The Bodleian First Folio

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Reference: I3r - Comedies, p. 101

Left Column


Much adoe about Nothing.
Actus primus, Scena prima. [Act 1, Scene 1] Enter Leonato Gouernour of Messina, Innogen his wife, He­ ro his daughter, and Beatrice his Neece, with a messenger. Leonato.

I Learne in this Letter, that Don Peter of Arra­ gon , comes this night to Messina.

Mess.

He is very neere by this: he was not

three Leagues off when I left him.

Leon.
[5]

How many Gentlemen haue you lost in this

action?

Mess.

But few of any sort, and none of name.

Leon.

A victorie is twice it selfe, when the atchieuer

brings home full numbers: I finde heere, that Don Pe­ ter hath bestowed much honor on a yong Florentine, cal­

led Claudio.

Mess.

Much deseru'd on his part, and equally remem­

bred by Don Pedro, he hath borne himselfe beyond the

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

[15]

feats of a Lion, he hath indeede better bettred expecta­

tion, then you must expect of me to tell you how.

Leo.

He hath an Vnckle heere in Messina, wil be very

much glad of it.

Mess.

I haue alreadie deliuered him letters, and there

[20]

appeares much ioy in him, euen so much, that ioy could not

shew it selfe modest enough, without a badg of bit­

ternesse.

Leo.

Did he breake out into teares?

Mess.

In great measure.

Leo.
[25]

A kinde ouerflow of kindnesse, there are no fa­

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

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

Bea.

I pray you, is Signior Mountanto return'd from

the warres, or no?

Mess.
[30]

I know none of that name, Lady, there was

none such in the armie of any sort.

Leon.

What is he that you aske for Neece?

Hero.

My cousin meanes Signior Benedick of Padua

Mess.

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

Beat.
[35]

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

[40]

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

Leon.

'Faith Neece, you taxe Signior Benedicke too

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

Mess.

He hath done good seruice Lady in these wars.

Beat.

You had musty victuall, and he hath holpe to

[45]

ease it: he's a very valiant Trencher‑man, hee hath an

excellent stomacke.

Right Column


Mess.

And a good souldier too Lady.

Beat.

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

to a Lord?

Mess.
[50]

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

all honourable vertues.

Beat.

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

but for the stuffing well, we are all mortall.

Leon.

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

[55]

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

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

them.

Bea.

Alas, he gets nothing by that. In our last con­

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

[60]

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 reaso-

nable creature. Who is his companion now? He hath

[65]

euery month a new sworne brother.

Mess.

I'st Is't possible?

Beat.

Very easily possible: he weares his faith but as

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

Mess.

I see (Lady) the Gentleman is not in your

[70]

bookes.

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?

Mess.
[75]

He is most in the company of the right noble

Claudio.

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

[80]

haue caught the Benedict, it will cost him a thousand

pound ere he be cur'd.

Mess.

I will hold friends with you Lady.

Bea.

Do good friend.

Leo.

You'l ne're run mad Neece.

Bea.
[85]

No, not till a hot Ianuary.

Mess.

Don Pedro is approach'd.

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.

Leon.
[90]

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.

I3 Pedro.

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Actus primus, Scena prima. [Act 1, Scene 1] Enter Leonato Gouernour of Messina, Innogen his wife, He­ ro his daughter, and Beatrice his Neece, with a messenger. Leonato.

I Learne in this Letter, that Don Peter of Arra­ gon , comes this night to Messina.

Mess.

He is very neere by this: he was not

three Leagues off when I left him.

Leon.
[5]

How many Gentlemen haue you lost in this

action?

Mess.

But few of any sort, and none of name.

Leon.

A victorie is twice it selfe, when the atchieuer

brings home full numbers: I finde heere, that Don Pe­ ter hath bestowed much honor on a yong Florentine, cal­

led Claudio.

Mess.

Much deseru'd on his part, and equally remem­

bred by Don Pedro, he hath borne himselfe beyond the

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

[15]

feats of a Lion, he hath indeede better bettred expecta­

tion, then you must expect of me to tell you how.

Leo.

He hath an Vnckle heere in Messina, wil be very

much glad of it.

Mess.

I haue alreadie deliuered him letters, and there

[20]

appeares much ioy in him, euen so much, that ioy could not

shew it selfe modest enough, without a badg of bit­

ternesse.

Leo.

Did he breake out into teares?

Mess.

In great measure.

Leo.
[25]

A kinde ouerflow of kindnesse, there are no fa­

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

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

Bea.

I pray you, is Signior Mountanto return'd from

the warres, or no?

Mess.
[30]

I know none of that name, Lady, there was

none such in the armie of any sort.

Leon.

What is he that you aske for Neece?

Hero.

My cousin meanes Signior Benedick of Padua

Mess.

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

Beat.
[35]

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

[40]

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

Leon.

'Faith Neece, you taxe Signior Benedicke too

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

Mess.

He hath done good seruice Lady in these wars.

Beat.

You had musty victuall, and he hath holpe to

[45]

ease it: he's a very valiant Trencher‑man, hee hath an

excellent stomacke.

Mess.

And a good souldier too Lady.

Beat.

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

to a Lord?

Mess.
[50]

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

all honourable vertues.

Beat.

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

but for the stuffing well, we are all mortall.

Leon.

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

[55]

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

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

them.

Bea.

Alas, he gets nothing by that. In our last con­

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

[60]

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 reaso-

nable creature. Who is his companion now? He hath

[65]

euery month a new sworne brother.

Mess.

I'st Is't possible?

Beat.

Very easily possible: he weares his faith but as

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

Mess.

I see (Lady) the Gentleman is not in your

[70]

bookes.

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?

Mess.
[75]

He is most in the company of the right noble

Claudio.

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

[80]

haue caught the Benedict, it will cost him a thousand

pound ere he be cur'd.

Mess.

I will hold friends with you Lady.

Bea.

Do good friend.

Leo.

You'l ne're run mad Neece.

Bea.
[85]

No, not till a hot Ianuary.

Mess.

Don Pedro is approach'd.

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.

Leon.
[90]

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.

Pedro.

You embrace your charge too willingly: I

[95]

thinke this is your daughter.

Leonato.

Her mother hath many times told me so.

Bened.

Were you in doubt that you askt her?

Leonato.

Signior Benedicke, no, for then were you a

childe.

Pedro.
[100]

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.

Ben.

If Signior Leonato be her father, she would not

[105]

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

as she is.

Beat.

I wonder that you will still be talking, signior

Benedicke, no body markes you.

Ben.

What my deere Ladie Disdaine! are you yet

[110]

liuing?

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.

Bene.
[115]

Then is curtesie a turneȑcoate, but it is cer­

taine 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.

Beat.

A deere happinesse to women, they would else

[120]

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.

Bene.

God keepe your Ladiship still in that minde,

[125]

so some Gentleman or other shall scape a predestinate

scratcht face.

Beat.

Scratching could not make it worse, and 'twere

such a face as yours were.

Bene.

Well, you are a rare Parrat teacher.

Beat.
[130]

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

your.

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.

Beat.
[135]

You alwaies end with a Iades tricke, I know

you of old.

Pedro.

This is the summe of all: Leonato, signior Clau­ dio , and signior Benedicke; my deere friend Leonato, hath

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

[140]

a moneth, and he heartily praies some occasion may de­

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

but praies from his heart.

Leon.

If you sweare, my Lord, you shall not be for­

sworne, let mee bid you welcome, my Lord, being re­

[145]

conciled to the Prince your brother: I owe you all

duetie.

Iohn.

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

thanke you.

Leon.

Please it your grace leade on ?

Pedro.
[150]

Your hand Leonato, we will goe together.

Exeunt. Manet Benedicke and Claudio. Clau.

Benedicke, didst thou note the daughter of sig­

nior Leonato?

Bene.

I noted her not, but I lookt on her.

Claud.

Is she not a modest yong Ladie?

Bene.
[155]

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 ?

Clau.

No, I pray thee speake in sober iudgement.

Bene.
[160]

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.

Clau.
[165]

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

truely how thou lik'st her.

Bene.

Would you buie her, that you enquier after

her ?

Clau.

Can the world buie such a iewell?

Ben.
[170]

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 aman a man take you to

goe in the song?

Clau.
[175]

In mine eie, she is the sweetest Ladie that euer

I lookt on.

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

[180]

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

no intent to turne husband, haue you?

Clau.

I would scarce trust my selfe, though I had

sworne the contrarie, if Hero would be my wife.

Bene.

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

[185]

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

uer 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, Iohn the bastard. Pedr.
[190]

What secret hath held you here, that you fol­

lowed not to Leonatoes?

Bened.

I would your Grace would constraine mee to

tell.

Pedro.

I charge thee on thy allegeance.

Ben.
[195]

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

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

legiance, 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

[200]

daughter.

Clau.

If this were so, so were it vttred.

Bened.

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

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

Clau.

If my passion change not shortly, God forbid it

[205]

should be otherwise.

Pedro.

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

well worthie.

Clau.

You speake this to fetch me in, my Lord.

Pedr.

By my troth I speake my thought.

Clau.
[210]

And in faith, my Lord, I spoke mine.

Bened.

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

speake mine.

Clau.

That I loue her, I feele.

Pedr.

That she is worthie, I know.

Bened.
[215]

That I neither feele how shee should be lo­

ued, 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.

Pedr.

Thou wast euer an obstinate heretique in the de­

[220]

spight of Beautie.

Clau.

And neuer could maintaine his part, but in the

force of his will.

Ben.

That a woman conceiued me, I thanke her: that

she brought mee vp, I likewise giue her most humble

[225]

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

[230]

finer) I will liue a Batchellor.

Pedro.

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

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,

[235]

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.

Pedro.

Well, if euer thou doost fall from this faith,

thou wilt proue a notable argument.

Bene.
[240]

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 shoul­

der, and cal'd Adam.

Pedro.

Well, as time shall trie: In time the sauage

Bull doth beare tne the yoake.

Bene.
[245]

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

[250]

see Benedicke the married man.

Clau.

If this should euer happen, thou wouldst bee

horne mad.

Pedro.

Nay, if Cupid haue not spent all his Quiuer in

Venice, thou wilt quake for this shortly.

Bene.
[255]

I looke for an earthquake too then.

Pedro.

Well, you will temporize with the houres, in

the meane time, good Signior Benedicke, repaire to Leo­ natoes , commend me to him, and tell him I will not faile

him at supper, for indeede he hath made great prepara­

[260]

tion.

Bene.

I haue almost matter enough in me for such an

Embassage, and so I commit you.

Clau.

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

had it.

Pedro.
[265]

The sixt of Iuly. Your louing friend, Benedick.

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

[270]

leaue you.

Exit. Clau. My Liege, your Highnesse now may doe mee 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. Clau.
[275]
Hath Leonato any sonne my Lord?
Pedro. No childe but Hero, she's his onely heire. Dost thou affect her Claudio? Clau. O my Lord, When you went onward on this ended action, An ink mark follows the end of this line.
[280]
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,
[285]
Come thronging soft and delicate desires, All prompting mee how faire yong Hero is, Saying I lik'd her ere I went to warres.
Pedro. Thou wilt be like a louer presently, And tire the hearer with a booke of words:
[290]
If thou dost loue faire Hero, cherish it, And I will breake with her: wast not to this end, That thou began ft st to twist so fine a story?
Clau. How sweetly doe you minister to loue, That know loues griefe by his complexion!
[295]
But lest my liking might too sodaine seeme, I would haue salu'd it with a longer treatise.
Ped. What need yͤ bridge much broder then the flood? The fairest graunt is the necessitie: Looke what will serue, is fit: 'tis once, thou louest,
[300]
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,
[305]
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.
 

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   <head rend="italic center">Actus primus, Scena prima.</head>
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   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bea.</speaker>
      <p n="28">I pray you, is Signior<hi rend="italic">Mountanto</hi>return'd from
      <lb n="29"/>the warres, or no?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mess.</speaker>
      <p n="30">I know none of that name, Lady, there was
      <lb n="31"/>none such in the armie of any sort.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="32">What is he that you aske for Neece?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hero.</speaker>
      <p n="33">My cousin meanes Signior Benedick of<hi rend="italic">Padua</hi>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mess.</speaker>
      <p n="34">O he's return'd, and as pleasant as euer he was.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="35">He set vp his bils here in<hi rend="italic">Messina</hi>, &amp; challeng'd
      <lb n="36"/>Cupid at the Flight: and my Vnckles foole reading the
      <lb n="37"/>Challenge, subscrib'd for Cupid, and challeng'd him at
      <lb n="38"/>the Burbolt. I pray you, how many hath hee kil'd and
      <lb n="39"/>eaten in these warres? But how many hath he kil'd? for
      <lb n="40"/>indeed, I promis'd to eate all of his killing.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="41">'Faith Neece, you taxe Signior Benedicke too
      <lb n="42"/>much, but hee'l be meet with you, I doubt it not.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mess.</speaker>
      <p n="43">He hath done good seruice Lady in these wars.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="44">You had musty victuall, and he hath holpe to
      <lb n="45"/>ease it: he's a very valiant Trencher‑man, hee hath an
      <lb n="46"/>excellent stomacke.</p>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mess.</speaker>
      <p n="47">And a good souldier too Lady.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="48">And a good souldier to a Lady. But what is he
      <lb n="49"/>to a Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mess.</speaker>
      <p n="50">A Lord to a Lord, a man to a man, stuft with
      <lb n="51"/>all honourable vertues.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="52">It is so indeed, he is no lesse then a stuft man:
      <lb n="53"/>but for the stuffing well, we are all mortall.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="54">You must not (sir) mistake my Neece, there is
      <lb n="55"/>a kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick, &amp; her:
      <lb n="56"/>they neuer meet, but there's a skirmish of wit between
      <lb n="57"/>them.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bea.</speaker>
      <p n="58">Alas, he gets nothing by that. In our last con­
      <lb n="59"/>flict, foure of his fiue wits went halting off, and now is
      <lb n="60"/>the whole man gouern'd with one: so that if hee haue
      <lb n="61"/>wit enough to keepe himselfe warme, let him beare it
      <lb n="62"/>for a difference betweene himselfe and his horse: For it
      <lb n="63"/>is all the wealth that he hath left, to be knowne a reaso-
      <lb n="64"/>nable creature. Who is his companion now? He hath
      <lb n="65"/>euery month a new sworne brother.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mess.</speaker>
      <p n="66">
         <choice>
            <orig>I'st</orig>
            <corr>Is't</corr>
         </choice>possible?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="67">Very easily possible: he weares his faith but as
      <lb n="68"/>the fashion of his hat, it euer changes with yͤ next block.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mess.</speaker>
      <p n="69">I see (Lady) the Gentleman is not in your
      <lb n="70"/>bookes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bea.</speaker>
      <p n="71">No, and he were, I would burne my study. But
      <lb n="72"/>I pray you, who is his companion? Is there no young
      <lb n="73"/>squarer now,<gap extent="1"
              unit="chars"
              reason="nonstandardCharacter"
              agent="inkedSpacemarker"
              resp="#ES"/>that will make a voyage with him to the
      <lb n="74"/>diuell?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mess.</speaker>
      <p n="75">He is most in the company of the right noble
      <lb n="76"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Claudio</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="77">O Lord, he will hang vpon him like a disease:
      <lb n="78"/>he is sooner caught then the pestilence, and the taker
      <lb n="79"/>runs presently mad. God helpe the noble<hi rend="italic">Claudio</hi>, if hee
      <lb n="80"/>haue caught the Benedict, it will cost him a thousand
      <lb n="81"/>pound ere he be cur'd.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mess.</speaker>
      <p n="82">I will hold friends with you Lady.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bea.</speaker>
      <p n="83">Do good friend.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="84">You'l ne're run mad Neece.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bea.</speaker>
      <p n="85">No, not till a hot Ianuary.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mes">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mess.</speaker>
      <p n="86">
         <hi rend="italic">Don Pedro</hi>is approach'd.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter don Pedro, Claudio, Benedicke, Balthasar,
      <lb/>and Iohn the bastard.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="87">Good Signior<hi rend="italic">Leonato</hi>, you are come to meet
      <lb n="88"/>your trouble: the fashion of the world is to auoid cost,
      <lb n="89"/>and you encounter it.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="90">Neuer came trouble to my house in the likenes
      <lb n="91"/>of your Grace: for trouble being gone, comfort should
      <lb n="92"/>remaine: but when you depart from me, sorrow abides,
      <lb n="93"/>and happinesse takes his leaue.</p>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0122-0.jpg" n="102"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="94">You embrace your charge too willingly: I
      <lb n="95"/>thinke this is your daughter.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leonato.</speaker>
      <p n="96">Her mother hath many times told me so.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bened.</speaker>
      <p n="97">Were you in doubt that you askt her?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leonato.</speaker>
      <p n="98">Signior Benedicke, no, for then were you a
      <lb n="99"/>childe.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="100">You haue it full Benedicke, we may ghesse by
      <lb n="101"/>this, what you are, being a man, truely the Lady fathers
      <lb n="102"/>her selfe: be happie Lady, for you are like an honorable
      <lb n="103"/>father.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="104">If Signior<hi rend="italic">Leonato</hi>be her father, she would not
      <lb n="105"/>haue his head on her shoulders for al Messina, as like him
      <lb n="106"/>as she is.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="107">I wonder that you will still be talking, signior
      <lb n="108"/>Benedicke, no body markes you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="109">What my deere Ladie Disdaine! are you yet
      <lb n="110"/>liuing?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="111">Is it possible Disdaine should die, while shee
      <lb n="112"/>hath such meete foode to feede it, as Signior Benedicke?
      <lb n="113"/>Curtesie it selfe must conuert to Disdaine, if you come in
      <lb n="114"/>her presence.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="115">Then is curtesie a turneȑcoate, but it is cer­
      <lb n="116"/>taine I am loued of all Ladies, onely you excepted: and
      <lb n="117"/>I would I could finde in my heart that I had not a hard
      <lb n="118"/>heart, for truely I loue none.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="119">A deere happinesse to women, they would else
      <lb n="120"/>haue beene troubled with a pernitious Suter, I thanke
      <lb n="121"/>God and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that, I
      <lb n="122"/>had rather heare my Dog barke at a Crow, than a man
      <lb n="123"/>sweare he loues me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="124">God keepe your Ladiship still in that minde,
      <lb n="125"/>so<gap extent="1"
              unit="chars"
              reason="illegible"
              agent="uninkedType"
              resp="#ES"/>some Gentleman or other shall scape a predestinate
      <lb n="126"/>scratcht face.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="127">Scratching could not make it worse, and 'twere
      <lb n="128"/>such a face as yours were.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="129">Well, you are a rare Parrat teacher.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="130">A bird of my tongue, is better than a beast of
      <lb n="131"/>your.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="132">I would my horse had the speed of your tongue,
      <lb n="133"/>and so good a continuer, but keepe your way a Gods
      <lb n="134"/>name, I haue done.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="135">You alwaies end with a Iades tricke, I know
      <lb n="136"/>you of old.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="137">This is the summe of all:<hi rend="italic">Leonato</hi>, signior<hi rend="italic">Clau­
      <lb n="138"/>dio</hi>, and signior<hi rend="italic">Benedicke</hi>; my deere friend<hi rend="italic">Leonato</hi>, hath
      <lb n="139"/>inuited you all, I tell him we shall stay here, at the least
      <lb n="140"/>a moneth, and he heartily praies some occasion may de­
      <lb n="141"/>taine vs longer: I dare sweare hee is no hypocrite,
      <lb n="142"/>but praies from his heart.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="143">If you sweare, my Lord, you shall not be for­
      <lb n="144"/>sworne, let mee bid you welcome, my Lord, being re­
      <lb n="145"/>conciled to the Prince your brother: I owe you all
      <lb n="146"/>duetie.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <p n="147">I thanke you, I am not of many words, but I
      <lb n="148"/>thanke you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="149">Please it your grace leade on<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="150">Your hand<hi rend="italic">Leonato</hi>, we will goe together.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="exit">Exeunt. Manet Benedicke and Claudio.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="151">
         <hi rend="italic">Benedicke</hi>, didst thou note the daughter of sig­
      <lb n="152"/>nior<hi rend="italic">Leonato</hi>?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="153">I noted her not, but I lookt on her.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Claud.</speaker>
      <p n="154">Is she not a modest yong Ladie?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="155">Doe you question me as an honest man should
      <lb n="156"/>doe, for my simple true iudgement? or would you haue
      <lb n="157"/>me speake after my custome, as being a professed tyrant
      <lb n="158"/>to their sexe<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="159">No, I pray thee speake in sober iudgement.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="160">Why yfaith me thinks shee's too low for a hie
      <lb n="161"/>praise, too browne for a faire praise, and too little for a
      <lb n="162"/>great praise, onely this commendation I can affoord her,
      <lb n="163"/>that were shee other then she is, she were vnhandsome,
      <lb n="164"/>and being no other, but as she is, I doe not like her.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="165">Thou think'st I am in sport, I pray thee tell me
      <lb n="166"/>truely how thou lik'st her.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="167">Would you buie her, that you enquier after
      <lb n="168"/>her<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="169">Can the world buie such a iewell?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="170">Yea, and a case to put it into, but speake you this
      <lb n="171"/>with a sad brow? Or doe you play the flowting iacke, to
      <lb n="172"/>tell vs Cupid is a good Hare‑finder, and Vulcan a rare
      <lb n="173"/>Carpenter: Come, in what key shall<choice>
            <orig>aman</orig>
            <corr>a man</corr>
         </choice>take you to
      <lb n="174"/>goe in the song?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="175">In mine eie, she is the sweetest Ladie that euer
      <lb n="176"/>I lookt on.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="177">I can see yet without spectacles, and I see no
      <lb n="178"/>such matter: there's her cosin, and she were not possest
      <lb n="179"/>with a furie, exceedes her as much in beautie, as the first
      <lb n="180"/>of Maie doth the last of December: but I hope you haue
      <lb n="181"/>no intent to turne husband, haue you?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="182">I would scarce trust my selfe, though I had
      <lb n="183"/>sworne the contrarie, if<hi rend="italic">Hero</hi>would be my wife.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="184">Ist come to this? in faith hath not the world one
      <lb n="185"/>man but he will weare his cap with suspition? shall I ne­
      <lb n="186"/>uer see a batcheller of three score againe? goe to yfaith,
      <lb n="187"/>and thou wilt needes thrust thy necke into a yoke, weare
      <lb n="188"/>the print of it, and sigh away sundaies: looke,<hi rend="italic">don Pedro</hi>
         
      <lb n="189"/>is returned to seeke you.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter don Pedro, Iohn the bastard.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedr.</speaker>
      <p n="190">What secret hath held you here, that you fol­
      <lb n="191"/>lowed not to<hi rend="italic">Leonatoes</hi>?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bened.</speaker>
      <p n="192">I would your Grace would constraine mee to
      <lb n="193"/>tell.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="194">I charge thee on thy allegeance.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="195">You heare, Count<hi rend="italic">Claudio</hi>, I can be secret as a
      <lb n="196"/>dumbe man, I would haue you thinke so (but on my al­
      <lb n="197"/>legiance, marke you this, on my allegiance) hee is in
      <lb n="198"/>loue, With who? now that is your Graces part: marke
      <lb n="199"/>how short his answere is, with<hi rend="italic">Hero, Leonatoes</hi>short
      <lb n="200"/>daughter.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="201">If this were so, so were it vttred.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bened.</speaker>
      <p n="202">Like the old tale, my Lord, it is not so, nor 'twas
      <lb n="203"/>not so: but indeede, God forbid it should be so.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="204">If my passion change not shortly, God forbid it
      <lb n="205"/>should be otherwise.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="206">Amen, if you loue her, for the Ladie is verie
      <lb n="207"/>well worthie.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="208">You speake this to fetch me in, my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedr.</speaker>
      <p n="209">By my troth I speake my thought.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="210">And in faith, my Lord, I spoke mine.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bened.</speaker>
      <p n="211">And by my two faiths and troths, my Lord, I
      <lb n="212"/>speake mine.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="213">That I loue her, I feele.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedr.</speaker>
      <p n="214">That she is worthie, I know.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bened.</speaker>
      <p n="215">That I neither feele how shee should be lo­
      <lb n="216"/>ued, nor know how shee should be worthie, is the
      <lb n="217"/>opinion that fire cannot melt out of me, I will die in it at
      <lb n="218"/>the stake.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedr.</speaker>
      <p n="219">Thou wast euer an obstinate heretique in the de­
      <lb n="220"/>spight of Beautie.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="221">And neuer could maintaine his part, but in the
      <lb n="222"/>force of his will.</p>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0123-0.jpg" n="103"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="223">That a woman conceiued me, I thanke her: that
      <lb n="224"/>she brought mee vp, I likewise giue her most humble
      <lb n="225"/>thankes: but that I will haue a rechate winded in my
      <lb n="226"/>forehead, or hang my bugle in an inuisible baldricke, all
      <lb n="227"/>women shall pardon me: because I will not do them the
      <lb n="228"/>wrong to mistrust any, I will doe my selfe the right to
      <lb n="229"/>trust none: and the fine is, (for the which I may goe the
      <lb n="230"/>finer) I will liue a Batchellor.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="231">I shall see thee ere I die, looke pale with loue.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="232">With anger, with sicknesse, or with hunger,
      <lb n="233"/>my Lord, not with loue: proue that euer I loose more
      <lb n="234"/>blood with loue, then I will get againe with drinking,
      <lb n="235"/>picke out mine eyes with a Ballet‑makers penne, and
      <lb n="236"/>hang me vp at the doore of a brothel‑house for the signe
      <lb n="237"/>of blinde Cupid.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="238">Well, if euer thou doost fall from this faith,
      <lb n="239"/>thou wilt proue a notable argument.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="240">If I do, hang me in a bottle like a Cat, &amp; shoot
      <lb n="241"/>at me, and he that hit's me, let him be clapt on the shoul­
      <lb n="242"/>der, and cal'd<hi rend="italic">Adam</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="243">Well, as time shall trie: In time the sauage
      <lb n="244"/>Bull doth beare<choice>
            <orig>tne</orig>
            <corr>the</corr>
         </choice>yoake.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="245">The sauage bull may, but if euer the sensible
      <lb n="246"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Benedicke</hi>beare it, plucke off the bulles hornes, and set
      <lb n="247"/>them in my forehead, and let me be vildely painted, and
      <lb n="248"/>in such great Letters as they write, heere is good horse
      <lb n="249"/>to hire: let them signifie vnder my signe, here you may
      <lb n="250"/>see<hi rend="italic">Benedicke</hi>the married man.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="251">If this should euer happen, thou wouldst bee
      <lb n="252"/>horne mad.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="253">Nay, if Cupid haue not spent all his Quiuer in
      <lb n="254"/>Venice, thou wilt quake for this shortly.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="255">I looke for an earthquake too then.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="256">Well, you will temporize with the houres, in
      <lb n="257"/>the meane time, good Signior<hi rend="italic">Benedicke</hi>, repaire to<hi rend="italic">Leo­
      <lb n="258"/>natoes</hi>, commend me to him, and tell him I will not faile
      <lb n="259"/>him at supper, for indeede he hath made great prepara­
      <lb n="260"/>tion.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="261">I haue almost matter enough in me for such an
      <lb n="262"/>Embassage, and so I commit you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="263">To the tuition of God. From my house, if I
      <lb n="264"/>had it.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="265">The sixt of Iuly. Your louing friend,<hi rend="italic">Benedick</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="266">Nay mocke not, mocke not; the body of your
      <lb n="267"/>discourse is sometime guarded with fragments, and the
      <lb n="268"/>guardes are but slightly basted on neither, ere you flout
      <lb n="269"/>old ends any further, examine your conscience, and so I
      <lb n="270"/>leaue you.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <l n="271">My Liege, your Highnesse now may doe mee
      <lb/>good.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <l n="272">My loue is thine to teach, teach it but how,</l>
      <l n="273">And thou shalt see how apt it is to learne</l>
      <l n="274">Any hard Lesson that may do thee good.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <l n="275">Hath<hi rend="italic">Leonato</hi>any sonne my Lord?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <l n="276">No childe but<hi rend="italic">Hero</hi>, she's his onely heire.</l>
      <l n="277">Dost thou affect her<hi rend="italic">Claudio</hi>?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <l n="278">O my Lord,</l>
      <l n="279">When you went onward on this ended action,<note resp="#ES">An ink mark follows the end of this line.</note>
      </l>
      <l n="280">I look'd vpon her with a souldiers eie,</l>
      <l n="281">That lik'd, but had a rougher taske in hand,</l>
      <l n="282">Than to driue liking to the name of loue:</l>
      <l n="283">But now I am return'd, and that warre‑thoughts</l>
      <l n="284">Haue left their places vacant: in their roomes,</l>
      <l n="285">Come thronging soft and delicate desires,</l>
      <l n="286">All prompting mee how faire yong<hi rend="italic">Hero</hi>is,</l>
      <l n="287">Saying I lik'd her ere I went to warres.</l>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <l n="288">Thou wilt be like a louer presently,</l>
      <l n="289">And tire the hearer with a booke of words:</l>
      <l n="290">If thou dost loue faire<hi rend="italic">Hero</hi>, cherish it,</l>
      <l n="291">And I will breake with her: wast not to this end,</l>
      <l n="292">That thou began<choice>
            <orig>ft</orig>
            <corr>st</corr>
         </choice>to twist so fine a story?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <l n="293">How sweetly doe you minister to loue,</l>
      <l n="294">That know loues griefe by his complexion!</l>
      <l n="295">But lest my liking might too sodaine seeme,</l>
      <l n="296">I would haue salu'd it with a longer treatise.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ped.</speaker>
      <l n="297">What need yͤ bridge much broder then the flood?</l>
      <l n="298">The fairest graunt is the necessitie:</l>
      <l n="299">Looke what will serue, is fit: 'tis once, thou louest,</l>
      <l n="300">And I will fit thee with the remedie,</l>
      <l n="301">I know we shall haue reuelling to night,</l>
      <l n="302">I will assume thy part in some disguise,</l>
      <l n="303">And tell faire<hi rend="italic">Hero</hi>I am<hi rend="italic">Claudio</hi>,</l>
      <l n="304">And in her bosome Ile vnclaspe my heart,</l>
      <l n="305">And take her hearing prisoner with the force</l>
      <l n="306">And strong incounter of my amorous tale:</l>
      <l n="307">Then after, to her father will I breake,</l>
      <l n="308">And the conclusion is, shee shall be thine,</l>
      <l n="309">In practise let vs put it presently.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

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