ACT 1
Scene 1
...Pedro is approached.
Enter Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon, with Claudio, Benedick, Balthasar, and John the Bastard.
...you all duty.
I thank you. I am not of many words, but I
thank you.
...will go together.
All exit except Benedick and Claudio.
Scene 3
...this busy time.
Enter Sir John the Bastard, and Conrade, his companion.
...of measure sad?
There is no measure in the occasion that
breeds. Therefore the sadness is without limit.
...should hear reason.
And when I have heard it, what blessing
brings it?
...a patient sufferance.
I wonder that thou, being, as thou sayst thou
art, born under Saturn, goest about to apply a moral
medicine to a mortifying mischief. I cannot hide
what I am. I must be sad when I have cause, and
smile at no man’s jests; eat when I have stomach,
and wait for no man’s leisure; sleep when I am
drowsy, and tend on no man’s business; laugh when
I am merry, and claw no man in his humor.
...your own harvest.
I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a
rose in his grace, and it better fits my blood to be
disdained of all than to fashion a carriage to rob
love from any. In this, though I cannot be said to be
a flattering honest man, it must not be denied but I
am a plain-dealing villain. I am trusted with a
muzzle and enfranchised with a clog; therefore I
have decreed not to sing in my cage. If I had my
mouth, I would bite; if I had my liberty, I would do
my liking. In the meantime, let me be that I am, and
seek not to alter me.
...of your discontent?
I make all use of it, for I use it only. Who
comes here?
Enter Borachio.
What news, Borachio?
...an intended marriage.
Will it serve for any model to build mischief
on? What is he for a fool that betroths himself to
unquietness?
...brother’s right hand.
Who, the most exquisite Claudio?
... Even he.
A proper squire. And who, and who? Which
way looks he?
...heir of Leonato.
A very forward March chick! How came you
to this?
...to Count Claudio.
Come, come, let us thither. This may prove
food to my displeasure. That young start-up hath
all the glory of my overthrow. If I can cross him any
way, I bless myself every way. You are both sure, and
will assist me?
...death, my lord.
Let us to the great supper. Their cheer is the
greater that I am subdued. Would the cook were o’
my mind! Shall we go prove what’s to be done?
...upon your Lordship.
They exit.
ACT 2
Scene 1
...brother step aside.
Enter, with a Drum, Prince Pedro, Claudio, and Benedick, Signior Antonio, and Balthasar, all in masks, with Borachio and Don John.
...the next turning.
to Borachio
Sure my brother is amorous
on Hero, and hath withdrawn her father to break
with him about it. The ladies follow her, and but one
visor remains.
...by his bearing.
to Claudio
Are not you Signior Benedick?
...I am he.
Signior, you are very near my brother in his
love. He is enamored on Hero. I pray you dissuade
him from her. She is no equal for his birth. You
may do the part of an honest man in it.
...he loves her?
I heard him swear his affection.
...marry her tonight.
Come, let us to the banquet.
They exit. Claudio remains.
Scene 2
...you my drift.
Enter Don John and Borachio.
It is so. The Count Claudio shall marry the
daughter of Leonato.
...can cross it.
Any bar, any cross, any impediment will be
med’cinable to me. I am sick in displeasure to him,
and whatsoever comes athwart his affection ranges
evenly with mine. How canst thou cross this
marriage?
...appear in me.
Show me briefly how.
...gentlewoman to Hero.
I remember.
...lady’s chamber window.
What life is in that to be the death of this
marriage?
...one as Hero.
What proof shall I make of that?
...any other issue?
Only to despite them I will endeavor
anything.
...the preparation overthrown.
Grow this to what adverse issue it can, I will
put it in practice. Be cunning in the working this,
and thy fee is a thousand ducats.
...not shame me.
I will presently go learn their day of
marriage.
They exit.
ACT 3
Scene 2
...when they meet.
Enter John the Bastard.
My lord and brother, God save you.
...Good e’en, brother.
If your leisure served, I would speak with
you.
... In private?
If it please you. Yet Count Claudio may
hear, for what I would speak of concerns him.
...What’s the matter?
to Claudio
Means your Lordship to be
married tomorrow?
...know he does.
I know not that, when he knows what I
know.
...you discover it.
You may think I love you not. Let that
appear hereafter, and aim better at me by that I
now will manifest. For my brother, I think he holds
you well, and in dearness of heart hath holp to effect
your ensuing marriage—surely suit ill spent and
labor ill bestowed.
...what’s the matter?
I came hither to tell you; and, circumstances
shortened, for she has been too long
a-talking of, the lady is disloyal.
... Who, Hero?
Even she: Leonato’s Hero, your Hero, every
man’s Hero.
... Disloyal?
The word is too good to paint out her
wickedness. I could say she were worse. Think you
of a worse title, and I will fit her to it. Wonder not
till further warrant. Go but with me tonight, you
shall see her chamber window entered, even the
night before her wedding day. If you love her then,
tomorrow wed her. But it would better fit your
honor to change your mind.
...not think it.
If you dare not trust that you see, confess
not that you know. If you will follow me, I will
show you enough, and when you have seen more
and heard more, proceed accordingly.
...to disgrace her.
I will disparage her no farther till you are
my witnesses. Bear it coldly but till midnight, and
let the issue show itself.
...mischief strangely thwarting!
O plague right well prevented! So will you
say when you have seen the sequel.
They exit.
ACT 4
Scene 1
...at the jail.
Enter Prince, John the Bastard, Leonato, Friar, Claudio, Benedick, Hero, and Beatrice, with Attendants.
...I but dream?
Sir, they are spoken, and these things are true.
...times in secret.
Fie, fie, they are not to be named, my lord,
Not to be spoke of!
There is not chastity enough in language,
Without offense, to utter them.—Thus, pretty lady,
I am sorry for thy much misgovernment.
...sink you down?
Come, let us go. These things, come thus to light,
Smother her spirits up.
Claudio, Prince, and Don John exit.