The Bodleian First Folio

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Reference: I4v - Comedies, p. 104

Left Column


Much adoe about Nothing.

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

[355]

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

owne haruest.

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

[360]

(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

[365]

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

seeke not to alter me.

Con.

Can you make no vse of your discontent?

Iohn.

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

Who comes here? what newes Borachio?

Enter Borachio. Bor.
[370]

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.

Iohn.

Will it serue for any Modell to build mischiefe

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

[375]

vnquietnesse?

Bor.

Mary it is your brothers right hand.

Iohn.

Who, the most exquisite Claudio?

Bor.

Euen he.

Iohn.

A proper squier, and who, and who, which way lookes he?

Bor.
[380]

Mary on Hero, the daughter and Heire of Leo­ nato .

Iohn.

A very forward March‑chicke, how came you

to this?

Bor.

Being entertain'd for a perfumer, as I was smoa­

[385]

king a musty roome, comes me the Prince and Claudio,

hand in hand in sad conference: I whipt behind the Ar­

ras, and there heard it agreed vpon, that the Prince should

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

her to Count Claudio.

Iohn.
[390]

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?

Conr.
[395]

To the death my Lord.

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?

Bor.

Wee'll wait vpon your Lordship.

Exeunt.
Actus Secundus. [Act 2, Scene 1] Enter Leonato, his brother, his wife, Hero his daughter, and Beatrice his neece, and a kinsman. Leonato.
[400]

Was not Count Iohn here at supper?

Brother.

I saw him not.

Beatrice.

How tartly that Gentleman lookes, I neuer

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

Hero.

He is of a very melancholy disposition.

Right Column


Beatrice.
[405]

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.

Leon.

Then halfe signior Benedicks tongue in Count

[410]

Iohns mouth, and halfe Count Iohns melancholy in Sig­

nior Benedicks face.

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.

Leon.
[415]

By my troth Neece, thou wilt neuer get thee a

husband, if thou be so shrewd of thy tongue.

Brother.

Infaith shee's too curst.

Beat.

Too curst is more then curst, I shall lessen Gods

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

[420]

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

Leon.

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

hornes.

Beat.

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

blessing, I am at him vpon my knees euery morning

[425]

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

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

Leonato.

You may light vpon a husband that hath no

beard.

Beatrice.

What should I doe with him? Dresse him in

[430]

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 ear­

[435]

nest of the Berrord, and leade his Apes into hell.

Leon.

Well then, goe you into hell.

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,

[440]

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

and away to S. Saint S. Peter : for the heauens, hee shewes mee

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

the day is long.

Brother.

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

[445]

father.

Beatrice.

Yes faith, it is my cosens dutie to make curt­

sie, 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.
[450]

Well neece, I hope to see you one day fitted

with a husband.

Beatrice.

Not till God make men of some other met­

tall then earth, would it not grieue a woman to be ouer‑

mastred with a peece of valiant dust? to make account of

[455]

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.

Leon.

Daughter, remember what I told you, if the

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

[460]

swere.

Beatrice.

The fault will be in the musicke cosin, if you

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

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

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

[465]

repenting, is as a Scotch jigge, a measure, and a cinque‑pace:

the first suite is hot and hasty like a Scotch ijgge

(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 cinque­

[470]

pace faster and faster, till he sinkes into his graue.

Leonato.

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Actus Secundus. [Act 2, Scene 1] Enter Leonato, his brother, his wife, Hero his daughter, and Beatrice his neece, and a kinsman. Leonato.
[400]

Was not Count Iohn here at supper?

Brother.

I saw him not.

Beatrice.

How tartly that Gentleman lookes, I neuer

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

Hero.

He is of a very melancholy disposition.

Beatrice.
[405]

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.

Leon.

Then halfe signior Benedicks tongue in Count

[410]

Iohns mouth, and halfe Count Iohns melancholy in Sig­

nior Benedicks face.

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.

Leon.
[415]

By my troth Neece, thou wilt neuer get thee a

husband, if thou be so shrewd of thy tongue.

Brother.

Infaith shee's too curst.

Beat.

Too curst is more then curst, I shall lessen Gods

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

[420]

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

Leon.

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

hornes.

Beat.

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

blessing, I am at him vpon my knees euery morning

[425]

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

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

Leonato.

You may light vpon a husband that hath no

beard.

Beatrice.

What should I doe with him? Dresse him in

[430]

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 ear­

[435]

nest of the Berrord, and leade his Apes into hell.

Leon.

Well then, goe you into hell.

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,

[440]

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

and away to S.Saint S. Peter : for the heauens, hee shewes mee

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

the day is long.

Brother.

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

[445]

father.

Beatrice.

Yes faith, it is my cosens dutie to make curt­

sie, 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.
[450]

Well neece, I hope to see you one day fitted

with a husband.

Beatrice.

Not till God make men of some other met­

tall then earth, would it not grieue a woman to be ouer‑

mastred with a peece of valiant dust? to make account of

[455]

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.

Leon.

Daughter, remember what I told you, if the

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

[460]

swere.

Beatrice.

The fault will be in the musicke cosin, if you

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

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

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

[465]

repenting, is as a Scotch jigge, a measure, and a cinque‑pace:

the first suite is hot and hasty like a Scotch ijgge

(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 cinque­

[470]

pace faster and faster, till he sinkes into his graue.

Leonato.

Cosin you apprehend passing shrewdly.

Beatrice.

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

by daylight.

Leon.

The reuellers are entring brother, make good

[475]

roome.

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.

So you walke softly, and looke sweetly, and say

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

walke away.

Pedro.
[480]

With me in your company.

Hero.

I may say so when I please.

Pedro.

And when please you to say so?

Hero.

When I like your fauour, for God defend the

Lute should be like the case.

Pedro.
[485]

My visor is Philemons roofe, within the house

is Loue.

Hero.

Why then your visor should be thatcht.

Pedro.

Speake low if you speake Loue.

Bene.

Well, I would you did like me.

Mar.
[490]

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

manie ill qualities.

Bene.

Which is one?

Mar.

I say my prayers alowd.

Ben.

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

Mar.
[495]

God match me with a good dauncer.

Balt.

Amen.

Mar.

And God keepe him out of my sight when the

daunce is done: answer Clarke.

Balt.

No more words, the Clarke is answered.

Vrsula.
[500]

I know you well enough, you are Signior An­ thonio .

Anth.

At a word, I am not.

Vrsula.

I know you by the wagling of your head.

Anth.

To tell you true, I counterfet him.

Vrsu.
[505]

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.

Anth.

At a word I am not.

Vrsula.

Come, come, doe you thinke I doe not know

[510]

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

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

an end.

Beat.

Will you not tell me who told you so?

Bene.

No, you shall pardon me.

Beat.
[515]

Nor will you not tell me who you are?

Bened.

Not now.

Beat.

That I was disdainfull, and that I had my good

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

or Benedicke that said so.

Bene.
[520]

What's he?

Beat.

I am sure you know him well enough.

Bene.

Not I, beleeue me.

Beat.

Did he neuer make you laugh?

Bene.

I pray you what is he ?

Beat.
[525]

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

[530]

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

boorded me.

Bene.

When I know the Gentleman, Ile tell him what

you say.

Beat.

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

[535]

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

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

tridge wing saued, for the foole will eate no supper that

night. We must follow the Leaders.

Ben.

In euery good thing.

Bea.
[540]

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

at the next turning.

Exeunt. Musicke for the dance. 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.
[545]

And that is Claudio, I know him by his bea­

ring.

Iohn.

Are not you signior Benedicke?

Clau.

You know me well, I am hee.

Iohn.

Signior, you are verie neere my Brother in his

[550]

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.

How know you he loues her?

Iohn.

I heard him sweare his affection,

Bor.
[555]

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

to night.

Iohn.

Come, let vs to the banquet.

Ex. manet Clau. Clau. Thus answere I in name of Benedicke, But heare these ill newes with the eares of Claudio:
[560]
'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,
[565]
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 Benedicke. Ben.

Count Claudio.

Clau.
[570]

Yea, the same.

Ben.

Come, will you goe with me?

Clau.

Whither?

Ben.

Euen to the next Willow, about your own bu­

sinesse, Count. What fashion will you weare the Gar­

[575]

land 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.

Clau.

I wish him ioy of her.

Ben.

Why that's spoken like an honest Drouier, so

[580]

they sel Bullockes: but did you thinke the Prince wold

haue serued you thus?

Clau.

I pray you leaue me.

Ben.

Ho now you strike like the blindman, 'twas the

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

Clau.
[585]

If it will not be, Ile leaue you.

Exit. 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

[590]

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 the Prince. Pedro.

Now Signior, where's the Count, did you

[595]

see him ?

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

[600]

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

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

ing worthy to be whipt.

Pedro.

To be whipt, what's his fault?

Bene.

The flat transgression of a Schoole‑boy, who

[605]

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

companion, and he steales it.

Pedro.

Wilt thou make a trust, a transgression? the

transgression is in the stealer.

Ben.

Yet it had not been amisse the rod had beene

[610]

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.

Pedro.

I will but teach them to sing, and restore them

to the owner.

Bene.
[615]

If their singing answer your saying, by my faith

you say honestly.

Pedro.

The Lady Beatrice hath a quarrell to you, the

Gentleman that daunst with her, told her shee is much

wrong'd by you.

Bene.
[620]

O she misusde me past the indurance of a block:

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

swered 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

[625]

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

possible 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

[630]

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

[635]

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

[640]

followes her.

Enter Claudio and Beatrice, Leonato, Hero. Pedro.

Looke heere she comes.

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

[645]

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 em­

bassage to the Pigmies, rather then hould three words

conference, with this Harpy: you haue no employment for me?

Pedro.
[650]

None, but to desire your good company.

Bene.

O God sir, heeres a dish I loue not, I cannot in­

dure this Lady tongue.

Exit. Pedr.

Come Lady, come, you haue lost the heart of

Signior Benedicke.

Beatr.
[655]

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.

Pedro.

You haue put him downe Lady, you haue put

[660]

him downe.

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.

Pedro.

Why how now Count, wherfore are you sad?

Claud.
[665]

Not sad my Lord.

Pedro.

How then? sicke ?

Claud.

Neither, my Lord.

Beat.

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

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

[670]

thing of a iealous complexion.

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

[675]

obtained, name the day of marriage, and God giue

thee ioy.

Leona.

Count, take of me my daughter, and with her

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

say, Amen to it.

Beatr.
[680]

Speake Count, tis your Qu.

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.

Beat.
[685]

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

with a kisse, and let not him speake neither.

Pedro.

Infaith Lady you haue a merry 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

[690]

that he is in my heart.

Clau.

And so she doth coosin.

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 cor­

ner and cry, heigh ho for a husband.

Pedro.
[695]

Lady Beatrice, I will get you one.

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.

Prince.

Will you haue me? Lady.

Beat.
[700]

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.

Prince.

Your silence most offends me, and to be mer­

[705]

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

in a merry howre.

Beatr.

No sure my Lord, my Mother cried, but then

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

sins God giue you ioy.

Leonato.
[710]

Neece, will you looke to those things I told you of?

Beat.

I cry you mercy Vncle, by your Graces pardon.

Exit Beatrice. Prince.

By my troth a pleasant spirited Lady.

Leon.

There's little of the melancholy element in her

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

[715]

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

often dreamt of vnhappinesse, and wakt her selfe with

laughing.

Pedro.

Shee cannot indure to heare tell of a husband.

Leonato.

O, by no meanes, she mocks all her wooers

[720]

out of suite.

Prince.

She were an excellent wife for Benedick.

Leonato.

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

married, they would talke themselues madde.

Prince.

Counte Claudio, when meane you to goe to

[725]

Church ?

Clau.

To morrow my Lord, Time goes on crutches,

till Loue haue all his rites.

Leonata.

Not till monday, my deare sonne, which is

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

[730]

all things answer minde.

Prince.

Come, you shake the head at so long a brea­

thing, but I warrant thee Claudio, the time shall not goe

dully by vs, I will in the interim, vndertake one of Her­ cules labors, which is, to bring Signior Benedicke and the

[735]

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 assi­

stance as I shall giue you direction.

Leonata.

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

[740]

ten nights watchings.

Claud.

And I my Lord.

Prin.

And you to gentle Hero?

Hero.

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

my cosin to a good husband.

Prin.
[745]

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

[750]

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 Ar­

cher, his glory shall be ours, for wee are the onely loue­

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

Exit.
 

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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="1">
   <head rend="italic center">Actus Secundus.</head>
   <head type="supplied">[Act 2, Scene 1]</head>
   <stage rend="italic left" type="entrance">Enter Leonato, his brother, his wife, Hero his daughter, and
      <lb/>Beatrice his neece, and a kinsman.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leonato.</speaker>
      <p n="400">Was not Count<hi rend="italic">Iohn</hi>here at supper?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Brother.</speaker>
      <p n="401">I saw him not.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beatrice.</speaker>
      <p n="402">How tartly that Gentleman lookes, I neuer
      <lb n="403"/>can see him, but I am heart‑burn'd an howre after.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hero.</speaker>
      <p n="404">He is of a very melancholy disposition.</p>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beatrice.</speaker>
      <p n="405">Hee were an excellent man that were made
      <lb n="406"/>iust in the mid‑way betweene him and<hi rend="italic">Benedicke</hi>, the one
      <lb n="407"/>is too like an image and saies nothing, and the other too
      <lb n="408"/>like my Ladies eldest sonne, euermore tatling.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="409">Then halfe signior<hi rend="italic">Benedicks</hi>tongue in Count
      <lb n="410"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Iohns</hi>mouth, and halfe Count<hi rend="italic">Iohns</hi>melancholy in Sig­
      <lb n="411"/>nior<hi rend="italic">Benedicks</hi>face.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="412">With a good legge, and a good foot vnckle, and
      <lb n="413"/>money enough in his purse, such a man would winne any
      <lb n="414"/>woman in the world, if he could get her good will.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="415">By my troth Neece, thou wilt neuer get thee a
      <lb n="416"/>husband, if thou be so shrewd of thy tongue.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Brother.</speaker>
      <p n="417">Infaith shee's too curst.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="418">Too curst is more then curst, I shall lessen Gods
      <lb n="419"/>sending that way: for it is said, God sends a curst Cow
      <lb n="420"/>short hornes, but to a Cow too curst he sends none.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="421">So, by being too curst, God will send you no
      <lb n="422"/>hornes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="423">Iust, if he send me no husband, for the which
      <lb n="424"/>blessing, I am at him vpon my knees euery morning
      <lb n="425"/>and euening: Lord, I could not endure a husband with a
      <lb n="426"/>beard on his face, I had rather lie in the woollen.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leonato.</speaker>
      <p n="427">You may light vpon a husband that hath no
      <lb n="428"/>beard.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beatrice.</speaker>
      <p n="429">What should I doe with him? Dresse him in
      <lb n="430"/>my apparell, and make him my waiting gentlewoman? he
      <lb n="431"/>that hath a beard, is more then a youth: and he that hath
      <lb n="432"/>no beard, is lesse then a man: and hee that is more then a
      <lb n="433"/>youth, is not for mee: and he that is lesse then a man, I am
      <lb n="434"/>not for him: therefore I will euen take sixepence in ear­
      <lb n="435"/>nest of the Berrord, and leade his Apes into hell.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="436">Well then, goe you into hell.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="437">No, but to the gate, and there will the Deuill
      <lb n="438"/>meete mee like an old Cuckold with hornes on his head,
      <lb n="439"/>and say, get you to heauen<hi rend="italic">Beatrice</hi>, get you to heauen,
      <lb n="440"/>heere's no place for you maids, so deliuer I vp my Apes,
      <lb n="441"/>and away to<hi rend="italic">
            <choice>
               <abbr>S.</abbr>
               <expan>Saint</expan>
            </choice>S. Peter</hi>: for the heauens, hee shewes mee
      <lb n="442"/>where the Batchellers sit, and there liue wee as merry as
      <lb n="443"/>the day is long.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Brother.</speaker>
      <p n="444">Well neece, I trust you will be rul'd by your
      <lb n="445"/>father.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beatrice.</speaker>
      <p n="446">Yes faith, it is my cosens dutie to make curt­
      <lb n="447"/>sie, and say, as it please you: but yet for all that cosin, let
      <lb n="448"/>him be a handsome fellow, or else make an other cursie,
      <lb n="449"/>and say, father, as it please me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leonato.</speaker>
      <p n="450">Well neece, I hope to see you one day fitted
      <lb n="451"/>with a husband.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beatrice.</speaker>
      <p n="452">Not till God make men of some other met­
      <lb n="453"/>tall then earth, would it not grieue a woman to be ouer‑
      <lb n="454"/>mastred with a peece of valiant dust? to make account of
      <lb n="455"/>her life to a clod of waiward marle? no vnckle, ile none:
      <lb n="456"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Adams</hi>sonnes are my brethren, and truly I hold it a sinne
      <lb n="457"/>to match in my kinred.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="458">Daughter, remember what I told you, if the
      <lb n="459"/>Prince doe solicit you in that kinde, you know your an­
      <lb n="460"/>swere.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beatrice.</speaker>
      <p n="461">The fault will be in the musicke cosin, if you
      <lb n="462"/>be not woed in good time: if the Prince bee too impor­
      <lb n="463"/>tant, tell him there is measure in euery thing, &amp; so dance
      <lb n="464"/>out the answere, for heare me<hi rend="italic">Hero</hi>, wooing, wedding, &amp;
      <lb n="465"/>repenting, is as a Scotch jigge, a measure, and a cinque‑pace:
      <lb n="466"/>the first suite is hot and hasty like a Scotch ijgge
      <lb n="467"/>(and full as fantasticall) the wedding manerly modest,
      <lb n="468"/>(as a measure) full of state &amp; aunchentry, and then comes
      <lb n="469"/>repentance, and with his bad legs falls into the cinque­
      <lb n="470"/>pace faster and faster, till he sinkes into his graue.</p>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0125-0.jpg" n="105"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leonato.</speaker>
      <p n="471">Cosin you apprehend passing shrewdly.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beatrice.</speaker>
      <p n="472">I haue a good eye vnckle, I can see a Church
      <lb n="473"/>by daylight.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="474">The reuellers are entring brother, make good
      <lb n="475"/>roome.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic left" type="entrance">Enter Prince, Pedro, Claudio, and Benedicke, and Balthasar,
      <lb/>or dumbe Iohn, Maskers with a drum.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="476">Lady, will you walke about with your friend?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hero.</speaker>
      <p n="477">So you walke softly, and looke sweetly, and say
      <lb n="478"/>nothing, I am yours for the walke, and especially when I
      <lb n="479"/>walke away.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="480">With me in your company.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hero.</speaker>
      <p n="481">I may say so when I please.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="482">And when please you to say so?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hero.</speaker>
      <p n="483">When I like your fauour, for God defend the
      <lb n="484"/>Lute should be like the case.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="485">My visor is<hi rend="italic">Philemons</hi>roofe, within the house
      <lb n="486"/>is Loue.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hero.</speaker>
      <p n="487">Why then your visor should be thatcht.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="488">Speake low if you speake Loue.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="489">Well, I would you did like me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <p n="490">So would not I for your owne sake, for I haue
      <lb n="491"/>manie ill qualities.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="492">Which is one?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <p n="493">I say my prayers alowd.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="494">I loue you the better, the hearers may cry Amen.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <p n="495">God match me with a good dauncer.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Balt.</speaker>
      <p n="496">Amen.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <p n="497">And God keepe him out of my sight when the
      <lb n="498"/>daunce is done: answer Clarke.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Balt.</speaker>
      <p n="499">No more words, the Clarke is answered.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-urs">
      <speaker rend="italic">Vrsula.</speaker>
      <p n="500">I know you well enough, you are Signior<hi rend="italic">An­
      <lb n="501"/>thonio</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Anth.</speaker>
      <p n="502">At a word, I am not.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-urs">
      <speaker rend="italic">Vrsula.</speaker>
      <p n="503">I know you by the wagling of your head.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Anth.</speaker>
      <p n="504">To tell you true, I counterfet him.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-urs">
      <speaker rend="italic">Vrsu.</speaker>
      <p n="505">You could neuer doe him so ill well, vnlesse
      <lb n="506"/>you were the very man: here's his dry hand vp &amp; down,
      <lb n="507"/>you are he, you are he.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Anth.</speaker>
      <p n="508">At a word I am not.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-urs">
      <speaker rend="italic">Vrsula.</speaker>
      <p n="509">Come, come, doe you thinke I doe not know
      <lb n="510"/>you by your excellent wit? can vertue hide it selfe? goe
      <lb n="511"/>to, mumme, you are he, graces will appeare, and there's
      <lb n="512"/>an end.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="513">Will you not tell me who told you so?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="514">No, you shall pardon me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="515">Nor will you not tell me who you are?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bened.</speaker>
      <p n="516">Not now.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="517">That I was disdainfull, and that I had my good
      <lb n="518"/>wit out of the hundred merry tales: well, this was Signi­
      <lb n="519"/>or<hi rend="italic">Benedicke</hi>that said so.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="520">What's he?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="521">I am sure you know him well enough.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="522">Not I, beleeue me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="523">Did he neuer make you laugh?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="524">I pray you what is he<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="525">Why he is the Princes ieaster, a very dull foole,
      <lb n="526"/>onely his gift is, in deuising impossible slanders, none
      <lb n="527"/>but Libertines delight in him, and the commendation is
      <lb n="528"/>not in his witte, but in his villanie, for hee both pleaseth
      <lb n="529"/>men and angers them, and then they laugh at him, and
      <lb n="530"/>beat him: I am sure he is in the Fleet, I would he had
      <lb n="531"/>boorded me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="532">When I know the Gentleman, Ile tell him what
      <lb n="533"/>you say.</p>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="534">Do, do, hee'l but breake a comparison or two
      <lb n="535"/>on me, which peraduenture (not markt, or not laugh'd
      <lb n="536"/>at) strikes him into melancholly, and then there's a Par­
      <lb n="537"/>tridge wing saued, for the foole will eate no supper that
      <lb n="538"/>night. We must follow the Leaders.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="539">In euery good thing.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bea.</speaker>
      <p n="540">Nay, if they leade to any ill, I will leaue them
      <lb n="541"/>at the next turning.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="business">Musicke for the dance.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <p n="542">Sure my brother is amorous on<hi rend="italic">Hero</hi>, and hath
      <lb n="543"/>withdrawne her father to breake with him about it: the
      <lb n="544"/>Ladies follow her, and but one visor remaines.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Borachio.</speaker>
      <p n="545">And that is<hi rend="italic">Claudio</hi>, I know him by his bea­
      <lb n="546"/>ring.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <p n="547">Are not you signior<hi rend="italic">Benedicke</hi>?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="548">You know me well, I am hee.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <p n="549">Signior, you are verie neere my Brother in his
      <lb n="550"/>loue, he is enamor'd on<hi rend="italic">Hero</hi>, I pray you disswade him
      <lb n="551"/>from her, she is no equall for his birth: you may do the
      <lb n="552"/>part of an honest man in it.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Claudio.</speaker>
      <p n="553">How know you he loues her?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <p n="554">I heard him sweare his affection,</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bor.</speaker>
      <p n="555">So did I too, and he swore he would marrie her
      <lb n="556"/>to night.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-joh">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iohn.</speaker>
      <p n="557">Come, let vs to the banquet.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Ex. manet Clau.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <l n="558">Thus answere I in name of Benedicke,</l>
      <l n="559">But heare these ill newes with the eares of<hi rend="italic">Claudio</hi>:</l>
      <l n="560">'Tis certaine so, the Prince woes for himselfe:</l>
      <l n="561">Friendship is constant in all other things,</l>
      <l n="562">Saue in the Office and affaires of loue:</l>
      <l n="563">Therefore all hearts in loue vse their owne tongues.</l>
      <l n="564">Let euerie eye negotiate for it selfe,</l>
      <l n="565">And trust no Agent: for beautie is a witch,</l>
      <l n="566">Against whose charmes, faith melteth into blood:</l>
      <l n="567">This is an accident of hourely proofe,</l>
      <l n="568">Which I mistrusted not. Farewell therefore<hi rend="italic">Hero</hi>.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Benedicke.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="569">Count<hi rend="italic">Claudio</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="570">Yea, the same.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="571">Come, will you goe with me?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="572">Whither?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="573">Euen to the next Willow, about your own bu­
      <lb n="574"/>sinesse, Count. What fashion will you weare the Gar­
      <lb n="575"/>land off? About your necke, like an Vsurers chaine? Or
      <lb n="576"/>vnder your arme, like a Lieutenants scarfe? You must
      <lb n="577"/>weare it one way, for the Prince hath got your<hi rend="italic">Hero</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="578">I wish him ioy of her.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="579">Why that's spoken like an honest Drouier, so
      <lb n="580"/>they sel Bullockes: but did you thinke the Prince wold
      <lb n="581"/>haue serued you thus?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="582">I pray you leaue me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="583">Ho now you strike like the blindman, 'twas the
      <lb n="584"/>boy that stole your meate, and you'l beat the post.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="585">If it will not be, Ile leaue you.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="586">Alas poore hurt fowle, now will he creepe into
      <lb n="587"/>sedges: But that my Ladie<hi rend="italic">Beatrice</hi>should know me, &amp;
      <lb n="588"/>not know me: the Princes foole! Hah? It may be I goe
      <lb n="589"/>vnder that title, because I am merrie: yea but so I am
      <lb n="590"/>apt to do my selfe wrong: I am not so reputed, it is the
      <lb n="591"/>base (though bitter) disposition of<hi rend="italic">Beatrice</hi>, that putt's
      <lb n="592"/>the world into her person, and so giues me out: well, Ile
      <lb n="593"/>be reuenged as I may.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter the Prince.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="594">Now Signior, where's the Count, did you
      <lb n="595"/>see him<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0126-0.jpg" n="106"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="596">Troth my Lord, I haue played the part of Lady
      <lb n="597"/>Fame, I found him heere as melancholy as a Lodge in a
      <lb n="598"/>Warren, I told him, and I thinke, told him true, that your
      <lb n="599"/>grace had got the will of this young Lady, and I offered
      <lb n="600"/>him my company to a willow tree, either to make him a
      <lb n="601"/>garland, as being forsaken, or to binde him a rod, as be­
      <lb n="602"/>ing worthy to be whipt.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="603">To be whipt, what's his fault?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="604">The flat transgression of a Schoole‑boy, who
      <lb n="605"/>being ouer‑ioyed with finding a birds nest, shewes it his
      <lb n="606"/>companion, and he steales it.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="607">Wilt thou make a trust, a transgression? the
      <lb n="608"/>transgression is in the stealer.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ben.</speaker>
      <p n="609">Yet it had not been amisse the rod had beene
      <lb n="610"/>made, and the garland too, for the garland he might haue
      <lb n="611"/>worne himselfe, and the rod hee might haue bestowed on
      <lb n="612"/>you, who (as I take it) haue stolne his birds nest.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="613">I will but teach them to sing, and restore them
      <lb n="614"/>to the owner.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="615">If their singing answer your saying, by my faith
      <lb n="616"/>you say honestly.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="617">The Lady<hi rend="italic">Beatrice</hi>hath a quarrell to you, the
      <lb n="618"/>Gentleman that daunst with her, told her shee is much
      <lb n="619"/>wrong'd by you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="620">O she misusde me past the indurance of a block:
      <lb n="621"/>an oake but with one greene leafe on it, would haue an­
      <lb n="622"/>swered her: my very visor began to assume life, and scold
      <lb n="623"/>with her: shee told mee, not thinking I had beene my
      <lb n="624"/>selfe, that I was the Princes Iester, and that I was duller
      <lb n="625"/>then a great thaw, hudling iest vpon iest, with such im­
      <lb n="626"/>possible conueiance vpon me, that I stood like a man at a
      <lb n="627"/>marke, with a whole army shooting at me: shee speakes
      <lb n="628"/>poynyards, and euery word stabbes: if her breath were
      <lb n="629"/>as terrible as terminations, there were no liuing neere
      <lb n="630"/>her, she would infect to the north starre: I would not
      <lb n="631"/>marry her, though she were indowed with all that<hi rend="italic">Adam</hi>
         
      <lb n="632"/>had left him before he transgrest, she would haue made
      <lb n="633"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Hercules</hi>haue turnd spit, yea, and haue cleft his club to
      <lb n="634"/>make the fire too: come, talke not of her, you shall finde
      <lb n="635"/>her the infernall Ate in good apparell. I would to God
      <lb n="636"/>some scholler would coniure her, for certainely while she
      <lb n="637"/>is heere, a man may liue as quiet in hell, as in a sanctuary,
      <lb n="638"/>and people sinne vpon purpose, because they would goe
      <lb n="639"/>thither, so indeed all disquiet, horror, and perturbation
      <lb n="640"/>followes her.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Claudio and Beatrice, Leonato, Hero.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="641">Looke heere she comes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="642">Will your Grace command mee any seruice to
      <lb n="643"/>the worlds end? I will goe on the slightest arrand now
      <lb n="644"/>to the Antypodes that you can deuise to send me on: I
      <lb n="645"/>will fetch you a tooth‑picker now from the furthest inch
      <lb n="646"/>of Asia: bring you the length of<hi rend="italic">Prester Iohns</hi>foot: fetch
      <lb n="647"/>you a hayre off the great<hi rend="italic">Chams</hi>beard: doe you any em­
      <lb n="648"/>bassage to the Pigmies, rather then hould three words
      <lb n="649"/>conference, with this Harpy: you haue no employment for me?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="650">None, but to desire your good company.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ben">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bene.</speaker>
      <p n="651">O God sir, heeres a dish I loue not, I cannot in­
      <lb n="652"/>dure this Lady tongue.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedr.</speaker>
      <p n="653">Come Lady, come, you haue lost the heart of
      <lb n="654"/>Signior<hi rend="italic">Benedicke</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beatr.</speaker>
      <p n="655">Indeed my Lord, hee lent it me a while, and I
      <lb n="656"/>gaue him vse for it, a double heart for a single one, marry
      <lb n="657"/>once before he wonne it of mee, with false dice, therefore
      <lb n="658"/>your Grace may well say I haue lost it.</p>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="659">You haue put him downe Lady, you haue put
      <lb n="660"/>him downe.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="661">So I would not he should do me, my Lord, lest
      <lb n="662"/>I should prooue the mother of fooles: I haue brought
      <lb n="663"/>Count<hi rend="italic">Claudio</hi>, whom you sent me to seeke.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="664">Why how now Count, wherfore are you sad?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Claud.</speaker>
      <p n="665">Not sad my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="666">How then? sicke<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Claud.</speaker>
      <p n="667">Neither, my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="668">The Count is neither sad, nor sicke, nor merry,
      <lb n="669"/>nor well: but ciuill Count, ciuill as an Orange, and some­
      <lb n="670"/>thing of a iealous complexion.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="671">Ifaith Lady, I thinke your blazon to be true,
      <lb n="672"/>though Ile be sworne, if hee be so, his conceit is false:
      <lb n="673"/>heere<hi rend="italic">Claudio</hi>, I haue wooed in thy name, and faire<hi rend="italic">Hero</hi>
         
      <lb n="674"/>is won, I haue broke with her father, and his good will
      <lb n="675"/>obtained, name the day of marriage, and God giue
      <lb n="676"/>thee ioy.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leona.</speaker>
      <p n="677">Count, take of me my daughter, and with her
      <lb n="678"/>my fortunes: his grace hath made the match, &amp; all grace
      <lb n="679"/>say, Amen to it.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beatr.</speaker>
      <p n="680">Speake Count, tis your Qu.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Claud.</speaker>
      <p n="681">Silence is the perfectest Herault of ioy, I were
      <lb n="682"/>but little happy if I could say, how much? Lady, as you
      <lb n="683"/>are mine, I am yours, I giue away my selfe for you, and
      <lb n="684"/>doat vpon the exchange.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="685">Speake cosin, or (if you cannot) stop his mouth
      <lb n="686"/>with a kisse, and let not him speake neither.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="687">Infaith Lady you haue a merry heart.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beatr.</speaker>
      <p n="688">Yea my Lord I thanke it, poore foole it keepes
      <lb n="689"/>on the windy side of Care, my coosin tells him in his eare
      <lb n="690"/>that he is in my heart.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="691">And so she doth coosin.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="692">Good Lord for alliance: thus goes euery one
      <lb n="693"/>to the world but I, and I am sun‑burn'd, I may sit in a cor­
      <lb n="694"/>ner and cry, heigh ho for a husband.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="695">Lady<hi rend="italic">Beatrice</hi>, I will get you one.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="696">I would rather haue one of your fathers getting:
      <lb n="697"/>hath your Grace ne're a brother like you? your father
      <lb n="698"/>got excellent husbands, if a maid could come by them.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Prince.</speaker>
      <p n="699">Will you haue me? Lady.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="700">No, my Lord, vnlesse I might haue another for
      <lb n="701"/>working‑daies, your Grace is too costly to weare euerie
      <lb n="702"/>day: but I beseech your Grace pardon mee, I was borne
      <lb n="703"/>to speake all mirth, and no matter.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Prince.</speaker>
      <p n="704">Your silence most offends me, and to be mer­
      <lb n="705"/>ry, best becomes you, for out of question, you were born
      <lb n="706"/>in a merry howre.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beatr.</speaker>
      <p n="707">No sure my Lord, my Mother cried, but then
      <lb n="708"/>there was a starre daunst, and vnder that was I borne: co­
      <lb n="709"/>sins God giue you ioy.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leonato.</speaker>
      <p n="710">Neece, will you looke to those things I told you of?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-bea">
      <speaker rend="italic">Beat.</speaker>
      <p n="711">I cry you mercy Vncle, by your Graces pardon.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Beatrice.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Prince.</speaker>
      <p n="712">By my troth a pleasant spirited Lady.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="713">There's little of the melancholy element in her
      <lb n="714"/>my Lord, she is neuer sad, but when she sleepes, and not
      <lb n="715"/>euer sad then: for I haue heard my daughter say, she hath
      <lb n="716"/>often dreamt of vnhappinesse, and wakt her selfe with
      <lb n="717"/>laughing.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pedro.</speaker>
      <p n="718">Shee cannot indure to heare tell of a husband.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leonato.</speaker>
      <p n="719">O, by no meanes, she mocks all her wooers
      <lb n="720"/>out of suite.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Prince.</speaker>
      <p n="721">She were an excellent wife for<hi rend="italic">Benedick</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leonato.</speaker>
      <p n="722">O Lord, my Lord, if they were but a weeke<pb facs="FFimg:axc0127-0.jpg" n="107"/>
         <cb n="1"/>
         
      <lb n="723"/>married, they would talke themselues madde.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Prince.</speaker>
      <p n="724">Counte<hi rend="italic">Claudio</hi>, when meane you to goe to
      <lb n="725"/>Church<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Clau.</speaker>
      <p n="726">To morrow my Lord, Time goes on crutches,
      <lb n="727"/>till Loue haue all his rites.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leonata.</speaker>
      <p n="728">Not till monday, my deare sonne, which is
      <lb n="729"/>hence a iust seuen night, and a time too briefe too, to haue
      <lb n="730"/>all things answer minde.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Prince.</speaker>
      <p n="731">Come, you shake the head at so long a brea­
      <lb n="732"/>thing, but I warrant thee<hi rend="italic">Claudio</hi>, the time shall not goe
      <lb n="733"/>dully by vs, I will in the<hi rend="italic">interim</hi>, vndertake one of<hi rend="italic">Her­
      <lb n="734"/>cules</hi>labors, which is, to bring Signior<hi rend="italic">Benedicke</hi>and the
      <lb n="735"/>Lady<hi rend="italic">Beatrice</hi>into a mountaine of affection, th'one with
      <lb n="736"/>th'other, I would faine haue it a match, and I doubt not
      <lb n="737"/>but to fashion it, if you three will but minister such assi­
      <lb n="738"/>stance as I shall giue you direction.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leonata.</speaker>
      <p n="739">My Lord, I am for you, though it cost mee
      <lb n="740"/>ten nights watchings.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">Claud.</speaker>
      <p n="741">And I my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Prin.</speaker>
      <p n="742">And you to gentle<hi rend="italic">Hero</hi>?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hero.</speaker>
      <p n="743">I will doe any modest office, my Lord, to helpe
      <lb n="744"/>my cosin to a good husband.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ado-ped">
      <speaker rend="italic">Prin.</speaker>
      <p n="745">And<hi rend="italic">Benedick</hi>is not the vnhopefullest husband
      <lb n="746"/>that I know: thus farre can I praise him, hee is of a noble
      <lb n="747"/>straine, of approued valour, and confirm'd honesty, I will
      <lb n="748"/>teach you how to humour your cosin, that shee shall fall
      <lb n="749"/>in loue with<hi rend="italic">Benedicke</hi>, and I, with your two helpes, will
      <lb n="750"/>so practise on<hi rend="italic">Benedicke</hi>, that in despight of his quicke
      <lb n="751"/>wit, and his queasie stomacke, hee shall fall in loue with
      <lb n="752"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Beatrice</hi>: if wee can doe this,<hi rend="italic">Cupid</hi>is no longer an Ar­
      <lb n="753"/>cher, his glory shall be ours, for wee are the onely loue­
      <lb n="754"/>gods, goe in with me, and I will tell you my drift.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

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