full of state and ancientry; and then comes

repentance and, with his bad legs, falls into the

70

cinque pace faster and faster, till he sink into his grave.

Beatrice. The fault will be in the musicke cosin, if you

be not woed in good time: if the Prince bee too important,

tell him there is measure in euery thing, & so dance

out the answere, for heare me Hero, wooing, wedding, &

repenting, is as a Scotch jigge, a measure, and a cinquepace:

the first suite is hot and hasty like a Scotch jigge

(and full as fantasticall) the wedding manerly modest,

(as a measure) full of state & aunchentry, and then comes

repentance, and with his bad legs falls into the cinquepace

faster and faster, till he sinkes into his graue

 

Leonato (168)

Cousin, you apprehend passing shrewdly.

Leonato. Cosin you apprehend passing shrewdly

 

Beatrice (169)

I have a good eye, uncle; I can see a church by daylight.

Beatrice. I haue a good eye vnckle, I can see a Church

by daylight

 

Leonato (170)

The revellers are entering, brother: make good room.

All put on their masks

Leon. The reuellers are entring brother, make good

roome.

Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, Balthasar, Don John, Borachio, Margaret, Ursula And Others, wearing masks

 

Don Pedro (171)

Lady, will you walk about with your friend?

Enter Prince, Pedro, Claudio, and Benedicke, and Balthasar, or dumbe Iohn, Maskers with a drum.

Pedro. Lady, will you walke about with your friend?

 

Hero (172)

So you walk softly and look sweetly and say nothing,

I am yours for the walk; and especially when I walk away.

Hero. So you walke softly, and looke sweetly, and say

nothing, I am yours for the walke, and especially when I

walke away

 

Don Pedro (173)

With me in your company?

Pedro. With me in your company

 

Hero (174)

I may say so, when I please.

Hero. I may say so when I please

 

Don Pedro (175)

And when please you to say so?

Pedro. And when please you to say so?

 

Hero (176)

80

When I like your favour; for God defend the lute

should be like the case!

Hero. When I like your fauour, for God defend the

Lute should be like the case

 

Don Pedro (177)

My visor is Philemon's roof; within the house is Jove.

Pedro. My visor is Philemons roofe, within the house

is Loue

 

Hero (178)

Why, then, your visor should be thatched.

Hero. Why then your visor should be thatcht

 

Don Pedro (179)

Speak low, if you speak love.

Drawing her aside

Pedro. Speake low if you speake Loue

 

Balthasar (180)

Well, I would you did like me.

Bene. Well, I would you did like me

 

Margaret (181)

So would not I, for your own sake; for I have many

ill-qualities.

Mar. So would not I for your owne sake, for I haue

manie ill qualities

 

Balthasar (182)

Which is one?

Bene. Which is one?

 

Margaret (183)

I say my prayers aloud.

Mar. I say my prayers alowd

 

Balthasar (184)

90

I love you the better: the hearers may cry, Amen.

Ben. I loue you the better, the hearers may cry Amen

 

Margaret (185)

God match me with a good dancer!

Mar. God match me with a good dauncer

 

Balthasar (186)

Amen.

Balt. Amen

 

Margaret (187)

And God keep him out of my sight when the dance is

done! Answer, clerk.

Mar. And God keepe him out of my sight when the

daunce is done: answer Clarke

 

Balthasar (188)

No more words: the clerk is answered.

Balt. No more words, the Clarke is answered

 

Ursula (189)

I know you well enough; you are Signior Antonio.

Vrsula. I know you well enough, you are Signior Anthonio

 

Antonio (190)

At a word, I am not.

Anth. At a word, I am not

 

Ursula (191)

I know you by the waggling of your head.

Vrsula. I know you by the wagling of your head

 

Antonio (192)

To tell you true, I counterfeit him.

Anth. To tell you true, I counterfet him

 

Ursula (193)

100

You could never do him so ill-well, unless you were

the very man. Here's his dry hand up and down: you

are he, you are he.

Vrsu. You could neuer doe him so ill well, vnlesse

you were the very man: here's his dry hand vp & down,

you are he, you are he

 

Antonio (194)

At a word, I am not.

Anth. At a word I am not

 

Ursula (195)

Come, come, do you think I do not know you by your

excellent wit? can virtue hide itself? Go to,

mum, you are he: graces will appear, and there's an

end.

Vrsula. Come, come, doe you thinke I doe not know

you by your excellent wit? can vertue hide it selfe? goe

to mumme, you are he, graces will appeare, and there's

an end

 

Beatrice (196)

Will you not tell me who told you so?

Beat. Will you not tell me who told you so?

 

Benedick (197)

No, you shall pardon me.

Bene. No, you shall pardon me

 

Beatrice (198)

110

Nor will you not tell me who you are?

Beat. Nor will you not tell me who you are?

 

Benedick (199)

Not now.

Bened. Not now

 

Beatrice (200)

That I was disdainful, and that I had my good wit

out of the 'Hundred Merry Tales:'--well this was

Signior Benedick that said so.

Beat. That I was disdainfull, and that I had my good

wit out of the hundred merry tales: well, this was Signior

Benedicke that said so

 

Benedick (201)

What's he?

Bene. What's he?

 

Beatrice (202)

I am sure you know him well enough.

Beat. I am sure you know him well enough

 

Benedick (203)

Not I, believe me.

Bene. Not I, beleeue me

 

Beatrice (204)

Did he never make you laugh?

Beat. Did he neuer make you laugh?

 

Benedick (205)

I pray you, what is he?

Bene. I pray you what is he?

 

Beatrice (206)

120

Why, he is the prince's jester: a very dull fool;

only his gift is in devising impossible slanders:

none but libertines delight in him; and the

commendation is not in his wit, but in his villany;

for he both pleases men and angers them, and then

they laugh at him and beat him. I am sure he is in

the fleet: I would he had boarded me.

Beat. Why he is the Princes ieaster, a very dull foole,

onely his gift is, in deuising impossible slanders, none

but Libertines delight in him, and the commendation is

not in his witte, but in his villanie, for hee both pleaseth

men and angers them, and then they laugh at him, and

beat him: I am sure he is in the Fleet, I would he had

boorded me

 

Benedick (207)

When I know the gentleman, I'll tell him what you say.

Bene. When I know the Gentleman, Ile tell him what

you say

 

Beatrice (208)

Do, do: he'll but break a comparison or two on me;

which, peradventure not marked or not laughed at,

130

strikes him into melancholy; and then there's a

partridge wing saved, for the fool will eat no

supper that night.

Music

We must follow the leaders.

Beat. Do, do, hee'l but breake a comparison or two

on me, which peraduenture (not markt, or not laugh'd

at) strikes him into melancholly, and then there's a Partridge

wing saued, for the foole will eate no supper that

night. We must follow the Leaders

 

Benedick (209)

In every good thing.

Ben. In euery good thing

 

Beatrice (210)

Nay, if they lead to any ill, I will leave them at

the next turning.

Dance. Then exeunt all except Don John, Borachio, and Claudio

Bea. Nay, if they leade to any ill, I will leaue them

at the next turning.

Exeunt.

Musicke for the dance.

 

Don John (211)

Sure my brother is amorous on Hero and hath

withdrawn her father to break with him about it.

The ladies follow her and but one visor remains.

Iohn. Sure my brother is amorous on Hero, and hath

withdrawne her father to breake with him about it: the

Ladies follow her, and but one visor remaines

 

Borachio (212)

140

And that is Claudio: I know him by his bearing.

Borachio. And that is Claudio, I know him by his bearing

 

Don John (213)

Are not you Signior Benedick?

Iohn. Are not you signior Benedicke?

 

Claudio (214)

You know me well; I am he.

Clau. You know me well, I am hee

 

Don John (215)

Signior, you are very near my brother in his love:

he is enamoured on Hero; I pray you, dissuade him

from her: she is no equal for his birth: you may

do the part of an honest man in it.

Iohn. Signior, you are verie neere my Brother in his

loue, he is enamor'd on Hero, I pray you disswade him

from her, she is no equall for his birth: you may do the

part of an honest man in it

 

Claudio (216)

How know you he loves her?

Claudio. How know you he loues her?

 

Don John (217)

I heard him swear his affection.

Iohn. I heard him sweare his affection

 

Borachio (218)

So did I too; and he swore he would marry her toight.

Bor. So did I too, and he swore he would marrie her

to night

 

Don John (219)

150

Come, let us to the banquet.

Exeunt Don John and Borachio

Iohn. Come, let vs to the banquet.

Ex. manet Clau.

 

Claudio (220)

Thus answer I in the name of Benedick,

But hear these ill news with the ears of Claudio.

'Tis certain so; the prince wooes for himself.

Friendship is constant in all other things

Save in the office and affairs of love:

Therefore, all hearts in love use their own tongues;

Let every eye negotiate for itself

And trust no agent; for beauty is a witch

Against whose charms faith melteth into blood.

160

This is an accident of hourly proof,

Which I mistrusted not. Farewell, therefore, Hero!

Clau. Thus answere I in name of Benedicke,

But heare these ill newes with the eares of Claudio:

'Tis certaine so, the Prince woes for himselfe:

Friendship is constant in all other things,

Saue in the Office and affaires of loue:

Therefore all hearts in loue vse their owne tongues.

Let euerie eye negotiate for it selfe,

And trust no Agent: for beautie is a witch,

Against whose charmes, faith melteth into blood:

This is an accident of hourely proofe,

Which I mistrusted not. Farewell therefore Hero.

Enter Benedick

 

Benedick (221)

Count Claudio?

Enter Benedicke.

Ben. Count Claudio

 

Claudio (222)

Yea, the same.

Clau. Yea, the same

 

Benedick (223)

Come, will you go with me?

Ben. Come, will you goe with me?

 

Claudio (224)

Whither?

Clau. Whither?

 

Benedick (225)

Even to the next willow, about your own business,

county. What fashion will you wear the garland of?

about your neck, like an usurer's chain? or under

your arm, like a lieutenant's scarf? You must wear

170

it one way, for the prince hath got your Hero.

Ben. Euen to the next Willow, about your own businesse,

Count. What fashion will you weare the Garland

off? About your necke, like an Vsurers chaine? Or

vnder your arme, like a Lieutenants scarfe? You must

weare it one way, for the Prince hath got your Hero

 

Claudio (226)

I wish him joy of her.

Clau. I wish him ioy of her

 

Benedick (227)

Why, that's spoken like an honest drovier: so they

sell bullocks. But did you think the prince would

have served you thus?

Ben. Why that's spoken like an honest Drouier, so

they sel Bullockes: but did you thinke the Prince wold

haue serued you thus?

 

Claudio (228)

I pray you, leave me.

Clau. I pray you leaue me

 

Benedick (229)

Ho! now you strike like the blind man: 'twas the

boy that stole your meat, and you'll beat the post.

Ben. Ho now you strike like the blindman, 'twas the

boy that stole your meate, and you'l beat the post

 

Claudio (230)

If it will not be, I'll leave you.

Exit

Clau. If it will not be, Ile leaue you.

Exit.

 

Benedick (231)

Alas, poor hurt fowl! now will he creep into sedges.

180

But that my Lady Beatrice should know me, and not

know me! The prince's fool! Ha? It may be I go

under that title because I am merry. Yea, but so I

am apt to do myself wrong; I am not so reputed: it

is the base, though bitter, disposition of Beatrice

that puts the world into her person and so gives me

out. Well, I'll be revenged as I may.

Ben. Alas poore hurt fowle, now will he creepe into

sedges: But that my Ladie Beatrice should know me, &

not know me: the Princes foole! Hah? It may be I goe

vnder that title, because I am merrie: yea but so I am

apt to do my selfe wrong: I am not so reputed, it is the

base (though bitter) disposition of Beatrice, that putt's

the world into her person, and so giues me out: well, Ile

be reuenged as I may.

Enter Don Pedro

 

Don Pedro (232)

Now, signior, where's the count? did you see him?

Enter the Prince.

Pedro. Now Signior, where's the Count, did you

see him?

 

Benedick (233)

Troth, my lord, I have played the part of Lady Fame.

I found him here as melancholy as a lodge in a

190

warren: I told him, and I think I told him true,

that your grace had got the good will of this young

lady; and I offered him my company to a willow-tree,

either to make him a garland, as being forsaken, or

to bind him up a rod, as being worthy to be whipped.

Bene. Troth my Lord, I haue played the part of Lady

Fame, I found him heere as melancholy as a Lodge in a

Warren, I told him, and I thinke, told him true, that your

grace had got the will of this young Lady, and I offered

him my company to a willow tree, either to make him a

garland, as being forsaken, or to binde him a rod, as being

worthy to be whipt

 

Don Pedro (234)

To be whipped! What's his fault?

Pedro. To be whipt, what's his fault?

 

Benedick (235)

The flat transgression of a schoolboy, who, being

overjoyed with finding a birds' nest, shows it his

companion, and he steals it.

Bene. The flat transgression of a Schoole-boy, who

being ouer-ioyed with finding a birds nest, shewes it his

companion, and he steales it

 

Don Pedro (236)

Wilt thou make a trust a transgression? The

200

transgression is in the stealer.

Pedro. Wilt thou make a trust, a transgression? the

transgression is in the stealer

 

Benedick (237)

Yet it had not been amiss the rod had been made,

and the garland too; for the garland he might have

worn himself, and the rod he might have bestowed on

you, who, as I take it, have stolen his birds' nest.

Ben. Yet it had not been amisse the rod had beene

made, and the garland too, for the garland he might haue

worne himselfe, and the rod hee might haue bestowed on

you, who (as I take it) haue stolne his birds nest

 

Don Pedro (238)

I will but teach them to sing, and restore them to

the owner.

Pedro. I will but teach them to sing, and restore them

to the owner

 

Benedick (239)

If their singing answer your saying, by my faith,

you say honestly.

Bene. If their singing answer your saying, by my faith

you say honestly

 

Don Pedro (240)

The Lady Beatrice hath a quarrel to you: the

210

gentleman that danced with her told her she is much

wronged by you.

Pedro. The Lady Beatrice hath a quarrell to you, the

Gentleman that daunst with her, told her shee is much

wrong'd by you

 

Benedick (241)

O, she misused me past the endurance of a block!

an oak but with one green leaf on it would have

answered her; my very visor began to assume life and

scold with her. She told me, not thinking I had been

myself, that I was the prince's jester, that I was

duller than a great thaw; huddling jest upon jest

with such impossible conveyance upon me that I stood

like a man at a mark, with a whole army shooting at

220

me. She speaks poniards, and every word stabs:

if her breath were as terrible as her terminations,

there were no living near her; she would infect to

the north star. I would not marry her, though she

were endowed with all that Adam bad left him before

he transgressed: she would have made Hercules have

turned spit, yea, and have cleft his club to make

the fire too. Come, talk not of her: you shall find

her the infernal Ate in good apparel. I would to God

some scholar would conjure her; for certainly, while

230

she is here, a man may live as quiet in hell as in a

sanctuary; and people sin upon purpose, because they

would go thither; so, indeed, all disquiet, horror

and perturbation follows her.

Bene. O she misusde me past the indurance of a block:

an oake but with one greene leafe on it, would haue answered

her: my very visor began to assume life, and scold

with her: shee told mee, not thinking I had beene my

selfe, that I was the Princes Iester, and that I was duller

then a great thaw, hudling iest vpon iest, with such impossible

conueiance vpon me, that I stood like a man at a

marke, with a whole army shooting at me: shee speakes

poynyards, and euery word stabbes: if her breath were

as terrible as terminations, there were no liuing neere

her, she would infect to the north starre: I would not

marry her, though she were indowed with all that Adam

had left him before he transgrest, she would haue made

Hercules haue turnd spit, yea, and haue cleft his club to

make the fire too: come, talke not of her, you shall finde

her the infernall Ate in good apparell. I would to God

some scholler would coniure her, for certainely while she

is heere, a man may liue as quiet in hell, as in a sanctuary,

and people sinne vpon purpose, because they would goe

thither, so indeed all disquiet, horror, and perturbation

followes her.

 

Don Pedro (242)

Look, here she comes.

Enter Claudio and Beatrice, Leonato, Hero.

Pedro. Looke heere she comes

Enter Claudio, Beatrice, Hero, and Leonato

 

Benedick (243)

Will your grace command me any service to the

world's end? I will go on the slightest errand now

to the Antipodes that you can devise to send me on;

I will fetch you a tooth-picker now from the

furthest inch of Asia, bring you the length of

240

Prester John's foot, fetch you a hair off the great

Cham's beard, do you any embassage to the Pigmies,

rather than hold three words' conference with this

harpy. You have no employment for me?

Bene. Will your Grace command mee any seruice to

the worlds end? I will goe on the slightest arrand now

to the Antypodes that you can deuise to send me on: I

will fetch you a tooth-picker now from the furthest inch

of Asia: bring you the length of Prester Iohns foot: fetch

you a hayre off the great Chams beard: doe you any embassage

to the Pigmies, rather then hould three words

conference, with this Harpy: you haue no employment

for me?

 

Don Pedro (244)

None, but to desire your good company.

Pedro. None, but to desire your good company

 

Benedick (245)

O God, sir, here's a dish I love not: I cannot

endure my Lady Tongue.

Exit

Bene. O God sir, heeres a dish I loue not, I cannot indure

this Lady tongue.

Exit.

 

Don Pedro (246)

Come, lady, come; you have lost the heart of

Signior Benedick.

Pedr. Come Lady, come, you haue lost the heart of

Signior Benedicke

 

Beatrice (247)

Indeed, my lord, he lent it me awhile; and I gave

250

him use for it, a double heart for his single one:

marry, once before he won it of me with false dice,

therefore your grace may well say I have lost it.

Beatr. Indeed my Lord, hee lent it me a while, and I

gaue him vse for it, a double heart for a single one, marry

once before he wonne it of mee, with false dice, therefore

your Grace may well say I haue lost it

 

Don Pedro (248)

You have put him down, lady, you have put him down.

Pedro. You haue put him downe Lady, you haue put

him downe

 

Beatrice (249)

So I would not he should do me, my lord, lest I

should prove the mother of fools. I have brought

Count Claudio, whom you sent me to seek.

Beat. So I would not he should do me, my Lord, lest

I should prooue the mother of fooles: I haue brought

Count Claudio, whom you sent me to seeke

 

Don Pedro (250)

Why, how now, count! wherefore are you sad?

Pedro. Why how now Count, wherfore are you sad?

 

Claudio (251)

Not sad, my lord.

Claud. Not sad my Lord

 

Don Pedro (252)

How then? sick?

Pedro. How then? sicke?

 

Claudio (253)

260

Neither, my lord.

Claud. Neither, my Lord

 

Beatrice (254)

The count is neither sad, nor sick, nor merry, nor

well; but civil count, civil as an orange, and

something of that jealous complexion.

Beat. The Count is neither sad, nor sicke, nor merry,

nor well: but ciuill Count, ciuill as an Orange, and something

of a iealous complexion

 

Don Pedro (255)

I' faith, lady, I think your blazon to be true;

though, I'll be sworn, if he be so, his conceit is

false. Here, Claudio, I have wooed in thy name, and

fair Hero is won: I have broke with her father,

and his good will obtained: name the day of

marriage, and God give thee joy!

Pedro. Ifaith Lady, I thinke your blazon to be true.

though Ile be sworne, if hee be so, his conceit is false:

heere Claudio, I haue wooed in thy name, and faire Hero

is won, I haue broke with her father, and his good will

obtained, name the day of marriage, and God giue

thee ioy

 

Leonato (256)

270

Count, take of me my daughter, and with her my

fortunes: his grace hath made the match, and an

grace say Amen to it.

Leona. Count, take of me my daughter, and with her

my fortunes: his grace hath made the match, & all grace

say, Amen to it

 

Beatrice (257)

Speak, count, 'tis your cue.

Beatr. Speake Count, tis your Qu

 

Claudio (258)

Silence is the perfectest herald of joy: I were

but little happy, if I could say how much. Lady, as

you are mine, I am yours: I give away myself for

you and dote upon the exchange.

Claud. Silence is the perfectest Herault of ioy, I were

but little happy if I could say, how much? Lady, as you

are mine, I am yours, I giue away my selfe for you, and

doat vpon the exchange

 

Beatrice (259)

Speak, cousin; or, if you cannot, stop his mouth

with a kiss, and let not him speak neither.

Beat. Speake cosin, or (if you cannot) stop his mouth

with a kisse, and let not him speake neither

 

Don Pedro (260)

280

In faith, lady, you have a merry heart.

Pedro. In faith Lady you haue a merry heart

 

Beatrice (261)

Yea, my lord; I thank it, poor fool, it keeps on

the windy side of care. My cousin tells him in his

ear that he is in her heart.

Beatr. Yea my Lord I thanke it, poore foole it keepes

on the windy side of Care, my coosin tells him in his eare

that he is in my heart

 

Claudio (262)

And so she doth, cousin.

Clau. And so she doth coosin

 

Beatrice (263)

Good Lord, for alliance! Thus goes every one to the

world but I, and I am sunburnt; I may sit in a

corner and cry heigh-ho for a husband!

Beat. Good Lord for alliance: thus goes euery one

to the world but I, and I am sun-burn'd, I may sit in a corner

and cry, heigh ho for a husband

 

Don Pedro (264)

Lady Beatrice, I will get you one.

Pedro. Lady Beatrice, I will get you one

 

Beatrice (265)

I would rather have one of your father's getting.

290

Hath your grace ne'er a brother like you? Your

father got excellent husbands, if a maid could come by them.

Beat. I would rather haue one of your fathers getting:

hath your Grace ne're a brother like you? your father

got excellent husbands, if a maid could come by them

 

Don Pedro (266)

Will you have me, lady?

Prince. Will you haue me? Lady

 

Beatrice (267)

No, my lord, unless I might have another for

working-days: your grace is too costly to wear

every day. But, I beseech your grace, pardon me: I

was born to speak all mirth and no matter.

Beat. No, my Lord, vnlesse I might haue another for

working-daies, your Grace is too costly to weare euerie

day: but I beseech your Grace pardon mee, I was borne

to speake all mirth, and no matter

 

Don Pedro (268)

Your silence most offends me, and to be merry best

becomes you; for, out of question, you were born in

a merry hour.

Prince. Your silence most offends me, and to be merry,

best becomes you, for out of question, you were born

in a merry howre

 

Beatrice (269)

300

No, sure, my lord, my mother cried; but then there

was a star danced, and under that was I born.

Cousins, God give you joy!

Beatr. No sure my Lord, my Mother cried, but then

there was a starre daunst, and vnder that was I borne: cosins

God giue you ioy

 

Leonato (270)

Niece, will you look to those things I told you of?

Leonato. Neece, will you looke to those things I told

you of?

 

Beatrice (271)

I cry you mercy, uncle. By your grace's pardon.

Exit

Beat. I cry you mercy Vncle, by your Graces pardon.

Exit Beatrice.

 

Don Pedro (272)

By my troth, a pleasant-spirited lady.

Prince. By my troth a pleasant spirited Lady

 

Leonato (273)

There's little of the melancholy element in her, my

lord: she is never sad but when she sleeps, and

not ever sad then; for I have heard my daughter say,

she hath often dreamed of unhappiness and waked

310

herself with laughing.

Leon. There's little of the melancholy element in her

my Lord, she is neuer sad, but when she sleepes, and not

euer sad then: for I haue heard my daughter say, she hath

often dreamt of vnhappinesse, and wakt her selfe with

laughing

 

Don Pedro (274)

She cannot endure to hear tell of a husband.

Pedro. Shee cannot indure to heare tell of a husband

 

Leonato (275)

O, by no means: she mocks all her wooers out of suit.

Leonato. O, by no meanes, she mocks all her wooers

out of suite

 

Don Pedro (276)

She were an excellent wife for Benedict.

Prince. She were an excellent wife for Benedick

 

Leonato (277)

O Lord, my lord, if they were but a week married,

they would talk themselves mad.

Leonato. O Lord, my Lord, if they were but a weeke

married, they would talke themselues madde

 

Don Pedro (278)

County Claudio, when mean you to go to church?

Prince. Counte Claudio, when meane you to goe to

Church?

 

Claudio (279)

To-morrow, my lord: time goes on crutches till love

have all his rites.

Clau. To morrow my Lord, Time goes on crutches,

till Loue haue all his rites

 

Leonato (280)

Not till Monday, my dear son, which is hence a just

320

seven-night; and a time too brief, too, to have all

things answer my mind.

Leonato. Not till monday, my deare sonne, which is

hence a iust seuen night, and a time too briefe too, to haue

all things answer minde

 

Don Pedro (281)

Come, you shake the head at so long a breathing:

but, I warrant thee, Claudio, the time shall not go

dully by us. I will in the interim undertake one of

Hercules' labours; which is, to bring Signior

Benedick and the Lady Beatrice into a mountain of

affection the one with the other. I would fain have

it a match, and I doubt not but to fashion it, if

you three will but minister such assistance as I

330

shall give you direction.

Prince. Come, you shake the head at so long a breathing,

but I warrant thee Claudio, the time shall not goe

dully by vs, I will in the interim, vndertake one of Hercules

labors, which is, to bring Signior Benedicke and the

Lady Beatrice into a mountaine of affection, th' one with

th' other, I would faine haue it a match, and I doubt not

but to fashion it, if you three will but minister such assistance

as I shall giue you direction

 

Leonato (282)

My lord, I am for you, though it cost me ten

nights' watchings.

Leonato. My Lord, I am for you, though it cost mee

ten nights watchings

 

Claudio (283)

And I, my lord.

Claud. And I my Lord

 

Don Pedro (284)

And you too, gentle Hero?

Prin. And you to gentle Hero?

 

Hero (285)

I will do any modest office, my lord, to help my

cousin to a good husband.

Hero. I will doe any modest office, my Lord, to helpe

my cosin to a good husband

 

Don Pedro (286)

And Benedick is not the unhopefullest husband that

I know. Thus far can I praise him; he is of a noble

strain, of approved valour and confirmed honesty. I

340

will teach you how to humour your cousin, that she

shall fall in love with Benedick; and I, with your

two helps, will so practise on Benedick that, in

despite of his quick wit and his queasy stomach, he

shall fall in love with Beatrice. If we can do this,

Cupid is no longer an archer: hi s glory shall be

ours, for we are the only love-gods. Go in with me,

and I will tell you my drift.

Exeunt

Prin. And Benedick is not the vnhopefullest husband

that I know: thus farre can I praise him, hee is of a noble

straine, of approued valour, and confirm'd honesty, I will

teach you how to humour your cosin, that shee shall fall

in loue with Benedicke, and I, with your two helpes, will

so practise on Benedicke, that in despight of his quicke

wit, and his queasie stomacke, hee shall fall in loue with

Beatrice: if wee can doe this, Cupid is no longer an Archer,

his glory shall be ours, for wee are the onely louegods,

goe in with me, and I will tell you my drift.

Exit.

expandMe Act II. Scene II. The same.

2 - 2:    Act II. Scene II. The same.

Enter Don John and Borachio

 

Don John (287)

It is so; the Count Claudio shall marry the

daughter of Leonato.

Enter Iohn and Borachio.

Ioh. It is so, the Count Claudio shal marry the daughter

of Leonato

 

Borachio (288)

Yea, my lord; but I can cross it.

Bora. Yea my Lord, but I can crosse it

 

Don John (289)

Any bar, any cross, any impediment will be

medicinable to me: I am sick in displeasure to him,

and whatsoever comes athwart his affection ranges

evenly with mine. How canst thou cross this marriage?

Iohn. Any barre, any crosse, any impediment, will be

medicinable to me, I am sicke in displeasure to him, and

whatsoeuer comes athwart his affection, ranges euenly

with mine, how canst thou crosse this marriage?

 

Borachio (290)

Not honestly, my lord; but so covertly that no

dishonesty shall appear in me.

Bor. Not honestly my Lord, but so couertly, that no

dishonesty shall appeare in me

 

Don John (291)

10

Show me briefly how.

Iohn. Shew me breefely how

 

Borachio (292)

I think I told your lordship a year since, how much

I am in the favour of Margaret, the waiting

gentlewoman to Hero.

Bor. I thinke I told your Lordship a yeere since, how

much I am in the fauour of Margaret, the waiting gentlewoman

to Hero

 

Don John (293)

I remember.

Iohn. I remember

 

Borachio (294)

I can, at any unseasonable instant of the night,

appoint her to look out at her lady's chamber window.

Bor. I can at any vnseasonable instant of the night,

appoint her to looke out at her Ladies chamber window

 

Don John (295)

What life is in that, to be the death of this marriage?

Iohn. What life is in that, to be the death of this marriage?

 

Borachio (296)

The poison of that lies in you to temper. Go you to

the prince your brother; spare not to tell him that

20

he hath wronged his honour in marrying the renowned

Claudio--whose estimation do you mightily hold

up--to a contaminated stale, such a one as Hero.

Bor. The poyson of that lies in you to temper, goe

you to the Prince your brother, spare not to tell him, that

hee hath wronged his Honor in marrying the renowned

Claudio, whose estimation do you mightily hold vp, to a

contaminated stale, such a one as Hero

 

Don John (297)

What proof shall I make of that?

Iohn. What proofe shall I make of that?

 

Borachio (298)

Proof enough to misuse the prince, to vex Claudio,

to undo Hero and kill Leonato. Look you for any

other issue?

Bor. Proofe enough, to misuse the Prince, to vexe

Claudio, to vndoe Hero, and kill Leonato, looke you for any

other issue?

 

Don John (299)

Only to despite them, I will endeavour any thing.

Iohn. Onely to despight them, I will endeauour any

thing

 

Borachio (300)

Go, then; find me a meet hour to draw Don Pedro and

the Count Claudio alone: tell them that you know

30

that Hero loves me; intend a kind of zeal both to the

prince and Claudio, as,--in love of your brother's

honour, who hath made this match, and his friend's

reputation, who is thus like to be cozened with the

semblance of a maid,--that you have discovered

thus. They will scarcely believe this without trial:

offer them instances; which shall bear no less

likelihood than to see me at her chamber-window,

hear me call Margaret Hero, hear Margaret term me

Claudio; and bring them to see this the very night

40

before the intended wedding,--for in the meantime I

will so fashion the matter that Hero shall be

absent,--and there shall appear such seeming truth

of Hero's disloyalty that jealousy shall be called

assurance and all the preparation overthrown.

Bor. Goe then, finde me a meete howre, to draw on

Pedro and the Count Claudio alone, tell them that you

know that Hero loues me, intend a kinde of zeale both

to the Prince and Claudio (as in a loue of your brothers

honor who hath made this match) and his friends reputation,

who is thus like to be cosen'd with the semblance

of a maid, that you haue discouer'd thus: they will scarcely

beleeue this without triall: offer them instances which

shall beare no lesse likelihood, than to see mee at her

chamber window, heare me call Margaret, Hero; heare

Margaret terme me Claudio, and bring them to see this

the very night before the intended wedding, for in the

meane time, I will so fashion the matter, that Hero shall

be absent, and there shall appeare such seeming truths of

Heroes disloyaltie, that iealousie shall be cal'd assurance,

and all the preparation ouerthrowne

 

Don John (301)

Grow this to what adverse issue it can, I will put

it in practise. Be cunning in the working this, and

thy fee is a thousand ducats.

Iohn. Grow this to what aduerse issue it can, I will

put it in practise: be cunning in the working this, and

thy fee is a thousand ducates

 

Borachio (302)

Be you constant in the accusation, and my cunning

shall not shame me.

Bor. Be thou constant in the accusation, and my cunning

shall not shame me

 

Don John (303)

50

I will presently go learn their day of marriage.

Exeunt

Iohn. I will presentlie goe learne their day of marriage.

Exit.

expandMe Act II. Scene III. Leonato's orchard.

2 - 3:    Act II. Scene III. Leonato's orchard.

Enter Benedick

 

Benedick (304)

Boy!

Enter Benedicke alone.

Bene. Boy

Enter Boy

 

Boy (305)

Signior?

Boy. Signior

 

Benedick (306)

In my chamber-window lies a book: bring it hither

to me in the orchard.

Bene. In my chamber window lies a booke, bring it

hither to me in the orchard

 

Boy (307)

I am here already, sir.

Boy. I am heere already sir.

Exit.

 

Benedick (308)

I know that; but I would have thee hence, and here again.

Exit Boy

I do much wonder that one man, seeing how much

another man is a fool when he dedicates his

behaviors to love, will, after he hath laughed at

10

such shallow follies in others, become the argument

of his own scorn by failing in love: and such a man

is Claudio. I have known when there was no music

with him but the drum and the fife; and now had he

rather hear the tabour and the pipe: I have known

when he would have walked ten mile a-foot to see a

good armour; and now will he lie ten nights awake,

carving the fashion of a new doublet. He was wont to

speak plain and to the purpose, like an honest man

and a soldier; and now is he turned orthography; his

20

words are a very fantastical banquet, just so many

strange dishes. May I be so converted and see with

these eyes? I cannot tell; I think not: I will not

be sworn, but love may transform me to an oyster; but

I'll take my oath on it, till he have made an oyster

of me, he shall never make me such a fool. One woman

is fair, yet I am well; another is wise, yet I am

well; another virtuous, yet I am well; but till all

graces be in one woman, one woman shall not come in

my grace. Rich she shall be, that's certain; wise,

30

or I'll none; virtuous, or I'll never cheapen her;

fair, or I'll never look on her; mild, or come not

near me; noble, or not I for an angel; of good

discourse, an excellent musician, and her hair shall

be of what colour it please God. Ha! the prince and

Monsieur Love! I will hide me in the arbour.

Withdraws

Bene. I know that, but I would haue thee hence, and

heere againe. I doe much wonder, that one man seeing

how much another man is a foole, when he dedicates his

behauiours to loue, will after hee hath laught at such

shallow follies in others, become the argument of his

owne scorne, by falling in loue, & such a man is Claudio.

I haue known when there was no musicke with him but

the drum and the fife, and now had hee rather heare the

taber and the pipe: I haue knowne when he would haue

walkt ten mile afoot, to see a good armor, and now will

he lie ten nights awake caruing the fashion of a new dublet:

he was wont to speake plaine, & to the purpose (like

an honest man & a souldier) and now is he turn'd orthography,

his words are a very fantasticall banquet, iust so

many strange dishes: may I be so conuerted, & see with

these eyes? I cannot tell, I thinke not: I will not bee

sworne, but loue may transforme me to an oyster, but Ile

take my oath on it, till he haue made an oyster of me, he

shall neuer make me such a foole: one woman is faire, yet

I am well: another is wise, yet I am well: another vertuous,

yet I am well: but till all graces be in one woman,

one woman shall not come in my grace: rich shee shall

be, that's certaine: wise, or Ile none: vertuous, or Ile neuer

cheapen her: faire, or Ile neuer looke on her: milde,

or come not neere me: Noble, or not for an Angell: of

good discourse: an excellent Musitian, and her haire shal

be of what colour it please God, hah! the Prince and

Monsieur Loue, I will hide me in the Arbor.

Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato

 

Don Pedro (309)

Come, shall we hear this music?

Enter Prince, Leonato, Claudio, and Iacke Wilson.

Prin. Come, shall we heare this musicke?

 

Claudio (310)

Yea, my good lord. How still the evening is,

As hush'd on purpose to grace harmony!

Claud. Yea my good Lord: how still the euening is.

As husht on purpose to grace harmonie

 

Don Pedro (311)

See you where Benedick hath hid himself?

Prin. See you where Benedicke hath hid himselfe?

 

Claudio (312)

40

O, very well, my lord: the music ended,

We'll fit the kid-fox with a pennyworth.

Clau. O very well my Lord: the musicke ended,

Wee'll fit the kid-foxe with a penny worth

Enter Balthasar with Music

 

Don Pedro (313)

Come, Balthasar, we'll hear that song again.

Prince. Come Balthasar, wee'll heare that song again

 

Balthasar (314)

O, good my lord, tax not so bad a voice

To slander music any more than once.

Balth. O good my Lord, taxe not so bad a voyce,

To slander musicke any more then once

 

Don Pedro (315)

It is the witness still of excellency

To put a strange face on his own perfection.

I pray thee, sing, and let me woo no more.

Prin. It is the witnesse still of excellency,

To slander Musicke any more then once

 

Balthasar (316)

Because you talk of wooing, I will sing;

Since many a wooer doth commence his suit

50

To her he thinks not worthy, yet he wooes,

Yet will he swear he loves.

Prince. It is the witnesse still of excellencie,

To put a strange face on his owne perfection,

I pray thee sing, and let me woe no more

 

Don Pedro (317)

Now, pray thee, come;

Or, if thou wilt hold longer argument,

Do it in notes.

Balth. Because you talke of wooing, I will sing,

Since many a wooer doth commence his suit,

To her he thinkes not worthy, yet he wooes,

Yet will he sweare he loues

 

Balthasar (318)

Note this before my notes;

There's not a note of mine that's worth the noting.

Prince. Nay pray thee come,

Or if thou wilt hold longer argument,

Doe it in notes

 

Don Pedro (319)

Why, these are very crotchets that he speaks;

Note, notes, forsooth, and nothing.

Air

Balth. Note this before my notes,

Theres not a note of mine that's worth the noting

 

Benedick (320)

Now, divine air! now is his soul ravished! Is it

60

not strange that sheeps' guts should hale souls out

of men's bodies? Well, a horn for my money, when

all's done.

The Song

Prince. Why these are very crotchets that he speaks,

Note notes forsooth, and nothing

 

Balthasar (321)

Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more,

Men were deceivers ever,

One foot in sea and one on shore,

To one thing constant never:

Then sigh not so, but let them go,

And be you blithe and bonny,

Converting all your sounds of woe

70

Into Hey nonny, nonny.

Sing no more ditties, sing no moe,

Of dumps so dull and heavy;

The fraud of men was ever so,

Since summer first was leafy:

Then sigh not so, & c.

Bene. Now diuine aire, now is his soule rauisht, is it

not strange that sheepes guts should hale soules out of

mens bodies? well, a horne for my money when all's

done.

The Song.

Sigh no more Ladies, sigh no more,

Men were deceiuers euer,

One foote in Sea, and one on shore,

To one thing constant neuer,

Then sigh not so, but let them goe,

And be you blithe and bonnie,

Conuerting all your sounds of woe,

Into hey nony nony.

Sing no more ditties, sing no moe,

Of dumps so dull and heauy,

The fraud of men were euer so,

Since summer first was leauy,

Then sigh not so, &c

 

Don Pedro (322)

By my troth, a good song.

Prince. By my troth a good song

 

Balthasar (323)

And an ill singer, my lord.

Balth. And an ill singer, my Lord

 

Don Pedro (324)

Ha, no, no, faith; thou singest well enough for a shift.

Prince. Ha, no, no faith, thou singst well enough for a

shift

 

Benedick (325)

An he had been a dog that should have howled thus,

80

they would have hanged him: and I pray God his bad

voice bode no mischief. I had as lief have heard the

night-raven, come what plague could have come after

it.

Ben. And he had been a dog that should haue howld

thus, they would haue hang'd him, and I pray God his

bad voyce bode no mischiefe, I had as liefe haue heard

the night-rauen, come what plague could haue come after

it

 

Don Pedro (326)

Yea, marry, dost thou hear, Balthasar? I pray thee,

get us some excellent music; for to-morrow night we

would have it at the Lady Hero's chamber-window.

Prince. Yea marry, dost thou heare Balthasar? I pray

thee get vs some excellent musick: for to morrow night

we would haue it at the Lady Heroes chamber window

 

Balthasar (327)

The best I can, my lord.

Balth. The best I can, my Lord.

Exit Balthasar.

 

Don Pedro (328)

Do so: farewell.

Exit Balthasar

Come hither, Leonato. What was it you told me of

90

today, that your niece Beatrice was in love with

Signior Benedick?

Prince. Do so, farewell. Come hither Leonato, what

was it you told me of to day, that your Niece Beatrice

was in loue with signior Benedicke?

 

Claudio (329)

O, ay: stalk on. stalk on; the fowl sits. I did

never think that lady would have loved any man.

Cla. O I, stalke on, stalke on, the foule sits. I did neuer

thinke that Lady would haue loued any man

 

Leonato (330)

No, nor I neither; but most wonderful that she

should so dote on Signior Benedick, whom she hath in

all outward behaviors seemed ever to abhor.

Leon. No, nor I neither, but most wonderful, that she

should so dote on Signior Benedicke, whom shee hath in

all outward behauiours seemed euer to abhorre

 

Benedick (331)

Is't possible? Sits the wind in that corner?

Bene. Is't possible? sits the winde in that corner?

 

Leonato (332)

By my troth, my lord, I cannot tell what to think

of it but that she loves him with an enraged

100

affection: it is past the infinite of thought.

Leo. By my troth my Lord, I cannot tell what to

thinke of it, but that she loues him with an inraged affection,

it is past the infinite of thought

 

Don Pedro (333)

May be she doth but counterfeit.

Prince. May be she doth but counterfeit

 

Claudio (334)

Faith, like enough.

Claud. Faith like enough

 

Leonato (335)

O God, counterfeit! There was never counterfeit of

passion came so near the life of passion as she

discovers it.

Leon. O God! counterfeit? there was neuer counterfeit

of passion, came so neere the life of passion as she discouers

it

 

Don Pedro (336)

Why, what effects of passion shows she?

Prince. Why what effects of passion shewes she?

 

Claudio (337)

Bait the hook well; this fish will bite.

Claud. Baite the hooke well, this fish will bite

 

Leonato (338)

What effects, my lord? She will sit you, you heard

my daughter tell you how.

Leon. What effects my Lord? shee will sit you, you

heard my daughter tell you how

 

Claudio (339)

110

She did, indeed.

Clau. She did indeed

 

Don Pedro (340)

How, how, pray you? You amaze me: I would have I

thought her spirit had been invincible against all

assaults of affection.

Prince. How, how I pray you? you amaze me, I would

haue thought her spirit had beene inuincible against all

assaults of affection

 

Leonato (341)

I would have sworn it had, my lord; especially

against Benedick.

Leo. I would haue sworne it had, my Lord, especially

against Benedicke

 

Benedick (342)

I should think this a gull, but that the

white-bearded fellow speaks it: knavery cannot,

sure, hide himself in such reverence.

Bene. I should thinke this a gull, but that the whitebearded

fellow speakes it: knauery cannot sure hide

himselfe in such reuerence

 

Claudio (343)

He hath ta'en the infection: hold it up.

Claud. He hath tane th' infection, hold it vp

 

Don Pedro (344)

120

Hath she made her affection known to Benedick?

Prince. Hath shee made her affection known to Benedicke:

 

Leonato (345)

No; and swears she never will: that's her torment.

Leonato. No, and sweares she neuer will, that's her

torment

 

Claudio (346)

'Tis true, indeed; so your daughter says: 'Shall

I,' says she, 'that have so oft encountered him

with scorn, write to him that I love him?'

Claud. 'Tis true indeed, so your daughter saies: shall

I, saies she, that haue so oft encountred him with scorne,

write to him that I loue him?

 

Leonato (347)

This says she now when she is beginning to write to

him; for she'll be up twenty times a night, and

there will she sit in her smock till she have writ a

sheet of paper: my daughter tells us all.

Leo. This saies shee now when shee is beginning to

write to him, for shee'll be vp twenty times a night, and

there will she sit in her smocke, till she haue writ a sheet

of paper: my daughter tells vs all

 

Claudio (348)

Now you talk of a sheet of paper, I remember a

130

pretty jest your daughter told us of.

Clau. Now you talke of a sheet of paper, I remember

a pretty iest your daughter told vs of

 

Leonato (349)

O, when she had writ it and was reading it over, she

found Benedick and Beatrice between the sheet?

Leon. O when she had writ it, & was reading it ouer,

she found Benedicke and Beatrice betweene the sheete

 

Claudio (350)

That.

Clau. That

 

Leonato (351)

O, she tore the letter into a thousand halfpence;

railed at herself, that she should be so immodest

to write to one that she knew would flout her; 'I

measure him,' says she, 'by my own spirit; for I

should flout him, if he writ to me; yea, though I

love him, I should.'

Leon. O she tore the letter into a thousand halfpence,

raild at her self, that she should be so immodest to write,

to one that shee knew would flout her: I measure him,

saies she, by my owne spirit, for I should flout him if hee

writ to mee, yea though I loue him, I should

 

Claudio (352)

140

Then down upon her knees she falls, weeps, sobs,

beats her heart, tears her hair, prays, curses; 'O

sweet Benedick! God give me patience!'

Clau. Then downe vpon her knees she falls, weepes,

sobs, beates her heart, teares her hayre, praies, curses, O

sweet Benedicke, God giue me patience

 

Leonato (353)

She doth indeed; my daughter says so: and the

ecstasy hath so much overborne her that my daughter

is sometime afeared she will do a desperate outrage

to herself: it is very true.

Leon. She doth indeed, my daughter saies so, and the

extasie hath so much ouerborne her, that my daughter is

somtime afeard she will doe a desperate out-rage to her

selfe, it is very true

 

Don Pedro (354)

It were good that Benedick knew of it by some

other, if she will not discover it.

Prince. It were good that Benedicke knew of it by some

other, if she will not discouer it

 

Claudio (355)

To what end? He would make but a sport of it and

150

torment the poor lady worse.

Clau. To what end? he would but make a sport of it,

and torment the poore Lady worse

 

Don Pedro (356)

An he should, it were an alms to hang him. She's an

excellent sweet lady; and, out of all suspicion,

she is virtuous.

Prin. And he should, it were an almes to hang him,

shee's an excellent sweet Lady, and (out of all suspition,)

she is vertuous

 

Claudio (357)

And she is exceeding wise.

Claudio. And she is exceeding wise

 

Don Pedro (358)

In every thing but in loving Benedick.

Prince. In euery thing, but in louing Benedicke

 

Leonato (359)

O, my lord, wisdom and blood combating in so tender

a body, we have ten proofs to one that blood hath

the victory. I am sorry for her, as I have just

cause, being her uncle and her guardian.

Leon. O my Lord, wisedome and bloud combating in

so tender a body, we haue ten proofes to one, that bloud

hath the victory, I am sorry for her, as I haue iust cause,

being her Vncle, and her Guardian

 

Don Pedro (360)

160

I would she had bestowed this dotage on me: I would

have daffed all other respects and made her half

myself. I pray you, tell Benedick of it, and hear

what a' will say.

Prince. I would shee had bestowed this dotage on

mee, I would haue daft all other respects, and made her

halfe my selfe: I pray you tell Benedicke of it, and heare

what he will say

 

Leonato (361)

Were it good, think you?

Leon. Were it good thinke you?

 

Claudio (362)

Hero thinks surely she will die; for she says she

will die, if he love her not, and she will die, ere

she make her love known, and she will die, if he woo

her, rather than she will bate one breath of her

accustomed crossness.

Clau. Hero thinkes surely she wil die, for she saies she

will die, if hee loue her not, and shee will die ere shee

make her loue knowne, and she will die if hee wooe her,

rather than shee will bate one breath of her accustomed

crossenesse

 

Don Pedro (363)

170

She doth well: if she should make tender of her

love, 'tis very possible he'll scorn it; for the

man, as you know all, hath a contemptible spirit.

Prince. She doth well, if she should make tender of her

loue, 'tis very possible hee'l scorne it, for the man (as you

know all) hath a contemptible spirit

 

Claudio (364)

He is a very proper man.

Clau. He is a very proper man

 

Don Pedro (365)

He hath indeed a good outward happiness.

Prin. He hath indeed a good outward happines

 

Claudio (366)

Before God! and, in my mind, very wise.

Clau. 'Fore God, and in my minde very wise

 

Don Pedro (367)

He doth indeed show some sparks that are like wit.

Prin. He doth indeed shew some sparkes that are like

wit

 

Claudio (368)

And I take him to be valiant.

Leon. And I take him to be valiant

 

Don Pedro (369)

As Hector, I assure you: and in the managing of

quarrels you may say he is wise; for either he

180

avoids them with great discretion, or undertakes

them with a most Christian-like fear.

Prin. As Hector, I assure you, and in the managing of

quarrels you may see hee is wise, for either hee auoydes

them with great discretion, or vndertakes them with a

Christian-like feare

 

Leonato (370)

If he do fear God, a' must necessarily keep peace:

if he break the peace, he ought to enter into a

quarrel with fear and trembling.

Leon. If hee doe feare God, a must necessarilie keepe

peace, if hee breake the peace, hee ought to enter into a

quarrell with feare and trembling

 

Don Pedro (371)

And so will he do; for the man doth fear God,

howsoever it seems not in him by some large jests

he will make. Well I am sorry for your niece. Shall

we go seek Benedick, and tell him of her love?

Prin. And so will he doe, for the man doth fear God,

howsoeuer it seemes not in him, by some large ieasts hee

will make: well, I am sorry for your niece, shall we goe

see Benedicke, and tell him of her loue

 

Claudio (372)

Never tell him, my lord: let her wear it out with

190

good counsel.

Claud. Neuer tell him, my Lord, let her weare it out

with good counsell

 

Leonato (373)

Nay, that's impossible: she may wear her heart out first.

Leon. Nay that's impossible, she may weare her heart

out first

 

Don Pedro (374)

Well, we will hear further of it by your daughter:

let it cool the while. I love Benedick well; and I

could wish he would modestly examine himself, to see

how much he is unworthy so good a lady.

Prin. Well, we will heare further of it by your daughter,

let it coole the while, I loue Benedicke well, and I

could wish he would modestly examine himselfe, to see

how much he is vnworthy to haue so good a Lady

 

Leonato (375)

My lord, will you walk? dinner is ready.

Leon. My Lord, will you walke? dinner is ready

 

Claudio (376)

If he do not dote on her upon this, I will never

trust my expectation.

Clau. If he do not doat on her vpon this, I wil neuer

trust my expectation

 

Don Pedro (377)

Let there be the same net spread for her; and that

200

must your daughter and her gentlewomen carry. The

sport will be, when they hold one an opinion of

another's dotage, and no such matter: that's the

scene that I would see, which will be merely a

dumb-show. Let us send her to call him in to dinner.

Exeunt Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato

Prin. Let there be the same Net spread for her, and

that must your daughter and her gentlewoman carry:

the sport will be, when they hold one an opinion of anothers

dotage, and no such matter, that's the Scene that I

would see, which will be meerely a dumbe shew: let vs

send her to call him into dinner.

Exeunt.

 

Benedick (378)

[Coming forward] This can be no trick: the

conference was sadly borne. They have the truth of

this from Hero. They seem to pity the lady: it

seems her affections have their full bent. Love me!

why, it must be requited. I hear how I am censured:

210

they say I will bear myself proudly, if I perceive

the love come from her; they say too that she will

rather die than give any sign of affection. I did

never think to marry: I must not seem proud: happy

are they that hear their detractions and can put

them to mending. They say the lady is fair; 'tis a

truth, I can bear them witness; and virtuous; 'tis

so, I cannot reprove it; and wise, but for loving

me; by my troth, it is no addition to her wit, nor

no great argument of her folly, for I will be

220

horribly in love with her. I may chance have some

odd quirks and remnants of wit broken on me,

because I have railed so long against marriage: but

doth not the appetite alter? a man loves the meat

in his youth that he cannot endure in his age.

Shall quips and sentences and these paper bullets of

the brain awe a man from the career of his humour?

No, the world must be peopled. When I said I would

die a bachelor, I did not think I should live till I

were married. Here comes Beatrice. By this day!

230

she's a fair lady: I do spy some marks of love in

her.

Bene. This can be no tricke, the conference was sadly

borne, they haue the truth of this from Hero, they seeme

to pittie the Lady: it seemes her affections haue the full

bent: loue me? why it must be requited: I heare how I

am censur'd, they say I will beare my selfe proudly, if I

perceiue the loue come from her: they say too, that she

will rather die than giue any signe of affection: I did neuer

thinke to marry, I must not seeme proud, happy are

they that heare their detractions, and can put them to

mending: they say the Lady is faire, 'tis a truth, I can

beare them witnesse: and vertuous, tis so, I cannot reprooue

it, and wise, but for louing me, by my troth it is

no addition to her witte, nor no great argument of her

folly; for I wil be horribly in loue with her, I may chance

haue some odde quirkes and remnants of witte broken

on mee, because I haue rail'd so long against marriage:

but doth not the appetite alter? a man loues the meat in

his youth, that he cannot indure in his age. Shall quips

and sentences, and these paper bullets of the braine awe

a man from the careere of his humour? No, the world

must be peopled. When I said I would die a batcheler, I

did not think I should liue till I were maried, here comes

Beatrice: by this day, shee's a faire Lady, I doe spie some

markes of loue in her.

Enter Beatrice

 

Beatrice (379)

Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner.

Enter Beatrice.

Beat. Against my wil I am sent to bid you come in to

dinner

 

Benedick (380)

Fair Beatrice, I thank you for your pains.

Bene. Faire Beatrice, I thanke you for your paines

 

Beatrice (381)

I took no more pains for those thanks than you take

pains to thank me: if it had been painful, I would

not have come.

Beat. I tooke no more paines for those thankes, then

you take paines to thanke me, if it had been painefull, I

would not haue come

 

Benedick (382)

You take pleasure then in the message?

Bene. You take pleasure then in the message

 

Beatrice (383)

Yea, just so much as you may take upon a knife's

point and choke a daw withal. You have no stomach,

240

signior: fare you well.

Exit

Beat. Yea iust so much as you may take vpon a kniues

point, and choake a daw withall: you haue no stomacke

signior, fare you well.

Exit.

 

Benedick (384)

Ha! 'Against my will I am sent to bid you come in

to dinner;' there's a double meaning in that 'I took

no more pains for those thanks than you took pains

to thank me.' that's as much as to say, Any pains

that I take for you is as easy as thanks. If I do

not take pity of her, I am a villain; if I do not

love her, I am a Jew. I will go get her picture.

Exit

Bene. Ha, against my will I am sent to bid you come

into dinner: there's a double meaning in that: I tooke

no more paines for those thankes then you took paines

to thanke me, that's as much as to say, any paines that I

take for you is as easie as thankes: if I do not take pitty

of her I am a villaine, if I doe not loue her I am a Iew, I

will goe get her picture.

Exit.

expandMe Act III

expandMe Act III. Scene I. Leonato's garden.

3 - 1:    Act III. Scene I. Leonato's garden.

Enter Hero, Margaret, and Ursula

 

Hero (385)

Good Margaret, run thee to the parlor;

There shalt thou find my cousin Beatrice

Proposing with the prince and Claudio:

Whisper her ear and tell her, I and Ursula

Walk in the orchard and our whole discourse

Is all of her; say that thou overheard'st us;

And bid her steal into the pleached bower,

Where honeysuckles, ripen'd by the sun,

Forbid the sun to enter, like favourites,

10

Made proud by princes, that advance their pride

Against that power that bred it: there will she hide her,

To listen our purpose. This is thy office;

Bear thee well in it and leave us alone.

Actus Tertius.

Enter Hero and two Gentlemen, Margaret, and Vrsula.

Hero. Good Margaret runne thee to the parlour,

There shalt thou finde my Cosin Beatrice,

Proposing with the Prince and Claudio,

Whisper her eare, and tell her I and Vrsula,

Walke in the Orchard, and our whole discourse

Is all of her, say that thou ouer-heardst vs,

And bid her steale into the pleached bower,

Where hony-suckles ripened by the sunne,

Forbid the sunne to enter: like fauourites,

Made proud by Princes, that aduance their pride,

Against that power that bred it, there will she hide her,

To listen our purpose, this is thy office,

Beare thee well in it, and leaue vs alone

 

Margaret (386)

I'll make her come, I warrant you, presently.

Exit

Marg. Ile make her come I warrant you presently

 

Hero (387)

Now, Ursula, when Beatrice doth come,

As we do trace this alley up and down,

Our talk must only be of Benedick.

When I do name him, let it be thy part

To praise him more than ever man did merit:

20

My talk to thee must be how Benedick

Is sick in love with Beatrice. Of this matter

Is little Cupid's crafty arrow made,

That only wounds by hearsay.

Enter Beatrice, behind

Now begin;

For look where Beatrice, like a lapwing, runs

Close by the ground, to hear our conference.

Hero. Now Vrsula, when Beatrice doth come,

As we do trace this alley vp and downe,

Our talke must onely be of Benedicke,

When I doe name him, let it be thy part,

To praise him more then euer man did merit,

My talke to thee must be how Benedicke

Is sicke in loue with Beatrice; of this matter,

Is little Cupids crafty arrow made,

That onely wounds by heare-say: now begin,

Enter Beatrice.

For looke where Beatrice like a Lapwing runs

Close by the ground, to heare our conference

 

Ursula (388)

The pleasant'st angling is to see the fish

Cut with her golden oars the silver stream,

And greedily devour the treacherous bait:

30

So angle we for Beatrice; who even now

Is couched in the woodbine coverture.

Fear you not my part of the dialogue.

Vrs. The pleasant'st angling is to see the fish

Cut with her golden ores the siluer streame,

And greedily deuoure the treacherous baite:

So angle we for Beatrice, who euen now,

Is couched in the wood-bine couerture,

Feare you not my part of the Dialogue

 

Hero (389)

Then go we near her, that her ear lose nothing

Of the false sweet bait that we lay for it.

Approaching the bower

No, truly, Ursula, she is too disdainful;

I know her spirits are as coy and wild

As haggerds of the rock.

Her. Then go we neare her that her eare loose nothing,

Of the false sweete baite that we lay for it:

No truely Vrsula, she is too disdainfull,

I know her spirits are as coy and wilde,

As Haggerds of the rocke

 

Ursula (390)

But are you sure

That Benedick loves Beatrice so entirely?

Vrsula. But are you sure,

That Benedicke loues Beatrice so intirely?

 

Hero (391)

40

So says the prince and my new-trothed lord.

Her. So saies the Prince, and my new trothed Lord

 

Ursula (392)

And did they bid you tell her of it, madam?

Vrs. And did they bid you tell her of it, Madam?

 

Hero (393)

They did entreat me to acquaint her of it;

But I persuaded them, if they loved Benedick,

To wish him wrestle with affection,

And never to let Beatrice know of it.

Her. They did intreate me to acquaint her of it,

But I perswaded them, if they lou'd Benedicke,

To wish him wrastle with affection,

And neuer to let Beatrice know of it

 

Ursula (394)

Why did you so? Doth not the gentleman

Deserve as full as fortunate a bed

As ever Beatrice shall couch upon?

Vrsula. Why did you so, doth not the Gentleman

Deserue as full as fortunate a bed,

As euer Beatrice shall couch vpon?

 

Hero (395)

O god of love! I know he doth deserve

50

As much as may be yielded to a man:

But Nature never framed a woman's heart

Of prouder stuff than that of Beatrice;

Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes,

Misprising what they look on, and her wit

Values itself so highly that to her

All matter else seems weak: she cannot love,

Nor take no shape nor project of affection,

She is so self-endeared.

Hero. O God of loue! I know he doth deserue,

As much as may be yeelded to a man:

But Nature neuer fram'd a womans heart,

Of prowder stuffe then that of Beatrice:

Disdaine and Scorne ride sparkling in her eyes,

Mis-prizing what they looke on, and her wit

Values it selfe so highly, that to her

All matter else seemes weake: she cannot loue,

Nor take no shape nor proiect of affection,

Shee is so selfe indeared

 

Ursula (396)

Sure, I think so;

60

And therefore certainly it were not good

She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.

Vrsula. Sure I thinke so,

And therefore certainely it were not good

She knew his loue, lest she make sport at it

 

Hero (397)

Why, you speak truth. I never yet saw man,

How wise, how noble, young, how rarely featured,

But she would spell him backward: if fair-faced,

She would swear the gentleman should be her sister;

If black, why, Nature, drawing of an antique,

Made a foul blot; if tall, a lance ill-headed;

If low, an agate very vilely cut;

If speaking, why, a vane blown with all winds;

70

If silent, why, a block moved with none.

So turns she every man the wrong side out

And never gives to truth and virtue that

Which simpleness and merit purchaseth.

Hero. Why you speake truth, I neuer yet saw man,

How wise, how noble, yong, how rarely featur'd.

But she would spell him backward: if faire fac'd,

She would sweare the gentleman should be her sister:

If blacke, why Nature drawing of an anticke,

Made a foule blot: if tall, a launce ill headed:

If low, an agot very vildlie cut:

If speaking, why a vane blowne with all windes:

If silent, why a blocke moued with none.

So turnes she euery man the wrong side out,

And neuer giues to Truth and Vertue, that

Which simplenesse and merit purchaseth

 

Ursula (398)

Sure, sure, such carping is not commendable.

Vrsu. Sure, sure, such carping is not commendable

 

Hero (399)

No, not to be so odd and from all fashions

As Beatrice is, cannot be commendable:

But who dare tell her so? If I should speak,

She would mock me into air; O, she would laugh me

Out of myself, press me to death with wit.

80

Therefore let Benedick, like cover'd fire,

Consume away in sighs, waste inwardly:

It were a better death than die with mocks,

Which is as bad as die with tickling.

Hero. No, not to be so odde, and from all fashions,

As Beatrice is, cannot be commendable,

But who dare tell her so? if I should speake,

She would mocke me into ayre, O she would laugh me

Out of my selfe, presse me to death with wit,

Therefore let Benedicke like couered fire,

Consume away in sighes, waste inwardly:

It were a better death, to die with mockes,

Which is as bad as die with tickling

 

Ursula (400)

Yet tell her of it: hear what she will say.

Vrsu. Yet tell her of it, heare what shee will say

 

Hero (401)

No; rather I will go to Benedick

And counsel him to fight against his passion.

And, truly, I'll devise some honest slanders

To stain my cousin with: one doth not know

How much an ill word may empoison liking.

Hero. No, rather I will goe to Benedicke,

And counsaile him to fight against his passion,

And truly Ile deuise some honest slanders,

To staine my cosin with, one doth not know,

How much an ill word may impoison liking

 

Ursula (402)

90

O, do not do your cousin such a wrong.

She cannot be so much without true judgment--

Having so swift and excellent a wit

As she is prized to have--as to refuse

So rare a gentleman as Signior Benedick.

Vrsu. O doe not doe your cosin such a wrong,

She cannot be so much without true iudgement,

Hauing so swift and excellent a wit

As she is prisde to haue, as to refuse

So rare a Gentleman as signior Benedicke

 

Hero (403)

He is the only man of Italy.

Always excepted my dear Claudio.

Hero. He is the onely man of Italy,

Alwaies excepted, my deare Claudio

 

Ursula (404)

I pray you, be not angry with me, madam,

Speaking my fancy: Signior Benedick,

For shape, for bearing, argument and valour,

100

Goes foremost in report through Italy.

Vrsu. I pray you be not angry with me, Madame,

Speaking my fancy: Signior Benedicke,

For shape, for bearing argument and valour,

Goes formost in report through Italy

 

Hero (405)

Indeed, he hath an excellent good name.

Hero. Indeed he hath an excellent good name

 

Ursula (406)

His excellence did earn it, ere he had it.

When are you married, madam?

Vrsu. His excellence did earne it ere he had it:

When are you married Madame?

 

Hero (407)

Why, every day, to-morrow. Come, go in:

I'll show thee some attires, and have thy counsel

Which is the best to furnish me to-morrow.

Hero. Why euerie day to morrow, come goe in,

Ile shew thee some attires, and haue thy counsell,

Which is the best to furnish me to morrow

 

Ursula (408)

She's limed, I warrant you: we have caught her, madam.

Vrsu. Shee's tane I warrant you,

We haue caught her Madame?

 

Hero (409)

If it proves so, then loving goes by haps:

Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps.

Exeunt Hero and Ursula

Hero. If it proue so, then louing goes by haps,

Some Cupid kills with arrowes, some with traps.

Exit.

 

Beatrice (410)

110

[Coming forward]

What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true?

Stand I condemn'd for pride and scorn so much?

Contempt, farewell! and maiden pride, adieu!

No glory lives behind the back of such.

And, Benedick, love on; I will requite thee,

Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand:

If thou dost love, my kindness shall incite thee

To bind our loves up in a holy band;

For others say thou dost deserve, and I

120

Believe it better than reportingly.

Exit

Beat. What fire is in mine eares? can this be true?

Stand I condemn'd for pride and scorne so much?

Contempt, farewell, and maiden pride, adew,

No glory liues behinde the backe of such.

And Benedicke, loue on, I will requite thee,

Taming my wilde heart to thy louing hand:

If thou dost loue, my kindnesse shall incite thee

To binde our loues vp in a holy band.

For others say thou dost deserue, and I

Beleeue it better then reportingly.

Exit.

expandMe Act III. Scene II. A room in Leonato's house

3 - 2:    Act III. Scene II. A room in Leonato's house

Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, and Leonato

 

Don Pedro (411)

I do but stay till your marriage be consummate, and

then go I toward Arragon.

Enter Prince, Claudio, Benedicke, and Leonato.

Prince. I doe but stay till your marriage be consummate,

and then go I toward Arragon

 

Claudio (412)

I'll bring you thither, my lord, if you'll

vouchsafe me.

Clau. Ile bring you thither my Lord, if you'l vouchsafe

me

 

Don Pedro (413)

Nay, that would be as great a soil in the new gloss

of your marriage as to show a child his new coat

and forbid him to wear it. I will only be bold

with Benedick for his company; for, from the crown

of his head to the sole of his foot, he is all

10

mirth: he hath twice or thrice cut Cupid's

bow-string and the little hangman dare not shoot at

him; he hath a heart as sound as a bell and his

tongue is the clapper, for what his heart thinks his

tongue speaks.

Prin. Nay, that would be as great a soyle in the new

glosse of your marriage, as to shew a childe his new coat

and forbid him to weare it, I will onely bee bold with

Benedicke for his companie, for from the crowne of his

head, to the sole of his foot, he is all mirth, he hath twice

or thrice cut Cupids bow-string, and the little hang-man

dare not shoot at him, he hath a heart as sound as a bell,

and his tongue is the clapper, for what his heart thinkes,

his tongue speakes

 

Benedick (414)

Gallants, I am not as I have been.

Bene. Gallants, I am not as I haue bin

 

Leonato (415)

So say I methinks you are sadder.

Leo. So say I, methinkes you are sadder

 

Claudio (416)

I hope he be in love.

Claud. I hope he be in loue

 

Don Pedro (417)

Hang him, truant! there's no true drop of blood in

him, to be truly touched with love: if he be sad,

20

he wants money.

Prin. Hang him truant, there's no true drop of bloud

in him to be truly toucht with loue, if he be sad, he wants

money

 

Benedick (418)

I have the toothache.

Bene. I haue the tooth-ach

 

Don Pedro (419)

Draw it.

Prin. Draw it

 

Benedick (420)

Hang it!

Bene. Hang it

 

Claudio (421)

You must hang it first, and draw it afterwards.

Claud. You must hang it first, and draw it afterwards

 

Don Pedro (422)

What! sigh for the toothache?

Prin. What? sigh for the tooth-ach

 

Leonato (423)

Where is but a humour or a worm.

Leon. Where is but a humour or a worme

 

Benedick (424)

Well, every one can master a grief but he that has

it.

Bene. Well, euery one cannot master a griefe, but hee

that has it

 

Claudio (425)

Yet say I, he is in love.

Clau. Yet say I, he is in loue

 

Don Pedro (426)

30

There is no appearance of fancy in him, unless it be

a fancy that he hath to strange disguises; as, to be

a Dutchman today, a Frenchman to-morrow, or in the

shape of two countries at once, as, a German from

the waist downward, all slops, and a Spaniard from

the hip upward, no doublet. Unless he have a fancy

to this foolery, as it appears he hath, he is no

fool for fancy, as you would have it appear he is.

Prin. There is no appearance of fancie in him, vnlesse

it be a fancy that he hath to strange disguises, as to bee a

Dutchman to day, a Frenchman to morrow: vnlesse hee

haue a fancy to this foolery, as it appeares hee hath, hee

is no foole for fancy, as you would haue it to appeare

he is

 

Claudio (427)

If he be not in love with some woman, there is no

believing old signs: a' brushes his hat o'

40

mornings; what should that bode?

Clau. If he be not in loue with some woman, there

is no beleeuing old signes, a brushes his hat a mornings,

What should that bode?

 

Don Pedro (428)

Hath any man seen him at the barber's?

Prin. Hath any man seene him at the Barbers?

 

Claudio (429)

No, but the barber's man hath been seen with him,

and the old ornament of his cheek hath already

stuffed tennis-balls.

Clau. No, but the Barbers man hath beene seen with

him, and the olde ornament of his cheeke hath alreadie

stuft tennis balls

 

Leonato (430)

Indeed, he looks younger than he did, by the loss of a beard.

Leon. Indeed he lookes yonger than hee did, by the

losse of a beard

 

Don Pedro (431)

Nay, a' rubs himself with civet: can you smell him

out by that?

Prin. Nay a rubs himselfe with Ciuit, can you smell

him out by that?

 

Claudio (432)

That's as much as to say, the sweet youth's in love.

Clau. That's as much as to say, the sweet youth's in

loue

 

Don Pedro (433)

The greatest note of it is his melancholy.

Prin. The greatest note of it is his melancholy

 

Claudio (434)

50

And when was he wont to wash his face?

Clau. And when was he wont to wash his face?

 

Don Pedro (435)

Yea, or to paint himself? for the which, I hear

what they say of him.

Prin. Yea, or to paint himselfe? for the which I heare

what they say of him

 

Claudio (436)

Nay, but his jesting spirit; which is now crept into

a lute-string and now governed by stops.

Clau. Nay, but his iesting spirit, which is now crept

into a lute-string, and now gouern'd by stops

 

Don Pedro (437)

Indeed, that tells a heavy tale for him: conclude,

conclude he is in love.

Prin. Indeed that tels a heauy tale for him: conclude,

he is in loue

 

Claudio (438)

Nay, but I know who loves him.

Clau. Nay, but I know who loues him

 

Don Pedro (439)

That would I know too: I warrant, one that knows him not.

Prince. That would I know too, I warrant one that

knowes him not

 

Claudio (440)

Yes, and his ill conditions; and, in despite of

60

all, dies for him.

Cla. Yes, and his ill conditions, and in despight of all,

dies for him

 

Don Pedro (441)

She shall be buried with her face upwards.

Prin. Shee shall be buried with her face vpwards

 

Benedick (442)

Yet is this no charm for the toothache. Old

signior, walk aside with me: I have studied eight

or nine wise words to speak to you, which these

hobby-horses must not hear.

Exeunt Benedick and Leonato

Bene. Yet is this no charme for the tooth-ake, old signior,

walke aside with mee, I haue studied eight or nine

wise words to speake to you, which these hobby-horses

must not heare

 

Don Pedro (443)

For my life, to break with him about Beatrice.

Prin. For my life to breake with him about Beatrice

 

Claudio (444)

'Tis even so. Hero and Margaret have by this

played their parts with Beatrice; and then the two

bears will not bite one another when they meet.

Clau. 'Tis euen so, Hero and Margaret haue by this

played their parts with Beatrice, and then the two Beares

will not bite one another when they meete.

Enter Don John

 

Don John (445)

70

My lord and brother, God save you!

Enter Iohn the Bastard.

Bast. My Lord and brother, God saue you

 

Don Pedro (446)

Good den, brother.

Prin. Good den brother

 

Don John (447)

If your leisure served, I would speak with you.

Bast. If your leisure seru'd, I would speake with you

 

Don Pedro (448)

In private?

Prince. In priuate?

 

Don John (449)

If it please you: yet Count Claudio may hear; for

what I would speak of concerns him.

Bast. If it please you, yet Count Claudio may heare,

for what I would speake of, concernes him

 

Don Pedro (450)

What's the matter?

Prin. What's the matter?

 

Don John (451)

[To Claudio] Means your lordship to be married

to-morrow?

Basta. Meanes your Lordship to be married to morrow?

 

Don Pedro (452)

You know he does.

Prin. You know he does

 

Don John (453)

80

I know not that, when he knows what I know.

Bast. I know not that when he knowes what I know

 

Claudio (454)

If there be any impediment, I pray you discover it.

Clau. If there be any impediment, I pray you discouer

it

 

Don John (455)

You may think I love you not: let that appear

hereafter, and aim better at me by that I now will

manifest. For my brother, I think he holds you

well, and in dearness of heart hath holp to effect

your ensuing marriage;--surely suit ill spent and

labour ill bestowed.

Bast. You may thinke I loue you not, let that appeare

hereafter, and ayme better at me by that I now will manifest,

for my brother (I thinke, he holds you well, and in

dearenesse of heart) hath holpe to effect your ensuing

marriage: surely sute ill spent, and labour ill bestowed

 

Don Pedro (456)

Why, what's the matter?

Prin. Why, what's the matter?

 

Don John (457)

I came hither to tell you; and, circumstances

90

shortened, for she has been too long a talking of,

the lady is disloyal.

Bastard. I came hither to tell you, and circumstances

shortned, (for she hath beene too long a talking of) the

Lady is disloyall

 

Claudio (458)

Who, Hero?

Clau. Who Hero?

 

Don Pedro (459)

Even she; Leonato's Hero, your Hero, every man's Hero:

Bast. Euen shee, Leonatoes Hero, your Hero, euery

mans Hero

 

Claudio (460)

Disloyal?

Clau. Disloyall?

 

Don John (461)

The word is too good to paint out her wickedness; I

could say she were worse: think you of a worse

title, and I will fit her to it. Wonder not till

further warrant: go but with me toight, you shall

see her chamber-window entered, even the night

100

before her wedding-day: if you love her then,

to-morrow wed her; but it would better fit your honour

to change your mind.

Bast. The word is too good to paint out her wickednesse,

I could say she were worse, thinke you of a worse

title, and I will fit her to it: wonder not till further warrant:

goe but with mee to night, you shal see her chamber

window entred, euen the night before her wedding

day, if you loue her, then to morrow wed her: But it

would better fit your honour to change your minde

 

Claudio (462)

May this be so?

Claud. May this be so?

 

Don Pedro (463)

I will not think it.

Princ. I will not thinke it

 

Don John (464)

If you dare not trust that you see, confess not

that you know: if you will follow me, I will show

you enough; and when you have seen more and heard

more, proceed accordingly.

Bast. If you dare not trust that you see, confesse not

that you know: if you will follow mee, I will shew you

enough, and when you haue seene more, & heard more,

proceed accordingly

 

Claudio (465)

If I see any thing toight why I should not marry

110

her to-morrow in the congregation, where I should

wed, there will I shame her.

Clau. If I see any thing to night, why I should not

marry her to morrow in the congregation, where I shold

wedde, there will I shame her

 

Don Pedro (466)

And, as I wooed for thee to obtain her, I will join

with thee to disgrace her.

Prin. And as I wooed for thee to obtaine her, I will

ioyne with thee to disgrace her

 

Don John (467)

I will disparage her no farther till you are my

witnesses: bear it coldly but till midnight, and

let the issue show itself.

Bast. I will disparage her no farther, till you are my

witnesses, beare it coldly but till night, and let the issue

shew it selfe

 

Don Pedro (468)

O day untowardly turned!

Prin. O day vntowardly turned!

 

Claudio (469)

O mischief strangely thwarting!

Claud. O mischiefe strangelie thwarting!

 

Don John (470)

O plague right well prevented! so will you say when

120

you have seen the sequel.

Exeunt

Bastard. O plague right well preuented! so will you

say, when you haue seene the sequele.

Exit.

expandMe Act III. Scene II. A room in Leonato's house

3 - 3:    Act III. Scene II. A room in Leonato's house

Enter Dogberry and Verges with the Watch

 

Dogberry (471)

Are you good men and true?

Enter Dogbery and his compartner with the watch.

Dog. Are you good men and true?

 

Verges (472)

Yea, or else it were pity but they should suffer

salvation, body and soul.

Verg. Yea, or else it were pitty but they should suffer

saluation body and soule

 

Dogberry (473)

Nay, that were a punishment too good for them, if

they should have any allegiance in them, being

chosen for the prince's watch.

Dogb. Nay, that were a punishment too good for

them, if they should haue any allegiance in them, being

chosen for the Princes watch

 

Verges (474)

Well, give them their charge, neighbour Dogberry.

Verges. Well, giue them their charge, neighbour

Dogbery

 

Dogberry (475)

First, who think you the most desertless man to be

constable?

Dog. First, who thinke you the most desartlesse man

to be Constable

 

First Watchman (476)

10

Hugh Otecake, sir, or George Seacole; for they can

write and read.

Watch.1. Hugh Ote-cake sir, or George Sea-coale, for

they can write and reade

 

Dogberry (477)

Come hither, neighbour Seacole. God hath blessed

you with a good name: to be a well-favoured man is

the gift of fortune; but to write and read comes by nature.

Dogb. Come hither neighbour Sea-coale, God hath

blest you with a good name: to be a wel-fauoured man,

is the gift of Fortune, but to write and reade, comes by

Nature

 

Second Watchman (478)

Both which, master constable,--

Watch 2. Both which Master Constable

 

Dogberry (479)

You have: I knew it would be your answer. Well,

for your favour, sir, why, give God thanks, and make

no boast of it; and for your writing and reading,

let that appear when there is no need of such

20

vanity. You are thought here to be the most

senseless and fit man for the constable of the

watch; therefore bear you the lantern. This is your

charge: you shall comprehend all vagrom men; you are

to bid any man stand, in the prince's name.

Dogb. You haue: I knew it would be your answere:

well, for your fauour sir, why giue God thankes, & make

no boast of it, and for your writing and reading, let that

appeare when there is no need of such vanity, you are

thought heere to be the most senslesse and fit man for the

Constable of the watch: therefore beare you the lanthorne:

this is your charge: You shall comprehend all

vagrom men, you are to bid any man stand in the Princes

name

 

Second Watchman (480)

How if a' will not stand?

Watch 2. How if a will not stand?

 

Dogberry (481)

Why, then, take no note of him, but let him go; and

presently call the rest of the watch together and

thank God you are rid of a knave.

Dogb. Why then take no note of him, but let him go,

and presently call the rest of the Watch together, and

thanke God you are ridde of a knaue

 

Verges (482)

If he will not stand when he is bidden, he is none

30

of the prince's subjects.

Verges. If he will not stand when he is bidden, hee is

none of the Princes subiects

 

Dogberry (483)

True, and they are to meddle with none but the

prince's subjects. You shall also make no noise in

the streets; for, for the watch to babble and to

talk is most tolerable and not to be endured.

Dogb. True, and they are to meddle with none but

the Princes subiects: you shall also make no noise in the

streetes: for, for the Watch to babble and talke, is most

tollerable, and not to be indured

 

Watchman (484)

We will rather sleep than talk: we know what

belongs to a watch.

Watch. We will rather sleepe than talke, wee know

what belongs to a Watch

 

Dogberry (485)

Why, you speak like an ancient and most quiet

watchman; for I cannot see how sleeping should

offend: only, have a care that your bills be not

40

stolen. Well, you are to call at all the

ale-houses, and bid those that are drunk get them to bed.

Dog. Why you speake like an ancient and most quiet

watchman, for I cannot see how sleeping should offend:

only haue a care that your bills be not stolne: well, you

are to call at all the Alehouses, and bid them that are

drunke get them to bed

 

Watchman (486)

How if they will not?

Watch. How if they will not?

 

Dogberry (487)

Why, then, let them alone till they are sober: if

they make you not then the better answer, you may

say they are not the men you took them for.

Dogb. Why then let them alone till they are sober, if

they make you not then the better answere, you may say,

they are not the men you tooke them for

 

Watchman (488)

Well, sir.

Watch. Well sir,

 

Dogberry (489)

If you meet a thief, you may suspect him, by virtue

of your office, to be no true man; and, for such

kind of men, the less you meddle or make with them,

50

why the more is for your honesty.

Dogb. If you meet a theefe, you may suspect him, by

vertue of your office, to be no true man: and for such

kinde of men, the lesse you meddle or make with them,

why the more is for your honesty

 

Watchman (490)

If we know him to be a thief, shall we not lay

hands on him?

Watch. If wee know him to be a thiefe, shall wee not

lay hands on him

 

Dogberry (491)

Truly, by your office, you may; but I think they

that touch pitch will be defiled: the most peaceable

way for you, if you do take a thief, is to let him

show himself what he is and steal out of your company.

Dogb. Truly by your office you may, but I think they

that touch pitch will be defil'd: the most peaceable way

for you, if you doe take a theefe, is, to let him shew himselfe

what he is, and steale out of your company

 

Verges (492)

You have been always called a merciful man, partner.

Ver. You haue bin alwaies cal'd a merciful ma[n] partner

 

Dogberry (493)

Truly, I would not hang a dog by my will, much more

a man who hath any honesty in him.

Dog. Truely I would not hang a dog by my will, much

more a man who hath anie honestie in him

 

Verges (494)

60

If you hear a child cry in the night, you must call

to the nurse and bid her still it.

Verges. If you heare a child crie in the night you must

call to the nurse, and bid her still it

 

Watchman (495)

How if the nurse be asleep and will not hear us?

Watch. How if the nurse be asleepe and will not

heare vs?

 

Dogberry (496)

Why, then, depart in peace, and let the child wake

her with crying; for the ewe that will not hear her

lamb when it baes will never answer a calf when he bleats.

Dog. Why then depart in peace, and let the childe

wake her with crying, for the ewe that will not heare

her Lambe when it baes, will neuer answere a calfe when

he bleates

 

Verges (497)

'Tis very true.

Verges. 'Tis verie true

 

Dogberry (498)

This is the end of the charge:--you, constable, are

to present the prince's own person: if you meet the

prince in the night, you may stay him.

Dog. This is the end of the charge: you constable

are to present the Princes owne person, if you meete the

Prince in the night, you may staie him

 

Verges (499)

70

Nay, by'r our lady, that I think a' cannot.

Verges. Nay birladie that I thinke a cannot

 

Dogberry (500)

Five shillings to one on't, with any man that knows

the statutes, he may stay him: marry, not without

the prince be willing; for, indeed, the watch ought

to offend no man; and it is an offence to stay a

man against his will.

Dog. Fiue shillings to one on't with anie man that

knowes the Statutes, he may staie him, marrie not without

the prince be willing, for indeed the watch ought to

offend no man, and it is an offence to stay a man against

his will

 

Verges (501)

By'r lady, I think it be so.

Verges. Birladie I thinke it be so

 

Dogberry (502)

Ha, ha, ha! Well, masters, good night: an there be

any matter of weight chances, call up me: keep your

fellows' counsels and your own; and good night.

80

Come, neighbour.

Dog. Ha, ah ha, well masters good night, and there be

anie matter of weight chances, call vp me, keepe your

fellowes counsailes, and your owne, and good night,

come neighbour

 

Watchman (503)

Well, masters, we hear our charge: let us go sit here

upon the church-bench till two, and then all to bed.

Watch. Well masters, we heare our charge, let vs go

sit here vpon the Church bench till two, and then all to

bed

 

Dogberry (504)

One word more, honest neighbours. I pray you watch

about Signior Leonato's door; for the wedding being

there to-morrow, there is a great coil toight.

Adieu: be vigitant, I beseech you.

Exeunt Dogberry and Verges

Dog. One word more, honest neighbors. I pray you

watch about signior Leonatoes doore, for the wedding being

there to morrow, there is a great coyle to night,

adiew, be vigitant I beseech you.

Exeunt.

Enter Borachio and Conrade

 

Borachio (505)

What Conrade!

Enter Borachio and Conrade.

Bor. What, Conrade?

 

Watchman (506)

[Aside] Peace! stir not.

Watch. Peace, stir not

 

Borachio (507)

Conrade, I say!

Bor. Conrade I say

 

Conrade (508)

90

Here, man; I am at thy elbow.

Con. Here man, I am at thy elbow

 

Borachio (509)

Mass, and my elbow itched; I thought there would a

scab follow.

Bor. Mas and my elbow itcht, I thought there would

a scabbe follow

 

Conrade (510)

I will owe thee an answer for that: and now forward

with thy tale.

Con. I will owe thee an answere for that, and now

forward with thy tale

 

Borachio (511)

Stand thee close, then, under this pent-house, for

it drizzles rain; and I will, like a true drunkard,

utter all to thee.

Bor. Stand thee close then vnder this penthouse, for it

drissels raine, and I will, like a true drunkard, vtter all to

thee

 

Watchman (512)

[Aside] Some treason, masters: yet stand close.

Watch. Some treason masters, yet stand close

 

Borachio (513)

Therefore know I have earned of Don John a thousand ducats.

Bor. Therefore know, I haue earned of Don Iohn a

thousand Ducates

 

Conrade (514)

100

Is it possible that any villany should be so dear?

Con. Is it possible that anie villanie should be so deare?

 

Borachio (515)

Thou shouldst rather ask if it were possible any

villany should be so rich; for when rich villains

have need of poor ones, poor ones may make what

price they will.

Bor. Thou should'st rather aske if it were possible anie

villanie should be so rich? for when rich villains haue

neede of poore ones, poore ones may make what price

they will

 

Conrade (516)

I wonder at it.

Con. I wonder at it

 

Borachio (517)

That shows thou art unconfirmed. Thou knowest that

the fashion of a doublet, or a hat, or a cloak, is

nothing to a man.

Bor. That shewes thou art vnconfirm'd, thou knowest

that the fashion of a doublet, or a hat, or a cloake, is nothing

to a man

 

Conrade (518)

Yes, it is apparel.

Con. Yes, it is apparell

 

Borachio (519)

110

I mean, the fashion.

Bor. I meane the fashion

 

Conrade (520)

Yes, the fashion is the fashion.

Con. Yes the fashion is the fashion

 

Borachio (521)

Tush! I may as well say the fool's the fool. But

seest thou not what a deformed thief this fashion

is?

Bor. Tush, I may as well say the foole's the foole, but

seest thou not what a deformed theefe this fashion is?

 

Watchman (522)

[Aside] I know that Deformed; a' has been a vile

thief this seven year; a' goes up and down like a

gentleman: I remember his name.

Watch. I know that deformed, a has bin a vile theefe,

this vii. yeares, a goes vp and downe like a gentle man:

I remember his name

 

Borachio (523)

Didst thou not hear somebody?

Bor. Did'st thou not heare some bodie?

 

Conrade (524)

No; 'twas the vane on the house.

Con. No, 'twas the vaine on the house

 

Borachio (525)

120

Seest thou not, I say, what a deformed thief this

fashion is? how giddily a' turns about all the hot

bloods between fourteen and five-and-thirty?

sometimes fashioning them like Pharaoh's soldiers

in the reeky painting, sometime like god Bel's

priests in the old church-window, sometime like the

shaven Hercules in the smirched worm-eaten tapestry,

where his codpiece seems as massy as his club?

Bor. Seest thou not (I say) what a deformed thiefe

this fashion is, how giddily a turnes about all the Hotblouds,

betweene, foureteene & fiue & thirtie, sometimes

fashioning them like Pharaoes souldiours in the rechie

painting, sometime like god Bels priests in the old

Church window, sometime like the shauen Hercules in

the smircht worm-eaten tapestrie, where his cod-peece

seemes as massie as his club

 

Conrade (526)

All this I see; and I see that the fashion wears

out more apparel than the man. But art not thou

130

thyself giddy with the fashion too, that thou hast

shifted out of thy tale into telling me of the fashion?

Con. All this I see, and see that the fashion weares out

more apparrell then the man; but art not thou thy selfe

giddie with the fashion too that thou hast shifted out of

thy tale into telling me of the fashion?

 

Borachio (527)

Not so, neither: but know that I have toight

wooed Margaret, the Lady Hero's gentlewoman, by the

name of Hero: she leans me out at her mistress'

chamber-window, bids me a thousand times good

night,--I tell this tale vilely:--I should first

tell thee how the prince, Claudio and my master,

planted and placed and possessed by my master Don

John, saw afar off in the orchard this amiable encounter.

Bor. Not so neither, but know that I haue to night

wooed Margaret the Lady Heroes gentle-woman, by the

name of Hero, she leanes me out at her mistris chamberwindow,

bids me a thousand times good night: I tell

this tale vildly. I should first tell thee how the Prince

Claudio and my Master planted, and placed, and possessed

by my Master Don Iohn, saw a far off in the Orchard this

amiable incounter

 

Conrade (528)

140

And thought they Margaret was Hero?

Con. And thought thy Margaret was Hero?

 

Borachio (529)

Two of them did, the prince and Claudio; but the

devil my master knew she was Margaret; and partly

by his oaths, which first possessed them, partly by

the dark night, which did deceive them, but chiefly

by my villany, which did confirm any slander that

Don John had made, away went Claudio enraged; swore

he would meet her, as he was appointed, next morning

at the temple, and there, before the whole

congregation, shame her with what he saw o'er night

150

and send her home again without a husband.

Bor. Two of them did, the Prince and Claudio, but the

diuell my Master knew she was Margaret and partly by

his oathes, which first possest them, partly by the darke

night which did deceiue them, but chiefely, by my villanie,

which did confirme any slander that Don Iohn had

made, away went Claudio enraged, swore hee would

meete her as he was apointed next morning at the Temple,

and there, before the whole congregation shame her

with what he saw o're night, and send her home againe

without a husband

 

First Watchman (530)

We charge you, in the prince's name, stand!

Watch.1. We charge you in the Princes name stand

 

Second Watchman (531)

Call up the right master constable. We have here

recovered the most dangerous piece of lechery that

ever was known in the commonwealth.

Watch.2. Call vp the right master Constable, we haue

here recouered the most dangerous peece of lechery, that

euer was knowne in the Common-wealth

 

First Watchman (532)

And one Deformed is one of them: I know him; a'

wears a lock.

Watch.1. And one Deformed is one of them, I know

him, a weares a locke

 

Conrade (533)

Masters, masters,--

Conr. Masters, masters

 

Second Watchman (534)

You'll be made bring Deformed forth, I warrant you.

Watch.2. Youle be made bring deformed forth I warrant you,

 

Conrade (535)

Masters, never speak: we charge you let us obey you to go with us.

Conr. Masters, neuer speake, we charge you, let vs obey you to goe with vs

 

Borachio (536)

160

We are like to prove a goodly commodity, being taken

up of these men's bills.

Bor. We are like to proue a goodly commoditie, being

taken vp of these mens bils

 

Conrade (537)

A commodity in question, I warrant you. Come, we'll obey you.

Exeunt

Conr. A commoditie in question I warrant you, come

weele obey you.

Exeunt.

expandMe Act III. Scene IV. Hero's apartment.

3 - 4:    Act III. Scene IV. Hero's apartment.

Enter Hero, Margaret, and Ursula

 

Hero (538)

Good Ursula, wake my cousin Beatrice, and desire

her to rise.

Enter Hero, and Margaret, and Vrsula.

Hero. Good Vrsula wake my cosin Beatrice, and desire

her to rise

 

Ursula (539)

I will, lady.

Vrsu. I will Lady

 

Hero (540)

And bid her come hither.

Her. And bid her come hither

 

Ursula (541)

Well.

Exit

Vrs. Well

 

Margaret (542)

Troth, I think your other rabato were better.

Mar. Troth I thinke your other rebato were better

 

Hero (543)

No, pray thee, good Meg, I'll wear this.

Hero. No pray thee good Meg, Ile weare this

 

Margaret (544)

By my troth, 's not so good; and I warrant your

cousin will say so.

Marg. By my troth's not so good, and I warrant your

cosin will say so

 

Hero (545)

10

My cousin's a fool, and thou art another: I'll wear

none but this.

Hero. My cosin's a foole, and thou art another, ile

weare none but this

 

Margaret (546)

I like the new tire within excellently, if the hair

were a thought browner; and your gown's a most rare

fashion, i' faith. I saw the Duchess of Milan's

gown that they praise so.

Mar. I like the new tire within excellently, if the

haire were a thought browner: and your gown's a most

rare fashion yfaith, I saw the Dutchesse of Millaines

gowne that they praise so

 

Hero (547)

O, that exceeds, they say.

Hero. O that exceedes they say

 

Margaret (548)

By my troth, 's but a night-gown in respect of

yours: cloth o' gold, and cuts, and laced with

silver, set with pearls, down sleeves, side sleeves,

20

and skirts, round underborne with a bluish tinsel:

but for a fine, quaint, graceful and excellent

fashion, yours is worth ten on 't.

Mar. By my troth's but a night-gowne in respect of

yours, cloth a gold and cuts, and lac'd with siluer, set with

pearles, downe sleeues, side sleeues, and skirts, round vnderborn

with a blewish tinsel, but for a fine queint gracefull

and excellent fashion, yours is worth ten on't

 

Hero (549)

God give me joy to wear it! for my heart is

exceeding heavy.

Hero. God giue mee ioy to weare it, for my heart is

exceeding heauy

 

Margaret (550)

'Twill be heavier soon by the weight of a man.

Marga. 'Twill be heauier soone, by the waight of a

man

 

Hero (551)

Fie upon thee! art not ashamed?

Hero. Fie vpon thee, art not asham'd?

 

Margaret (552)

Of what, lady? of speaking honourably? Is not

marriage honourable in a beggar? Is not your lord

honourable without marriage? I think you would have

30

me say, 'saving your reverence, a husband:' and bad

thinking do not wrest true speaking, I'll offend

nobody: is there any harm in 'the heavier for a

husband'? None, I think, and it be the right husband

and the right wife; otherwise 'tis light, and not

heavy: ask my Lady Beatrice else; here she comes.

Marg. Of what Lady? of speaking honourably? is

not marriage honourable in a beggar? is not your Lord

honourable without marriage? I thinke you would haue

me say, sauing your reuerence a husband: and bad thinking

doe not wrest true speaking, Ile offend no body, is

there any harme in the heauier for a husband? none I

thinke, and it be the right husband, and the right wife,

otherwise 'tis light and not heauy, aske my Lady Beatrice

else, here she comes.

Enter Beatrice

 

Hero (553)

Good morrow, coz.

Enter Beatrice.

Hero. Good morrow Coze

 

Beatrice (554)

Good morrow, sweet Hero.

Beat. Good morrow sweet Hero

 

Hero (555)

Why how now? do you speak in the sick tune?

Hero. Why how now? do you speake in the sick tune?

 

Beatrice (556)

I am out of all other tune, methinks.

Beat. I am out of all other tune, me thinkes

 

Margaret (557)

40

Clap's into 'Light o' love;' that goes without a

burden: do you sing it, and I'll dance it.

Mar. Claps into Light a loue, (that goes without a

burden,) do you sing it and Ile dance it

 

Beatrice (558)

Ye light o' love, with your heels! then, if your

husband have stables enough, you'll see he shall

lack no barns.

Beat. Ye Light aloue with your heeles, then if your

husband haue stables enough, you'll looke he shall lacke

no barnes

 

Margaret (559)

O illegitimate construction! I scorn that with my heels.

Mar. O illegitimate construction! I scorne that with

my heeles

 

Beatrice (560)

'Tis almost five o'clock, cousin; tis time you were

ready. By my troth, I am exceeding ill: heigh-ho!

Beat. 'Tis almost fiue a clocke cosin, 'tis time you

were ready, by my troth I am exceeding ill, hey ho

 

Margaret (561)

For a hawk, a horse, or a husband?

Mar. For a hauke, a horse, or a husband?

 

Beatrice (562)

For the letter that begins them all, H.

Beat. For the letter that begins them all, H

 

Margaret (563)

50

Well, and you be not turned Turk, there's no more

sailing by the star.

Mar. Well, and you be not turn'd Turke, there's no

more sayling by the starre

 

Beatrice (564)

What means the fool, trow?

Beat. What meanes the foole trow?

 

Margaret (565)

Nothing I; but God send every one their heart's desire!

Mar. Nothing I, but God send euery one their harts

desire

 

Hero (566)

These gloves the count sent me; they are an

excellent perfume.

Hero. These gloues the Count sent mee, they are an

excellent perfume

 

Beatrice (567)

I am stuffed, cousin; I cannot smell.

Beat. I am stuft cosin, I cannot smell

 

Margaret (568)

A maid, and stuffed! there's goodly catching of cold.

Mar. A maid and stuft! there's goodly catching of

colde

 

Beatrice (569)

O, God help me! God help me! how long have you

professed apprehension?

Beat. O God helpe me, God help me, how long haue

you profest apprehension?

 

Margaret (570)

60

Even since you left it. Doth not my wit become me rarely?

Mar. Euer since you left it, doth not my wit become

me rarely?

 

Beatrice (571)

It is not seen enough, you should wear it in your

cap. By my troth, I am sick.

Beat. It is not seene enough, you should weare it in

your cap, by my troth I am sicke

 

Margaret (572)

Get you some of this distilled Carduus Benedictus,

and lay it to your heart: it is the only thing for a qualm.

Mar. Get you some of this distill'd carduus benedictus

and lay it to your heart, it is the onely thing for a qualm

 

Hero (573)

There thou prickest her with a thistle.

Hero. There thou prick'st her with a thissell

 

Beatrice (574)

Benedictus! why Benedictus? you have some moral in

this Benedictus.

Beat. Benedictus, why benedictus? you haue some morall

in this benedictus

 

Margaret (575)

Moral! no, by my troth, I have no moral meaning; I

meant, plain holy-thistle. You may think perchance

70

that I think you are in love: nay, by'r lady, I am

not such a fool to think what I list, nor I list

not to think what I can, nor indeed I cannot think,

if I would think my heart out of thinking, that you

are in love or that you will be in love or that you

can be in love. Yet Benedick was such another, and

now is he become a man: he swore he would never

marry, and yet now, in despite of his heart, he eats

his meat without grudging: and how you may be

converted I know not, but methinks you look with

80

your eyes as other women do.

Mar. Morall? no by my troth, I haue no morall meaning,

I meant plaine holy thissell, you may thinke perchance

that I thinke you are in loue, nay birlady I am not

such a foole to thinke what I list, nor I list not to thinke

what I can, nor indeed, I cannot thinke, if I would thinke

my hart out of thinking, that you are in loue, or that you

will be in loue, or that you can be in loue: yet Benedicke

was such another, and now is he become a man, he swore

hee would neuer marry, and yet now in despight of his

heart he eates his meat without grudging, and how you

may be conuerted I know not, but me thinkes you looke

with your eies as other women doe

 

Beatrice (576)

What pace is this that thy tongue keeps?

Beat. What pace is this that thy tongue keepes

 

Margaret (577)

Not a false gallop.

Mar. Not a false gallop.

Enter Ursula

 

Ursula (578)

Madam, withdraw: the prince, the count, Signior

Benedick, Don John, and all the gallants of the

town, are come to fetch you to church.

Enter Vrsula.

Vrsula. Madam, withdraw, the Prince, the Count, signior

Benedicke, Don Iohn, and all the gallants of the

towne are come to fetch you to Church

 

Hero (579)

Help to dress me, good coz, good Meg, good Ursula.

Exeunt

Hero. Helpe me to dresse mee good coze, good Meg,

good Vrsula.

expandMe Act III. Scene V. Another room in Leonato's house.

3 - 5:    Act III. Scene V. Another room in Leonato's house.

Enter Leonato, with Dogberry and Verges

 

Leonato (580)

What would you with me, honest neighbour?

Enter Leonato, and the Constable, and the Headborough.

Leonato. What would you with mee, honest neighbour?

 

Dogberry (581)

Marry, sir, I would have some confidence with you

that decerns you nearly.

Const.Dog. Mary sir I would haue some confidence

with you, that decernes you nearely

 

Leonato (582)

Brief, I pray you; for you see it is a busy time with me.

Leon. Briefe I pray you, for you see it is a busie time

with me

 

Dogberry (583)

Marry, this it is, sir.

Const.Dog. Mary this it is sir

 

Verges (584)

Yes, in truth it is, sir.

Headb. Yes in truth it is sir

 

Leonato (585)

What is it, my good friends?

Leon. What is it my good friends?

 

Dogberry (586)

Goodman Verges, sir, speaks a little off the

matter: an old man, sir, and his wits are not so

10

blunt as, God help, I would desire they were; but,

in faith, honest as the skin between his brows.

Con.Do. Goodman Verges sir speakes a little of the

matter, an old man sir, and his wits are not so blunt, as

God helpe I would desire they were, but infaith honest

as the skin betweene his browes

 

Verges (587)

Yes, I thank God I am as honest as any man living

that is an old man and no honester than I.

Head. Yes I thank God, I am as honest as any man liuing,

that is an old man, and no honester then I

 

Dogberry (588)

Comparisons are odorous: palabras, neighbour Verges.

Con.Dog. Comparisons are odorous, palabras, neighbour

Verges

 

Leonato (589)

Neighbours, you are tedious.

Leon. Neighbours, you are tedious

 

Dogberry (590)

It pleases your worship to say so, but we are the

poor duke's officers; but truly, for mine own part,

if I were as tedious as a king, I could find it in

my heart to bestow it all of your worship.

Con.Dog. It pleases your worship to say so, but we are

the poore Dukes officers, but truely for mine owne part,

if I were as tedious as a King I could finde in my heart to

bestow it all of your worship

 

Leonato (591)

20

All thy tediousness on me, ah?

Leon. All thy tediousnesse on me, ah?

 

Dogberry (592)

Yea, an 'twere a thousand pound more than 'tis; for

I hear as good exclamation on your worship as of any

man in the city; and though I be but a poor man, I

am glad to hear it.

Const.Dog. Yea, and 'twere a thousand times more

than 'tis, for I heare as good exclamation on your Worship

as of any man in the Citie, and though I bee but a

poore man, I am glad to heare it

 

Verges (593)

And so am I.

Head. And so am I

 

Leonato (594)

I would fain know what you have to say.

Leon. I would faine know what you haue to say

 

Verges (595)

Marry, sir, our watch toight, excepting your

worship's presence, ha' ta'en a couple of as arrant

knaves as any in Messina.

Head. Marry sir our watch to night, excepting your

worships presence, haue tane a couple of as arrant

knaues as any in Messina

 

Dogberry (596)

30

A good old man, sir; he will be talking: as they

say, when the age is in, the wit is out: God help

us! it is a world to see. Well said, i' faith,

neighbour Verges: well, God's a good man; an two men

ride of a horse, one must ride behind. An honest

soul, i' faith, sir; by my troth he is, as ever

broke bread; but God is to be worshipped; all men

are not alike; alas, good neighbour!

Con.Dog. A good old man sir, hee will be talking as

they say, when the age is in, the wit is out, God helpe vs,

it is a world to see: well said yfaith neighbour Verges,

well, God's a good man, and two men ride of a horse,

one must ride behinde, an honest soule yfaith sir, by my

troth he is, as euer broke bread, but God is to bee worshipt,

all men are not alike, alas good neighbour

 

Leonato (597)

Indeed, neighbour, he comes too short of you.

Leon. Indeed neighbour he comes too short of you

 

Dogberry (598)

Gifts that God gives.

Con.Do. Gifts that God giues

 

Leonato (599)

40

I must leave you.

Leon. I must leaue you

 

Dogberry (600)

One word, sir: our watch, sir, have indeed

comprehended two aspicious persons, and we would

have them this morning examined before your worship.

Con.Dog. One word sir, our watch sir haue indeede

comprehended two aspitious persons, & we would haue

them this morning examined before your worship

 

Leonato (601)

Take their examination yourself and bring it me: I

am now in great haste, as it may appear unto you.

Leon. Take their examination your selfe, and bring it

me, I am now in great haste, as may appeare vnto you

 

Dogberry (602)

It shall be suffigance.

Const. It shall be suffigance

 

Leonato (603)

Drink some wine ere you go: fare you well.

Leon. Drinke some wine ere you goe: fare you well.

Exit.

Enter a Messenger

 

Messenger (604)

My lord, they stay for you to give your daughter to

her husband.

Messenger. My Lord, they stay for you to giue your

daughter to her husband

 

Leonato (605)

50

I'll wait upon them: I am ready.

Exeunt Leonato and Messenger

Leon. Ile wait vpon them, I am ready

 

Dogberry (606)

Go, good partner, go, get you to Francis Seacole;

bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the gaol: we

are now to examination these men.

Dogb. Goe good partner, goe get you to Francis Seacoale,

bid him bring his pen and inkehorne to the Gaole:

we are now to examine those men

 

Verges (607)

And we must do it wisely.

Verges. And we must doe it wisely

 

Dogberry (608)

We will spare for no wit, I warrant you; here's

that shall drive some of them to a non-come: only

get the learned writer to set down our

excommunication and meet me at the gaol.

Exeunt

Dogb. Wee will spare for no witte I warrant you:

heere's that shall driue some to a non-come, only

get the learned writer to set downe our excommunication,

and meet me at the Iaile.

Exeunt.

expandMe Act IV

expandMe Act IV. Scene I. A church.

4 - 1:    Act IV. Scene I. A church.

Enter Don Pedro, Don John, Leonato, Friar Francis, Claudio, Benedick, Hero, Beatrice, and attendants

 

Leonato (609)

Come, Friar Francis, be brief; only to the plain

form of marriage, and you shall recount their

particular duties afterwards.

Actus Quartus.

Enter Enter Prince, Bastard, Leonato, Frier, Claudio, Benedicke, Hero, and Beatrice.

Leonato. Come Frier Francis, be briefe, onely to the

plaine forme of marriage, and you shal recount their particular

duties afterwards

 

Friar Francis (610)

You come hither, my lord, to marry this lady.

Fran. You come hither, my Lord, to marry this Lady

 

Claudio (611)

No.

Clau. No

 

Leonato (612)

To be married to her: friar, you come to marry her.

Leo. To be married to her: Frier, you come to marrie

her

 

Friar Francis (613)

Lady, you come hither to be married to this count.

Frier. Lady, you come hither to be married to this

Count

 

Hero (614)

I do.

Hero. I doe

 

Friar Francis (615)

If either of you know any inward impediment why you

10

should not be conjoined, charge you, on your souls,

to utter it.

Frier. If either of you know any inward impediment

why you should not be conioyned, I charge you on your

soules to vtter it

 

Claudio (616)

Know you any, Hero?

Claud. Know you anie, Hero?

 

Hero (617)

None, my lord.

Hero. None my Lord

 

Friar Francis (618)

Know you any, count?

Frier. Know you anie, Count?

 

Leonato (619)

I dare make his answer, none.

Leon. I dare make his answer, None

 

Claudio (620)

O, what men dare do! what men may do! what men daily

do, not knowing what they do!

Clau. O what men dare do! what men may do! what

men daily do!

 

Benedick (621)

How now! interjections? Why, then, some be of

laughing, as, ah, ha, he!

Bene. How now! interiections? why then, some be

of laughing, as ha, ha, he

 

Claudio (622)

20

Stand thee by, friar. Father, by your leave:

Will you with free and unconstrained soul

Give me this maid, your daughter?

Clau. Stand thee by Frier, father, by your leaue,

Will you with free and vnconstrained soule

Giue me this maid your daughter?

 

Leonato (623)

As freely, son, as God did give her me.

Leon. As freely sonne as God did giue her me

 

Claudio (624)

And what have I to give you back, whose worth

May counterpoise this rich and precious gift?

Cla. And what haue I to giue you back, whose worth

May counterpoise this rich and precious gift?

 

Don Pedro (625)

Nothing, unless you render her again.

Prin. Nothing, vnlesse you render her againe

 

Claudio (626)

Sweet prince, you learn me noble thankfulness.

There, Leonato, take her back again:

Give not this rotten orange to your friend;

30

She's but the sign and semblance of her honour.

Behold how like a maid she blushes here!

O, what authority and show of truth

Can cunning sin cover itself withal!

Comes not that blood as modest evidence

To witness simple virtue? Would you not swear,

All you that see her, that she were a maid,

By these exterior shows? But she is none:

She knows the heat of a luxurious bed;

Her blush is guiltiness, not modesty.

Clau. Sweet Prince, you learn me noble thankfulnes:

There Leonato, take her backe againe,

Giue not this rotten Orenge to your friend,

Shee's but the signe and semblance of her honour:

Behold how like a maid she blushes heere!

O what authoritie and shew of truth

Can cunning sinne couer it selfe withall!

Comes not that bloud, as modest euidence,

To witnesse simple Vertue? would you not sweare

All you that see her, that she were a maide,

By these exterior shewes? But she is none:

She knowes the heat of a luxurious bed:

Her blush is guiltinesse, not modestie

 

Leonato (627)

40

What do you mean, my lord?

Leonato. What doe you meane, my Lord?

 

Claudio (628)

Not to be married,

Not to knit my soul to an approved wanton.

Clau. Not to be married,

Not to knit my soule to an approued wanton

 

Leonato (629)

Dear my lord, if you, in your own proof,

Have vanquish'd the resistance of her youth,

And made defeat of her virginity,--

Leon. Deere my Lord, if you in your owne proofe,

Haue vanquisht the resistance of her youth,

And made defeat of her virginitie

 

Claudio (630)

I know what you would say: if I have known her,

You will say she did embrace me as a husband,

And so extenuate the 'forehand sin:

No, Leonato,

50

I never tempted her with word too large;

But, as a brother to his sister, show'd

Bashful sincerity and comely love.

Clau. I know what you would say: if I haue knowne

(her,

You will say, she did imbrace me as a husband,

And so extenuate the forehand sinne: No Leonato,

I neuer tempted her with word too large,

But as a brother to his sister, shewed

Bashfull sinceritie and comely loue

 

Hero (631)

And seem'd I ever otherwise to you?

Hero. And seem'd I euer otherwise to you?

 

Claudio (632)

Out on thee! Seeming! I will write against it:

You seem to me as Dian in her orb,

As chaste as is the bud ere it be blown;

But you are more intemperate in your blood

Than Venus, or those pamper'd animals

That rage in savage sensuality.

Clau. Out on thee seeming, I will write against it,

You seeme to me as Diane in her Orbe,

As chaste as is the budde ere it be blowne:

But you are more intemperate in your blood,

Than Venus, or those pampred animalls,

That rage in sauage sensualitie

 

Hero (633)

60

Is my lord well, that he doth speak so wide?

Hero. Is my Lord well, that he doth speake so wide?

 

Leonato (634)

Sweet prince, why speak not you?

Leon. Sweete Prince, why speake not you?

 

Don Pedro (635)

What should I speak?

I stand dishonour'd, that have gone about

To link my dear friend to a common stale.

Prin. What should I speake?

I stand dishonour'd that haue gone about,

To linke my deare friend to a common stale

 

Leonato (636)

Are these things spoken, or do I but dream?

Leon. Are these things spoken, or doe I but dreame?

 

Don John (637)

Sir, they are spoken, and these things are true.

Bast. Sir, they are spoken, and these things are true

 

Benedick (638)

This looks not like a nuptial.

Bene. This lookes not like a nuptiall

 

Hero (639)

True! O God!

Hero. True, O God!

 

Claudio (640)

Leonato, stand I here?

70

Is this the prince? is this the prince's brother?

Is this face Hero's? are our eyes our own?

Clau. Leonato, stand I here?

Is this the Prince? is this the Princes brother?

Is this face Heroes? are our eies our owne?

 

Leonato (641)

All this is so: but what of this, my lord?

Leon. All this is so, but what of this my Lord?

 

Claudio (642)

Let me but move one question to your daughter;

And, by that fatherly and kindly power

That you have in her, bid her answer truly.

Clau. Let me but moue one question to your daughter,

And by that fatherly and kindly power,

That you haue in her, bid her answer truly

 

Leonato (643)

I charge thee do so, as thou art my child.

Leo. I charge thee doe, as thou art my childe

 

Hero (644)

O, God defend me! how am I beset!

What kind of catechising call you this?

Hero. O God defend me how am I beset,

What kinde of catechizing call you this?

 

Claudio (645)

To make you answer truly to your name.

Clau. To make you answer truly to your name

 

Hero (646)

80

Is it not Hero? Who can blot that name

With any just reproach?

Hero. Is it not Hero? who can blot that name

With any iust reproach?

 

Claudio (647)

Marry, that can Hero;

Hero itself can blot out Hero's virtue.

What man was he talk'd with you yesternight

Out at your window betwixt twelve and one?

Now, if you are a maid, answer to this.

Claud. Marry that can Hero,

Hero it selfe can blot out Heroes vertue.

What man was he, talkt with you yesternight,

Out at your window betwixt twelue and one?

Now if you are a maid, answer to this

 

Hero (648)

I talk'd with no man at that hour, my lord.

Hero. I talkt with no man at that howre my Lord

 

Don Pedro (649)

Why, then are you no maiden. Leonato,

I am sorry you must hear: upon mine honour,

90

Myself, my brother and this grieved count

Did see her, hear her, at that hour last night

Talk with a ruffian at her chamber-window

Who hath indeed, most like a liberal villain,

Confess'd the vile encounters they have had

A thousand times in secret.

Prince. Why then you are no maiden. Leonato,

I am sorry you must heare: vpon mine honor,

My selfe, my brother, and this grieued Count

Did see her, heare her, at that howre last night,

Talke with a ruffian at her chamber window,

Who hath indeed most like a liberall villaine,

Confest the vile encounters they haue had

A thousand times in secret

 

Don John (650)

Fie, fie! they are not to be named, my lord,

Not to be spoke of;

There is not chastity enough in language

Without offence to utter them. Thus, pretty lady,

100

I am sorry for thy much misgovernment.

Iohn. Fie, fie, they are not to be named my Lord,

Not to be spoken of,

There is not chastitie enough in language,

Without offence to vtter them: thus pretty Lady

I am sorry for thy much misgouernment

 

Claudio (651)

O Hero, what a Hero hadst thou been,

If half thy outward graces had been placed

About thy thoughts and counsels of thy heart!

But fare thee well, most foul, most fair! farewell,

Thou pure impiety and impious purity!

For thee I'll lock up all the gates of love,

And on my eyelids shall conjecture hang,

To turn all beauty into thoughts of harm,

And never shall it more be gracious.

Claud. O Hero! what a Hero hadst thou beene

If halfe thy outward graces had beene placed

About thy thoughts and counsailes of thy heart?

But fare thee well, most foule, most faire, farewell

Thou pure impiety, and impious puritie,

For thee Ile locke vp all the gates of Loue,

And on my eie-lids shall Coniecture hang,

To turne all beauty into thoughts of harme,

And neuer shall it more be gracious

 

Leonato (652)

110

Hath no man's dagger here a point for me?

Hero swoons

Leon. Hath no mans dagger here a point for me?

 

Beatrice (653)

Why, how now, cousin! wherefore sink you down?

Beat. Why how now cosin, wherfore sink you down?

 

Don John (654)

Come, let us go. These things, come thus to light,

Smother her spirits up.

Exeunt Don Pedro, Don John, and Claudio

Bast. Come, let vs go: these things come thus to light,

Smother her spirits vp

 

Benedick (655)

How doth the lady?

Bene. How doth the Lady?

 

Beatrice (656)

Dead, I think. Help, uncle!

Hero! why, Hero! Uncle! Signior Benedick! Friar!

Beat. Dead I thinke, helpe vncle,

Hero, why Hero, Vncle, Signor Benedicke, Frier

 

Leonato (657)

O Fate! take not away thy heavy hand.

Death is the fairest cover for her shame

That may be wish'd for.

Leonato. O Fate! take not away thy heauy hand,

Death is the fairest couer for her shame

That may be wisht for

 

Beatrice (658)

120

How now, cousin Hero!

Beatr. How now cosin Hero?

 

Friar Francis (659)

Have comfort, lady.

Fri. Haue comfort Ladie

 

Leonato (660)

Dost thou look up?

Leon. Dost thou looke vp?

 

Friar Francis (661)

Yea, wherefore should she not?

Frier. Yea, wherefore should she not?

 

Leonato (662)

Wherefore! Why, doth not every earthly thing

Cry shame upon her? Could she here deny

The story that is printed in her blood?

Do not live, Hero; do not ope thine eyes:

For, did I think thou wouldst not quickly die,

Thought I thy spirits were stronger than thy shames,

130

Myself would, on the rearward of reproaches,

Strike at thy life. Grieved I, I had but one?

Chid I for that at frugal nature's frame?

O, one too much by thee! Why had I one?

Why ever wast thou lovely in my eyes?

Why had I not with charitable hand

Took up a beggar's issue at my gates,

Who smirch'd thus and mired with infamy,

I might have said 'No part of it is mine;

This shame derives itself from unknown loins'?

140

But mine and mine I loved and mine I praised

And mine that I was proud on, mine so much

That I myself was to myself not mine,

Valuing of her,--why, she, O, she is fallen

Into a pit of ink, that the wide sea

Hath drops too few to wash her clean again

And salt too little which may season give

To her foul-tainted flesh!

Leon. Wherfore? Why doth not euery earthly thing

Cry shame vpon her? Could she heere denie

The storie that is printed in her blood?

Do not liue Hero, do not ope thine eyes:

For did I thinke thou wouldst not quickly die,

Thought I thy spirits were stronger then thy shames,

My selfe would on the reward of reproaches

Strike at thy life. Grieu'd I, I had but one?

Chid I, for that at frugal Natures frame?

O one too much by thee: why had I one?

Why euer was't thou louelie in my eies?

Why had I not with charitable hand

Tooke vp a beggars issue at my gates,

Who smeered thus, and mir'd with infamie,

I might haue said, no part of it is mine:

This shame deriues it selfe from vnknowne loines,

But mine, and mine I lou'd, and mine I prais'd,

And mine that I was proud on mine so much,

That I my selfe, was to my selfe not mine:

Valewing of her, why she, O she is falne

Into a pit of Inke, that the wide sea

Hath drops too few to wash her cleane againe,

And salt too little, which may season giue

To her foule tainted flesh

 

Benedick (663)

Sir, sir, be patient.

For my part, I am so attired in wonder,

150

I know not what to say.

Ben. Sir, sir, be patient: for my part, I am so attired

in wonder, I know not what to say

 

Beatrice (664)

O, on my soul, my cousin is belied!

Bea. O on my soule my cosin is belied

 

Benedick (665)

Lady, were you her bedfellow last night?

Ben. Ladie, were you her bedfellow last night?

 

Beatrice (666)

No, truly not; although, until last night,

I have this twelvemonth been her bedfellow.

Bea. No, truly: not although vntill last night,

I haue this tweluemonth bin her bedfellow

 

Leonato (667)

Confirm'd, confirm'd! O, that is stronger made

Which was before barr'd up with ribs of iron!

Would the two princes lie, and Claudio lie,

Who loved her so, that, speaking of her foulness,

Wash'd it with tears? Hence from her! let her die.

Leon. Confirm'd, confirm'd, O that is stronger made

Which was before barr'd vp with ribs of iron.

Would the Princes lie, and Claudio lie,

Who lou'd her so, that speaking of her foulnesse,

Wash'd it with teares? Hence from her, let her die

 

Friar Francis (668)

160

Hear me a little;

For I have only been silent so long

And given way unto this course of fortune.

...

By noting of the lady I have mark'd

A thousand blushing apparitions

To start into her face, a thousand innocent shames

In angel whiteness beat away those blushes;

And in her eye there hath appear'd a fire,

To burn the errors that these princes hold

170

Against her maiden truth. Call me a fool;

Trust not my reading nor my observations,

Which with experimental seal doth warrant

The tenor of my book; trust not my age,

My reverence, calling, nor divinity,

If this sweet lady lie not guiltless here

Under some biting error.

Fri. Heare me a little, for I haue onely bene silent so

long, and giuen way vnto this course of fortune, by noting

of the Ladie, I haue markt.

A thousand blushing apparitions,

To start into her face, a thousand innocent shames,

In Angel whitenesse beare away those blushes,

And in her eie there hath appear'd a fire

To burne the errors that these Princes hold

Against her maiden truth. Call me a foole,

Trust not my reading, nor my obseruations,

Which with experimental seale doth warrant

The tenure of my booke: trust not my age,

My reuerence, calling, nor diuinitie,

If this sweet Ladie lye not guiltlesse heere,

Vnder some biting error

 

Leonato (669)

Friar, it cannot be.

Thou seest that all the grace that she hath left

Is that she will not add to her damnation

180

A sin of perjury; she not denies it:

Why seek'st thou then to cover with excuse

That which appears in proper nakedness?

Leo. Friar, it cannot be:

Thou seest that all the Grace that she hath left,

Is, that she wil not adde to her damnation,

A sinne of periury, she not denies it:

Why seek'st thou then to couer with excuse,

That which appeares in proper nakednesse?

 

Friar Francis (670)

Lady, what man is he you are accused of?

Fri. Ladie, what man is he you are accus'd of?

 

Hero (671)

They know that do accuse me; I know none:

If I know more of any man alive

Than that which maiden modesty doth warrant,

Let all my sins lack mercy! O my father,

Prove you that any man with me conversed

At hours unmeet, or that I yesternight

190

Maintain'd the change of words with any creature,

Refuse me, hate me, torture me to death!

Hero. They know that do accuse me, I know none:

If I know more of any man aliue

Then that which maiden modestie doth warrant,

Let all my sinnes lacke mercy. O my Father,

Proue you that any man with me conuerst,

At houres vnmeete, or that I yesternight

Maintain'd the change of words with any creature,

Refuse me, hate me, torture me to death

 

Friar Francis (672)

There is some strange misprision in the princes.

Fri. There is some strange misprision in the Princes

 

Benedick (673)

Two of them have the very bent of honour;

And if their wisdoms be misled in this,

The practise of it lives in John the bastard,

Whose spirits toil in frame of villanies.

Ben. Two of them haue the verie bent of honor,

And if their wisedomes be misled in this:

The practise of it liues in Iohn the bastard,

Whose spirits toile in frame of villanies

 

Leonato (674)

I know not. If they speak but truth of her,

These hands shall tear her; if they wrong her honour,

The proudest of them shall well hear of it.

200

Time hath not yet so dried this blood of mine,

Nor age so eat up my invention,

Nor fortune made such havoc of my means,

Nor my bad life reft me so much of friends,

But they shall find, awaked in such a kind,

Both strength of limb and policy of mind,

Ability in means and choice of friends,

To quit me of them throughly.

Leo. I know not: if they speake but truth of her,

These hands shall teare her: If they wrong her honour,

The proudest of them shall wel heare of it.

Time hath not yet so dried this bloud of mine,

Nor age so eate vp my inuention,

Nor Fortune made such hauocke of my meanes,

Nor my bad life reft me so much of friends,

But they shall finde, awak'd in such a kinde,

Both strength of limbe, and policie of minde,

Ability in meanes, and choise of friends,

To quit me of them throughly

 

Friar Francis (675)

Pause awhile,

And let my counsel sway you in this case.

210

Your daughter here the princes left for dead:

Let her awhile be secretly kept in,

And publish it that she is dead indeed;

Maintain a mourning ostentation

And on your family's old monument

Hang mournful epitaphs and do all rites

That appertain unto a burial.

Fri. Pause awhile:

And let my counsell sway you in this case,

Your daughter heere the Princesse (left for dead)

Let her awhile be secretly kept in,

And publish it, that she is dead indeed:

Maintaine a mourning ostentation,

And on your Families old monument,

Hang mournfull Epitaphes, and do all rites,

That appertaine vnto a buriall

 

Leonato (676)

What shall become of this? what will this do?

Leon. What shall become of this? What wil this do?

 

Friar Francis (677)

Marry, this well carried shall on her behalf

Change slander to remorse; that is some good:

220

But not for that dream I on this strange course,

But on this travail look for greater birth.

She dying, as it must so be maintain'd,

Upon the instant that she was accused,

Shall be lamented, pitied and excused

Of every hearer: for it so falls out

That what we have we prize not to the worth

Whiles we enjoy it, but being lack'd and lost,

Why, then we rack the value, then we find

The virtue that possession would not show us

230

Whiles it was ours. So will it fare with Claudio:

When he shall hear she died upon his words,

The idea of her life shall sweetly creep

Into his study of imagination,

And every lovely organ of her life

Shall come apparell'd in more precious habit,

More moving-delicate and full of life,

Into the eye and prospect of his soul,

Than when she lived indeed; then shall he mourn,

If ever love had interest in his liver,

240

And wish he had not so accused her,

No, though he thought his accusation true.

Let this be so, and doubt not but success

Will fashion the event in better shape

Than I can lay it down in likelihood.

But if all aim but this be levell'd false,

The supposition of the lady's death

Will quench the wonder of her infamy:

And if it sort not well, you may conceal her,

As best befits her wounded reputation,

250

In some reclusive and religious life,

Out of all eyes, tongues, minds and injuries.

Fri. Marry this wel carried, shall on her behalfe,

Change slander to remorse, that is some good,

But not for that dreame I on this strange course,

But on this trauaile looke for greater birth:

She dying, as it must be so maintain'd,

Vpon the instant that she was accus'd,

Shal be lamented, pittied, and excus'd

Of euery hearer: for it so fals out,

That what we haue, we prize not to the worth,

Whiles we enioy it; but being lack'd and lost,

Why then we racke the value, then we finde

The vertue that possession would not shew vs

Whiles it was ours, so will it fare with Claudio:

When he shal heare she dyed vpon his words,

Th' Idea of her life shal sweetly creepe

Into his study of imagination.

And euery louely Organ of her life,

Shall come apparel'd in more precious habite:

More mouing delicate, and ful of life,

Into the eye and prospect of his soule

Then when she liu'd indeed: then shal he mourne,

If euer Loue had interest in his Liuer,

And wish he had not so accused her:

No, though he thought his accusation true:

Let this be so, and doubt not but successe

Wil fashion the euent in better shape,

Then I can lay it downe in likelihood.

But if all ayme but this be leuelld false,

The supposition of the Ladies death,

Will quench the wonder of her infamie.

And if it sort not well, you may conceale her

As best befits her wounded reputation,

In some reclusiue and religious life,

Out of all eyes, tongues, mindes and iniuries

 

Benedick (678)

Signior Leonato, let the friar advise you:

And though you know my inwardness and love

Is very much unto the prince and Claudio,

Yet, by mine honour, I will deal in this

As secretly and justly as your soul

Should with your body.

Bene. Signior Leonato, let the Frier aduise you,

And though you know my inwardnesse and loue

Is very much vnto the Prince and Claudio.

Yet, by mine honor, I will deale in this,

As secretly and iustlie, as your soule

Should with your bodie

 

Leonato (679)

Being that I flow in grief,

The smallest twine may lead me.

Leon. Being that I flow in greefe,

The smallest twine may lead me

 

Friar Francis (680)

260

'Tis well consented: presently away;

For to strange sores strangely they strain the cure.

Come, lady, die to live: this wedding-day

Perhaps is but prolong'd: have patience and endure.

Exeunt all but Benedick and Beatrice

Frier. 'Tis well consented, presently away,

For to strange sores, strangely they straine the cure,

Come Lady, die to liue, this wedding day

Perhaps is but prolong'd, haue patience & endure.

Exit.

 

Benedick (681)

Lady Beatrice, have you wept all this while?

Bene. Lady Beatrice, haue you wept all this while?

 

Beatrice (682)

Yea, and I will weep a while longer.

Beat. Yea, and I will weepe a while longer

 

Benedick (683)

I will not desire that.

Bene. I will not desire that

 

Beatrice (684)

You have no reason; I do it freely.

Beat. You haue no reason, I doe it freely

 

Benedick (685)

Surely I do believe your fair cousin is wronged.

Bene. Surelie I do beleeue your fair cosin is wrong'd

 

Beatrice (686)

Ah, how much might the man deserve of me that would right her!

Beat. Ah, how much might the man deserue of mee

that would right her!

 

Benedick (687)

270

Is there any way to show such friendship?

Bene. Is there any way to shew such friendship?

 

Beatrice (688)

A very even way, but no such friend.

Beat. A verie euen way, but no such friend

 

Benedick (689)

May a man do it?

Bene. May a man doe it?

 

Beatrice (690)

It is a man's office, but not yours.

Beat. It is a mans office, but not yours

 

Benedick (691)

I do love nothing in the world so well as you: is

not that strange?

Bene. I doe loue nothing in the world so well as you,

is not that strange?

 

Beatrice (692)

As strange as the thing I know not. It were as

possible for me to say I loved nothing so well as

you: but believe me not; and yet I lie not; I

confess nothing, nor I deny nothing. I am sorry for my cousin.

Beat. As strange as the thing I know not, it were as

possible for me to say, I loued nothing so well as you, but

beleeue me not, and yet I lie not, I confesse nothing, nor

I deny nothing, I am sorry for my cousin

 

Benedick (693)

280

By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me.

Bene. By my sword Beatrice thou lou'st me

 

Beatrice (694)

Do not swear, and eat it.

Beat. Doe not sweare by it and eat it

 

Benedick (695)

I will swear by it that you love me; and I will make

him eat it that says I love not you.

Bene. I will sweare by it that you loue mee, and I will

make him eat it that sayes I loue not you

 

Beatrice (696)

Will you not eat your word?

Beat. Will you not eat your word?

 

Benedick (697)

With no sauce that can be devised to it. I protest

I love thee.

Bene. With no sawce that can be deuised to it, I protest

I loue thee

 

Beatrice (698)

Why, then, God forgive me!

Beat. Why then God forgiue me

 

Benedick (699)

What offence, sweet Beatrice?

Bene. What offence sweet Beatrice?

 

Beatrice (700)

You have stayed me in a happy hour: I was about to

290

protest I loved you.

Beat. You haue stayed me in a happy howre, I was about

to protest I loued you

 

Benedick (701)

And do it with all thy heart.

Bene. And doe it with all thy heart

 

Beatrice (702)

I love you with so much of my heart that none is

left to protest.

Beat. I loue you with so much of my heart, that none

is left to protest

 

Benedick (703)

Come, bid me do any thing for thee.

Bened. Come, bid me doe any thing for thee

 

Beatrice (704)

Kill Claudio.

Beat. Kill Claudio

 

Benedick (705)

Ha! not for the wide world.

Bene. Ha, not for the wide world

 

Beatrice (706)

You kill me to deny it. Farewell.

Beat. You kill me to denie, farewell

 

Benedick (707)

Tarry, sweet Beatrice.

Bene. Tarrie sweet Beatrice

 

Beatrice (708)

I am gone, though I am here: there is no love in

300

you: nay, I pray you, let me go.

Beat. I am gone, though I am heere, there is no loue

in you, nay I pray you let me goe

 

Benedick (709)

Beatrice,--

Bene. Beatrice

 

Beatrice (710)

In faith, I will go.

Beat. Infaith I will goe

 

Benedick (711)

We'll be friends first.

Bene. Wee'll be friends first

 

Beatrice (712)

You dare easier be friends with me than fight with mine enemy.

Beat. You dare easier be friends with mee, than fight

with mine enemy

 

Benedick (713)

Is Claudio thine enemy?

Bene. Is Claudio thine enemie?

 

Beatrice (714)

Is he not approved in the height a villain, that

hath slandered, scorned, dishonoured my kinswoman? O

that I were a man! What, bear her in hand until they

come to take hands; and then, with public

310

accusation, uncovered slander, unmitigated rancour,

--O God, that I were a man! I would eat his heart

in the market-place.

Beat. Is a not approued in the height a villaine, that

hath slandered, scorned, dishonoured my kinswoman? O

that I were a man! what, beare her in hand vntill they

come to take hands, and then with publike accusation

vncouered slander, vnmittigated rancour? O God that I

were a man! I would eat his heart in the market-place

 

Benedick (715)

Hear me, Beatrice,--

Bene. Heare me Beatrice

 

Beatrice (716)

Talk with a man out at a window! A proper saying!

Beat. Talke with a man out at a window, a proper

saying

 

Benedick (717)

Nay, but, Beatrice,--

Bene. Nay but Beatrice

 

Beatrice (718)

Sweet Hero! She is wronged, she is slandered, she is undone.

Beat. Sweet Hero, she is wrong'd, shee is slandered,

she is vndone

 

Benedick (719)

Beat--

Bene. Beat?

 

Beatrice (720)

Princes and counties! Surely, a princely testimony,

a goodly count, Count Comfect; a sweet gallant,

320

surely! O that I were a man for his sake! or that I

had any friend would be a man for my sake! But

manhood is melted into courtesies, valour into

compliment, and men are only turned into tongue, and

trim ones too: he is now as valiant as Hercules

that only tells a lie and swears it. I cannot be a

man with wishing, therefore I will die a woman with grieving.

Beat. Princes and Counties! surelie a Princely testimonie,

a goodly Count, Comfect, a sweet Gallant surelie,

O that I were a man for his sake! or that I had any

friend would be a man for my sake! But manhood is melted

into cursies, valour into complement, and men are

onelie turned into tongue, and trim ones too: he is now

as valiant as Hercules, that only tells a lie, and sweares it:

I cannot be a man with wishing, therfore I will die a woman

with grieuing

 

Benedick (721)

Tarry, good Beatrice. By this hand, I love thee.

Bene. Tarry good Beatrice, by this hand I loue thee

 

Beatrice (722)

Use it for my love some other way than swearing by it.

Beat. Vse it for my loue some other way then swearing

by it

 

Benedick (723)

Think you in your soul the Count Claudio hath wronged Hero?

Bened. Thinke you in your soule the Count Claudio

hath wrong'd Hero?

 

Beatrice (724)

330

Yea, as sure as I have a thought or a soul.

Beat. Yea, as sure as I haue a thought, or a soule

 

Benedick (725)

Enough, I am engaged; I will challenge him. I will

kiss your hand, and so I leave you. By this hand,

Claudio shall render me a dear account. As you

hear of me, so think of me. Go, comfort your

cousin: I must say she is dead: and so, farewell.

Exeunt

Bene. Enough, I am engagde, I will challenge him, I

will kisse your hand, and so leaue you: by this hand Claudio

shall render me a deere account: as you heare of me,

so thinke of me: goe comfort your coosin, I must say she

is dead, and so farewell.

expandMe Act IV. Scene II. A prison.

4 - 2:    Act IV. Scene II. A prison.

Enter Dogberry, Verges, and Sexton, in gowns; and the Watch, with Conrade and Borachio

 

Dogberry (726)

Is our whole dissembly appeared?

Enter the Constables, Borachio, and the Towne Clerke in gownes.

Keeper. Is our whole dissembly appeard?

 

Verges (727)

O, a stool and a cushion for the sexton.

Cowley. O a stoole and a cushion for the Sexton

 

Sexton (728)

Which be the malefactors?

Sexton. Which be the malefactors?

 

Dogberry (729)

Marry, that am I and my partner.

Andrew. Marry that am I, and my partner

 

Verges (730)

Nay, that's certain; we have the exhibition to examine.

Cowley. Nay that's certaine, wee haue the exhibition

to examine

 

Sexton (731)

But which are the offenders that are to be

examined? let them come before master constable.

Sexton. But which are the offenders that are to be examined,

let them come before master Constable

 

Dogberry (732)

Yea, marry, let them come before me. What is your

name, friend?

Kemp. Yea marry, let them come before mee, what is

your name, friend?

 

Borachio (733)

10

Borachio.

Bor. Borachio

 

Dogberry (734)

Pray, write down, Borachio. Yours, sirrah?

Kem. Pray write downe Borachio. Yours sirra

 

Conrade (735)

I am a gentleman, sir, and my name is Conrade.

Con. I am a Gentleman sir, and my name is Conrade

 

Dogberry (736)

Write down, master gentleman Conrade. Masters, do

you serve God?

"sd_action

Ke. Write downe maister gentleman Conrade: maisters, do you serue God?

 

Borachio (737)

Yea, sir, we hope.

Both Yea sir we hope.

 

Dogberry (738)

Write down, that they hope they serve God: and

write God first; for God defend but God should go

before such villains! Masters, it is proved already

that you are little better than false knaves; and it

20

will go near to be thought so shortly. How answer

you for yourselves?

Kem. Write downe, that they hope they serue God: and

write God first, for God defend but God shoulde goe before

such villaines: maisters, it is prooued alreadie that you are little

better than false knaues, and it will go neere to be thought so

shortly, how answer you for your selues?

 

Conrade (739)

Marry, sir, we say we are none.

Con. Marry sir, we say we are none

 

Dogberry (740)

A marvellous witty fellow, I assure you: but I

will go about with him. Come you hither, sirrah; a

word in your ear: sir, I say to you, it is thought

you are false knaves.

Kemp. A maruellous witty fellow I assure you, but I

will goe about with him: come you hither sirra, a word

in your eare sir, I say to you, it is thought you are false

knaues

 

Borachio (741)

Sir, I say to you we are none.

Bor. Sir, I say to you, we are none

 

Dogberry (742)

Well, stand aside. 'Fore God, they are both in a

tale. Have you writ down, that they are none?

Kemp. Well, stand aside, 'fore God they are both in

a tale: haue you writ downe that they are none?

 

Sexton (743)

30

Master constable, you go not the way to examine:

you must call forth the watch that are their accusers.

Sext. Master Constable, you goe not the way to examine,

you must call forth the watch that are their accusers

 

Dogberry (744)

Yea, marry, that's the eftest way. Let the watch

come forth. Masters, I charge you, in the prince's

name, accuse these men.

Kemp. Yea marry, that's the eftest way, let the watch

come forth: masters, I charge you in the Princes name,

accuse these men

 

First Watchman (745)

This man said, sir, that Don John, the prince's

brother, was a villain.

Watch 1. This man said sir, that Don Iohn the Princes

brother was a villaine

 

Dogberry (746)

Write down Prince John a villain. Why, this is flat

perjury, to call a prince's brother villain.

Kemp. Write down, Prince Iohn a villaine: why this

is flat periurie, to call a Princes brother villaine

 

Borachio (747)

Master constable,--

Bora. Master Constable

 

Dogberry (748)

40

Pray thee, fellow, peace: I do not like thy look,

I promise thee.

Kemp. Pray thee fellow peace, I do not like thy looke

I promise thee

 

Sexton (749)

What heard you him say else?

Sexton. What heard you him say else?

 

Second Watchman (750)

Marry, that he had received a thousand ducats of

Don John for accusing the Lady Hero wrongfully.

Watch 2. Mary that he had receiued a thousand Dukates

of Don Iohn, for accusing the Lady Hero wrongfully

 

Dogberry (751)

Flat burglary as ever was committed.

Kemp. Flat Burglarie as euer was committed

 

Verges (752)

Yea, by mass, that it is.

Const. Yea by th' masse that it is

 

Sexton (753)

What else, fellow?

Sexton. What else fellow?

 

First Watchman (754)

And that Count Claudio did mean, upon his words, to

disgrace Hero before the whole assembly. and not marry her.

Watch 1. And that Count Claudio did meane vpon his

words, to disgrace Hero before the whole assembly, and

not marry her

 

Dogberry (755)

50

O villain! thou wilt be condemned into everlasting

redemption for this.

Kemp. O villaine! thou wilt be condemn'd into euerlasting

redemption for this

 

Sexton (756)

What else?

Sexton. What else?

 

Watchman (757)

This is all.

Watch. This is all

 

Sexton (758)

And this is more, masters, than you can deny.

Prince John is this morning secretly stolen away;

Hero was in this manner accused, in this very manner

refused, and upon the grief of this suddenly died.

Master constable, let these men be bound, and

brought to Leonato's: I will go before and show

60

him their examination.

Exit

Sexton. And this is more masters then you can deny,

Prince Iohn is this morning secretly stolne away: Hero

was in this manner accus'd, in this very manner refus'd,

and vpon the griefe of this sodainely died: Master Constable,

let these men be bound, and brought to Leonato,

I will goe before, and shew him their examination

 

Dogberry (759)

Come, let them be opinioned.

Const. Come, let them be opinion'd

 

Verges (760)

Let them be in the hands of Coxcombe.

Sex. Let them be in the hands of Coxcombe

 

Dogberry (761)

God's my life, where's the sexton? let him write

down the prince's officer coxcomb. Come, bind them.

Thou naughty varlet!

Kem. Gods my life, where's the Sexton? let him write

downe the Princes Officer Coxcombe: come, binde them

thou naughty varlet

 

Conrade (762)

Away! you are an ass, you are an ass.

Couley. Away, you are an asse, you are an asse

 

Dogberry (763)

Dost thou not suspect my place? dost thou not

suspect my years? O that he were here to write me

down an ass! But, masters, remember that I am an

70

ass; though it be not written down, yet forget not

that I am an ass. No, thou villain, thou art full of

piety, as shall be proved upon thee by good witness.

I am a wise fellow, and, which is more, an officer,

and, which is more, a householder, and, which is

more, as pretty a piece of flesh as any is in

Messina, and one that knows the law, go to; and a

rich fellow enough, go to; and a fellow that hath

had losses, and one that hath two gowns and every

thing handsome about him. Bring him away. O that

80

I had been writ down an ass!

Exeunt

Kemp. Dost thou not suspect my place? dost thou not

suspect my yeeres? O that hee were heere to write mee

downe an asse! but masters, remember that I am an asse:

though it be not written down, yet forget not y I am an

asse: No thou villaine, y art full of piety as shall be prou'd

vpon thee by good witnesse, I am a wise fellow, and

which is more, an officer, and which is more, a houshoulder,

and which is more, as pretty a peece of flesh as any in

Messina, and one that knowes the Law, goe to, & a rich

fellow enough, goe to, and a fellow that hath had losses,

and one that hath two gownes, and euery thing handsome

about him: bring him away: O that I had been writ

downe an asse!

Exit.

expandMe Act V

expandMe Act V. Scene I. Before Leonato's house.

5 - 1:    Act V. Scene I. Before Leonato's house.

Enter Leonato and Antonio

 

Antonio (764)

If you go on thus, you will kill yourself:

And 'tis not wisdom thus to second grief

Against yourself.

Actus Quintus.

Enter Leonato and his brother.

Brother. If you goe on thus, you will kill your selfe,

And 'tis not wisedome thus to second griefe,

Against your selfe

 

Leonato (765)

I pray thee, cease thy counsel,

Which falls into mine ears as profitless

As water in a sieve: give not me counsel;

Nor let no comforter delight mine ear

But such a one whose wrongs do suit with mine.

Bring me a father that so loved his child,

10

Whose joy of her is overwhelm'd like mine,

And bid him speak of patience;

Measure his woe the length and breadth of mine

And let it answer every strain for strain,

As thus for thus and such a grief for such,

In every lineament, branch, shape, and form:

If such a one will smile and stroke his beard,

Bid sorrow wag, cry 'hem!' when he should groan,

Patch grief with proverbs, make misfortune drunk

With candle-wasters; bring him yet to me,

20

And I of him will gather patience.

But there is no such man: for, brother, men

Can counsel and speak comfort to that grief

Which they themselves not feel; but, tasting it,

Their counsel turns to passion, which before

Would give preceptial medicine to rage,

Fetter strong madness in a silken thread,

Charm ache with air and agony with words:

No, no; 'tis all men's office to speak patience

To those that wring under the load of sorrow,

30

But no man's virtue nor sufficiency

To be so moral when he shall endure

The like himself. Therefore give me no counsel:

My griefs cry louder than advertisement.

Leon. I pray thee cease thy counsaile,

Which falls into mine eares as profitlesse,

As water in a siue: giue not me counsaile,

Nor let no comfort delight mine eare,

But such a one whose wrongs doth sute with mine.

Bring me a father that so lou'd his childe,

Whose ioy of her is ouer-whelmed like mine,

And bid him speake of patience,

Measure his woe the length and bredth of mine,

And let it answere euery straine for straine,

As thus for thus, and such a griefe for such,

In euery lineament, branch, shape, and forme:

If such a one will smile and stroke his beard,

And sorrow, wagge, crie hem, when he should grone,

Patch griefe with prouerbs, make misfortune drunke,

With candle-wasters: bring him yet to me,

And I of him will gather patience:

But there is no such man, for brother, men

Can counsaile, and speake comfort to that griefe,

Which they themselues not feele, but tasting it,

Their counsaile turnes to passion, which before,

Would giue preceptiall medicine to rage,

Fetter strong madnesse in a silken thred,

Charme ache with ayre, and agony with words,

No, no, 'tis all mens office, to speake patience

To those that wring vnder the load of sorrow:

But no mans vertue nor sufficiencie

To be so morall, when he shall endure

The like himselfe: therefore giue me no counsaile,

My griefs cry lowder then aduertisement

 

Antonio (766)

Therein do men from children nothing differ.

Broth. Therein do men from children nothing differ

 

Leonato (767)

I pray thee, peace. I will be flesh and blood;

For there was never yet philosopher

That could endure the toothache patiently,

However they have writ the style of gods

And made a push at chance and sufferance.

Leonato. I pray thee peace, I will be flesh and bloud,

For there was neuer yet Philosopher,

That could endure the tooth-ake patiently,

How euer they haue writ the stile of gods,

And made a push at chance and sufferance

 

Antonio (768)

40

Yet bend not all the harm upon yourself;

Make those that do offend you suffer too.

Brother. Yet bend not all the harme vpon your selfe,

Make those that doe offend you, suffer too

 

Leonato (769)

There thou speak'st reason: nay, I will do so.

My soul doth tell me Hero is belied;

And that shall Claudio know; so shall the prince

And all of them that thus dishonour her.

Leon. There thou speak'st reason, nay I will doe so,

My soule doth tell me, Hero is belied,

And that shall Claudio know, so shall the Prince,

And all of them that thus dishonour her.

 

Antonio (770)

Here comes the prince and Claudio hastily.

Enter Prince and Claudio.

Brot. Here comes the Prince and Claudio hastily

Enter Don Pedro and Claudio

 

Don Pedro (771)

Good den, good den.

Prin. Good den, good den

 

Claudio (772)

Good day to both of you.

Clau. Good day to both of you

 

Leonato (773)

Hear you. my lords,--

Leon. Heare you my Lords?

 

Don Pedro (774)

50

We have some haste, Leonato.

Prin. We haue some haste Leonato

 

Leonato (775)

Some haste, my lord! well, fare you well, my lord:

Are you so hasty now? well, all is one.

Leo. Some haste my Lord! wel, fareyouwel my Lord,

Are you so hasty now? well, all is one

 

Don Pedro (776)

Nay, do not quarrel with us, good old man.

Prin. Nay, do not quarrel with vs, good old man

 

Antonio (777)

If he could right himself with quarreling,

Some of us would lie low.

Brot. If he could rite himselfe with quarrelling,

Some of vs would lie low

 

Claudio (778)

Who wrongs him?

Claud. Who wrongs him?

 

Leonato (779)

Marry, thou dost wrong me; thou dissembler, thou:--

Nay, never lay thy hand upon thy sword;

I fear thee not.

Leon. Marry y dost wrong me, thou dissembler, thou:

Nay, neuer lay thy hand vpon thy sword,

I feare thee not

 

Claudio (780)

60

Marry, beshrew my hand,

If it should give your age such cause of fear:

In faith, my hand meant nothing to my sword.

Claud. Marry beshrew my hand,

If it should giue your age such cause of feare,

Infaith my hand meant nothing to my sword

 

Leonato (781)

Tush, tush, man; never fleer and jest at me:

I speak not like a dotard nor a fool,

As under privilege of age to brag

What I have done being young, or what would do

Were I not old. Know, Claudio, to thy head,

Thou hast so wrong'd mine innocent child and me

That I am forced to lay my reverence by

70

And, with grey hairs and bruise of many days,

Do challenge thee to trial of a man.

I say thou hast belied mine innocent child;

Thy slander hath gone through and through her heart,

And she lies buried with her ancestors;

O, in a tomb where never scandal slept,

Save this of hers, framed by thy villany!

Leonato. Tush, tush, man, neuer fleere and iest at me,

I speake not like a dotard, nor a foole,

As vnder priuiledge of age to bragge,

What I haue done being yong, or what would doe,

Were I not old, know Claudio to thy head,

Thou hast so wrong'd my innocent childe and me,

That I am forc'd to lay my reuerence by,

And with grey haires and bruise of many daies,

Doe challenge thee to triall of a man,

I say thou hast belied mine innocent childe.

Thy slander hath gone through and through her heart,

And she lies buried with her ancestors:

O in a tombe where neuer scandall slept,

Saue this of hers, fram'd by thy villanie

 

Claudio (782)

My villany?

Claud. My villany?

 

Leonato (783)

Thine, Claudio; thine, I say.

Leonato. Thine Claudio, thine I say

 

Don Pedro (784)

You say not right, old man.

Prin. You say not right old man

 

Leonato (785)

80

My lord, my lord,

I'll prove it on his body, if he dare,

Despite his nice fence and his active practise,

His May of youth and bloom of lustihood.

Leon. My Lord, my Lord,

Ile proue it on his body if he dare,

Despight his nice fence, and his actiue practise,

His Maie of youth, and bloome of lustihood

 

Claudio (786)

Away! I will not have to do with you.

Claud. Away, I will not haue to do with you

 

Leonato (787)

Canst thou so daff me? Thou hast kill'd my child:

If thou kill'st me, boy, thou shalt kill a man.

Leo. Canst thou so daffe me? thou hast kild my child,

If thou kilst me, boy, thou shalt kill a man

 

Antonio (788)

He shall kill two of us, and men indeed:

But that's no matter; let him kill one first;

Win me and wear me; let him answer me.

90

Come, follow me, boy; come, sir boy, come, follow me:

Sir boy, I'll whip you from your foining fence;

Nay, as I am a gentleman, I will.

Bro. He shall kill two of vs, and men indeed,

But that's no matter, let him kill one first:

Win me and weare me, let him answere me,

Come follow me boy, come sir boy, come follow me

Sir boy, ile whip you from your foyning fence,

Nay, as I am a gentleman, I will

 

Leonato (789)

Brother,--

Leon. Brother

 

Antonio (790)

Content yourself. God knows I loved my niece;

And she is dead, slander'd to death by villains,

That dare as well answer a man indeed

As I dare take a serpent by the tongue:

Boys, apes, braggarts, Jacks, milksops!

Brot. Content your self, God knows I lou'd my neece,

And she is dead, slander'd to death by villaines,

That dare as well answer a man indeede,

As I dare take a serpent by the tongue.

Boyes, apes, braggarts, Iackes, milke-sops

 

Leonato (791)

Brother Antony,--

Leon. Brother Anthony

 

Antonio (792)

100

Hold you content. What, man! I know them, yea,

And what they weigh, even to the utmost scruple,--

Scrambling, out-facing, fashion-monging boys,

That lie and cog and flout, deprave and slander,

Go anticly, show outward hideousness,

And speak off half a dozen dangerous words,

How they might hurt their enemies, if they durst;

And this is all.

Brot. Hold you content, what man? I know them, yea

And what they weigh, euen to the vtmost scruple,

Scambling, out-facing, fashion-monging boyes,

That lye, and cog, and flout, depraue, and slander,

Goe antiquely, and show outward hidiousnesse,

And speake of halfe a dozen dang'rous words,

How they might hurt their enemies, if they durst.

And this is all

 

Leonato (793)

But, brother Antony,--

Leon. But brother Anthonie

 

Antonio (794)

Come, 'tis no matter:

110

Do not you meddle; let me deal in this.

Ant. Come, 'tis no matter,

Do not you meddle, let me deale in this

 

Don Pedro (795)

Gentlemen both, we will not wake your patience.

My heart is sorry for your daughter's death:

But, on my honour, she was charged with nothing

But what was true and very full of proof.

Pri. Gentlemen both, we will not wake your patience

My heart is sorry for your daughters death:

But on my honour she was charg'd with nothing

But what was true, and very full of proofe

 

Leonato (796)

My lord, my lord,--

Leon. My Lord, my Lord

 

Don Pedro (797)

I will not hear you.

Prin. I will not heare you.

 

Leonato (798)

No? Come, brother; away! I will be heard.

Enter Benedicke.

Leo. No come brother, away, I will be heard.

Exeunt. ambo.

 

Antonio (799)

And shall, or some of us will smart for it.

Exeunt Leonato and Antonio

Bro. And shall, or some of vs will smart for it

 

Don Pedro (800)

See, see; here comes the man we went to seek.

Prin. See, see, here comes the man we went to seeke

Enter Benedick

 

Claudio (801)

120

Now, signior, what news?

Clau. Now signior, what newes?

 

Benedick (802)

Good day, my lord.

Ben. Good day my Lord

 

Don Pedro (803)

Welcome, signior: you are almost come to part

almost a fray.

Prin. Welcome signior, you are almost come to part

almost a fray

 

Claudio (804)

We had like to have had our two noses snapped off

with two old men without teeth.

Clau. Wee had likt to haue had our two noses snapt

off with two old men without teeth

 

Don Pedro (805)

Leonato and his brother. What thinkest thou? Had

we fought, I doubt we should have been too young for them.

Prin. Leonato and his brother, what think'st thou? had

wee fought, I doubt we should haue beene too yong for

them

 

Benedick (806)

In a false quarrel there is no true valour. I came

to seek you both.

Ben. In a false quarrell there is no true valour, I came

to seeke you both

 

Claudio (807)

130

We have been up and down to seek thee; for we are

high-proof melancholy and would fain have it beaten

away. Wilt thou use thy wit?

Clau. We haue beene vp and downe to seeke thee, for

we are high proofe melancholly, and would faine haue it

beaten away, wilt thou vse thy wit?

 

Benedick (808)

It is in my scabbard: shall I draw it?

Ben. It is in my scabberd, shall I draw it?

 

Don Pedro (809)

Dost thou wear thy wit by thy side?

Prin. Doest thou weare thy wit by thy side?

 

Claudio (810)

Never any did so, though very many have been beside

their wit. I will bid thee draw, as we do the

minstrels; draw, to pleasure us.

Clau. Neuer any did so, though verie many haue been

beside their wit, I will bid thee drawe, as we do the minstrels,

draw to pleasure vs

 

Don Pedro (811)

As I am an honest man, he looks pale. Art thou

sick, or angry?

Prin. As I am an honest man he lookes pale, art thou

sicke, or angrie?

 

Claudio (812)

140

What, courage, man! What though care killed a cat,

thou hast mettle enough in thee to kill care.

Clau. What, courage man: what though care kil'd a

cat, thou hast mettle enough in thee to kill care

 

Benedick (813)

Sir, I shall meet your wit in the career, and you

charge it against me. I pray you choose another subject.

Ben. Sir, I shall meete your wit in the careere, and

you charge it against me, I pray you chuse another subiect

 

Claudio (814)

Nay, then, give him another staff: this last was

broke cross.

Clau. Nay then giue him another staffe, this last was

broke crosse

 

Don Pedro (815)

By this light, he changes more and more: I think

he be angry indeed.

Prin. By this light, he changes more and more, I thinke

he be angrie indeede

 

Claudio (816)

If he be, he knows how to turn his girdle.

Clau. If he be, he knowes how to turne his girdle

 

Benedick (817)

Shall I speak a word in your ear?

Ben. Shall I speake a word in your eare?

 

Claudio (818)

150

God bless me from a challenge!

Clau. God blesse me from a challenge

 

Benedick (819)

[Aside to Claudio] You are a villain; I jest not:

I will make it good how you dare, with what you

dare, and when you dare. Do me right, or I will

protest your cowardice. You have killed a sweet

lady, and her death shall fall heavy on you. Let me

hear from you.

Ben. You are a villaine, I iest not, I will make it good

how you dare, with what you dare, and when you dare:

do me right, or I will protest your cowardise: you haue

kill'd a sweete Ladie, and her death shall fall heauie on

you, let me heare from you

 

Claudio (820)

Well, I will meet you, so I may have good cheer.

Clau. Well, I will meete you, so I may haue good

cheare

 

Don Pedro (821)

What, a feast, a feast?

Prin. What, a feast, a feast?

 

Claudio (822)

I' faith, I thank him; he hath bid me to a calf's

160

head and a capon; the which if I do not carve most

curiously, say my knife's naught. Shall I not find

a woodcock too?

Clau. I faith I thanke him, he hath bid me to a calues

head and a Capon, the which if I doe not carue most curiously,

say my knife's naught, shall I not finde a woodcocke

too?

 

Benedick (823)

Sir, your wit ambles well; it goes easily.

Ben. Sir, your wit ambles well, it goes easily

 

Don Pedro (824)

I'll tell thee how Beatrice praised thy wit the

other day. I said, thou hadst a fine wit: 'True,'

said she, 'a fine little one.' 'No,' said I, 'a

great wit:' 'Right,' says she, 'a great gross one.'

'Nay,' said I, 'a good wit:' 'Just,' said she, 'it

hurts nobody.' 'Nay,' said I, 'the gentleman

170

is wise:' 'Certain,' said she, 'a wise gentleman.'

'Nay,' said I, 'he hath the tongues:' 'That I

believe,' said she, 'for he swore a thing to me on

Monday night, which he forswore on Tuesday morning;

there's a double tongue; there's two tongues.' Thus

did she, an hour together, transshape thy particular

virtues: yet at last she concluded with a sigh, thou

wast the properest man in Italy.

Prin. Ile tell thee how Beatrice prais'd thy wit the other

day: I said thou hadst a fine wit: true saies she, a fine

little one: no said I, a great wit: right saies shee, a great

grosse one: nay said I, a good wit: iust said she, it hurts

no body: nay said I, the gentleman is wise: certaine said

she, a wise gentleman: nay said I, he hath the tongues:

that I beleeue said shee, for hee swore a thing to me on

munday night, which he forswore on tuesday morning:

there's a double tongue, there's two tongues: thus did

shee an howre together trans-shape thy particular vertues,

yet at last she concluded with a sigh, thou wast the

proprest man in Italie

 

Claudio (825)

For the which she wept heartily and said she cared

not.

Claud. For the which she wept heartily, and said shee

car'd not

 

Don Pedro (826)

180

Yea, that she did: but yet, for all that, an if she

did not hate him deadly, she would love him dearly:

the old man's daughter told us all.

Prin. Yea that she did, but yet for all that, and if shee

did not hate him deadlie, shee would loue him dearely,

the old mans daughter told vs all

 

Claudio (827)

All, all; and, moreover, God saw him when he was

hid in the garden.

Clau. All, all, and moreouer, God saw him when he

was hid in the garden

 

Don Pedro (828)

But when shall we set the savage bull's horns on

the sensible Benedick's head?

Prin. But when shall we set the sauage Bulls hornes

on the sensible Benedicks head?

 

Claudio (829)

Yea, and text underneath, 'Here dwells Benedick the

married man'?

Clau. Yea and text vnderneath, heere dwells Benedicke

the married man

 

Benedick (830)

Fare you well, boy: you know my mind. I will leave

190

you now to your gossip-like humour: you break jests

as braggarts do their blades, which God be thanked,

hurt not. My lord, for your many courtesies I thank

you: I must discontinue your company: your brother

the bastard is fled from Messina: you have among

you killed a sweet and innocent lady. For my Lord

Lackbeard there, he and I shall meet: and, till

then, peace be with him.

Exit

Ben. Fare you well, Boy, you know my minde, I will

leaue you now to your gossep-like humor, you breake

iests as braggards do their blades, which God be thanked

hurt not: my Lord, for your manie courtesies I thank

you, I must discontinue your companie, your brother

the Bastard is fled from Messina: you haue among you,

kill'd a sweet and innocent Ladie: for my Lord Lackebeard

there, he and I shall meete, and till then peace be

with him

 

Don Pedro (831)

He is in earnest.

Prin. He is in earnest

 

Claudio (832)

In most profound earnest; and, I'll warrant you, for

200

the love of Beatrice.

Clau. In most profound earnest, and Ile warrant you,

for the loue of Beatrice

 

Don Pedro (833)

And hath challenged thee.

Prin. And hath challeng'd thee

 

Claudio (834)

Most sincerely.

Clau. Most sincerely

 

Don Pedro (835)

What a pretty thing man is when he goes in his

doublet and hose and leaves off his wit!

Prin. What a prettie thing man is, when he goes in his

doublet and hose, and leaues off his wit.

 

Claudio (836)

He is then a giant to an ape; but then is an ape a

doctor to such a man.

Enter Constable, Conrade, and Borachio.

Clau. He is then a Giant to an Ape, but then is an Ape

a Doctor to such a man

 

Don Pedro (837)

But, soft you, let me be: pluck up, my heart, and

be sad. Did he not say, my brother was fled?

Prin. But soft you, let me be, plucke vp my heart, and

be sad, did he not say my brother was fled?

Enter Dogberry, Verges, and the Watch, with Conrade and Borachio

 

Dogberry (838)

Come you, sir: if justice cannot tame you, she

210

shall ne'er weigh more reasons in her balance: nay,

an you be a cursing hypocrite once, you must be looked to.

Const. Come you sir, if iustice cannot tame you, shee

shall nere weigh more reasons in her ballance, nay, and

you be a cursing hypocrite once, you must be lookt to

 

Don Pedro (839)

How now? two of my brother's men bound! Borachio

one!

Prin. How now, two of my brothers men bound? Borachio

one

 

Claudio (840)

Hearken after their offence, my lord.

Clau. Harken after their offence my Lord

 

Don Pedro (841)

Officers, what offence have these men done?

Prin. Officers, what offence haue these men done?

 

Dogberry (842)

Marry, sir, they have committed false report;

moreover, they have spoken untruths; secondarily,

they are slanders; sixth and lastly, they have

belied a lady; thirdly, they have verified unjust

220

things; and, to conclude, they are lying knaves.

Const. Marrie sir, they haue committed false report,

moreouer they haue spoken vntruths, secondarily they

are slanders, sixt and lastly, they haue belyed a Ladie,

thirdly, they haue verified vniust things, and to conclude

they are lying knaues

 

Don Pedro (843)

First, I ask thee what they have done; thirdly, I

ask thee what's their offence; sixth and lastly, why

they are committed; and, to conclude, what you lay

to their charge.

Prin. First I aske thee what they haue done, thirdlie

I aske thee what's their offence, sixt and lastlie why they

are committed, and to conclude, what you lay to their

charge

 

Claudio (844)

Rightly reasoned, and in his own division: and, by

my troth, there's one meaning well suited.

Clau. Rightlie reasoned, and in his owne diuision, and

by my troth there's one meaning well suted

 

Don Pedro (845)

Who have you offended, masters, that you are thus

bound to your answer? this learned constable is

too cunning to be understood: what's your offence?

Prin. Who haue you offended masters, that you are

thus bound to your answer? this learned Constable is too

cunning to be vnderstood, what's your offence?

 

Borachio (846)

230

Sweet prince, let me go no farther to mine answer:

do you hear me, and let this count kill me. I have

deceived even your very eyes: what your wisdoms

could not discover, these shallow fools have brought

to light: who in the night overheard me confessing

to this man how Don John your brother incensed me

to slander the Lady Hero, how you were brought into

the orchard and saw me court Margaret in Hero's

garments, how you disgraced her, when you should

marry her: my villany they have upon record; which

240

I had rather seal with my death than repeat over

to my shame. The lady is dead upon mine and my

master's false accusation; and, briefly, I desire

nothing but the reward of a villain.

Bor. Sweete Prince, let me go no farther to mine answere:

do you heare me, and let this Count kill mee: I

haue deceiued euen your verie eies: what your wisedomes

could not discouer, these shallow fooles haue

brought to light, who in the night ouerheard me confessing

to this man, how Don Iohn your brother incensed

me to slander the Ladie Hero, how you were brought

into the Orchard, and saw me court Margaret in Heroes

garments, how you disgrac'd her when you should

marrie her: my villanie they haue vpon record, which

I had rather seale with my death, then repeate ouer to

my shame: the Ladie is dead vpon mine and my masters

false accusation: and briefelie, I desire nothing but the

reward of a villaine

 

Don Pedro (847)

Runs not this speech like iron through your blood?

Prin. Runs not this speech like yron through your

bloud?

 

Claudio (848)

I have drunk poison whiles he utter'd it.

Clau. I haue drunke poison whiles he vtter'd it

 

Don Pedro (849)

But did my brother set thee on to this?

Prin. But did my Brother set thee on to this?

 

Borachio (850)

Yea, and paid me richly for the practise of it.

Bor. Yea, and paid me richly for the practise of it

 

Don Pedro (851)

He is composed and framed of treachery:

And fled he is upon this villany.

Prin. He is compos'd and fram'd of treacherie,

And fled he is vpon this villanie

 

Claudio (852)

250

Sweet Hero! now thy image doth appear

In the rare semblance that I loved it first.

Clau. Sweet Hero, now thy image doth appeare

In the rare semblance that I lou'd it first

 

Dogberry (853)

Come, bring away the plaintiffs: by this time our

sexton hath reformed Signior Leonato of the matter:

and, masters, do not forget to specify, when time

and place shall serve, that I am an ass.

Const. Come, bring away the plaintiffes, by this time

our Sexton hath reformed Signior Leonato of the matter:

and masters, do not forget to specifie when time & place

shall serue, that I am an Asse

 

Verges (854)

Here, here comes master Signior Leonato, and the

Sexton too.

Con.2. Here, here comes master Signior Leonato, and

the Sexton too.

Enter Leonato and Antonio, with the Sexton

 

Leonato (855)

Which is the villain? let me see his eyes,

That, when I note another man like him,

260

I may avoid him: which of these is he?

Enter Leonato.

Leon. Which is the villaine? let me see his eies,

That when I note another man like him,

I may auoide him: which of these is he?

 

Borachio (856)

If you would know your wronger, look on me.

Bor. If you would know your wronger, looke on me

 

Leonato (857)

Art thou the slave that with thy breath hast kill'd

Mine innocent child?

Leon. Art thou the slaue that with thy breath

hast kild mine innocent childe?

 

Borachio (858)

Yea, even I alone.

Bor. Yea, euen I alone

 

Leonato (859)

No, not so, villain; thou beliest thyself:

Here stand a pair of honourable men;

A third is fled, that had a hand in it.

I thank you, princes, for my daughter's death:

Record it with your high and worthy deeds:

270

'Twas bravely done, if you bethink you of it.

Leo. No, not so villaine, thou beliest thy selfe,

Here stand a paire of honourable men,

A third is fled that had a hand in it:

I thanke you Princes for my daughters death,

Record it with your high and worthie deedes,

'Twas brauely done, if you bethinke you of it

 

Claudio (860)

I know not how to pray your patience;

Yet I must speak. Choose your revenge yourself;

Impose me to what penance your invention

Can lay upon my sin: yet sinn'd I not

But in mistaking.

Clau. I know not how to pray your patience,

Yet I must speake, choose your reuenge your selfe,

Impose me to what penance your inuention

Can lay vpon my sinne, yet sinn'd I not,

But in mistaking

 

Don Pedro (861)

By my soul, nor I:

And yet, to satisfy this good old man,

I would bend under any heavy weight

That he'll enjoin me to.

Prin. By my soule nor I,

And yet to satisfie this good old man,

I would bend vnder anie heauie waight,

That heele enioyne me to

 

Leonato (862)

280

I cannot bid you bid my daughter live;

That were impossible: but, I pray you both,

Possess the people in Messina here

How innocent she died; and if your love

Can labour ought in sad invention,

Hang her an epitaph upon her tomb

And sing it to her bones, sing it toight:

To-morrow morning come you to my house,

And since you could not be my son-in-law,

Be yet my nephew: my brother hath a daughter,

290

Almost the copy of my child that's dead,

And she alone is heir to both of us:

Give her the right you should have given her cousin,

And so dies my revenge.

Leon. I cannot bid you bid my daughter liue,

That were impossible, but I praie you both,

Possesse the people in Messina here,

How innocent she died, and if your loue

Can labour aught in sad inuention,

Hang her an epitaph vpon her toomb,

And sing it to her bones, sing it to night:

To morrow morning come you to my house,

And since you could not be my sonne in law,

Be yet my Nephew: my brother hath a daughter,

Almost the copie of my childe that's dead,

And she alone is heire to both of vs,

Giue her the right you should haue giu'n her cosin,

And so dies my reuenge

 

Claudio (863)

O noble sir,

Your over-kindness doth wring tears from me!

I do embrace your offer; and dispose

For henceforth of poor Claudio.

Clau. O noble sir!

Your ouerkindnesse doth wring teares from me,

I do embrace your offer, and dispose

For henceforth of poore Claudio

 

Leonato (864)

To-morrow then I will expect your coming;

Toight I take my leave. This naughty man

300

Shall face to face be brought to Margaret,

Who I believe was pack'd in all this wrong,

Hired to it by your brother.

Leon. To morrow then I will expect your comming,

To night I take my leaue, this naughtie man

Shall face to face be brought to Margaret,

Who I beleeue was packt in all this wrong,

Hired to it by your brother

 

Borachio (865)

No, by my soul, she was not,

Nor knew not what she did when she spoke to me,

But always hath been just and virtuous

In any thing that I do know by her.

Bor. No, by my soule she was not,

Nor knew not what she did when she spoke to me,

But alwaies hath bin iust and vertuous,

In anie thing that I do know by her

 

Dogberry (866)

Moreover, sir, which indeed is not under white and

black, this plaintiff here, the offender, did call

me ass: I beseech you, let it be remembered in his

310

punishment. And also, the watch heard them talk of

one Deformed: they say be wears a key in his ear and

a lock hanging by it, and borrows money in God's

name, the which he hath used so long and never paid

that now men grow hard-hearted and will lend nothing

for God's sake: pray you, examine him upon that point.

Const. Moreouer sir, which indeede is not vnder white

and black, this plaintiffe here, the offendour did call mee

asse, I beseech you let it be remembred in his punishment,

and also the watch heard them talke of one Deformed,

they say he weares a key in his eare and a lock hanging

by it, and borrowes monie in Gods name, the which

he hath vs'd so long, and neuer paied, that now men grow

hard-harted and will lend nothing for Gods sake: praie

you examine him vpon that point

 

Leonato (867)

I thank thee for thy care and honest pains.

Leon. I thanke thee for thy care and honest paines

 

Dogberry (868)

Your worship speaks like a most thankful and

reverend youth; and I praise God for you.

Const. Your worship speakes like a most thankefull

and reuerend youth, and I praise God for you

 

Leonato (869)

There's for thy pains.

Leon. There's for thy paines

 

Dogberry (870)

320

God save the foundation!

Const. God saue the foundation

 

Leonato (871)

Go, I discharge thee of thy prisoner, and I thank thee.

Leon. Goe, I discharge thee of thy prisoner, and I

thanke thee

 

Dogberry (872)

I leave an arrant knave with your worship; which I

beseech your worship to correct yourself, for the

example of others. God keep your worship! I wish

your worship well; God restore you to health! I

humbly give you leave to depart; and if a merry

meeting may be wished, God prohibit it! Come, neighbour.

Exeunt Dogberry and Verges

Const. I leaue an arrant knaue with your worship,

which I beseech your worship to correct your selfe, for

the example of others: God keepe your worship, I

wish your worship well, God restore you to health,

I humblie giue you leaue to depart, and if a merrie

meeting may be wisht, God prohibite it: come

neighbour

 

Leonato (873)

Until to-morrow morning, lords, farewell.

Leon. Vntill to morrow morning, Lords, farewell.

Exeunt.

 

Antonio (874)

Farewell, my lords: we look for you to-morrow.

Brot. Farewell my Lords, we looke for you to morrow

 

Don Pedro (875)

330

We will not fail.

Prin. We will not faile

 

Claudio (876)

Toight I'll mourn with Hero.

Clau. To night ile mourne with Hero

 

Leonato (877)

[To the Watch] Bring you these fellows on. We'll

talk with Margaret,

How her acquaintance grew with this lewd fellow.

Exeunt, severally

Leon. Bring you these fellowes on, weel talke with

Margaret, How her acquaintance grew with this lewd

fellow.

Exeunt.

expandMe Act V. Scene II. Leonato's garden.

5 - 2:    Act V. Scene II. Leonato's garden.

Enter Benedick and Margaret, meeting

 

Benedick (878)

Pray thee, sweet Mistress Margaret, deserve well at

my hands by helping me to the speech of Beatrice.

Enter Benedicke and Margaret.

Ben. Praie thee sweete Mistris Margaret, deserue

well at my hands, by helping mee to the speech of Beatrice

 

Margaret (879)

Will you then write me a sonnet in praise of my beauty?

Mar. Will you then write me a Sonnet in praise of

my beautie?

 

Benedick (880)

In so high a style, Margaret, that no man living

shall come over it; for, in most comely truth, thou

deservest it.

Bene. In so high a stile Margaret, that no man liuing

shall come ouer it, for in most comely truth thou deseruest

it

 

Margaret (881)

To have no man come over me! why, shall I always

keep below stairs?

Mar. To haue no man come ouer me, why, shall I alwaies

keepe below staires?

 

Benedick (882)

Thy wit is as quick as the greyhound's mouth; it catches.

Bene. Thy wit is as quicke as the grey-hounds mouth,

it catches

 

Margaret (883)

10

And yours as blunt as the fencer's foils, which hit,

but hurt not.

Mar. And yours, as blunt as the Fencers foiles, which

hit, but hurt not

 

Benedick (884)

A most manly wit, Margaret; it will not hurt a

woman: and so, I pray thee, call Beatrice: I give

thee the bucklers.

Bene. A most manly wit Margaret, it will not hurt a

woman: and so I pray thee call Beatrice, I giue thee the

bucklers

 

Margaret (885)

Give us the swords; we have bucklers of our own.

Mar. Giue vs the swords, wee haue bucklers of our

owne

 

Benedick (886)

If you use them, Margaret, you must put in the

pikes with a vice; and they are dangerous weapons for maids.

Bene. If you vse them Margaret, you must put in the

pikes with a vice, and they are dangerous weapons for

Maides

 

Margaret (887)

Well, I will call Beatrice to you, who I think hath legs.

Mar. Well, I will call Beatrice to you, who I thinke

hath legges.

Exit Margarite.

 

Benedick (888)

And therefore will come.

Exit Margaret

Sings

20

The god of love,

That sits above,

And knows me, and knows me,

How pitiful I deserve,--

I mean in singing; but in loving, Leander the good

swimmer, Troilus the first employer of panders, and

a whole bookful of these quondam carpet-mangers,

whose names yet run smoothly in the even road of a

blank verse, why, they were never so truly turned

over and over as my poor self in love. Marry, I

30

cannot show it in rhyme; I have tried: I can find

out no rhyme to 'lady' but 'baby,' an innocent

rhyme; for 'scorn,' 'horn,' a hard rhyme; for,

'school,' 'fool,' a babbling rhyme; very ominous

endings: no, I was not born under a rhyming planet,

nor I cannot woo in festival terms.

Enter Beatrice

Sweet Beatrice, wouldst thou come when I called thee?

Ben. And therefore will come. The God of loue that

sits aboue, and knowes me, and knowes me, how pittifull

I deserue. I meane in singing, but in louing, Leander

the good swimmer, Troilous the first imploier of

pandars, and a whole booke full of these quondam carpet-mongers,

whose name yet runne smoothly in the euen

rode of a blanke verse, why they were neuer so truely

turned ouer and ouer as my poore selfe in loue: marrie

I cannot shew it rime, I haue tried, I can finde out no

rime to Ladie but babie, an innocent rime: for scorne,

horne, a hard rime: for schoole foole, a babling rime:

verie ominous endings, no, I was not borne vnder a riming

Plannet, for I cannot wooe in festiuall tearmes:

Enter Beatrice.

sweete Beatrice would'st thou come when I cal'd Vthee?

 

Beatrice (889)

Yea, signior, and depart when you bid me.

Beat. Yea Signior, and depart when you bid me

 

Benedick (890)

O, stay but till then!

Bene. O stay but till then

 

Beatrice (891)

'Then' is spoken; fare you well now: and yet, ere

40

I go, let me go with that I came; which is, with

knowing what hath passed between you and Claudio.

Beat. Then, is spoken: fare you well now, and yet ere

I goe, let me goe with that I came, which is, with knowing

what hath past betweene you and Claudio

 

Benedick (892)

Only foul words; and thereupon I will kiss thee.

Bene. Onely foule words, and thereupon I will kisse

thee

 

Beatrice (893)

Foul words is but foul wind, and foul wind is but

foul breath, and foul breath is noisome; therefore I

will depart unkissed.

Beat. Foule words is but foule wind, and foule wind

is but foule breath, and foule breath is noisome, therefore

I will depart vnkist

 

Benedick (894)

Thou hast frighted the word out of his right sense,

so forcible is thy wit. But I must tell thee

plainly, Claudio undergoes my challenge; and either

I must shortly hear from him, or I will subscribe

50

him a coward. And, I pray thee now, tell me for

which of my bad parts didst thou first fall in love with me?

Bene. Thou hast frighted the word out of his right

sence, so forcible is thy wit, but I must tell thee plainely,

Claudio vndergoes my challenge, and either I must shortly

heare from him, or I will subscribe him a coward, and

I pray thee now tell me, for which of my bad parts didst

thou first fall in loue with me?

 

Beatrice (895)

For them all together; which maintained so politic

a state of evil that they will not admit any good

part to intermingle with them. But for which of my

good parts did you first suffer love for me?

Beat. For them all together, which maintain'd so

politique a state of euill, that they will not admit any

good part to intermingle with them: but for which of

my good parts did you first suffer loue for me?

 

Benedick (896)

Suffer love! a good epithet! I do suffer love

indeed, for I love thee against my will.

Bene. Suffer loue! a good epithite, I do suffer loue indeede,

for I loue thee against my will,

 

Beatrice (897)

In spite of your heart, I think; alas, poor heart!

If you spite it for my sake, I will spite it for

60

yours; for I will never love that which my friend hates.

Beat. In spight of your heart I think, alas poore heart,

if you spight it for my sake, I will spight it for yours, for

I will neuer loue that which my friend hates

 

Benedick (898)

Thou and I are too wise to woo peaceably.

Bened. Thou and I are too wise to wooe peaceablie

 

Beatrice (899)

It appears not in this confession: there's not one

wise man among twenty that will praise himself.

Bea. It appeares not in this confession, there's not one

wise man among twentie that will praise himselfe

 

Benedick (900)

An old, an old instance, Beatrice, that lived in

the lime of good neighbours. If a man do not erect

in this age his own tomb ere he dies, he shall live

no longer in monument than the bell rings and the

widow weeps.

Bene. An old, an old instance Beatrice, that liu'd in

the time of good neighbours, if a man doe not erect in

this age his owne tombe ere he dies, hee shall liue no

longer in monuments, then the Bels ring, & the Widdow

weepes

 

Beatrice (901)

And how long is that, think you?

Beat. And how long is that thinke you?

 

Benedick (902)

70

Question: why, an hour in clamour and a quarter in

rheum: therefore is it most expedient for the

wise, if Don Worm, his conscience, find no

impediment to the contrary, to be the trumpet of his

own virtues, as I am to myself. So much for

praising myself, who, I myself will bear witness, is

praiseworthy: and now tell me, how doth your cousin?

Ben. Question, why an hower in clamour and a quarter

in rhewme, therfore is it most expedient for the wise,

if Don worme (his conscience) finde no impediment to

the contrarie, to be the trumpet of his owne vertues, as

I am to my selfe so much for praising my selfe, who I my

selfe will beare witnesse is praise worthie, and now tell

me, how doth your cosin?

 

Beatrice (903)

Very ill.

Beat. Verie ill

 

Benedick (904)

And how do you?

Bene. And how doe you?

 

Beatrice (905)

Very ill too.

Beat. Verie ill too.

 

Benedick (906)

80

Serve God, love me and mend. There will I leave

you too, for here comes one in haste.

Enter Vrsula.

Bene. Serue God, loue me, and mend, there will I leaue

you too, for here comes one in haste

Enter Ursula

 

Ursula (907)

Madam, you must come to your uncle. Yonder's old

coil at home: it is proved my Lady Hero hath been

falsely accused, the prince and Claudio mightily

abused; and Don John is the author of all, who is

fed and gone. Will you come presently?

Vrs. Madam, you must come to your Vncle, yonders

old coile at home, it is prooued my Ladie Hero

hath bin falselie accusde, the Prince and Claudio

mightilie abusde, and Don Iohn is the author of all, who

is fled and gone: will you come presentlie?

 

Beatrice (908)

Will you go hear this news, signior?

Beat. Will you go heare this newes Signior?

 

Benedick (909)

I will live in thy heart, die in thy lap, and be

buried in thy eyes; and moreover I will go with

90

thee to thy uncle's.

Exeunt

Bene. I will liue in thy heart, die in thy lap, and be buried

in thy eies: and moreouer, I will goe with thee to

thy Vncles.

Exeunt.

expandMe Act V. Scene III. A church.

5 - 3:    Act V. Scene III. A church.

Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, and three or four with tapers

 

Claudio (910)

Is this the monument of Leonato?

Enter Claudio, Prince, and three or foure with Tapers.

Clau. Is this the monument of Leonato?

 

Lord (911)

It is, my lord.

Lord. It is my Lord.

Epitaph.

Done to death by slanderous tongues,

Was the Hero that here lies:

Death in guerdon of her wrongs,

Giues her fame which neuer dies:

So the life that dyed with shame,

Liues in death with glorious fame.

Hang thou there vpon the tombe,

Praising her when I am dombe

 

Claudio (912)

[Reading out of a scroll]

Done to death by slanderous tongues

Was the Hero that here lies:

Death, in guerdon of her wrongs,

Gives her fame which never dies.

So the life that died with shame

Lives in death with glorious fame.

10

Hang thou there upon the tomb,

Praising her when I am dumb.

Now, music, sound, and sing your solemn hymn.

SONG.

Pardon, goddess of the night,

Those that slew thy virgin knight;

For the which, with songs of woe,

Round about her tomb they go.

Midnight, assist our moan;

Help us to sigh and groan,

20

Heavily, heavily:

Graves, yawn and yield your dead,

Till death be uttered,

Heavily, heavily.

Clau. Now musick sound & sing your solemn hymne

Song.

Pardon goddesse of the night,

Those that slew thy virgin knight,

For the which with songs of woe,

Round about her tombe they goe:

Midnight assist our mone, helpe vs to sigh and grone.

Heauily, heauily.

Graues yawne and yeelde your dead,

Till death be vttered,

Heauenly, heauenly

 

Claudio (913)

Now, unto thy bones good night!

Yearly will I do this rite.

Lo. Now vnto thy bones good night, yeerely will I do this right

 

Don Pedro (914)

Good morrow, masters; put your torches out:

The wolves have prey'd; and look, the gentle day,

Before the wheels of Phoebus, round about

Dapples the drowsy east with spots of grey.

30

Thanks to you all, and leave us: fare you well.

Prin. Good morrow masters, put your Torches out,

The wolues haue preied, and looke, the gentle day

Before the wheeles of Phoebus, round about

Dapples the drowsie East with spots of grey:

Thanks to you all, and leaue vs, fare you well

 

Claudio (915)

Good morrow, masters: each his several way.

Clau. Good morrow masters, each his seuerall way

 

Don Pedro (916)

Come, let us hence, and put on other weeds;

And then to Leonato's we will go.

Prin. Come let vs hence, and put on other weedes,

And then to Leonatoes we will goe

 

Claudio (917)

And Hymen now with luckier issue speed's

Than this for whom we render'd up this woe.

Exeunt

Clau. And Hymen now with luckier issue speeds,

Then this for whom we rendred vp this woe.

Exeunt.

expandMe Act V. Scene IV. A room in Leonato's house.

5 - 4:    Act V. Scene IV. A room in Leonato's house.

Enter Leonato, Antonio, Benedick, Beatrice, Margaret, Ursula, Friar Francis, and Hero.

 

Friar Francis (918)

Did I not tell you she was innocent?

Enter Leonato, Bene. Marg. Vrsula, old man, Frier, Hero.

Frier. Did I not tell you she was innocent?

 

Leonato (919)

So are the prince and Claudio, who accused her

Upon the error that you heard debated:

But Margaret was in some fault for this,

Although against her will, as it appears

In the true course of all the question.

Leo. So are the Prince and Claudio who accus'd her,

Vpon the errour that you heard debated:

But Margaret was in some fault for this,

Although against her will as it appeares,

In the true course of all the question

 

Antonio (920)

Well, I am glad that all things sort so well.

Old. Well, I am glad that all things sort so well

 

Benedick (921)

And so am I, being else by faith enforced

To call young Claudio to a reckoning for it.

Bene. And so am I, being else by faith enforc'd

To call young Claudio to a reckoning for it

 

Leonato (922)

10

Well, daughter, and you gentle-women all,

Withdraw into a chamber by yourselves,

And when I send for you, come hither mask'd.

Exeunt Ladies

The prince and Claudio promised by this hour

To visit me. You know your office, brother:

You must be father to your brother's daughter

And give her to young Claudio.

Leo. Well daughter, and you gentlewomen all,

Withdraw into a chamber by your selues,

And when I send for you, come hither mask'd:

The Prince and Claudio promis'd by this howre

To visit me, you know your office Brother,

You must be father to your brothers daughter,

And giue her to young Claudio.

Exeunt. Ladies.

 

Antonio (923)

Which I will do with confirm'd countenance.

Old. Which I will doe with confirm'd countenance

 

Benedick (924)

Friar, I must entreat your pains, I think.

Bene. Frier, I must intreat your paines, I thinke

 

Friar Francis (925)

To do what, signior?

Frier. To doe what Signior?

 

Benedick (926)

20

To bind me, or undo me; one of them.

Signior Leonato, truth it is, good signior,

Your niece regards me with an eye of favour.

Bene. To binde me, or vndoe me, one of them:

Signior Leonato, truth it is good Signior,

Your neece regards me with an eye of fauour

 

Leonato (927)

That eye my daughter lent her: 'tis most true.

Leo. That eye my daughter lent her, 'tis most true

 

Benedick (928)

And I do with an eye of love requite her.

Bene. And I doe with an eye of loue requite her

 

Leonato (929)

The sight whereof I think you had from me,

From Claudio and the prince: but what's your will?

Leo. The sight whereof I thinke you had from me,

From Claudio, and the Prince, but what's your will?

 

Benedick (930)

Your answer, sir, is enigmatical:

But, for my will, my will is your good will

May stand with ours, this day to be conjoin'd

30

In the state of honourable marriage:

In which, good friar, I shall desire your help.

Bened. Your answer sir is Enigmaticall,

But for my will, my will is, your good will

May stand with ours, this day to be conioyn'd,

In the state of honourable marriage,

In which (good Frier) I shall desire your helpe

 

Leonato (931)

My heart is with your liking.

Leon. My heart is with your liking

 

Friar Francis (932)

And my help.

Here comes the prince and Claudio.

Frier. And my helpe.

Enter Don Pedro and Claudio, and two or three others

 

Don Pedro (933)

Good morrow to this fair assembly.

Enter Prince and Claudio, with attendants.

Prin. Good morrow to this faire assembly

 

Leonato (934)

Good morrow, prince; good morrow, Claudio:

We here attend you. Are you yet determined

Today to marry with my brother's daughter?

Leo. Good morrow Prince, good morrow Claudio:

We heere attend you, are you yet determin'd,

To day to marry with my brothers daughter?

 

Claudio (935)

I'll hold my mind, were she an Ethiope.

Claud. Ile hold my minde were she an Ethiope

 

Leonato (936)

40

Call her forth, brother; here's the friar ready.

Exit Antonio

Leo. Call her forth brother, heres the Frier ready

 

Don Pedro (937)

Good morrow, Benedick. Why, what's the matter,

That you have such a February face,

So full of frost, of storm and cloudiness?

Prin. Good morrow Benedicke, why what's the matter?

That you haue such a Februarie face,

So full of frost, of storme, and clowdinesse

 

Claudio (938)

I think he thinks upon the savage bull.

Tush, fear not, man; we'll tip thy horns with gold

And all Europa shall rejoice at thee,

As once Europa did at lusty Jove,

When he would play the noble beast in love.

Claud. I thinke he thinkes vpon the sauage bull:

Tush, feare not man, wee'll tip thy hornes with gold,

And all Europa shall reioyce at thee,

As once Europa did at lusty Ioue,

When he would play the noble beast in loue

 

Benedick (939)

Bull Jove, sir, had an amiable low;

50

And some such strange bull leap'd your father's cow,

And got a calf in that same noble feat

Much like to you, for you have just his bleat.

Ben. Bull Ioue sir, had an amiable low,

And some such strange bull leapt your fathers Cow,

A got a Calfe in that same noble feat,

Much like to you, for you haue iust his bleat.

 

Claudio (940)

For this I owe you: here comes other reckonings.

Enter Antonio, with the Ladies masked

Which is the lady I must seize upon?

Enter brother, Hero, Beatrice, Margaret, Vrsula.

Cla. For this I owe you: here comes other recknings.

Which is the Lady I must seize vpon?

 

Antonio (941)

This same is she, and I do give you her.

Leo. This same is she, and I doe giue you her

 

Claudio (942)

Why, then she's mine. Sweet, let me see your face.

Cla. Why then she's mine, sweet let me see your face

 

Leonato (943)

No, that you shall not, till you take her hand

Before this friar and swear to marry her.

Leon. No that you shal not, till you take her hand,

Before this Frier, and sweare to marry her

 

Claudio (944)

Give me your hand: before this holy friar,

60

I am your husband, if you like of me.

Clau. Giue me your hand before this holy Frier,

I am your husband if you like of me

 

Hero (945)

And when I lived, I was your other wife:

Unmasking

And when you loved, you were my other husband.

Hero. And when I liu'd I was your other wife,

And when you lou'd, you were my other husband

 

Claudio (946)

Another Hero!

Clau. Another Hero?

 

Hero (947)

Nothing certainer:

One Hero died defiled, but I do live,

And surely as I live, I am a maid.

Hero. Nothing certainer.

One Hero died, but I doe liue,

And surely as I liue, I am a maid

 

Don Pedro (948)

The former Hero! Hero that is dead!

Prin. The former Hero, Hero that is dead

 

Leonato (949)

She died, my lord, but whiles her slander lived.

Leon. Shee died my Lord, but whiles her slander liu'd

 

Friar Francis (950)

All this amazement can I qualify:

70

When after that the holy rites are ended,

I'll tell you largely of fair Hero's death:

Meantime let wonder seem familiar,

And to the chapel let us presently.

Frier. All this amazement can I qualifie,

When after that the holy rites are ended,

Ile tell you largely of faire Heroes death:

Meane time let wonder seeme familiar,

And to the chappell let vs presently

 

Benedick (951)

Soft and fair, friar. Which is Beatrice?

Ben. Soft and faire Frier, which is Beatrice?

 

Beatrice (952)

[Unmasking] I answer to that name. What is your will?

Beat. I answer to that name, what is your will?

 

Benedick (953)

Do not you love me?

Bene. Doe not you loue me?

 

Beatrice (954)

Why, no; no more than reason.

Beat. Why no, no more then reason

 

Benedick (955)

Why, then your uncle and the prince and Claudio

Have been deceived; they swore you did.

Bene. Why then your Vncle, and the Prince, & Claudio,

haue beene deceiued, they swore you did

 

Beatrice (956)

80

Do not you love me?

Beat. Doe not you loue mee?

 

Benedick (957)

Troth, no; no more than reason.

Bene. Troth no, no more then reason

 

Beatrice (958)

Why, then my cousin Margaret and Ursula

Are much deceived; for they did swear you did.

Beat. Why then my Cosin Margaret and Vrsula

Are much deceiu'd, for they did sweare you did

 

Benedick (959)

They swore that you were almost sick for me.

Bene. They swore you were almost sicke for me

 

Beatrice (960)

They swore that you were well-nigh dead for me.

Beat. They swore you were wel-nye dead for me

 

Benedick (961)

'Tis no such matter. Then you do not love me?

Bene. 'Tis no matter, then you doe not loue me?

 

Beatrice (962)

No, truly, but in friendly recompense.

Beat. No truly, but in friendly recompence

 

Leonato (963)

Come, cousin, I am sure you love the gentleman.

Leon. Come Cosin, I am sure you loue the gentlema[n]

 

Claudio (964)

And I'll be sworn upon't that he loves her;

90

For here's a paper written in his hand,

A halting sonnet of his own pure brain,

Fashion'd to Beatrice.

Clau. And Ile be sworne vpon't, that he loues her,

For heres a paper written in his hand,

A halting sonnet of his owne pure braine,

Fashioned to Beatrice

 

Hero (965)

And here's another

Writ in my cousin's hand, stolen from her pocket,

Containing her affection unto Benedick.

Hero. And heeres another,

Writ in my cosins hand, stolne from her pocket,

Containing her affection vnto Benedicke

 

Benedick (966)

A miracle! here's our own hands against our hearts.

Come, I will have thee; but, by this light, I take

thee for pity.

Bene. A miracle, here's our owne hands against our

hearts: come I will haue thee, but by this light I take

thee for pittie

 

Beatrice (967)

I would not deny you; but, by this good day, I yield

100

upon great persuasion; and partly to save your life,

for I was told you were in a consumption.

Beat. I would not denie you, but by this good day, I

yeeld vpon great perswasion, & partly to saue your life,

for I was told, you were in a consumption

 

Benedick (968)

Peace! I will stop your mouth.

Kissing her

Leon. Peace I will stop your mouth

 

Don Pedro (969)

How dost thou, Benedick, the married man?

Prin. How dost thou Benedicke the married man?

 

Benedick (970)

I'll tell thee what, prince; a college of

wit-crackers cannot flout me out of my humour. Dost

thou think I care for a satire or an epigram? No:

if a man will be beaten with brains, a' shall wear

nothing handsome about him. In brief, since I do

purpose to marry, I will think nothing to any

110

purpose that the world can say against it; and

therefore never flout at me for what I have said

against it; for man is a giddy thing, and this is my

conclusion. For thy part, Claudio, I did think to

have beaten thee, but in that thou art like to be my

kinsman, live unbruised and love my cousin.

Bene. Ile tell thee what Prince: a Colledge of witte-crackers

cannot flout mee out of my humour, dost thou

think I care for a Satyre or an Epigram? no, if a man will

be beaten with braines, a shall weare nothing handsome

about him: in briefe, since I do purpose to marry, I will

thinke nothing to any purpose that the world can say against

it, and therefore neuer flout at me, for I haue said

against it: for man is a giddy thing, and this is my conclusion:

for thy part Claudio, I did thinke to haue beaten

thee, but in that thou art like to be my kinsman, liue vnbruis'd,

and loue my cousin

 

Claudio (971)

I had well hoped thou wouldst have denied Beatrice,

that I might have cudgelled thee out of thy single

life, to make thee a double-dealer; which, out of

question, thou wilt be, if my cousin do not look

120

exceedingly narrowly to thee.

Cla. I had well hop'd y wouldst haue denied Beatrice, y

I might haue cudgel'd thee out of thy single life, to make

thee a double dealer, which out of questio[n] thou wilt be,

if my Cousin do not looke exceeding narrowly to thee

 

Benedick (972)

Come, come, we are friends: let's have a dance ere

we are married, that we may lighten our own hearts

and our wives' heels.

Bene. Come, come, we are friends, let's haue a dance

ere we are married, that we may lighten our own hearts,

and our wiues heeles

 

Leonato (973)

We'll have dancing afterward.

Leon. Wee'll haue dancing afterward

 

Benedick (974)

First, of my word; therefore play, music. Prince,

thou art sad; get thee a wife, get thee a wife:

there is no staff more reverend than one tipped with horn.

Bene. First, of my word, therfore play musick. Prince,

thou art sad, get thee a wife, get thee a wife, there is no

staff more reuerend then one tipt with horn.

Enter a Messenger

 

Messenger (975)

My lord, your brother John is ta'en in flight,

And brought with armed men back to Messina.

Enter. Mes.

Messen. My Lord, your brother Iohn is tane in flight,

And brought with armed men backe to Messina

 

Benedick (976)

130

Think not on him till to-morrow:

I'll devise thee brave punishments for him.

Strike up, pipers.

Dance

Exeunt

Bene. Thinke not on him till to morrow, ile deuise

thee braue punishments for him: strike vp Pipers.

Dance.

 

 

FINIS. Much adoe about Nothing.

  •     Page Top
  •  
  • Act I. Scene I. Before Leonato's house.
  • Act I. Scene II. A room in Leonato's house.
  • Act I. Scene III. The same.
  •  
  • Act II. Scene I. A hall in Leonato's house.
  • Act II. Scene II. The same.
  • Act II. Scene III. Leonato's orchard.
  •  
  • Act III. Scene I. Leonato's garden.
  • Act III. Scene II. A room in Leonato's house
  • Act III. Scene III. A street.
  • Act III. Scene IV. Hero's apartment.
  • Act III. Scene V. Another room in Leonato's house.
  •  
  • Act IV. Scene I. A church.
  • Act IV. Scene II. A prison.
  •  
  • Act V. Scene I. Before Leonato's house.
  • Act V. Scene II. Leonato's garden.
  • Act V. Scene III. A church.
  • Act V. Scene IV. A room in Leonato's house.

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