Much Adoe about Nothing

Much adoe about Nothing.

Actus primus, Scena prima.

Enter Leonato Gouernour of Messina, Innogen his wife, He­ ro his daughter, and Beatrice his Neece, with a…

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. 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…

Mess. Much deseru'd on his part, and equally remem­ bred by Don Pedro, he hath borne himselfe beyond…

Leo. He hath an Vnckle heere in Messina, wil be very much glad of it.

Mess. I haue alreadie deliuered him letters, and there appeares much ioy in him, euen so much, that…

Leo. Did he breake out into teares?

Mess. In great measure.

Leo. A kinde ouerflow of kindnesse, there are no fa­ ces truer, then those that are so wash'd,…

Bea. I pray you, is Signior Mountanto return'd from the warres, or no?

Mess. 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. He set vp his bils here in Messina, & challeng'd Cupid at the Flight: and my Vnckles…

Leon. 'Faith Neece, you taxe Signior Benedicke too much, but hee'l be meet with you, I doubt it…

Mess. He hath done good seruice Lady in these wars.

Beat. You had musty victuall, and he hath holpe to ease it: he's a very valiant Trencher‑man, hee…

Mess. And a good souldier too Lady.

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

Mess. 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,…

Leon. You must not (sir) mistake my Neece, there is a kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick,…

Bea. Alas, he gets nothing by that. In our last con­ flict, foure of his fiue wits went…

Mess. I'st possible?

Beat. Very easily possible: he weares his faith but as the fashion of his hat, it euer changes…

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

Bea. No, and he were, I would burne my study. But I pray you, who is his companion?…

Mess. 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,…

Mess. I will hold friends with you Lady.

Bea. Do good friend.

Leo. You'l ne're run mad Neece.

Bea. 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…

Leon. Neuer came trouble to my house in the likenes of your Grace: for trouble being gone, comfort…

Pedro. You embrace your charge too willingly: I 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. You haue it full Benedicke, we may ghesse by this, what you are, being a man, truely…

Ben. If Signior Leonato be her father, she would not haue his head on her shoulders for al…

Beat. I wonder that you will still be talking, signior Benedicke, no body markes you.

Ben. What my deere Ladie Disdaine! are you yet liuing?

Beat. Is it possible Disdaine should die, while shee hath such meete foode to feede it, as Signior…

Bene. Then is curtesie a turneȑcoate, but it is cer­ taine I am loued of all Ladies, onely…

Beat. A deere happinesse to women, they would else haue beene troubled with a pernitious Suter, I thanke…

Bene. God keepe your Ladiship still in that minde, so□ some Gentleman or other shall scape a predestinate…

Beat. Scratching could not make it worse, and 'twere such a face as yours were.

Bene. Well, you are a rare Parrat teacher.

Beat. 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…

Beat. 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,…

Leon. If you sweare, my Lord, you shall not be for­ sworne, let mee bid you welcome, my…

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

Leon. Please it your grace leade on?

Pedro. 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. Doe you question me as an honest man should doe, for my simple true iudgement? or would…

Clau. No, I pray thee speake in sober iudgement.

Bene. Why yfaith me thinks shee's too low for a hie praise, too browne for a faire praise,…

Clau. 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. Yea, and a case to put it into, but speake you this with a sad brow? Or…

Clau. 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…

Clau. I would scarce trust my selfe, though I had sworne the contrarie, if Hero would be my…

Bene. Ist come to this? in faith hath not the world one man but he will weare his…

Enter don Pedro, Iohn the bastard.

Pedr. 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. You heare, Count Claudio, I can be secret as a dumbe man, I would haue you thinke…

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…

Clau. If my passion change not shortly, God forbid it 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. 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. That I neither feele how shee should be lo­ ued, nor know how shee should be worthie,…

Pedr. Thou wast euer an obstinate heretique in the de­ 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…

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…

Pedro. Well, if euer thou doost fall from this faith, thou wilt proue a notable argument.

Bene. If I do, hang me in a bottle like a Cat, & shoot at me, and he…

Pedro. Well, as time shall trie: In time the sauage Bull doth beare tne yoake.

Bene. The sauage bull may, but if euer the sensible Benedicke beare it, plucke off the bulles hornes,…

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. 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…

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. 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…

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…

Clau. 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, I look'd vpon her with a…

Pedro. Thou wilt be like a louer presently, And tire the hearer with a booke of words: If…

Clau. How sweetly doe you minister to loue, That know loues griefe by his complexion! But lest my…

Ped. What need yͤ bridge much broder then the flood? The fairest graunt is the necessitie: Looke what…

Exeunt.

Enter Leonato and an old man, brother to Leonato.

Leo. How now brother, where is my cosen your son: hath he prouided this musicke?

Old. He is very busie about it, but brother, I can tell you newes that you yet dreamt…

Lo. Are they good?

Old. As the euents stamps them, but they haue a good couer: they shew well outward, the Prince…

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

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

Leo. No, no; wee will hold it as a dreame, till it ap­ peare it selfe: but I…

Exeunt.

Enter Sir Iohn the Bastard, and Conrade his companion.

Con. What the good yeere my Lord, why are you thus out of measure sad?

Ioh. There is no measure in the occasion that breeds, therefore the sadnesse is without limit.

Con. You should heare reason.

Iohn. And when I haue heard it, what blessing brin­ geth it?

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

Ioh. I wonder that thou (being as thou saist thou art, borne vnder Saturne) goest about to apply…

Con. Yea, but you must not make the ful show of this, till you may doe it without…

Iohn. I had rather be a canker in a hedge, then a rose in his grace, and it…

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…

Enter Borachio.

Bor. I came yonder from a great supper, the Prince your brother is royally entertained by Leonato, and…

Iohn. Will it serue for any Modell to build mischiefe on? What is hee for a foole that…

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. 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 king a musty roome, comes me the Prince…

Iohn. Come, come, let vs thither, this may proue food to my displeasure, that young start‑vp hath all…

Conr. To the death my Lord.

Iohn. Let vs to the great supper, their cheere is the greater that I am subdued, would the…

Bor. Wee'll wait vpon your Lordship.

Exeunt.

Actus Secundus.

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

Leonato. Was not Count Iohn here at supper?

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. Hee were an excellent man that were made iust in the mid‑way betweene him and Benedicke, the…

Leon. Then halfe signior Benedicks tongue in Count Iohns mouth, and halfe Count Iohns melancholy in Sig­ nior…

Beat. With a good legge, and a good foot vnckle, and money enough in his purse, such a…

Leon. By my troth Neece, thou wilt neuer get thee a husband, if thou be so shrewd of…

Brother. Infaith shee's too curst.

Beat. Too curst is more then curst, I shall lessen Gods sending that way: for it is said,…

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…

Leonato. You may light vpon a husband that hath no beard.

Beatrice. What should I doe with him? Dresse him in my apparell, and make him my waiting gentlewoman?…

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…

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

Beatrice. Yes faith, it is my cosens dutie to make curt­ sie, and say, as it please you:…

Leonato. 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…

Leon. Daughter, remember what I told you, if the Prince doe solicit you in that kinde, you know…

Beatrice. The fault will be in the musicke cosin, if you be not woed in good time: if…

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 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…

Pedro. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. You could neuer doe him so ill well, vnlesse you were the very man: here's his dry…

Anth. At a word I am not.

Vrsula. Come, come, doe you thinke I doe not know you by your excellent wit? can vertue hide…

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

Bene. No, you shall pardon me.

Beat. 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:…

Bene. 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. Why he is the Princes ieaster, a very dull foole, onely his gift is, in deuising impossible…

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

Beat. Do, do, hee'l but breake a comparison or two on me, which peraduenture (not markt, or not…

Ben. In euery good thing.

Bea. 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…

Borachio. 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 loue, he is enamor'd on Hero, I pray…

Claudio. How know you he loues her?

Iohn. I heard him sweare his affection,

Bor. 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:…

Enter Benedicke.

Ben. Count Claudio.

Clau. 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…

Clau. I wish him ioy of her.

Ben. Why that's spoken like an honest Drouier, so they sel Bullockes: but did you thinke the Prince…

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…

Clau. 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…

Enter the Prince.

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

Bene. Troth my Lord, I haue played the part of Lady Fame, I found him heere as melancholy…

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

Bene. The flat transgression of a Schoole‑boy, who being ouer‑ioyed with finding a birds nest, shewes it his…

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 made, and the garland too, for the…

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

Bene. 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…

Bene. O she misusde me past the indurance of a block: an oake but with one greene leafe…

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…

Pedro. 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. Indeed my Lord, hee lent it me a while, and I gaue him vse for it, a…

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

Beat. So I would not he should do me, my Lord, lest I should prooue the mother of…

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

Claud. 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…

Pedro. Ifaith Lady, I thinke your blazon to be true, though Ile be sworne, if hee be so,…

Leona. Count, take of me my daughter, and with her my fortunes: his grace hath made the match,…

Beatr. Speake Count, tis your Qu.

Claud. Silence is the perfectest Herault of ioy, I were but little happy if I could say, how…

Beat. Speake cosin, or (if you cannot) stop his mouth with a kisse, and let not him speake…

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…

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,…

Pedro. 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?…

Prince. Will you haue me? Lady.

Beat. No, my Lord, vnlesse I might haue another for working‑daies, your Grace is too costly to weare…

Prince. Your silence most offends me, and to be mer­ ry, best becomes you, for out of question,…

Beatr. No sure my Lord, my Mother cried, but then there was a starre daunst, and vnder that…

Leonato. 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…

Pedro. Shee cannot indure to heare tell of a husband.

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

Prince. Come, you shake the head at so long a brea­ thing, but I warrant thee Claudio, the…

Leonata. My Lord, I am for you, though it cost mee 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. And Benedick is not the vnhopefullest husband that I know: thus farre can I praise him, hee…

Exit.

Enter Iohn and Borachio.

Ioh. It is so, the Count Claudio shal marry the daugh­ ter of Leonato.

Bora. Yea my Lord, but I can crosse it.

Iohn. Any barre, any crosse, any impediment, will be medicinable to me, I am sicke in displeasure to…

Bor. Not honestly my Lord, but so couertly, that no dishonesty shall appeare in me.

Iohn. Shew me breefely how.

Bor. I thinke I told your Lordship a yeere since, how much I am in the fauour of…

Iohn. I remember.

Bor. I can at any vnseasonable instant of the night, appoint her to looke out at her Ladies…

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

Bor. The poyson of that lies in you to temper, goe you to the Prince your brother, spare…

Iohn. What proofe shall I make of that?

Bor. Proofe enough, to misuse the Prince, to vexe Claudio, to vndoe Hero, and kill Leonato, looke you…

Iohn. Onely to despight them, I will endeauour any thing.

Bor. Goe then, finde me a meete howre, to draw on Pedro and the Count Claudio alone, tell…

Iohn. Grow this to what aduerse issue it can, I will put it in practise: be cunning in…

Bor. Be thou constant in the accusation, and my cun­ ning shall not shame me.

Iohn. I will presentlie goe learne their day of marri­ age.

Exit.

Enter Benedicke alone.

Bene. Boy.

Boy. Signior.

Bene. In my chamber window lies a booke, bring it hither to me in the orchard.

Boy. I am heere already sir.

Exit.

Bene. I know that, but I would haue thee hence, and heere againe. I doe much wonder, that…

Enter Prince, Leonato, Claudio, and Iacke Wilson.

Prin. Come, shall we heare this musicke?

Claud. Yea my good Lord: how still the euening is, As husht on purpose to grace harmonie.

Prin. See you where Benedicke hath hid himselfe?

Clau. O very well my Lord: the musicke ended, Wee'll fit the kid‑foxe with a penny worth.

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

Balth. O good my Lord, taxe not so bad a voyce, To slander musicke any more then once.

Prin. It is the witnesse still of excellency, To slander Musicke any more then once.

Prince. It is the witnesse still of excellencie, To put a strange face on his owne perfection, I…

Balth. Because you talke of wooing, I will sing, Since many a wooer doth commence his suit, To…

Prince. Nay pray thee come, Or if thou wilt hold longer argument, Doe it in notes.

Balth. Note this before my notes, Theres not a note of mine that's worth the noting.

Prince. Why these are very crotchets that he speaks, Note notes forsooth, and nothing.

Bene. Now diuine aire, now is his soule rauisht, is it not strange that sheepes guts should hale…

The Song.

Sigh no more Ladies, sigh no more,

Men were deceiuers euer,

One foote in Sea, and one on shore,

To one thing constant neuer,

Then sigh not so, but let them goe,

And be you blithe and bonnie,

Conuerting all your sounds of woe,

Into hey nony nony.

Sing no more ditties, sing no moe,

Of dumps so dull and heauy,

The fraud of men were euer so,

Since summer first was leauy,

Then sigh not so, &c.

Prince. By my troth a good song.

Balth. And an ill singer, my Lord.

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

Ben. And he had been a dog that should haue howld thus, they would haue hang'd him, and…

Prince. Yea marry, dost thou heare Balthasar? I pray thee get vs some excellent musick: for to morrow…

Balth. The best I can, my Lord.

Exit Balthasar.

Prince. Do so, farewell. Come hither Leonato, what was it you told me of to day, that your…

Cla. O I, stalke on, stalke on, the foule sits. I did ne­ uer thinke that Lady would…

Leon. No, nor I neither, but most wonderful, that she should so dote on Signior Benedicke, whom shee…

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

Leo. By my troth my Lord, I cannot tell what to thinke of it, but that she loues…

Prince. May be she doth but counterfeit.

Claud. Faith like enough.

Leon. O God! counterfeit? there was neuer counter­ feit of passion, came so neere the life of passion…

Prince. Why what effects of passion shewes she?

Claud. Baite the hooke well, this fish will bite.

Leon. What effects my Lord? shee will sit you, you heard my daughter tell you how.

Clau. She did indeed.

Prince. How, how I pray you? you amaze me, I would haue thought her spirit had beene inuincible…

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

Bene. I should thinke this a gull, but that the white‑ bearded fellow speakes it: knauery cannot sure…

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

Prince. Hath shee made her affection known to Bene­ dicke?

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

Claud. 'Tis true indeed, so your daughter saies: shall I, saies she, that haue so oft encountred him…

Leo. This saies shee now when shee is beginning to write to him, for shee'll be vp twenty…

Clau. Now you talke of a sheet of paper, I remember a pretty iest your daughter told vs…

Leon. O when she had writ it, & was reading it ouer, she found Benedicke and Beatrice betweene…

Clau. That.

Leon. O she tore the letter into a thousand halfpence, raild at her self, that she should be…

Clau. Then downe vpon her knees she falls, weepes, sobs, beates her heart, teares her hayre, praies, curses,…

Leon. She doth indeed, my daughter saies so, and the extasie hath so much ouerborne her, that my…

Prince. It were good that Benedicke knew of it by some other, if she will not discouer it.

Clau. To what end? he would but make a sport of it, and torment the poore Lady worse.

Prin. And he should, it were an almes to hang him, shee's an excellent sweet Lady, and (out…

Claudio. And she is exceeding wise.

Prince. In euery thing, but in louing Benedicke.

Leon. O my Lord, wisedome and bloud combating in so tender a body, we haue ten proofes to…

Prince. I would shee had bestowed this dotage on mee, I would haue daft all other respects, and…

Leon. Were it good thinke you?

Clau. Hero thinkes surely she wil die, for she saies she will die, if hee loue her not,…

Prince. She doth well, if she should make tender of her loue, 'tis very possible hee'l scorne it,…

Clau. He is a very proper man.

Prin. He hath indeed a good outward happines.

Clau. 'Fore God, and in my minde very wise.

Prin. He doth indeed shew some sparkes that are like wit.

Leon. And I take him to be valiant.

Prin. As Hector, I assure you, and in the managing of quarrels you may see hee is wise,…

Leon. If hee doe feare God, a must necessarilie keepe peace, if hee breake the peace, hee ought…

Prin. And so will he doe, for the man doth fear God, howsoeuer it seemes not in him,…

Claud. Neuer tell him, my Lord, let her weare it out with good counsell.

Leon. Nay that's impossible, she may weare her heart out first.

Prin. Well, we will heare further of it by your daugh­ ter, let it coole the while, I…

Leon. My Lord, will you walke? dinner is ready.

Clau. If he do not doat on her vpon this, I wil neuer trust my expectation.

Prin. Let there be the same Net spread for her, and that must your daughter and her gentlewoman…

Exeunt.

Bene. This can be no tricke, the conference was sadly borne, they haue the truth of this from…

Enter Beatrice.

Beat. Against my wil I am sent to bid you come in to dinner.

Bene. Faire Beatrice, I thanke you for your paines.

Beat. I tooke no more paines for those thankes, then you take paines to thanke me, if it…

Bene. You take pleasure then in the message.

Beat. Yea iust so much as you may take vpon a kniues point, and choake a daw withall:…

Exit.

Bene. Ha, against my will I am sent to bid you come into dinner: there's a double meaning…

Exit.

Actus Tertius.

Enter Hero and two Gentlemen, Margaret, and Vrsula.

Hero. Good Margaret runne thee to the parlour, There shalt thou finde my Cosin Beatrice, Proposing with the…

Marg. Ile make her come I warrant you presently.

Hero. Now Vrsula, when Beatrice doth come, As we do trace this alley vp and downe, Our talke…

Vrs. The pleasant'st angling is to see the fish Cut with her golden ores the siluer streame, And…

Her. Then go we neare her that her eare loose nothing, Of the false sweete baite that we…

Vrsula. But are you sure, That Benedicke loues Beatrice so intirely?

Her. So saies the Prince, and my new trothed Lord.

Vrs. And did they bid you tell her of it, Madam?

Her. They did intreate me to acquaint her of it, But I perswaded them, if they lou'd Benedicke,…

Vrsula. Why did you so, doth not the Gentleman Deserue as full as fortunate a bed, As euer…

Hero. O God of loue! I know he doth deserue, As much as may be yeelded to a…

Vrsula. Sure I thinke so, And therefore certainely it were not good She knew his loue, lest she…

Hero. Why you speake truth, I neuer yet saw man, How wise, how noble, yong, how rarely featur'd.…

Vrsu. Sure, sure, such carping is not commendable.

Hero. No, not to be so odde, and from all fashions, As Beatrice is, cannot be commendable, But…

Vrsu. Yet tell her of it, heare what shee will say.

Hero. No, rather I will goe to Benedicke, And counsaile him to fight against his passion, And truly…

Vrsu. O doe not doe your cosin such a wrong, She cannot be so much without true iudgement,…

Hero. He is the onely man of Italy, Alwaies excepted, my deare Claudio.

Vrsu. I pray you be not angry with me, Madame, Speaking my fancy: Signior Benedicke, For shape, for…

Hero. Indeed he hath an excellent good name.

Vrsu. His excellence did earne it ere he had it: When are you married Madame?

Hero. Why euerie day to morrow, come goe in, Ile shew thee some attires, and haue thy counsell,…

Vrsu. Shee's tane I warrant you, We haue caught her Madame?

Hero. If it proue so, then louing goes by haps, Some Cupid kills with arrowes, some with traps.

Exit.

Beat. What fire is in mine eares? can this be true? Stand I condemn'd for pride and scorne…

Exit.

Enter Prince, Claudio, Benedicke, and Leonato.

Prince. I doe but stay till your marriage be consum­ mate, and then go I toward Arragon.

Clau. Ile bring you thither my Lord, if you'l vouch­ safe me.

Prin. Nay, that would be as great a soyle in the new glosse of your marriage, as to…

Bene. Gallants, I am not as I haue bin.

Leo. So say I, methinkes you are sadder.

Claud. I hope he be in loue.

Prin. Hang him truant, there's no true drop of bloud in him to be truly toucht with loue,…

Bene. I haue the tooth‑ach.

Prin. Draw it.

Bene. Hang it.

Claud. You must hang it first, and draw it afterwards.

Prin. What? sigh for the tooth‑ach.

Leon. Where is but a humour or a worme.

Bene. Well, euery one cannot master a griefe, but hee that has it.

Clau. Yet say I, he is in loue.

Prin. There is no appearance of fancie in him, vnlesse it be a fancy that he hath to…

Clau. If he be not in loue vvith some vvoman, there is no beleeuing old signes, a brushes…

Prin. Hath any man seene him at the Barbers?

Clau. No, but the Barbers man hath beene seen with him, and the olde ornament of his cheeke…

Leon. Indeed he lookes yonger than hee did, by the losse of a beard.

Prin. Nay a rubs himselfe vvith Ciuit, can you smell him out by that?

Clau. That's as much as to say, the sweet youth's in loue.

Prin. The greatest note of it is his melancholy.

Clau. And vvhen vvas he vvont to vvash his face?

Prin. Yea, or to paint himselfe? for the which I heare vvhat they say of him.

Clau. Nay, but his iesting spirit, vvhich is now crept into a lute‑string, and now gouern'd by stops.

Prin. Indeed that tels a heauy tale for him: conclude, he is in loue.

Clau. Nay, but I know who loues him.

Prince. That would I know too, I warrant one that knowes him not.

Cla. Yes, and his ill conditions, and in despight of all, dies for him.

Prin. Shee shall be buried with her face vpwards.

Bene. Yet is this no charme for the tooth‑ake, old sig­ nior, walke aside with mee, I haue…

Prin. For my life to breake with him about Beatrice.

Clau. 'Tis euen so, Hero and Margaret haue by this played their parts with Beatrice, and then the…

Enter Iohn the Bastard.

Bast. My Lord and brother, God saue you.

Prin. Good den brother.

Bast. If your leisure seru'd, I would speake with you.

Prince. In priuate?

Bast. If it please you, yet Count Claudio may heare, for what I would speake of, concernes him.

Prin. What's the matter?

Basta. Meanes your Lordship to be married to mor­ row?

Prin. You know he does.

Bast. I know not that when he knowes what I know.

Clau. If there be any impediment, I pray you disco­ uer it.

Bast. You may thinke I loue you not, let that appeare hereafter, and ayme better at me by…

Prin. Why, what's the matter?

Bastard. I came hither to tell you, and circumstances shortned, (for she hath beene too long a talking…

Clau. Who Hero?

Bast. Euen shee, Leonatoes Hero, your Hero, euery mans Hero.

Clau. Disloyall?

Bast. The word is too good to paint out her wicked­ nesse, I could say she were worse,…

Claud. May this be so?

Princ. I will not thinke it.

Bast. If you dare not trust that you see, confesse not that you know: if you will follow…

Clau. If I see any thing to night, why I should not marry her to morrow in the…

Prin. And as I wooed for thee to obtaine her, I will ioyne with thee to disgrace her.

Bast. I will disparage her no farther, till you are my witnesses, beare it coldly but till night,…

Prin. O day vntowardly turned!

Claud. O mischiefe strangelie thwarting!

Bastard. O plague right well preuented! so will you say, when you haue seene the sequele.

Exit.

Enter Dogbery and his compartner with the watch.

Dog. Are you good men and true?

Verg. Yea, or else it were pitty but they should suffer saluation body and soule.

Dogb. Nay, that were a punishment too good for them, if they should haue any allegiance in them,…

Verges. Well, giue them their charge, neighbor Dogbery.

Dog. First, who thinke you the most desartlesse man to be Constable?

Watch. 1. Hugh Ote‑cake sir, or George Sea‑coale, for they can write and reade.

Dogb. Come hither neighbour Sea‑coale, God hath blest you with a good name: to be a wel‑fauoured man,…

Watch 2. Both which Master Constable

Dogb. You haue: I knew it would be your answere: well, for your fauour sir, why giue God…

Watch 2. How if a will not stand?

Dogb. Why then take no note of him, but let him go, and presently call the rest of…

Verges. If he will not stand when he is bidden, hee is none of the Princes subiects.

Dogb. True, and they are to meddle with none but the Princes subiects: you shall also make no…

Watch. We will rather sleepe than talke, wee know what belongs to a Watch.

Dog. Why you speake like an ancient and most quiet watchman, for I cannot see how sleeping should…

Watch. How if they will not?

Dogb. Why then let them alone till they are sober, if they make you not then the better…

Watch. Well sir.

Dogb. If you meet a theefe, you may suspect him, by vertue of your office, to be no…

Watch. If wee know him to be a thiefe, shall wee not lay hands on him.

Dogb. Truly by your office you may, but I think they that touch pitch will be defil'd: the…

Ver. You haue bin alwaies cal'd a merciful mā partner.

Dog. Truely I would not hang a dog by my will, much more a man who hath anie…

Verges. If you heare a child crie in the night you must call to the nurse, and bid…

Watch. How if the nurse be asleepe and will not heare vs?

Dog. Why then depart in peace, and let the childe wake her with crying, for the ewe that…

Verges. 'Tis verie true.

Dog. This is the end of the charge: you constable are to present the Princes owne person, if…

Verges. Nay birladie that I thinke a cannot.

Dog. Fiue shillings to one on't with anie man that knowes the Statutes, he may staie him, marrie…

Verges. Birladie I thinke it be so.

Dog. Ha, ah ha, well masters good night, and there be anie matter of weight chances, call vp…

Watch. Well masters, we heare our charge, let vs go sit here vpon the Church bench till two,…

Dog. One word more, honest neighbors. I pray you watch about signior Leonatoes doore, for the wedding be­…

Exeunt.

Enter Borachio and Conrade.

Bor. What, Conrade?

Watch. Peace, stir not.

Bor. Conrade I say.

Con. Here man, I am at thy elbow.

Bor. Mas and my elbow itcht, I thought there would a scabbe follow.

Con. I will owe thee an answere for that, and now forward with thy tale.

Bor. Stand thee close then vnder this penthouse, for it drissels raine, and I will, like a true…

Watch. Some treason masters, yet stand close.

Bor. Therefore know, I haue earned of Don Iohn a thousand Ducates.

Con. Is it possible that anie villanie should be so deare?

Bor. Thou should'st rather aske if it were possible a­ nie villanie should be so rich? for when…

Con. I wonder at it.

Bor. That shewes thou art vnconfirm'd, thou knowest that the fashion of a doublet, or a hat, or…

Con. Yes, it is apparel.

Bor. I meane the fashion.

Con. Yes the fashion is the fashion.

Bor. Tush, I may as well say the foole's the foole, but seest thou not what a deformed…

Watch. I know that deformed, a has bin a vile theefe, this vii. yeares, a goes vp and…

Bor. Did'st thou not heare some bodie?

Con. No, 'twas the vaine on the house.

Bor. Seest thou not (I say) what a deformed thiefe this fashion is, how giddily a turnes about…

Con. All this I see, and see that the fashion weares out more apparrell then the man; but…

Bor. Not so neither, but know that I haue to night wooed Margaret the Lady Heroes gentle‑woman, by…

Con. And thought thy Margaret was Hero?

Bor. Two of them did, the Prince and Claudio, but the diuell my Master knew she was Margaret…

Watch. 1. We charge you in the Princes name stand.

Watch. 2. Call vp the right master Constable, vve haue here recouered the most dangerous peece of lechery,…

Watch. 1. And one Deformed is one of them, I know him, a vveares a locke.

Conr. Masters, masters.

Watch. 2. Youle be made bring deformed forth I war­ rant you,

Conr. Masters, neuer speake, vve charge you, let vs o­ bey you to goe vvith vs.

Bor. We are like to proue a goodly commoditie, be­ ing taken vp of these mens bils.

Conr. A commoditie in question I warrant you, come vveele obey you.

Exeunt.

Enter Hero, and Margaret, and Vrsula.

Hero. Good Vrsula wake my cosin Beatrice, and de­ sire her to rise.

Vrsu. I will Lady.

Her. And bid her come hither.

Vrs. Well.

Mar. Troth I thinke your other rebato were better.

Bero. No pray thee good Meg, Ile vveare this.

Marg. By my troth's not so good, and I vvarrant your cosin vvill say so.

Bero. My cosin's a foole, and thou art another, ile vveare none but this.

Mar. I like the new tire vvithin excellently, if the haire vvere a thought browner: and your gown's…

Bero. O that exceedes they say.

Mar. By my troth's but a night‑gowne in respect of yours, cloth a gold and cuts, and lac'd…

Hero. God giue mee ioy to weare it, for my heart is exceeding heauy.

Marga. 'Twill be heauier soone, by the waight of a man.

Hero. Fie vpon thee, art not asham'd?

Marg. Of what Lady? of speaking honourably? is not marriage honourable in a beggar? is not your Lord…

Enter Beatrice.

Hero. Good morrow Coze.

Beat. Good morrow sweet Hero.

Hero. Why how now? do you speake in the sick tune?

Beat. I am out of all other tune, me thinkes.

Mar. Claps into Light a loue, (that goes without a burden,) do you sing it and Ile dance…

Beat. Ye Light aloue with your heeles, then if your husband haue stables enough, you'll looke he shall…

Mar. O illegitimate construction! I scorne that with my heeles.

Beat. 'Tis almost fiue a clocke cosin, 'tis time you were ready, by my troth I am exceeding…

Mar. For a hauke, a horse, or a husband?

Beat. For the letter that begins them all, H.

Mar. Well, and you be not turn'd Turke, there's no more sayling by the starre.

Beat. What meanes the foole trow?

Mar. Nothing I, but God send euery one their harts desire.

Hero. These gloues the Count sent mee, they are an excellent perfume.

Beat. I am stuft cosin, I cannot smell.

Mar. A maid and stuft! there's goodly catching of colde.

Beat. O God helpe me, God help me, how long haue you profest apprehension?

Mar. Euer since you left it, doth not my wit become me rarely?

Beat. It is not seene enough, you should weare it in your cap, by my troth I am…

Mar. Get you some of this distill'd carduus benedictus and lay it to your heart, it is the…

Hero. There thou prickst her with a thissell.

Beat. Benedictus, why benedictus? you haue some mo­ rall in this benedictus.

Mar. Morall? no by my troth, I haue no morall mea­ ning, I meant plaine holy thissell, you…

Beat. What pace is this that thy tongue keepes.

Mar. Not a false gallop.

Enter Vrsula.

Vrsula. Madam, withdraw, the Prince, the Count, sig­ nior Benedicke, Don Iohn, and all the gallants of the…

Hero. Helpe me to dresse mee good coze, good Meg, good Vrsula.

Enter Leonato, and the Constable, and the Headborough.

Leonato. What would you with mee, honest neigh­ bour?

Const. Dog. Mary sir I would haue some confidence with you, that decernes you nearly.

Leon. Briefe I pray you, for you see it is a busie time with me.

Const. Dog. Mary this it is sir.

Headb. Yes in truth it is sir.

Leon. What is it my good friends?

Con. Do. Goodman Verges sir speakes a little of the matter, an old man sir, and his wits…

Head. Yes I thank God, I am as honest as any man li­ uing, that is an old…

Con. Dog. Comparisons are odorous, palabras, neigh­ bour Verges.

Leon. Neighbours, you are tedious.

Con. Dog. It pleases your worship to say so, but we are the poore Dukes officers, but truely…

Leon. All thy tediousnesse on me, ah?

Const. Dog. Yea, and 'twere a thousand times more than 'tis, for I heare as good exclamation on…

Head. And so am I.

Leon. I would faine know what you haue to say.

Head. Marry sir our watch to night, except□ng your worships presence, haue tane a couple of as arrant…

Con. Dog. A good old man sir, hee will be talking as they say, when the age is…

Leon. Indeed neighbour he comes too short of you.

Con. Do. Gifts that God giues.

Leon. I must leaue you.

Con. Dog. One word sir, our watch sir haue indeed comprehended two aspitious persons, & we would haue…

Leon. Take their examination your selfe, and bring it me, I am now in great haste, as may…

Const. It shall be suffigance.

Leon. Drinke some wine ere you goe: fare you well. (Exit.

Messenger. My Lord, they stay for you to giue your daughter to her husband.

Leon. Ile wait vpon them, I am ready.

Dogb. Goe good partner, goe get you to Francis Sea‑ coale, bid him bring his pen and inkehorne…

Verges. And we must doe it wisely.

Dogb. Wee will spare for no witte I warrant you: heere's that shall driue some to a non‑come,…

Exeunt.

Actus Quartus.

Enter Prince, Bastard, Leonato, Frier, Claudio, Benedicke, Hero, and Beatrice.

Leonato. Come Frier Francis, be briefe, onely to the plaine forme of marriage, and you shal recount their…

Fran. You come hither, my Lord, to marry this Lady.

Clau. No.

Leo. To be married to her: Frier, you come to mar­ rie her.

Frier. Lady, you come hither to be married to this Count.

Hero. I doe.

Frier. If either of you know any inward impediment why you should not be conioyned, I charge you…

Claud. Know you anie, Hero?

Hero. None my Lord.

Frier. Know you anie, Count?

Leon. I dare make his answer, None.

Clau. O what men dare do! what men may do! what men daily do!

Bene. How now! interiections? why then, some be of laughing, as ha, ha, he.

Clau. Stand thee by Frier, father, by your leaue, Will you with free and vnconstrained soule Giue me…

Leon. As freely sonne as God did giue her me.

Cla. And what haue I to giue you back, whose worth May counterpoise this rich and precious gift?

Prin. Nothing, vnlesse you render her againe.

Clau. Sweet Prince, you learn me noble thankfulnes: There Leonato, take her backe againe, Giue not this rotten…

Leonato. What doe you meane, my Lord?

Clau. Not to be married, Not to knit my soule to an approued wanton.

Leon. Deere my Lord, if you in your owne □roofe, Haue vanquisht the resistance of her youth, And…

Clau. I know what you would say: if I haue knowne (her, You will say, she did imbrace…

Hero. And seem'd I euer otherwise to you?

Clau. Out on thee seeming, I will write against it, You seeme to me as Diane in her…

Hero. Is my Lord well, that he doth speake so wide?

Leon. Sweete Prince, why speake not you?

Prin. What should I speake? I stand dishonour'd that haue gone about, To linke my deare friend to…

Leon. Are these things spoken, or doe I but dreame?

Bast. Sir, they are spoken, and these things are true.

Bene. This lookes not like a nuptiall.

Hero. True, O God!

Clau. Leonato, stand I here? Is this the Prince? is this the Princes brother? Is this face Heroes?…

Leon. All this is so, but what of this my Lord?

Clau. Let me but moue one question to your daugh­ (ter, And by that fatherly and kindly power,…

Leo. I charge thee doe, as thou art my childe.

Hero. O God defend me how am I beset, What kinde of catechizing call you this?

Clau. To make you answer truly to your name.

Hero. Is it not Hero? who can blot that name With any iust reproach?

Claud. Marry that can Hero, Hero it selfe can blot out Heroes vertue. What man was he, talkt…

Hero. I talkt with no man at that howre my Lord.

Prince. Why then you are no maiden. Leonato, I am sorry you must heare: vpon mine honor, My…

Iohn. Fie, fie, they are not to be named my Lord, Not to be spoken of, There is…

Claud. O Hero! what a Hero hadst thou beene If halfe thy outward graces had beene placed About…

Leon. Hath no mans dagger here a point for me?

Beat. Why how now cosin, wherfore sink you down?

Bast. Come, let vs go: these things come thus to light, Smother her spirits vp.

Bene. How doth the Lady?

Beat. Dead I thinke, helpe vncle, Hero, why Hero, Vncle, Signor Benedicke, Frier.

Leonato. O Fate! take not away thy heauy hand, Death is the fairest couer for her shame That…

Beatr. How now cosin Hero?

Fri. Haue comfort Ladie.

Leon. Dost thou looke vp?

Frier. Yea, wherefore should she not?

Leon. Wherfore? Why doth not euery earthly thing Cry shame vpon her? Could she heere denie The storie…

Ben. Sir, sir, be patient: for my part, I am so attired in wonder, I know not what…

Bea. O on my soule my cosin is belied.

Ben. Ladie, were you her bedfellow last night?

Bea. No, truly: not although vntill last night, I haue this tweluemonth bin her bedfellow.

Leon. Confirm'd, confirm'd, O that is stronger made Which was before barr'd vp with ribs of iron. Would…

Fri. Heare me a little, for I haue onely bene silent so long, and giuen way vnto this…

Leo. Friar, it cannot be: Thou seest that all the Grace that she hath left, Is, that she…

Fri. Ladie, what man is he you are accus'd of?

Hero. They know that do accuse me, I know none: If I know more of any man aliue…

Fri. There is some strange misprision in the Princes.

Ben. Two of them haue the verie bent of honor, And if their wisedomes be misled in this:…

Leo. I know not: if they speake but truth of her, These hands shall teare her: If they…

Fri. Pause awhile: And let my counsell sway you in this case, Your daughter heere the Princesse (left…

Leon. What shall become of this? What wil this do?

Fri. Marry this wel carried, shall on her behalfe, Change slander to remorse, that is some good, But…

Bene. Signior Leonato, let the Frier aduise you, And though you know my inwardnesse and loue Is very…

Leon. Being that I flow in greefe, The smallest twine may lead me.

Frier. 'Tis well consented, presently away, For to strange sores, strangely they straine the cure, Come Lady, die…

Exit.

Bene. Lady Beatrice, haue you wept all this while?

Beat. Yea, and I will weepe a while longer.

Bene. I will not desire that.

Beat. You haue no reason, I doe it freely.

Bene. Surelie I do beleeue your fair cosin is wrong'd.

Beat. Ah, how much might the man deserue of mee that would right her!

Bene. Is there any way to shew such friendship?

Beat. A verie euen way, but no such friend.

Bene. May a man doe it?

Beat. It is a mans office, but not yours.

Bene. I doe loue nothing in the world so well as you, is not that strange?

Beat. As strange as the thing I know not, it were as possible for me to say, I…

Bene. By my sword Beatrice thou lou'st me.

Beat. Doe not sweare by it and eat it.

Bene. I will sweare by it that you loue mee, and I will make him eat it that…

Beat. Will you not eat your word?

Bene. With no sawce that can be deuised to it, I pro­ test I loue thee.

Beat. Why then God forgiue me.

Bene. What offence sweet Beatrice?

Beat. You haue stayed me in a happy howre, I was a­ bout to protest I loued you.

Bene. And doe it with all thy heart.

Beat. I loue you with so much of my heart, that none is left to protest.

Bened. Come, bid me doe any thing for thee.

Beat. Kill Claudio.

Bene. Ha, not for the wide world.

Beat. You kill me to denie, farewell.

Bene. Tarrie sweet Beatrice.

Beat. I am gone, though I am heere, there is no loue in you, nay I pray you…

Bene. Beatrice.

Beat. Infaith I will goe.

Bene. Wee'll be friends first.

Beat. You dare easier be friends with mee, than fight with mine enemy.

Bene. Is Claudio thine enemie?

Beat. Is a not approued in the height a villaine, that hath slandered, scorned, dishonoured my kinswoman? O…

Bene. Heare me Beatrice.

Beat. Talke with a man out at a window, a proper saying.

Bene. Nay but Beatrice.

Beat. Sweet Hero, she is wrong'd, shee is slandered, she is vndone.

Bene. Beat?

Beat. Princes and Counties! surelie a Princely testi­ monie, a goodly Count, Comfect, a sweet Gallant sure­ lie,…

Bene. Tarry good Beatrice, by this hand I loue thee.

Beat. Vse it for my loue some other way then swea­ ring by it.

Bened. Thinke you in your soule the Count Claudio hath wrong'd Hero?

Beat. Yea, as sure as I haue a thought, or a soule.

Bene. Enough, I am engagde, I will challenge him, I will kisse your hand, and so leaue you:…

Enter the Constables, Borachio, and the Towne Clerke in gownes.

Keeper. Is our whole dissembly appeard?

Cowley. O a stoole and a cushion for the Sexton.

Sexton. Which be the malefactors?

Andrew. Marry that am I, and my partner.

Cowley. Nay that's certaine, wee haue the exhibition to examine.

Sexton. But which are the offenders that are to be ex­ amined, let them come before master Constable.

Kemp. Yea marry, let them come before mee, what is your name, friend?

Bor. Borachio.

Kem. Pray write downe Borachio. Yours sirra.

Con. I am a Gentleman sir, and my name is Conrade.

Kee. Write downe Master gentleman Conrade: mai­ sters, doe you serue God: maisters, it is proued already that…

Con. Marry sir, we say we are none.

Kemp. A maruellous witty fellow I assure you, but I will goe about with him: come you hither…

Bor. Sir, I say to you, we are none.

Kemp. Well, stand aside, 'fore God they are both in a tale: haue you writ downe that they…

Sext. Master Constable, you goe not the way to ex­ amine, you must call forth the watch that…

Kemp. Yea marry, that's the eftest way, let the watch come forth: masters, I charge you in the…

Watch 1. This man said sir, that Don Iohn the Princes brother was a villaine.

Kemp. Write down, Prince Iohn a villaine: why this is flat periurie, to call a Princes brother villaine.

Bora. Master Constable.

Kemp. Pray thee fellow peace, I do not like thy looke I promise thee.

Sexton. What heard you him say else?

Watch 2. Mary that he had receiued a thousand Du­ kates of Don Iohn, for accusing the Lady…

Kemp. Flat Burglarie as euer was committed.

Const. Yea by th'masse that it is.

Sexton. What else fellow?

Watch 1. And that Count Claudio did meane vpon his words, to disgrace Hero before the whole assembly,…

Kemp. O villaine! thou wilt be condemn'd into euer­ lasting redemption for this.

Sexton. What else?

Watch. This is all.

Sexton. And this is more masters then you can deny, Prince Iohn is this morning secretly stolne away:…

Const. Come, let them be opinion'd.

Sex. Let them be in the hands of Coxcombe.

Kem. Gods my life, where's the Sexton? let him write downe the Princes Officer Coxcombe: come, binde them…

Couley. Away, you are an asse, you are an asse.

Kemp. Dost thou not suspect my place? dost thou not suspect my yeeres? O that hee were heere…

Exit.

Actus Quintus.

Enter Leonato and his brother.

Brother. If you goe on thus, you will kill your selfe, And 'tis not wisedome thus to second…

Leon. I pray thee cease thy counsaile, Which falls into mine eares as profitlesse, As water in a…

Broth. Therein do men from children nothing differ.

Leonato. I pray thee peace, I will be flesh and bloud, For there was neuer yet Philosopher, That…

Brother. Yet bend not all the harme vpon your selfe, Make those that doe offend you, suffer too.

Leon. There thou speak'st reason, nay I will doe so, My soule doth tell me, Hero is belied,…

Enter Prince and Claudio.

Brot. Here comes the Prince and Claudio hastily.

Prin. Good den, good den.

Clau. Good day to both of you.

Leon. Heare you my Lords?

Prin. We haue some haste Leonato.

Leo. Some haste my Lord! wel, fareyouwel my Lord, Are you so hasty now? well, all is one.

Prin. Nay, do not quarrel with vs, good old man.

Brot. If he could rite himselfe with quarrelling, Some of vs would lie low.

Claud. Who wrongs him?

Leon. Marry yu dost wrong me, thou dissembler, thou: Nay, neuer lay thy hand vpon thy sword, I…

Claud. Marry beshrew my hand, If it should giue your age such cause of feare, Infaith my hand…

Leonato. Tush, tush, man, neuer fleere and iest at me, I speake not like a dotard, nor a…

Claud. My villany?

Leonato. Thine Claudio, thine I say.

Prin. You say not right old man.

Leon. My Lord, my Lord, Ile proue it on his body if he dare, Despight his nice fence,…

Claud. Away, I will not haue to do with you.