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Act 2, Scene 1 — A hall in Leonato’s house.
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The argument At a masked ball, Don John plants false jealousy in Claudio's heart while Beatrice savages Benedick to his hidden face; Don Pedro then delivers Hero to Claudio and hatches a plot to match Beatrice with Benedick.
Enter Leonato, Antonio, Hero, Beatrice and
others.
LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

Was not Count John here at supper?

Was not Count John here at supper?

Was not Count John here at supper?

was not count john here at supper?

ANTONIO Protective uncle wisdom

I saw him not.

I saw him not.

I saw him not.

i saw him not.

BEATRICE ≋ verse Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

How tartly that gentleman looks! I never can see him but I am

heart-burned an hour after.

How tartly that gentleman looks! I never can see him but I am heart-burned an hour after.

How tartly that gentleman looks! I never can see him but I'm heart-burned an hour after.

how tartly that gentleman looks i never can see him but i'm heart-burned an hour after

"heart-burned an hour after" Heartburn as a metaphor for the bitterness someone leaves behind — Beatrice uses a physical sensation to describe an emotional reaction, which is very much her style.
HERO Calculated silence and strategic word choice

He is of a very melancholy disposition.

He is of a very melancholy disposition.

He is of a very melancholy disposition.

he is of a very melancholy disposition.

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

He were an excellent man that were made just in the mid-way

between him and Benedick: the one is too like an image, and says nothing;

and the other too like my lady’s eldest son, evermore tattling.

He were an excellent man that were made just in the mid-way between him and Benedick: the one is too like an image, and says nothing; and the other too like my lady’s eldest son, evermore tattling.

He were an excellent man that were made just in the mid-way between him and Benedick: the one is too like an image, and says nothing; and the other too like my lady’s eldest son, evermore tattling.

he were an excellent man that were made just in the mid-way between him and benedick: the one is too like an image and says nothing and the other too like my lady’s eldest son evermore tattling

LEONATO ≋ verse Gracious management of expectations and people

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

mouth, and half Count John’s melancholy in Signior Benedick’s

face—

Then half Signior Benedick’s tongue in Count John’s mouth, and half Count John’s melancholy in Signior Benedick’s face—

Then half Signior Benedick’s tongue in Count John’s mouth, and half Count John’s melancholy in Signior Benedick’s face—

then half signior benedick’s tongue in count john’s mouth and half count john’s melancholy in signior benedick’s face—

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

With a good leg and a good foot, uncle, and money enough in his

purse, such a man would win any woman in the world if a’ could get

her good will.

With a good leg and a good foot, uncle, and money enough in his purse, such a man would win any woman in the world if a’ could get her good will.

With a good leg and a good foot, uncle, and money enough in his purse, such a man would win any woman in the world if a’ could get her good will.

with a good leg and a good foot uncle and money enough in his purse such a man would win any woman in the world if a’ could get her good will

LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

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

be so shrewd of thy tongue.

By my troth, niece, you wilt never get you a husband, if you be so shrewd of your tongue.

By my troth, niece, you wilt never get you a husband, if you be so shrewd of your tongue.

by my troth niece you wilt never get you a husband if you be so shrewd of your tongue

ANTONIO Protective uncle wisdom

In faith, she’s too curst.

In faith, she’s too curst.

In faith, she’s too curst.

in faith, she’s too curst.

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

Too curst is more than curst: I shall lessen God’s sending

that way; for it is said, ‘God sends a curst cow short horns;’

but to a cow too curst he sends none.

Too curst is more than curst: I shall lessen God’s sending that way; for it is said, ‘God sends a curst cow short horns;’ but to a cow too curst he sends none.

Too curst is more than curst: I shall lessen God’s sending that way; for it is said, ‘God sends a curst cow short horns;’ but to a cow too curst he sends none.

too curst is more than curst: i shall lessen god’s sending that way for it is said ‘god sends a curst cow short horns ’ but to a cow too curst he sends none

"God sends a curst cow short horns" A folk proverb: difficult cattle get stunted horns so they can't gore anyone. Beatrice turns it into an argument that extreme sharpness means no husband at all — which she presents as a blessing, not a curse.
LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

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

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

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

so, by being too curst, god will send you no horns?

"send you no horns" Horns were the symbol of a cuckolded husband — a man whose wife was unfaithful. No husband means no horns; Beatrice is making the spinster life sound like a protection from humiliation.
BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

Just, if he send me no husband; for the which blessing I am at

him upon my knees every morning and evening. Lord! I could not endure a

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

Just, if he send me no husband; for the which blessing I am at him upon my knees every morning and evening. Lord! I could not endure a husband with a beard on his face: I had rather lie in the woollen.

Just, if he send me no husband; for the which blessing I'm at him upon my knees every morning and evening. Lord! I could not endure a husband with a beard on his face: I had rather lie in the woollen.

just if he send me no husband for the which blessing i'm at him upon my knees every morning and evening lord i could not endure a husband with a beard on his face: i had rather lie in the woollen

LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

You may light on a husband that hath no beard.

You may light on a husband that has no beard.

You may light on a husband that has no beard.

you may light on a husband that has no beard.

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

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

my waiting gentlewoman? He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he

that hath no beard is less than a man; and he that is more than a youth is

not for me; and he that is less than a man, I am not for him: therefore I

will even take sixpence in earnest of the bear-ward, and lead his apes

into hell.

What should I do with him? dress him in my apparel and make him my waiting gentlewoman? He that has a beard is more than a youth, and he that has no beard is less than a man; and he that is more than a youth is not for me; and he that is less than a man, I am not for him: therefore I will even take sixpence in earnest of the bear-ward, and lead his apes into hell.

What should I do with him? dress him in my apparel and make him my waiting gentlewoman? He that has a beard is more than a youth, and he that has no beard is less than a man; and he that is more than a youth isn't for me; and he that is less than a man, I'm not for him: therefore I will even take sixpence in earnest of the bear-ward, and lead his apes into hell.

what should i do with him dress him in my apparel and make him my waiting gentlewoman he that has a beard is more than a youth and he that has no beard is less than a man and he that is more than a youth isn't for me

"lead his apes into hell" The proverbial punishment for women who refused marriage: in the afterlife, they would lead apes (symbols of foolishness) to hell instead of children to heaven. Beatrice adopts this fate with relish — reframing shame as freedom.
LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

Well then, go you into hell?

Well then, go you into hell?

Well then, go you into hell?

well then, go you into hell?

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

No; but to the gate; and there will the Devil meet me, like an

old cuckold, with horns on his head, and say, ‘Get you to heaven,

Beatrice, get you to heaven; here’s no place for you maids.’ So

deliver I up my apes, and away to Saint Peter for the heavens: he shows me

where the bachelors sit, and there live we as merry as the day is long.

No; but to the gate; and there will the Devil meet me, like an old cuckold, with horns on his head, and say, ‘Get you to heaven, Beatrice, get you to heaven; here’s no place for you maids.’ So deliver I up my apes, and away to Saint Peter for the heavens: he shows me where the bachelors sit, and there live we as merry as the day is long.

No; but to the gate; and there will the Devil meet me, like an old cuckold, with horns on his head, and say, ‘Get you to heaven, Beatrice, get you to heaven; here’s no place for you maids.’ So deliver I up my apes, and away to Saint Peter for the heavens: he shows me where the bachelors sit, and there live we as merry as the day is long.

no but to the gate and there will the devil meet me like an old cuckold with horns on his head

"the Devil meet me, like an old cuckold, with horns on his head" The Devil was traditionally depicted with horns — Beatrice repurposes this as the Devil being a cuckolded husband, which makes him as ridiculous as any mortal man whose wife cheated on him. The joke is that even Hell's master is just another hapless husband.
[To Hero.] Well, niece, I trust you will be ruled by your father.
BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

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

and say, ‘Father, as it please you:’— but yet for all

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

curtsy, and say, ‘Father, as it please me.’

Yes, faith; it is my cousin’s duty to make curtsy, and say, ‘Father, as it please you:’— but yet for all that, cousin, let him be a handsome fellow, or else make another curtsy, and say, ‘Father, as it please me.’

Yes, faith; it is my cousin’s duty to make curtsy, and say, ‘Father, as it please you:’— but yet for all that, cousin, let him be a handsome fellow, or else make another curtsy, and say, ‘Father, as it please me.’

yes faith it is my cousin’s duty to make curtsy and say ‘father

LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

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

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

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

well niece i hope to see you one day fitted with a husband

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

Not till God make men of some other metal than earth. Would it

not grieve a woman to be over-mastered with a piece of valiant dust? to

make an account of her life to a clod of wayward marl? No, uncle, I’ll

none: Adam’s sons are my brethren; and truly, I hold it a sin to

match in my kindred.

Not till God make men of some other metal than earth. Would it not grieve a woman to be over-mastered with a piece of valiant dust? to make an account of her life to a clod of wayward marl? No, uncle, I’ll none: Adam’s sons are my brethren; and truly, I hold it a sin to match in my kindred.

Not till God make men of some other metal than earth. Would it not grieve a woman to be over-mastered with a piece of valiant dust? to make an account of her life to a clod of wayward marl? No, uncle, I’ll none: Adam’s sons are my brethren; and truly, I hold it a sin to match in my kindred.

not till god make men of some other metal than earth would it not grieve a woman to be over-mastered with a piece of valiant dust to make an account of her life to a clod of wayward marl no uncle

"over-mastered with a piece of valiant dust" A reference to Genesis — God made man from earth/dust. Beatrice turns the creation myth into a critique: why should a woman submit to someone who is, at his core, just dirt that thinks well of itself?
LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

Daughter, remember what I told you: if the Prince do solicit you

in that kind, you know your answer.

Daughter, remember what I told you: if the Prince do solicit you in that kind, you know your answer.

Daughter, remember what I told you: if the Prince do solicit you in that kind, you know your answer.

daughter remember what i told you: if the prince do solicit you in that kind you know your answer

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

The fault will be in the music, cousin, if you be not wooed in

good time: if the Prince be too important, tell him there is measure in

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

wedding, and repenting is as a Scotch jig, a measure, and a cinquepace:

the first suit is hot and hasty, like a Scotch jig, and full as

fantastical; the wedding, mannerly modest, as a measure, full of state and

ancientry; and then comes Repentance, and with his bad legs, falls into

the cinquepace faster and faster, till he sink into his grave.

The fault will be in the music, cousin, if you be not wooed in good time: if the Prince be too important, tell him there is measure in everything, and so dance out the answer. For, hear me, Hero: wooing, wedding, and repenting is as a Scotch jig, a measure, and a cinquepace: the first suit is hot and hasty, like a Scotch jig, and full as fantastical; the wedding, mannerly modest, as a measure, full of state and ancientry; and then comes Repentance, and with his bad legs, falls into the cinquepace faster and faster, till he sink into his grave.

The fault will be in the music, cousin, if you be not wooed in good time: if the Prince be too important, tell him there is measure in everything, and so dance out the answer. For, hear me, Hero: wooing, wedding, and repenting is as a Scotch jig, a measure, and a cinquepace: the first suit is hot and hasty, like a Scotch jig, and full as fantastical; the wedding, mannerly modest, as a measure, full of state and ancientry; and then comes Repentance, and with his bad legs, falls into the cinquepace faster and faster, till he sink into his grave.

the fault will be in the music cousin if you be not wooed in good time: if the prince be too important tell him there is measure in everything and so dance out the answer

"wooing, wedding, and repenting is as a Scotch jig, a measure, and a cinquepace" One of the sharpest aphorisms in the play: Beatrice maps the three stages of marriage onto three dances, each getting more controlled and then more frantic. The 'cinquepace' (five-step) was a quick, energetic dance — Repentance stumbles through it until he drops.
LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

Cousin, you apprehend passing shrewdly.

Cousin, you apprehend passing shrewdly.

Cousin, you apprehend passing shrewdly.

cousin, you apprehend passing shrewdly.

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

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

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

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

i have a good eye, uncle: i can see a church by daylight.

LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

The revellers are entering, brother: make good room.

The revellers are entering, brother: make good room.

The revellers are entering, brother: make good room.

the revellers are entering, brother: make good room.

Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, Balthasar, Don
John, Borachio, Margaret, Ursula and Others, masked.
DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

Lady, will you walk about with your friend?

Lady, will you walk about with your friend?

Lady, will you walk about with your friend?

lady, will you walk about with your friend?

HERO Calculated silence and strategic word choice

So you walk softly and look sweetly and say nothing, I am yours for

the walk; and especially when I walk away.

So you walk softly and look sweetly and say nothing, I am yours for the walk; and especially when I walk away.

So you walk softly and look sweetly and say nothing, I'm yours for the walk; and especially when I walk away.

so you walk softly and look sweetly and say nothing i'm yours for the walk and especially when i walk away

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

With me in your company?

With me in your company?

With me in your company?

with me in your company?

HERO Calculated silence and strategic word choice

I may say so, when I please.

I may say so, when I please.

I may say so, when I please.

i may say so, when i please.

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

And when please you to say so?

And when please you to say so?

And when please you to say so?

and when please you to say so?

HERO Calculated silence and strategic word choice

When I like your favour; for God defend the lute should be like the case!

When I like your favour; for God defend the lute should be like the case!

When I like your favour; for God defend the lute should be like the case!

when i like your favour for god defend the lute should be like the case

"God defend the lute should be like the case" A lute-case was plain and functional; the lute itself was beautiful. Hero is saying: please don't let the face match the ugly mask. A graceful dodge that keeps the Prince's identity concealed while hinting she has opinions about what's underneath.
DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

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

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

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

my visor is philemon’s roof; within the house is jove.

"My visor is Philemon's roof; within the house is Jove" From Ovid — Jupiter visited earth in disguise, staying with the humble couple Philemon and Baucis. Don Pedro casts himself as a god traveling incognito, which is both charming and revealing of his own high opinion of himself.
HERO Calculated silence and strategic word choice

Why, then, your visor should be thatch’d.

Why, then, your visor should be thatch’d.

Why, then, your visor should be thatch’d.

why, then, your visor should be thatch’d.

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

Speak low, if you speak love.

Speak low, if you speak love.

Speak low, if you speak love.

speak low, if you speak love.

[Takes her aside.]
BALTHASAR Respectful and deferential service

Well, I would you did like me.

Well, I would you did like me.

Well, I would you did like me.

well, i would you did like me.

MARGARET Loyal wit and affectionate mockery

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

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

So wouldn't I, for your own sake; for I have many ill qualities.

so wouldn't i for your own sake for i have many ill qualities

BALTHASAR Respectful and deferential service

Which is one?

Which is one?

Which is one?

which is one?

MARGARET Loyal wit and affectionate mockery

I say my prayers aloud.

I say my prayers aloud.

I say my prayers aloud.

i say my prayers aloud.

BALTHASAR Respectful and deferential service

I love you the better; the hearers may cry Amen.

I love you the better; the hearers may cry Amen.

I love you the better; the hearers may cry Amen.

i love you the better; the hearers may cry amen.

MARGARET Loyal wit and affectionate mockery

God match me with a good dancer!

God match me with a good dancer!

God match me with a good dancer!

god match me with a good dancer!

BALTHASAR Respectful and deferential service

Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

amen.

MARGARET Loyal wit and affectionate mockery

And God keep him out of my sight when the dance is done! Answer, clerk.

And God keep him out of my sight when the dance is done! Answer, clerk.

And God keep him out of my sight when the dance is done! Answer, clerk.

and god keep him out of my sight when the dance is done answer clerk

BALTHASAR Respectful and deferential service

No more words: the clerk is answered.

No more words: the clerk is answered.

No more words: the clerk is answered.

no more words: the clerk is answered.

URSULA Wise observation of the bigger picture

I know you well enough: you are Signior Antonio.

I know you well enough: you are Signior Antonio.

I know you well enough: you are Signior Antonio.

i know you well enough: you are signior antonio.

ANTONIO Protective uncle wisdom

At a word, I am not.

At a word, I am not.

At a word, I'm not.

at a word, i'm not.

URSULA Wise observation of the bigger picture

I know you by the waggling of your head.

I know you by the waggling of your head.

I know you by the waggling of your head.

i know you by the waggling of your head.

ANTONIO Protective uncle wisdom

To tell you true, I counterfeit him.

To tell you true, I counterfeit him.

To tell you true, I counterfeit him.

to tell you true, i counterfeit him.

URSULA ≋ verse Wise observation of the bigger picture

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

man. Here’s his dry hand up and down: you are he, you are he.

You could never do him so ill-well, unless you were the very man. Here’s his dry hand up and down: you are he, you are he.

You could never do him so ill-well, unless you were the very man. Here’s his dry hand up and down: you are he, you are he.

you could never do him so ill-well unless you were the very man here’s his dry hand up and down: you are he you are he

ANTONIO Protective uncle wisdom

At a word, I am not.

At a word, I am not.

At a word, I'm not.

at a word, i'm not.

URSULA Wise observation of the bigger picture

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

wit? Can virtue hide itself? Go to, mum, you are he: graces will

appear, and there’s an end.

Come, come; do you think I do not know you by your excellent wit? Can virtue hide itself? Go to, mum, you are he: graces will appear, and there’s an end.

Come, come; do you think I don't know you by your excellent wit? Can virtue hide itself? Go to, mum, you are he: graces will appear, and there’s an end.

come come do you think i don't know you by your excellent wit can virtue hide itself go to

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

Will you not tell me who told you so?

Will you not tell me who told you so?

Will you not tell me who told you so?

will you not tell me who told you so?

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

No, you shall pardon me.

No, you shall pardon me.

No, you shall pardon me.

no, you shall pardon me.

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

Nor will you not tell me who you are?

Nor will you not tell me who you are?

Nor will you not tell me who you are?

nor will you not tell me who you are?

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

Not now.

Not now.

Not now.

not now.

BEATRICE ≋ verse Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

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

the ‘Hundred Merry Tales.’ Well, this was Signior

Benedick that said so.

That I was disdainful, and that I had my good wit out of the ‘Hundred Merry Tales.’ Well, this was Signior Benedick that said so.

That I was disdainful, and that I had my good wit out of the ‘Hundred Merry Tales.’ Well, this was Signior Benedick that said so.

that i was disdainful and that i had my good wit out of the ‘hundred merry tales ’ well this was signior benedick that said so

"Hundred Merry Tales" An actual Elizabethan collection of short comic tales, printed 1526. Beatrice is accusing Benedick of saying her wit is borrowed from a secondhand joke book — not original at all. A light but cutting insult.
BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

What’s he?

What’s he?

What’s he?

what’s he?

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

I am sure you know him well enough.

I am sure you know him well enough.

I'm sure you know him well enough.

i'm sure you know him well enough.

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

Not I, believe me.

Not I, believe me.

Not I, believe me.

not i, believe me.

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

Did he never make you laugh?

Did he never make you laugh?

Did he never make you laugh?

did he never make you laugh?

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

I pray you, what is he?

I pray you, what is he?

I pray you, what is he?

i pray you, what is he?

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

Why, he is the Prince’s jester: a very dull fool; only his

gift is in devising impossible slanders: none but libertines delight in

him; and the commendation is not in his wit, but in his villainy; for he

both pleases men and angers them, and then they laugh at him and beat him.

I am sure he is in the fleet: I would he had boarded me!

Why, he is the Prince’s jester: a very dull fool; only his gift is in devising impossible slanders: none but libertines delight in him; and the commendation is not in his wit, but in his villainy; for he both pleases men and angers them, and then they laugh at him and beat him. I am sure he is in the fleet: I would he had boarded me!

Why, he is the Prince’s jester: a very dull fool; only his gift is in devising impossible slanders: none but libertines delight in him; and the commendation isn't in his wit, but in his villainy; for he both pleases men and angers them, and then they laugh at him and beat him. I'm sure he is in the fleet: I would he had boarded me!

why he is the prince’s jester: a very dull fool only his gift is in devising impossible slanders: none but libertines delight in him and the commendation isn't in his wit but in his villainy

🎭 Dramatic irony Beatrice calls Benedick 'the Prince's jester — a very dull fool' to his masked face, not knowing he can hear every word. The audience knows exactly who is behind the visor and watches Benedick absorb the wound in silence.
BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

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

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

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

when i know the gentleman, i’ll tell him what you say.

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

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

peradventure not marked or not laughed at, strikes him into melancholy;

and then there’s a partridge wing saved, for the fool will eat no

supper that night. [Music within.] We must follow the leaders.

Do, do: he’ll but break a comparison or two on me; which, peradventure not marked or not laughed at, strikes him into melancholy; and then there’s a partridge wing saved, for the fool will eat no supper that night. [Music within.] We must follow the leaders.

Do, do: he’ll but break a comparison or two on me; which, peradventure not marked or not laughed at, strikes him into melancholy; and then there’s a partridge wing saved, for the fool will eat no supper that night. [Music within.] We must follow the leaders.

do do: he’ll but break a comparison or two on me which peradventure not marked or not laughed at strikes him into melancholy

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

In every good thing.

In every good thing.

In every good thing.

in every good thing.

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

Nay, if they lead to any ill, I will leave them at the next turning.

no, if they lead to any ill, I will leave them at the next turning.

no, if they lead to any ill, I will leave them at the next turning.

no if they lead to any ill i will leave them at the next turning

[Dance. Then exeunt all but Don John, Borachio
and Claudio.]
DON JOHN Barely concealed resentment and bitterness

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.

Sure my brother is amorous on Hero, and has withdrawn her father to break with him about it. The ladies follow her and but one visor remains.

Sure my brother is amorous on Hero, and has withdrawn her father to break with him about it. The ladies follow her and but one visor remains.

sure my brother is amorous on hero and has withdrawn her father to break with him about it the ladies follow her and but one visor remains

BORACHIO Cynical pride in his own corruption

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

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

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

and that is claudio: i know him by his bearing.

DON JOHN Barely concealed resentment and bitterness

Are you not Signior Benedick?

Are you not Signior Benedick?

Are you not Signior Benedick?

are you not signior benedick?

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

You know me well; I am he.

You know me well; I am he.

You know me well; I'm he.

you know me well; i'm he.

🎭 Dramatic irony Claudio identifies himself to Don John as Benedick — which sets up Don John's false report about Don Pedro. Claudio's vanity in wanting to be mistaken for someone else is precisely what allows him to be manipulated.
DON JOHN Barely concealed resentment and bitterness

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

enamoured on Hero; I pray you, dissuade him from her; she is no equal for

his birth: you may do the part of an honest man in it.

Signior, you are very near my brother in his love: he is enamoured on Hero; I pray you, dissuade him from her; she is no equal for his birth: you may do the part of an honest man in it.

Signior, you are very near my brother in his love: he is enamoured on Hero; I pray you, dissuade him from her; she is no equal for his birth: you may do the part of an honest man in it.

signior you are very near my brother in his love: he is enamoured on hero i pray you dissuade him from her she is no equal for his birth: you may do the part of an honest man in it

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

How know you he loves her?

How know you he loves her?

How know you he loves her?

how know you he loves her?

DON JOHN Barely concealed resentment and bitterness

I heard him swear his affection.

I heard him swear his affection.

I heard him swear his affection.

i heard him swear his affection.

BORACHIO Cynical pride in his own corruption

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

So did I too; and he swore he would indeed her tonight.

So did I too; and he swore he would indeed her tonight.

so did i too; and he swore he would indeed her tonight.

DON JOHN Barely concealed resentment and bitterness

Come, let us to the banquet.

Come, let us to the banquet.

Come, let us to the banquet.

come, let us to the banquet.

[Exeunt Don John and Borachio.]
CLAUDIO ≋ verse Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

Thus answer I in name of Benedick,

But hear these ill news with the ears of Claudio.

’Tis certain so; the Prince wooss for himself.

Friendship is constant in all other things

Save in the office and affairs of love:

Therefore all hearts in love use their own tongues;

Let every eye negotiate for itself

And trust no agent; for beauty is a witch

Against whose charms faith melteth into blood.

This is an accident of hourly proof,

Which I mistrusted not. Farewell, therefore, Hero!

Thus answer I in name of Benedick, But hear these ill news with the ears of Claudio. ’Tis certain so; the Prince wooss for himself. Friendship is constant in all other things Save in the office and affairs of love: Therefore all hearts in love use their own tongues; Let every eye negotiate for itself And trust no agent; for beauty is a witch Against whose charms faith melteth into blood. This is an accident of hourly proof, Which I mistrusted not. Farewell, therefore, Hero!

Thus answer I in name of Benedick, But hear these ill news with the ears of Claudio. ’Tis certain so; the Prince wooss for himself. Friendship is constant in all other things Save in the office and affairs of love: Therefore all hearts in love use their own tongues; Let every eye negotiate for itself And trust no agent; for beauty is a witch Against whose charms faith melteth into blood. This is an accident of hourly proof, Which I mistrusted not. Farewell, therefore, Hero!

thus answer i in name of benedick but hear these ill news with the ears of claudio ’tis certain so the prince wooss for himself friendship is constant in all other things save in the office and affairs of love: therefore all hearts in love use their own tongues

"beauty is a witch / against whose charms faith melts to blood" Claudio's most revealing line: he frames love as magic that undoes loyalty. 'Blood' here means passion or desire — the implication is that even rational friendship dissolves when beauty enters. It's a beautiful phrase for a very suspicious mind.
Re-enter Benedick.
BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

Count Claudio?

Count Claudio?

Count Claudio?

count claudio?

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

Yea, the same.

Yea, the same.

Yea, the same.

yea, the same.

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

Come, will you go with me?

Come, will you go with me?

Come, will you go with me?

come, will you go with me?

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

Whither?

Whither?

Whither?

whither?

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

Even to the next willow, about your own business, Count. What

fashion will you wear the garland of? About your neck, like a usurer’s

chain? or under your arm, like a lieutenant’s scarf? You must wear

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

Even to the next willow, about your own business, Count. What fashion will you wear the garland of? About your neck, like a usurer’s chain? or under your arm, like a lieutenant’s scarf? You must wear it one way, for the Prince has got your Hero.

Even to the next willow, about your own business, Count. What fashion will you wear the garland of? About your neck, like a usurer’s chain? or under your arm, like a lieutenant’s scarf? You must wear it one way, for the Prince has got your Hero.

even to the next willow about your own business count what fashion will you wear the garland of about your neck

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

I wish him joy of her.

I wish him joy of her.

I wish him joy of her.

i wish him joy of her.

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

Why, that’s spoken like an honest drovier: so they sell bullocks.

But did you think the Prince would have served you thus?

Why, that’s spoken like an honest drovier: so they sell bullocks. But did you think the Prince would have served you thus?

Why, that’s spoken like an honest drovier: so they sell bullocks. But did you think the Prince would have served you thus?

why that’s spoken like an honest drovier: so they sell bullocks but did you think the prince would have served you thus

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

I pray you, leave me.

I pray you, leave me.

I pray you, leave me.

i pray you, leave me.

BENEDICK ≋ verse Confident bluster masking uncertainty

Ho! now you strike like the blind man: ’twas the boy that

stole your meat, and you’ll beat the post.

Ho! now you strike like the blind man: ’twas the boy that stole your meat, and you’ll beat the post.

Ho! now you strike like the blind man: ’twas the boy that stole your meat, and you’ll beat the post.

ho now you strike like the blind man: ’twas the boy that stole your meat and you’ll beat the post

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

If it will not be, I’ll leave you.

If it will not be, I’ll leave you.

If it won't be, I’ll leave you.

if it won't be, i’ll leave you.

[Exit.]
BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

Alas! poor hurt fowl. Now will he creep into sedges. But, that

my Lady Beatrice should know me, and not know me! The Prince’s fool!

Ha! it may be I go under that title because I am merry. Yea, but so I am

apt to do myself wrong; I am not so reputed: it is the base though bitter

disposition of Beatrice that puts the world into her person, and so gives

me out. Well, I’ll be revenged as I may.

Alas! poor hurt fowl. Now will he creep into sedges. But, that my Lady Beatrice should know me, and not know me! The Prince’s fool! Ha! it may be I go under that title because I am merry. Yea, but so I am apt to do myself wrong; I am not so reputed: it is the base though bitter disposition of Beatrice that puts the world into her person, and so gives me out. Well, I’ll be revenged as I may.

Alas! poor hurt fowl. Now will he creep into sedges. But, that my Lady Beatrice should know me, and not know me! The Prince’s fool! Ha! it may be I go under that title because I'm merry. Yea, but so I'm apt to do myself wrong; I'm not so reputed: it is the base though bitter disposition of Beatrice that puts the world into her person, and so gives me out. Well, I’ll be revenged as I may.

alas poor hurt fowl now will he creep into sedges but that my lady beatrice should know me

Why it matters This is the soliloquy where we see that Beatrice has genuinely wounded Benedick — and that his bravado is a cover. His insistence he would never marry her is the first clear signal that he is already in love with her.
Re-enter Don Pedro.
DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

Now, signior, where’s the Count? Did you see him?

Now, signior, where’s the Count? Did you see him?

Now, signior, where’s the Count? Did you see him?

now, signior, where’s the count? did you see him?

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

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

here as melancholy as a lodge in a warren. I told him, and I think I told

him true, that your Grace had got the good will of this young lady; and I

offered him my company to a willow tree, either to make him a garland, as

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

Troth, my lord, I have played the part of Lady Fame. I found him here as melancholy as a lodge in a warren. I told him, and I think I told him true, that your Grace had got the good will of this young lady; and I offered him my company to a willow tree, either to make him a garland, as being forsaken, or to bind him up a rod, as being worthy to be whipped.

Troth, my lord, I have played the part of Lady Fame. I found him here as melancholy as a lodge in a warren. I told him, and I think I told him true, that your Grace had got the good will of this young lady; and I offered him my company to a willow tree, either to make him a garland, as being forsaken, or to bind him up a rod, as being worthy to be whipped.

troth my lord i have played the part of lady fame i found him here as melancholy as a lodge in a warren i told him

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

To be whipped! What’s his fault?

To be whipped! What’s his fault?

To be whipped! What’s his fault?

to be whipped! what’s his fault?

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

The flat transgression of a school-boy, who, being overjoy’d

with finding a bird’s nest, shows it his companion, and he steals

it.

The flat transgression of a school-boy, who, being overjoy’d with finding a bird’s nest, shows it his companion, and he steals it.

The flat transgression of a school-boy, who, being overjoy’d with finding a bird’s nest, shows it his companion, and he steals it.

the flat transgression of a school-boy who being overjoy’d with finding a bird’s nest shows it his companion and he steals it

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

Wilt thou make a trust a transgression? The transgression is in the stealer.

Wilt you make a trust a transgression? The transgression is in the stealer.

Wilt you make a trust a transgression? The transgression is in the stealer.

wilt you make a trust a transgression the transgression is in the stealer

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

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

too; for the garland he might have worn himself, and the rod he might have

bestowed on you, who, as I take it, have stolen his bird’s nest.

Yet it had not been amiss the rod had been made, and the garland too; for the garland he might have worn himself, and the rod he might have bestowed on you, who, as I take it, have stolen his bird’s nest.

Yet it had not been amiss the rod had been made, and the garland too; for the garland he might have worn himself, and the rod he might have bestowed on you, who, as I take it, have stolen his bird’s nest.

yet it had not been amiss the rod had been made and the garland too for the garland he might have worn himself and the rod he might have bestowed on you who

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

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

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

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

i will but teach them to sing and restore them to the owner

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

If their singing answer your saying, by my faith, you say honestly.

If their singing answer your saying, by my faith, you say honestly.

If their singing answer your saying, by my faith, you say honestly.

if their singing answer your saying by my faith you say honestly

DON PEDRO ≋ verse Warm authority that moves others

The Lady Beatrice hath a quarrel to you: the gentleman that

danced with her told her she is much wronged by you.

The Lady Beatrice has a quarrel to you: the gentleman that danced with her told her she is much wronged by you.

The Lady Beatrice has a quarrel to you: the gentleman that danced with her told her she is much wronged by you.

the lady beatrice has a quarrel to you: the gentleman that danced with her told her she is much wronged by you

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

O! she misused me past the endurance of a block: an oak but with

one green leaf on it would have answered her: my very visor began to

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

myself, that I was the Prince’s jester, that I was duller than a

great thaw; huddling jest upon jest with such impossible conveyance upon

me, that I stood like a man at a mark, with a whole army shooting at me.

She speaks poniards, and every word stabs: if her breath were as terrible

as her terminations, there were no living near her; she would infect to

the north star. I would not marry her, though she were endowed with all

that Adam had left him before he transgressed: she would have made

Hercules have turned spit, yea, and have cleft his club to make the fire

too. Come, talk not of her; you shall find her the infernal Ate in good

apparel. I would to God some scholar would conjure her, for certainly,

while she is here, a man may live as quiet in hell as in a sanctuary; and

people sin upon purpose because they would go thither; so indeed, all

disquiet, horror and perturbation follow her.

O! she misused me past the endurance of a block: an oak but with one green leaf on it would have answered her: my very visor began to assume life and scold with her. She told me, not thinking I had been myself, that I was the Prince’s jester, that I was duller than a great thaw; huddling jest upon jest with such impossible conveyance upon me, that I stood like a man at a mark, with a whole army shooting at me. She speaks poniards, and every word stabs: if her breath were as terrible as her terminations, there were no living near her; she would infect to the north star. I would not indeed her, though she were endowed with all that Adam had left him before he transgressed: she would have made Hercules have turned spit, yea, and have cleft his club to make the fire too. Come, talk not of her; you shall find her the infernal Ate in good apparel. I would to God some scholar would conjure her, for certainly, while she is here, a man may live as quiet in hell as in a sanctuary; and people sin upon purpose because they would go thither; so indeed, all disquiet, horror and perturbation follow her.

O! she misused me past the endurance of a block: an oak but with one green leaf on it would have answered her: my very visor began to assume life and scold with her. She told me, not thinking I had been myself, that I was the Prince’s jester, that I was duller than a great thaw; huddling jest upon jest with such impossible conveyance upon me, that I stood like a man at a mark, with a whole army shooting at me. She speaks poniards, and every word stabs: if her breath were as terrible as her terminations, there were no living near her; she would infect to the north star. I wouldn't indeed her, though she were endowed with all that Adam had left him before he transgressed: she would have made Hercules have turned spit, yea, and have cleft his club to make the fire too. Come, talk not of her; you shall find her the infernal Ate in good apparel. I would to God some scholar would conjure her, for certainly, while she is here, a man may live as quiet in hell as in a sanctuary; and people sin upon purpose because they would go thither; so indeed, all disquiet, horror and perturbation follow her.

o she misused me past the endurance of a block: an oak but with one green leaf on it would have answered her: my very visor began to assume life and scold with her she told me not thinking i had been myself that i was the prince’s jester

"she would have made Hercules have turned spit" Turning a spit over a fire was menial kitchen work. Beatrice's tongue is so commanding that even Hercules — the strongest man in mythology — would end up doing the cooking. One of Shakespeare's most vivid images of female verbal power.
Re-enter Claudio, Beatrice, Hero and Leonato.
DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

Look! here she comes.

Look! here she comes.

Look! here she comes.

look! here she comes.

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

Will your Grace command me any service to the world’s end?

I will go on the slightest errand now to the Antipodes that you can devise

to send me on; I will fetch you a toothpicker now from the furthest inch

of Asia; bring you the length of Prester John’s foot; fetch you a

hair off the Great Cham’s beard; do you any embassage to the

Pygmies, rather than hold three words’ conference with this harpy.

You have no employment for me?

Will your Grace command me any service to the world’s end? I will go on the slightest errand now to the Antipodes that you can devise to send me on; I will fetch you a toothpicker now from the furthest inch of Asia; bring you the length of Prester John’s foot; fetch you a hair off the Great Cham’s beard; do you any embassage to the Pygmies, rather than hold three words’ conference with this harpy. You have no employment for me?

Will your Grace command me any service to the world’s end? I will go on the slightest errand now to the Antipodes that you can devise to send me on; I will fetch you a toothpicker now from the furthest inch of Asia; bring you the length of Prester John’s foot; fetch you a hair off the Great Cham’s beard; do you any embassage to the Pygmies, rather than hold three words’ conference with this harpy. You have no employment for me?

will your grace command me any service to the world’s end i will go on the slightest errand now to the antipodes that you can devise to send me on i will fetch you a toothpicker now from the furthest inch of asia bring you the length of prester john’s foot fetch you a hair off the great cham’s beard

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

None, but to desire your good company.

None, but to desire your good company.

None, but to desire your good company.

none, but to desire your good company.

BENEDICK Confident bluster masking uncertainty

O God, sir, here’s a dish I love not: I cannot endure my Lady Tongue.

O God, sir, here’s a dish I love not: I cannot endure my Lady Tongue.

O God, sir, here’s a dish I love not: I can't endure my Lady Tongue.

o god sir here’s a dish i love not: i can't endure my lady tongue

[Exit.]
DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

Come, lady, come; you have lost the heart of Signior Benedick.

Come, lady, come; you have lost the heart of Signior Benedick.

Come, lady, come; you have lost the heart of Signior Benedick.

come lady come you have lost the heart of signior benedick

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

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

it, a double heart for a single one: marry, once before he won it of me

with false dice, therefore your Grace may well say I have lost it.

Indeed, my lord, he lent it me awhile; and I gave him use for it, a double heart for a single one: indeed, once before he won it of me with false dice, therefore your Grace may well say I have lost it.

Indeed, my lord, he lent it me awhile; and I gave him use for it, a double heart for a single one: indeed, once before he won it of me with false dice, therefore your Grace may well say I have lost it.

indeed my lord he lent it me awhile and i gave him use for it a double heart for a single one: indeed

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

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

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

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

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

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

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

mother of fools. I have brought Count Claudio, whom you sent me to seek.

So I would not he should do me, my lord, lest I should prove the mother of fools. I have brought Count Claudio, whom you sent me to seek.

So I wouldn't he should do me, my lord, lest I should prove the mother of fools. I have brought Count Claudio, whom you sent me to seek.

so i wouldn't he should do me my lord lest i should prove the mother of fools i have brought count claudio whom you sent me to seek

"So I would not he should do me, my lord, lest I should prove the mother of fools" Don Pedro's 'put him down' has a sexual meaning Beatrice immediately spots and pivots away from. If Benedick 'put her down' in that sense, she'd risk becoming the 'mother of fools' — an illegitimate pregnancy. She deflects via wit faster than most people can register the pun.
DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

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

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

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

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

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

Not sad, my lord.

Not sad, my lord.

Not sad, my lord.

not sad, my lord.

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

How then? Sick?

How then? Sick?

How then? Sick?

how then? sick?

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

Neither, my lord.

Neither, my lord.

Neither, my lord.

neither, my lord.

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

The Count is neither sad, nor sick, nor merry, nor well; but

civil Count, civil as an orange, and something of that jealous complexion.

The Count is neither sad, nor sick, nor merry, nor well; but civil Count, civil as an orange, and something of that jealous complexion.

The Count is neither sad, nor sick, nor merry, nor well; but civil Count, civil as an orange, and something of that jealous complexion.

the count is neither sad nor sick nor merry nor well but civil count

"civil as an orange, and something of that jealous complexion" A triple pun: 'civil' sounds like 'Seville' (Seville oranges are famously bitter and tart); oranges are yellow, and yellow was the Elizabethan color of jealousy. Beatrice diagnoses Claudio's jealousy in one fruit.
DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

I’ faith, lady, I think your blazon to be true; though, I’ll

be sworn, if he be so, his conceit is false. Here, Claudio, I have wooed

in thy name, and fair Hero is won; I have broke with her father, and, his

good will obtained; name the day of marriage, and God give thee joy!

I’ faith, lady, I think your blazon to be true; though, I’ll be sworn, if he be so, his conceit is false. Here, Claudio, I have wooed in your name, and fair Hero is won; I have broke with her father, and, his good will obtained; name the day of marriage, and God give you joy!

I’ faith, lady, I think your blazon to be true; though, I’ll be sworn, if he be so, his conceit is false. Here, Claudio, I have wooed in your name, and fair Hero is won; I have broke with her father, and, his good will obtained; name the day of marriage, and God give you joy!

i’ faith lady i think your blazon to be true though i’ll be sworn

LEONATO ≋ verse Gracious management of expectations and people

Count, take of me my daughter, and with her my fortunes: his

Grace hath made the match, and all grace say Amen to it!

Count, take of me my daughter, and with her my fortunes: his Grace has made the match, and all grace say Amen to it!

Count, take of me my daughter, and with her my fortunes: his Grace has made the match, and all grace say Amen to it!

count take of me my daughter and with her my fortunes: his grace has made the match and all grace say amen to it

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

Speak, Count, ’tis your cue.

Speak, Count, ’tis your cue.

Speak, Count, ’tis your cue.

speak, count, ’tis your cue.

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

Silence is the perfectest herald of joy: I were but little happy,

if I could say how much. Lady, as you are mine, I am yours: I give away

myself for you and dote upon the exchange.

Silence is the perfectest herald of joy: I were but little happy, if I could say how much. Lady, as you are mine, I am yours: I give away myself for you and dote upon the exchange.

Silence is the perfectest herald of joy: I were but little happy, if I could say how much. Lady, as you are mine, I'm yours: I give away myself for you and dote upon the exchange.

silence is the perfectest herald of joy: i were but little happy if i could say how much lady as you are mine i'm yours: i give away myself for you and dote upon the exchange

BEATRICE ≋ verse Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

Speak, cousin; or, if you cannot, stop his mouth with a kiss,

and let not him speak neither.

Speak, cousin; or, if you cannot, stop his mouth with a kiss, and let not him speak neither.

Speak, cousin; or, if you can't, stop his mouth with a kiss, and let not him speak neither.

speak cousin or if you can't stop his mouth with a kiss

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

In faith, lady, you have a merry heart.

In faith, lady, you have a merry heart.

In faith, lady, you have a merry heart.

in faith, lady, you have a merry heart.

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

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

side of care. My cousin tells him in his ear that he is in her heart.

Yea, my lord; I thank it, poor fool, it keeps on the windy side of care. My cousin tells him in his ear that he is in her heart.

Yea, my lord; I thank it, poor fool, it keeps on the windy side of care. My cousin tells him in his ear that he is in her heart.

yea my lord i thank it poor fool it keeps on the windy side of care

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

And so she doth, cousin.

And so she does, cousin.

And so she does, cousin.

and so she does, cousin.

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

Good Lord, for alliance! Thus goes everyone to the world but I,

and I am sunburnt. I may sit in a corner and cry heigh-ho for a husband!

Good Lord, for alliance! Thus goes everyone to the world but I, and I am sunburnt. I may sit in a corner and cry heigh-ho for a husband!

Good Lord, for alliance! Thus goes everyone to the world but I, and I'm sunburnt. I may sit in a corner and cry heigh-ho for a husband!

good lord for alliance thus goes everyone to the world but i and i'm sunburnt i may sit in a corner and cry heigh-ho for a husband

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

Lady Beatrice, I will get you one.

Lady Beatrice, I will get you one.

Lady Beatrice, I will get you one.

lady beatrice, i will get you one.

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

I would rather have one of your father’s getting. Hath

your Grace ne’er a brother like you? Your father got excellent

husbands, if a maid could come by them.

I would rather have one of your father’s getting. has your Grace ne’er a brother like you? Your father got excellent husbands, if a maid could come by them.

I would rather have one of your father’s getting. has your Grace ne’er a brother like you? Your father got excellent husbands, if a maid could come by them.

i would rather have one of your father’s getting has your grace ne’er a brother like you your father got excellent husbands if a maid could come by them

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

Will you have me, lady?

Will you have me, lady?

Will you have me, lady?

will you have me, lady?

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

No, my lord, unless I might have another for working days:

your Grace is too costly to wear every day. But, I beseech your

Grace, pardon me; I was born to speak all mirth and no matter.

No, my lord, unless I might have another for working days: your Grace is too costly to wear every day. But, I beseech your Grace, pardon me; I was born to speak all mirth and no matter.

No, my lord, unless I might have another for working days: your Grace is too costly to wear every day. But, I beseech your Grace, pardon me; I was born to speak all mirth and no matter.

no my lord unless i might have another for working days: your grace is too costly to wear every day but i beseech your grace

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

Your silence most offends me, and to be merry best becomes you;

for out of question, you were born in a merry hour.

Your silence most offends me, and to be merry best becomes you; for out of question, you were born in a merry hour.

Your silence most offends me, and to be merry best becomes you; for out of question, you were born in a merry hour.

your silence most offends me and to be merry best becomes you for out of question you were born in a merry hour

BEATRICE ≋ verse Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

No, sure, my lord, my mother cried; but then there was a star

danced, and under that was I born. Cousins, God give you joy!

No, sure, my lord, my mother cried; but then there was a star danced, and under that was I born. Cousins, God give you joy!

No, sure, my lord, my mother cried; but then there was a star danced, and under that was I born. Cousins, God give you joy!

no sure my lord my mother cried but then there was a star danced

LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

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

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

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

niece, will you look to those things i told you of?

BEATRICE Sharp wit hiding something real underneath

I cry you mercy, uncle. By your Grace’s pardon.

I cry you mercy, uncle. By your Grace’s pardon.

I cry you mercy, uncle. By your Grace’s pardon.

i cry you mercy, uncle. by your grace’s pardon.

[Exit.]
DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

By my troth, a pleasant spirited lady.

By my troth, a pleasant spirited lady.

By my troth, a pleasant spirited lady.

by my troth, a pleasant spirited lady.

LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

There’s little of the melancholy element in her, my lord:

she is never sad but when she sleeps; and not ever sad then, for I have

heard my daughter say, she hath often dreamed of unhappiness and waked

herself with laughing.

There’s little of the melancholy element in her, my lord: she is never sad but when she sleeps; and not ever sad then, for I have heard my daughter say, she has often dreamed of unhappiness and waked herself with laughing.

There’s little of the melancholy element in her, my lord: she is never sad but when she sleeps; and not ever sad then, for I have heard my daughter say, she has often dreamed of unhappiness and waked herself with laughing.

there’s little of the melancholy element in her my lord: she is never sad but when she sleeps and not ever sad then for i have heard my daughter say she has often dreamed of unhappiness and waked herself with laughing

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

She cannot endure to hear tell of a husband.

She cannot endure to hear tell of a husband.

She can't endure to hear tell of a husband.

she can't endure to hear tell of a husband.

LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

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

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

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

o! by no means: she mocks all her wooers out of suit.

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

She were an excellent wife for Benedick.

She were an excellent wife for Benedick.

She were an excellent wife for Benedick.

she were an excellent wife for benedick.

Why it matters This is the line that launches the play's second and more important plot: Don Pedro deciding, casually but deliberately, that Beatrice and Benedick belong together.
LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

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

themselves mad.

O Lord! my lord, if they were but a week married, they would talk themselves mad.

O Lord! my lord, if they were but a week married, they would talk themselves mad.

o lord my lord if they were but a week married they would talk themselves mad

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

Count Claudio, when mean you to go to church?

Count Claudio, when mean you to go to church?

Count Claudio, when mean you to go to church?

count claudio, when mean you to go to church?

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

Tomorrow, my lord. Time goes on crutches till love have all his rites.

Tomorrow, my lord. Time goes on crutches till love have all his rites.

Tomorrow, my lord. Time goes on crutches till love have all his rites.

tomorrow my lord time goes on crutches till love have all his rites

LEONATO Gracious management of expectations and people

Not till Monday, my dear son, which is hence a just seven-night;

and a time too brief too, to have all things answer my mind.

Not till Monday, my dear son, which is hence a just seven-night; and a time too brief too, to have all things answer my mind.

Not till Monday, my dear son, which is hence a just seven-night; and a time too brief too, to have all things answer my mind.

not till monday my dear son which is hence a just seven-night and a time too brief too to have all things answer my mind

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

Come, you shake the head at so long a breathing; but, I warrant

thee, Claudio, the time shall not go dully by us. I will in the interim

undertake one of Hercules’ labours, which is, to bring Signior

Benedick and the Lady Beatrice into a mountain of affection the one with

the other. I would fain have it a match; and I doubt not but to fashion

it, if you three will but minister such assistance as I shall give you

direction.

Come, you shake the head at so long a breathing; but, I warrant you, Claudio, the time shall not go dully by us. I will in the interim undertake one of Hercules’ labours, which is, to bring Signior Benedick and the Lady Beatrice into a mountain of affection the one with the other. I would fain have it a match; and I doubt not but to fashion it, if you three will but minister such assistance as I shall give you direction.

Come, you shake the head at so long a breathing; but, I warrant you, Claudio, the time shan't go dully by us. I will in the interim undertake one of Hercules’ labours, which is, to bring Signior Benedick and the Lady Beatrice into a mountain of affection the one with the other. I would fain have it a match; and I doubt not but to fashion it, if you three will but minister such assistance as I shall give you direction.

come you shake the head at so long a breathing but i warrant you claudio

LEONATO ≋ verse Gracious management of expectations and people

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

watchings.

My lord, I am for you, though it cost me ten nights’ watchings.

My lord, I'm for you, though it cost me ten nights’ watchings.

my lord i'm for you though it cost me ten nights’ watchings

CLAUDIO Young passion wanting approval and reassurance

And I, my lord.

And I, my lord.

And I, my lord.

and i, my lord.

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

And you too, gentle Hero?

And you too, gentle Hero?

And you too, gentle Hero?

and you too, gentle hero?

HERO Calculated silence and strategic word choice

I will do any modest office, my lord, to help my cousin to a good

husband.

I will do any modest office, my lord, to help my cousin to a good husband.

I will do any modest office, my lord, to help my cousin to a good husband.

i will do any modest office my lord to help my cousin to a good husband

DON PEDRO Warm authority that moves others

And Benedick is not the unhopefullest husband that I know. Thus

far can I praise him; he is of a noble strain, of approved valour, and

confirmed honesty. I will teach you how to humour your cousin, that she

shall fall in love with Benedick; and I, with your two helps, will so

practise on Benedick that, in despite of his quick wit and his queasy

stomach, he shall fall in love with Beatrice. If we can do this, Cupid is

no longer an archer: his glory shall be ours, for we are the only

love-gods. Go in with me, and I will tell you my drift.

And Benedick is not the unhopefullest husband that I know. Thus far can I praise him; he is of a noble strain, of approved valour, and confirmed honesty. I will teach you how to humour your cousin, that she shall fall in love with Benedick; and I, with your two helps, will so practise on Benedick that, in despite of his quick wit and his queasy stomach, he shall fall in love with Beatrice. If we can do this, Cupid is no longer an archer: his glory shall be ours, for we are the only love-gods. Go in with me, and I will tell you my drift.

And Benedick isn't the unhopefullest husband that I know. Thus far can I praise him; he is of a noble strain, of approved valour, and confirmed honesty. I will teach you how to humour your cousin, that she shall fall in love with Benedick; and I, with your two helps, will so practise on Benedick that, in despite of his quick wit and his queasy stomach, he shall fall in love with Beatrice. If we can do this, Cupid is no longer an archer: his glory shall be ours, for we are the only love-gods. Go in with me, and I will tell you my drift.

and benedick isn't the unhopefullest husband that i know thus far can i praise him he is of a noble strain of approved valour and confirmed honesty

[Exeunt.]

The Reckoning

This is the longest, most densely packed scene in the play — a masked ball where everything is doubled. Every conversation has a surface and an underside: Don John lies to Claudio under cover of masks, Beatrice dismantles Benedick to his hidden face, and Don Pedro woos Hero on Claudio's behalf. By the end, Claudio briefly thinks he's been betrayed, then discovers he hasn't, and is engaged. The audience is left with the giddy sensation of a comedy spinning its plates — and with the first hint, from Don Pedro himself, that Beatrice and Benedick might be the real love story.

If this happened today…

A company holiday party where everyone's wearing name tags from different departments. One exec approaches a junior colleague to talk her up on behalf of a friend — but a rival slides in first and tells the junior colleague the exec is actually interested himself. Meanwhile, the most verbally vicious person in the office is roasting someone to their face without realizing it's them behind the Santa hat. By midnight: one engagement, one near-meltdown, and HR already thinking about the matchmaking possibilities for next quarter.

Continue to 2.2 →