Read and listen with a SparkNotes PLUS trial!

studyGuide_translation

No Fear Translations

noFear_audio

No Fear Audio

Original Text

Modern Text

Enter DON PEDRO , DON JOHN , LEONATO , FRIAR FRANCIS , CLAUDIO , BENEDICK HERO , BEATRICE , and Attendants
Enter DON PEDRO , DON JOHN , LEONATO , FRIAR FRANCIS , CLAUDIO , BENEDICK HERO , BEATRICE , and Attendants

LEONATO

Come, Friar Francis, be brief, only to the plain form of
marriage, and you shall recount their particular duties
afterwards.

LEONATO

Come, Friar Francis, be brief, only to the plain form of
marriage, and you shall recount their particular duties
afterwards.

FRIAR FRANCIS

(to CLAUDIO) You come hither, my lord, to marry this lady?

FRIAR FRANCIS

(to CLAUDIO) You come hither, my lord, to marry this lady?

CLAUDIO

5 No.

CLAUDIO

No.

LEONATO

To be married to her.—Friar, you come to marry her.

LEONATO

To be married to her.—Friar, you come to marry her.

FRIAR FRANCIS

Lady, you come hither to be married to this count?

FRIAR FRANCIS

Lady, you come hither to be married to this count?

HERO

I do.

HERO

I do.

FRIAR FRANCIS

If either of you know any inward impediment why you
10 should not be conjoined, charge you on your souls to utter
it.

FRIAR FRANCIS

If either of you know any inward impediment why you
should not be conjoined, charge you on your souls to utter
it.

CLAUDIO

Know you any, Hero?

CLAUDIO

Know you any, Hero?

HERO

None, my lord.

HERO

None, my lord.

FRIAR FRANCIS

Know you any, count?

FRIAR FRANCIS

Know you any, count?

LEONATO

15 I dare make his answer, none.

LEONATO

I dare make his answer, none.

CLAUDIO

O, what men dare do! What men may do! What men daily
do, not knowing what they do!

CLAUDIO

O, what men dare do! What men may do! What men daily
do, not knowing what they do!

BENEDICK

How now, interjections? Why, then, some be of laughing,
as, ah, ha, he!

BENEDICK

How now, interjections? Why, then, some be of laughing,
as, ah, ha, he!

CLAUDIO

20 Stand thee by, Friar.—Father, by your leave,
Will you with free and unconstrainèd soul
Give me this maid, your daughter?

CLAUDIO

Stand thee by, Friar.—Father, by your leave,
Will you with free and unconstrainèd soul
Give me this maid, your daughter?

LEONATO

As freely, son, as God did give her me.

LEONATO

As freely, son, as God did give her me.

CLAUDIO

And what have I to give you back whose worth
25 May counterpoise this rich and precious gift?

CLAUDIO

And what have I to give you back whose worth
May counterpoise this rich and precious gift?

DON PEDRO

Nothing, unless you render her again.

DON PEDRO

Nothing, unless you render her again.

CLAUDIO

Sweet Prince, you learn me noble thankfulness.—
There, Leonato, take her back again.
Give not this rotten orange to your friend.
30 She’s but the sign and semblance of her honor.
Behold how like a maid she blushes here!
Oh, what authority and show of truth
Can cunning sin cover itself withal!
Comes not that blood as modest evidence
35 To witness simple virtue? Would you not swear,
All you that see her, that she were a maid
By these exterior shows? But she is none.
She knows the heat of a luxurious bed.
Her blush is guiltiness, not modesty.

CLAUDIO

Sweet Prince, you learn me noble thankfulness.—
There, Leonato, take her back again.
Give not this rotten orange to your friend.
She’s but the sign and semblance of her honor.
Behold how like a maid she blushes here!
Oh, what authority and show of truth
Can cunning sin cover itself withal!
Comes not that blood as modest evidence
To witness simple virtue? Would you not swear,
All you that see her, that she were a maid
By these exterior shows? But she is none.
She knows the heat of a luxurious bed.
Her blush is guiltiness, not modesty.

LEONATO

40 What do you mean, my lord?

LEONATO

What do you mean, my lord?

CLAUDIO

Not to be married,
Not to knit my soul to an approvèd wanton.

CLAUDIO

Not to be married,
Not to knit my soul to an approvèd wanton.

LEONATO

Dear my lord, if you in your own proof
Have vanquished the resistance of her youth
And made defeat of her virginity—

LEONATO

Dear my lord, if you in your own proof
Have vanquished the resistance of her youth
And made defeat of her virginity—

CLAUDIO

45 I know what you would say: if I have known her,
You will say she did embrace me as a husband,
And so extenuate the forehand sin.
No, Leonato,
I never tempted her with word too large
50 But, as a brother to his sister, showed
Bashful sincerity and comely love.

CLAUDIO

I know what you would say: if I have known her,
You will say she did embrace me as a husband,
And so extenuate the forehand sin.
No, Leonato,
I never tempted her with word too large
But, as a brother to his sister, showed
Bashful sincerity and comely love.

HERO

And seemed I ever otherwise to you?

HERO

And seemed I ever otherwise to you?

CLAUDIO

Out on thee, seeming! I will write against it.
You seem to me as Dian in her orb,
55 As chaste as is the bud ere it be blown.
But you are more intemperate in your blood
Than Venus, or those pampered animals
That rage in savage sensuality.

CLAUDIO

Out on thee, seeming! I will write against it.
You seem to me as Dian in her orb,
As chaste as is the bud ere it be blown.
But you are more intemperate in your blood
Than Venus, or those pampered animals
That rage in savage sensuality.

HERO

Is my lord well, that he doth speak so wide?

HERO

Is my lord well, that he doth speak so wide?

LEONATO

60 Sweet Prince, why speak not you?

LEONATO

Sweet Prince, why speak not you?

DON PEDRO

What should I speak?
I stand dishonored, that have gone about
To link my dear friend to a common stale.

DON PEDRO

What should I speak?
I stand dishonored, that have gone about
To link my dear friend to a common stale.

LEONATO

Are these things spoken, or do I but dream?

LEONATO

Are these things spoken, or do I but dream?

DON JOHN

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

DON JOHN

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

BENEDICK

65 This looks not like a nuptial.

BENEDICK

This looks not like a nuptial.

HERO

True! O God!

HERO

True! O God!

CLAUDIO

Leonato, stand I here?
Is this the Prince? Is this the Prince’s brother?
Is this face Hero’s? Are our eyes our own?

CLAUDIO

Leonato, stand I here?
Is this the Prince? Is this the Prince’s brother?
Is this face Hero’s? Are our eyes our own?

LEONATO

70 All this is so, but what of this, my lord?

LEONATO

All this is so, but what of this, my lord?

CLAUDIO

Let me but move one question to your daughter,
And by that fatherly and kindly power
That you have in her, bid her answer truly.

CLAUDIO

Let me but move one question to your daughter,
And by that fatherly and kindly power
That you have in her, bid her answer truly.

LEONATO

I charge thee do so, as thou art my child.

LEONATO

I charge thee do so, as thou art my child.

HERO

75 Oh, God defend me! how am I beset!—
What kind of catechizing call you this?

HERO

Oh, God defend me! how am I beset!—
What kind of catechizing call you this?

CLAUDIO

To make you answer truly to your name.

CLAUDIO

To make you answer truly to your name.

HERO

Is it not Hero? Who can blot that name
With any just reproach?

HERO

Is it not Hero? Who can blot that name
With any just reproach?

CLAUDIO

Marry, that can Hero!
80 Hero itself can blot out Hero’s virtue.
What man was he talked with you yesternight
Out at your window betwixt twelve and one?
Now, if you are a maid, answer to this.

CLAUDIO

Marry, that can Hero!
Hero itself can blot out Hero’s virtue.
What man was he talked with you yesternight
Out at your window betwixt twelve and one?
Now, if you are a maid, answer to this.

HERO

I talked with no man at that hour, my lord.

HERO

I talked with no man at that hour, my lord.

DON PEDRO

85 Why, then are you no maiden.—Leonato,
I am sorry you must hear. Upon mine honor,
Myself, my brother, and this grievèd count
Did see her, hear her, at that hour last night
Talk with a ruffian at her chamber window
90 Who hath indeed, most like a liberal villain,
Confessed the vile encounters they have had
A thousand times in secret.

DON PEDRO

Why, then are you no maiden.—Leonato,
I am sorry you must hear. Upon mine honor,
Myself, my brother, and this grievèd count
Did see her, hear her, at that hour last night
Talk with a ruffian at her chamber window
Who hath indeed, most like a liberal villain,
Confessed the vile encounters they have had
A thousand times in secret.

DON JOHN

Fie, fie, they are not to be named, my lord,
Not to be spoke of!
95 There is not chastity enough in language,
Without offense, to utter them.—Thus, pretty lady,
I am sorry for thy much misgovernment.

DON JOHN

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.

CLAUDIO

O Hero, what a Hero hadst thou been
If half thy outward graces had been placed
100 About thy thoughts and counsels of thy heart!
But fare thee well, most foul, most fair! Farewell,
Thou pure impiety and impious purity.
For thee I’ll lock up all the gates of love,
And on my eyelids shall conjecture hang,
105 To turn all beauty into thoughts of harm,
And never shall it more be gracious.

CLAUDIO

O Hero, what a Hero hadst thou been
If half thy outward graces had been placed
About thy thoughts and counsels of thy heart!
But fare thee well, most foul, most fair! Farewell,
Thou pure impiety and impious purity.
For thee I’ll lock up all the gates of love,
And on my eyelids shall conjecture hang,
To turn all beauty into thoughts of harm,
And never shall it more be gracious.

LEONATO

Hath no man’s dagger here a point for me?

LEONATO

Hath no man’s dagger here a point for me?
HERO swoons
HERO swoons

BEATRICE

Why, how now, cousin! wherefore sink you down?

BEATRICE

Why, how now, cousin! wherefore sink you down?

DON JOHN

Come, let us go. These things, come thus to light,
110 Smother her spirits up.

DON JOHN

Come, let us go. These things, come thus to light,
Smother her spirits up.
Exeunt DON PEDRO , DON JOHN , and CLAUDIO
Exeunt DON PEDRO , DON JOHN , and CLAUDIO

BENEDICK

How doth the lady?

BENEDICK

How doth the lady?

BEATRICE

Dead, I think.—Help, uncle!—
Hero, why, Hero! Uncle! Signor Benedick! Friar!

BEATRICE

Dead, I think.—Help, uncle!—
Hero, why, Hero! Uncle! Signor Benedick! Friar!

LEONATO

O Fate! Take not away thy heavy hand!
Death is the fairest cover for her shame
115 That may be wished for.

LEONATO

O Fate! Take not away thy heavy hand!
Death is the fairest cover for her shame
That may be wished for.

BEATRICE

How now, cousin Hero!

BEATRICE

How now, cousin Hero!
HERO stirs
HERO stirs

FRIAR FRANCIS

(to HERO) Have comfort, lady.

FRIAR FRANCIS

(to HERO) Have comfort, lady.

LEONATO

(to HERO) Dost thou look up?

LEONATO

(to HERO) Dost thou look up?

FRIAR FRANCIS

Yea, wherefore should she not?

FRIAR FRANCIS

Yea, wherefore should she not?

LEONATO

Wherefore! Why, doth not every earthly thing
120 Cry shame upon her? Could she here deny
The story that is printed in her blood?—
Do not live, Hero, do not ope thine eyes,
For, did I think thou wouldst not quickly die,
Thought I thy spirits were stronger than thy shames,
125 Myself would, on the rearward of reproaches,
Strike at thy life. Grieved I I had but one?
Chid I for that at frugal Nature’s frame?
O, one too much by thee! Why had I one?
Why ever wast thou lovely in my eyes?
130 Why had I not with charitable hand
Took up a beggar’s issue at my gates,
Who, smirchèd thus, and mired with infamy,
I might have said, “No part of it is mine;
This shame derives itself from unknown loins”?

LEONATO

Wherefore! Why, doth not every earthly thing
Cry shame upon her? Could she here deny
The story that is printed in her blood?—
Do not live, Hero, do not ope thine eyes,
For, did I think thou wouldst not quickly die,
Thought I thy spirits were stronger than thy shames,
Myself would, on the rearward of reproaches,
Strike at thy life. Grieved I I had but one?
Chid I for that at frugal Nature’s frame?
O, one too much by thee! Why had I one?
Why ever wast thou lovely in my eyes?
Why had I not with charitable hand
Took up a beggar’s issue at my gates,
Who, smirchèd thus, and mired with infamy,
I might have said, “No part of it is mine;
This shame derives itself from unknown loins”?
135 But mine, and mine I loved, and mine I praised,
And mine that I was proud on, mine so much
That I myself was to myself not mine,
Valuing of her—why, she, O she is fall'n
Into a pit of ink, that the wide sea
140 Hath drops too few to wash her clean again
And salt too little which may season give
To her foul tainted flesh!
But mine, and mine I loved, and mine I praised,
And mine that I was proud on, mine so much
That I myself was to myself not mine,
Valuing of her—why, she, O she is fall'n
Into a pit of ink, that the wide sea
Hath drops too few to wash her clean again
And salt too little which may season give
To her foul tainted flesh!

BENEDICK

Sir, sir, be patient.
For my part, I am so attired in wonder
I know not what to say.

BENEDICK

Sir, sir, be patient.
For my part, I am so attired in wonder
I know not what to say.

BEATRICE

145 Oh, on my soul, my cousin is belied!

BEATRICE

Oh, on my soul, my cousin is belied!

BENEDICK

Lady, were you her bedfellow last night?

BENEDICK

Lady, were you her bedfellow last night?

BEATRICE

No, truly not, although until last night
I have this twelvemonth been her bedfellow.

BEATRICE

No, truly not, although until last night
I have this twelvemonth been her bedfellow.

LEONATO

Confirmed, confirmed! Oh, that is stronger made
150 Which was before barred up with ribs of iron!
Would the two princes lie and Claudio lie,
Who loved her so that, speaking of her foulness,
Washed it with tears? Hence from her. Let her die.

LEONATO

Confirmed, confirmed! Oh, that is stronger made
Which was before barred up with ribs of iron!
Would the two princes lie and Claudio lie,
Who loved her so that, speaking of her foulness,
Washed it with tears? Hence from her. Let her die.

FRIAR FRANCIS

Hear me a little,
155 For I have only silent been so long,
And given way unto this course of fortune,
By noting of the lady. I have marked
A thousand blushing apparitions
To start into her face, a thousand innocent shames
160 In angel whiteness beat away those blushes,
And in her eye there hath appeared a fire
To burn the errors that these princes hold
Against her maiden truth. Call me a fool,

FRIAR FRANCIS

Hear me a little,
For I have only silent been so long,
And given way unto this course of fortune,
By noting of the lady. I have marked
A thousand blushing apparitions
To start into her face, a thousand innocent shames
In angel whiteness beat away those blushes,
And in her eye there hath appeared a fire
To burn the errors that these princes hold
Against her maiden truth. Call me a fool,
Trust not my reading nor my observations,
165 Which with experimental seal doth warrant
The tenor of my book; trust not my age,
My reverence, calling, nor divinity,
If this sweet lady lie not guiltless here
Under some biting error.
Trust not my reading nor my observations,
Which with experimental seal doth warrant
The tenor of my book; trust not my age,
My reverence, calling, nor divinity,
If this sweet lady lie not guiltless here
Under some biting error.

LEONATO

Friar, it cannot be.
170 Thou seest that all the grace that she hath left
Is that she will not add to her damnation
A sin of perjury. She not denies it.
Why seek’st thou then to cover with excuse
That which appears in proper nakedness?

LEONATO

Friar, it cannot be.
Thou seest that all the grace that she hath left
Is that she will not add to her damnation
A sin of perjury. She not denies it.
Why seek’st thou then to cover with excuse
That which appears in proper nakedness?

FRIAR FRANCIS

175 Lady, what man is he you are accused of?

FRIAR FRANCIS

Lady, what man is he you are accused of?

HERO

They know that do accuse me. I know none.
If I know more of any man alive
Than that which maiden modesty doth warrant,
Let all my sins lack mercy!—O my father,
180 Prove you that any man with me conversed
At hours unmeet, or that I yesternight
Maintained the change of words with any creature,
Refuse me, hate me, torture me to death!

HERO

They know that do accuse me. I know none.
If I know more of any man alive
Than that which maiden modesty doth warrant,
Let all my sins lack mercy!—O my father,
Prove you that any man with me conversed
At hours unmeet, or that I yesternight
Maintained the change of words with any creature,
Refuse me, hate me, torture me to death!

FRIAR FRANCIS

There is some strange misprision in the princes.

FRIAR FRANCIS

There is some strange misprision in the princes.

BENEDICK

185 Two of them have the very bent of honor,
And if their wisdoms be misled in this,
The practice of it lives in John the Bastard,
Whose spirits toil in frame of villainies.

BENEDICK

Two of them have the very bent of honor,
And if their wisdoms be misled in this,
The practice of it lives in John the Bastard,
Whose spirits toil in frame of villainies.

LEONATO

I know not. If they speak but truth of her,
190 These hands shall tear her; if they wrong her honor,
The proudest of them shall well hear of it.
Time hath not yet so dried this blood of mine
Nor age so eat up my invention
Nor fortune made such havoc of my means
195 Nor my bad life reft me so much of friends
But they shall find, awaked in such a kind,
Both strength of limb and policy of mind,
Ability in means and choice of friends,
To quit me of them throughly.

LEONATO

I know not. If they speak but truth of her,
These hands shall tear her; if they wrong her honor,
The proudest of them shall well hear of it.
Time hath not yet so dried this blood of mine
Nor age so eat up my invention
Nor fortune made such havoc of my means
Nor my bad life reft me so much of friends
But they shall find, awaked in such a kind,
Both strength of limb and policy of mind,
Ability in means and choice of friends,
To quit me of them throughly.

FRIAR FRANCIS

Pause awhile,
200 And let my counsel sway you in this case.
Your daughter here the princes left for dead.
Let her awhile be secretly kept in
And publish it that she is dead indeed.
Maintain a mourning ostentation,
205 And on your family’s old monument
Hang mournful epitaphs and do all rites
That appertain unto a burial.

FRIAR FRANCIS

Pause awhile,
And let my counsel sway you in this case.
Your daughter here the princes left for dead.
Let her awhile be secretly kept in
And publish it that she is dead indeed.
Maintain a mourning ostentation,
And on your family’s old monument
Hang mournful epitaphs and do all rites
That appertain unto a burial.

LEONATO

What shall become of this? What will this do?

LEONATO

What shall become of this? What will this do?

FRIAR FRANCIS

Marry, this, well carried, shall on her behalf
210 Change slander to remorse. That is some good.
But not for that dream I on this strange course,
But on this travail look for greater birth.
She, dying, as it must so be maintained,
Upon the instant that she was accused,
215 Shall be lamented, pitied and excused
Of every hearer. For it so falls out
That what we have we prize not to the worth
Whiles we enjoy it, but being lacked and lost,
Why then we rack the value, then we find
220 The virtue that possession would not show us
Whiles it was ours.

FRIAR FRANCIS

Marry, this, well carried, shall on her behalf
Change slander to remorse. That is some good.
But not for that dream I on this strange course,
But on this travail look for greater birth.
She, dying, as it must so be maintained,
Upon the instant that she was accused,
Shall be lamented, pitied and excused
Of every hearer. For it so falls out
That what we have we prize not to the worth
Whiles we enjoy it, but being lacked and lost,
Why then we rack the value, then we find
The virtue that possession would not show us
Whiles it was ours.
So will it fare with Claudio.
When he shall hear she died upon his words,
The idea of her life shall sweetly creep
Into his study of imagination,
225 And every lovely organ of her life
Shall come apparelled in more precious habit,
More moving, delicate and full of life,
Into the eye and prospect of his soul
Than when she lived indeed. Then shall he mourn,
230 If ever love had interest in his liver,
And wish he had not so accused her,
No, though he thought his accusation true.
Let this be so, and doubt not but success
Will fashion the event in better shape
235 Than I can lay it down in likelihood.
But if all aim but this be leveled false,
The supposition of the lady’s death
Will quench the wonder of her infamy.
And if it sort not well, you may conceal her,
240 As best befits her wounded reputation,
In some reclusive and religious life,
Out of all eyes, tongues, minds, and injuries.
So will it fare with Claudio.
When he shall hear she died upon his words,
The idea of her life shall sweetly creep
Into his study of imagination,
And every lovely organ of her life
Shall come apparelled in more precious habit,
More moving, delicate and full of life,
Into the eye and prospect of his soul
Than when she lived indeed. Then shall he mourn,
If ever love had interest in his liver,
And wish he had not so accused her,
No, though he thought his accusation true.
Let this be so, and doubt not but success
Will fashion the event in better shape
Than I can lay it down in likelihood.
But if all aim but this be leveled false,
The supposition of the lady’s death
Will quench the wonder of her infamy.
And if it sort not well, you may conceal her,
As best befits her wounded reputation,
In some reclusive and religious life,
Out of all eyes, tongues, minds, and injuries.

BENEDICK

Signior Leonato, let the friar advise you.
And though you know my inwardness and love
245 Is very much unto the Prince and Claudio,
Yet, by mine honor, I will deal in this
As secretly and justly as your soul
Should with your body.

BENEDICK

Signior Leonato, let the friar advise you.
And though you know my inwardness and love
Is very much unto the Prince and Claudio,
Yet, by mine honor, I will deal in this
As secretly and justly as your soul
Should with your body.

LEONATO

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

LEONATO

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

FRIAR FRANCIS

250 'Tis well consented. Presently away,
For to strange sores strangely they strain the cure.—
Come, lady, die to live. This wedding day
Perhaps is but prolonged. Have patience and endure.

FRIAR FRANCIS

'Tis well consented. Presently away,
For to strange sores strangely they strain the cure.—
Come, lady, die to live. This wedding day
Perhaps is but prolonged. Have patience and endure.
Exeunt all but BENEDICK and BEATRICE
Exeunt all but BENEDICK and BEATRICE

BENEDICK

Lady Beatrice, have you wept all this while?

BENEDICK

Lady Beatrice, have you wept all this while?

BEATRICE

255 Yea, and I will weep a while longer.

BEATRICE

Yea, and I will weep a while longer.

BENEDICK

I will not desire that.

BENEDICK

I will not desire that.

BEATRICE

You have no reason. I do it freely.

BEATRICE

You have no reason. I do it freely.

BENEDICK

Surely I do believe your fair cousin is wronged.

BENEDICK

Surely I do believe your fair cousin is wronged.

BEATRICE

Ah, how much might the man deserve of me that would
260 right her!

BEATRICE

Ah, how much might the man deserve of me that would
right her!

BENEDICK

Is there any way to show such friendship?

BENEDICK

Is there any way to show such friendship?

BEATRICE

A very even way, but no such friend.

BEATRICE

A very even way, but no such friend.

BENEDICK

May a man do it?

BENEDICK

May a man do it?

BEATRICE

It is a man’s office, but not yours.

BEATRICE

It is a man’s office, but not yours.

BENEDICK

265 I do love nothing in the world so well as you. Is not that
strange?

BENEDICK

I do love nothing in the world so well as you. Is not that
strange?

BEATRICE

As strange as the thing I know not. It were as possible for
me to say I loved nothing so well as you, but believe me not,
and yet I lie not, I confess nothing, nor I deny nothing. I am
270 sorry for my cousin.

BEATRICE

As strange as the thing I know not. It were as possible for
me to say I loved nothing so well as you, but believe me not,
and yet I lie not, I confess nothing, nor I deny nothing. I am
sorry for my cousin.

BENEDICK

By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me.

BENEDICK

By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me.

BEATRICE

Do not swear, and eat it.

BEATRICE

Do not swear, and eat it.

BENEDICK

I will swear by it that you love me, and I will make him eat
it that says I love not you.

BENEDICK

I will swear by it that you love me, and I will make him eat
it that says I love not you.

BEATRICE

275 Will you not eat your word?

BEATRICE

Will you not eat your word?

BENEDICK

With no sauce that can be devised to it. I protest I love thee.

BENEDICK

With no sauce that can be devised to it. I protest I love thee.

BEATRICE

Why then, God forgive me.

BEATRICE

Why then, God forgive me.

BENEDICK

What offense, sweet Beatrice?

BENEDICK

What offense, sweet Beatrice?

BEATRICE

You have stayed me in a happy hour. I was about to protest
280 I loved you.

BEATRICE

You have stayed me in a happy hour. I was about to protest
I loved you.

BENEDICK

And do it with all thy heart.

BENEDICK

And do it with all thy heart.

BEATRICE

I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to
protest.

BEATRICE

I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to
protest.

BENEDICK

Come, bid me do anything for thee.

BENEDICK

Come, bid me do anything for thee.

BEATRICE

285 Kill Claudio.

BEATRICE

Kill Claudio.

BENEDICK

Ha! Not for the wide world.

BENEDICK

Ha! Not for the wide world.

BEATRICE

You kill me to deny it. Farewell.

BEATRICE

You kill me to deny it. Farewell.
BEATRICE begins to exit
BEATRICE begins to exit

BENEDICK

Tarry, sweet Beatrice.

BENEDICK

Tarry, sweet Beatrice.

BEATRICE

I am gone, though I am here. There is no love in you. Nay,
290 I pray you let me go.

BEATRICE

I am gone, though I am here. There is no love in you. Nay,
I pray you let me go.

BENEDICK

Beatrice—

BENEDICK

Beatrice—

BEATRICE

In faith, I will go.

BEATRICE

In faith, I will go.

BENEDICK

We’ll be friends first.

BENEDICK

We’ll be friends first.

BEATRICE

You dare easier be friends with me than fight with mine
295 enemy.

BEATRICE

You dare easier be friends with me than fight with mine
enemy.

BENEDICK

Is Claudio thine enemy?

BENEDICK

Is Claudio thine enemy?

BEATRICE

Is he not approved in the height a villain, that hath
slandered, scorned, dishonored my kinswoman? Oh, that I
were a man! What, bear her in hand until they come to take
300 hands and then, with public accusation, uncovered
slander, unmitigated rancor—O God, that I were a man! I
would eat his heart in the marketplace.

BEATRICE

Is he not approved in the height a villain, that hath
slandered, scorned, dishonored my kinswoman? Oh, that I
were a man! What, bear her in hand until they come to take
hands and then, with public accusation, uncovered
slander, unmitigated rancor—O God, that I were a man! I
would eat his heart in the marketplace.

BENEDICK

Hear me, Beatrice—

BENEDICK

Hear me, Beatrice—

BEATRICE

Talk with a man out at a window! A proper saying!

BEATRICE

Talk with a man out at a window! A proper saying!

BENEDICK

305 Nay, but Beatrice—

BENEDICK

Nay, but Beatrice—

BEATRICE

Sweet Hero, she is wronged, she is slandered, she is
undone.

BEATRICE

Sweet Hero, she is wronged, she is slandered, she is
undone.

BENEDICK

Beat—

BENEDICK

Beat—

BEATRICE

Princes and counties! Surely, a princely testimony, a goodly
310 count, Count Comfect, a sweet gallant, surely! Oh, that I
were a man for his sake! Or that I had any friend would be
a man for my sake! But manhood is melted into curtsies,
valor into compliment, and men are only turned into
tongue, and trim ones too. He is now as valiant as Hercules
315 that only tells a lie and swears it. I cannot be a man with
wishing, therefore I will die a woman with grieving.

BEATRICE

Princes and counties! Surely, a princely testimony, a goodly
count, Count Comfect, a sweet gallant, surely! Oh, that I
were a man for his sake! Or that I had any friend would be
a man for my sake! But manhood is melted into curtsies,
valor into compliment, and men are only turned into
tongue, and trim ones too. He is now as valiant as Hercules
that only tells a lie and swears it. I cannot be a man with
wishing, therefore I will die a woman with grieving.

BENEDICK

Tarry, good Beatrice. By this hand, I love thee.

BENEDICK

Tarry, good Beatrice. By this hand, I love thee.

BEATRICE

Use it for my love some other way than swearing by it.

BEATRICE

Use it for my love some other way than swearing by it.

BENEDICK

Think you in your soul the Count Claudio hath wronged
320 Hero?

BENEDICK

Think you in your soul the Count Claudio hath wronged
Hero?

BEATRICE

Yea, as sure as I have a thought or a soul.

BEATRICE

Yea, as sure as I have a thought or a soul.

BENEDICK

Enough, I am engaged. I will challenge him. I will kiss your
hand, and so I leave you. By this hand, Claudio shall render
me a dear account. As you hear of me, so think of me. Go
325 comfort your cousin. I must say she is dead, and so,
farewell.

BENEDICK

Enough, I am engaged. I will challenge him. I will kiss your
hand, and so I leave you. By this hand, Claudio shall render
me a dear account. As you hear of me, so think of me. Go
comfort your cousin. I must say she is dead, and so,
farewell.
Exeunt
Exeunt

Original Text

Modern Text

Enter DON PEDRO , DON JOHN , LEONATO , FRIAR FRANCIS , CLAUDIO , BENEDICK HERO , BEATRICE , and Attendants
Enter DON PEDRO , DON JOHN , LEONATO , FRIAR FRANCIS , CLAUDIO , BENEDICK HERO , BEATRICE , and Attendants

LEONATO

Come, Friar Francis, be brief, only to the plain form of
marriage, and you shall recount their particular duties
afterwards.

LEONATO

Come, Friar Francis, be brief, only to the plain form of
marriage, and you shall recount their particular duties
afterwards.

FRIAR FRANCIS

(to CLAUDIO) You come hither, my lord, to marry this lady?

FRIAR FRANCIS

(to CLAUDIO) You come hither, my lord, to marry this lady?

CLAUDIO

5 No.

CLAUDIO

No.

LEONATO

To be married to her.—Friar, you come to marry her.

LEONATO

To be married to her.—Friar, you come to marry her.

FRIAR FRANCIS

Lady, you come hither to be married to this count?

FRIAR FRANCIS

Lady, you come hither to be married to this count?

HERO

I do.

HERO

I do.

FRIAR FRANCIS

If either of you know any inward impediment why you
10 should not be conjoined, charge you on your souls to utter
it.

FRIAR FRANCIS

If either of you know any inward impediment why you
should not be conjoined, charge you on your souls to utter
it.

CLAUDIO

Know you any, Hero?

CLAUDIO

Know you any, Hero?

HERO

None, my lord.

HERO

None, my lord.

FRIAR FRANCIS

Know you any, count?

FRIAR FRANCIS

Know you any, count?

LEONATO

15 I dare make his answer, none.

LEONATO

I dare make his answer, none.

CLAUDIO

O, what men dare do! What men may do! What men daily
do, not knowing what they do!

CLAUDIO

O, what men dare do! What men may do! What men daily
do, not knowing what they do!

BENEDICK

How now, interjections? Why, then, some be of laughing,
as, ah, ha, he!

BENEDICK

How now, interjections? Why, then, some be of laughing,
as, ah, ha, he!

CLAUDIO

20 Stand thee by, Friar.—Father, by your leave,
Will you with free and unconstrainèd soul
Give me this maid, your daughter?

CLAUDIO

Stand thee by, Friar.—Father, by your leave,
Will you with free and unconstrainèd soul
Give me this maid, your daughter?

LEONATO

As freely, son, as God did give her me.

LEONATO

As freely, son, as God did give her me.

CLAUDIO

And what have I to give you back whose worth
25 May counterpoise this rich and precious gift?

CLAUDIO

And what have I to give you back whose worth
May counterpoise this rich and precious gift?

DON PEDRO

Nothing, unless you render her again.

DON PEDRO

Nothing, unless you render her again.

CLAUDIO

Sweet Prince, you learn me noble thankfulness.—
There, Leonato, take her back again.
Give not this rotten orange to your friend.
30 She’s but the sign and semblance of her honor.
Behold how like a maid she blushes here!
Oh, what authority and show of truth
Can cunning sin cover itself withal!
Comes not that blood as modest evidence
35 To witness simple virtue? Would you not swear,
All you that see her, that she were a maid
By these exterior shows? But she is none.
She knows the heat of a luxurious bed.
Her blush is guiltiness, not modesty.

CLAUDIO

Sweet Prince, you learn me noble thankfulness.—
There, Leonato, take her back again.
Give not this rotten orange to your friend.
She’s but the sign and semblance of her honor.
Behold how like a maid she blushes here!
Oh, what authority and show of truth
Can cunning sin cover itself withal!
Comes not that blood as modest evidence
To witness simple virtue? Would you not swear,
All you that see her, that she were a maid
By these exterior shows? But she is none.
She knows the heat of a luxurious bed.
Her blush is guiltiness, not modesty.

LEONATO

40 What do you mean, my lord?

LEONATO

What do you mean, my lord?

CLAUDIO

Not to be married,
Not to knit my soul to an approvèd wanton.

CLAUDIO

Not to be married,
Not to knit my soul to an approvèd wanton.

LEONATO

Dear my lord, if you in your own proof
Have vanquished the resistance of her youth
And made defeat of her virginity—

LEONATO

Dear my lord, if you in your own proof
Have vanquished the resistance of her youth
And made defeat of her virginity—

CLAUDIO

45 I know what you would say: if I have known her,
You will say she did embrace me as a husband,
And so extenuate the forehand sin.
No, Leonato,
I never tempted her with word too large
50 But, as a brother to his sister, showed
Bashful sincerity and comely love.

CLAUDIO

I know what you would say: if I have known her,
You will say she did embrace me as a husband,
And so extenuate the forehand sin.
No, Leonato,
I never tempted her with word too large
But, as a brother to his sister, showed
Bashful sincerity and comely love.

HERO

And seemed I ever otherwise to you?

HERO

And seemed I ever otherwise to you?

CLAUDIO

Out on thee, seeming! I will write against it.
You seem to me as Dian in her orb,
55 As chaste as is the bud ere it be blown.
But you are more intemperate in your blood
Than Venus, or those pampered animals
That rage in savage sensuality.

CLAUDIO

Out on thee, seeming! I will write against it.
You seem to me as Dian in her orb,
As chaste as is the bud ere it be blown.
But you are more intemperate in your blood
Than Venus, or those pampered animals
That rage in savage sensuality.

HERO

Is my lord well, that he doth speak so wide?

HERO

Is my lord well, that he doth speak so wide?

LEONATO

60 Sweet Prince, why speak not you?

LEONATO

Sweet Prince, why speak not you?

DON PEDRO

What should I speak?
I stand dishonored, that have gone about
To link my dear friend to a common stale.

DON PEDRO

What should I speak?
I stand dishonored, that have gone about
To link my dear friend to a common stale.

LEONATO

Are these things spoken, or do I but dream?

LEONATO

Are these things spoken, or do I but dream?

DON JOHN

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

DON JOHN

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

BENEDICK

65 This looks not like a nuptial.

BENEDICK

This looks not like a nuptial.

HERO

True! O God!

HERO

True! O God!

CLAUDIO

Leonato, stand I here?
Is this the Prince? Is this the Prince’s brother?
Is this face Hero’s? Are our eyes our own?

CLAUDIO

Leonato, stand I here?
Is this the Prince? Is this the Prince’s brother?
Is this face Hero’s? Are our eyes our own?

LEONATO

70 All this is so, but what of this, my lord?

LEONATO

All this is so, but what of this, my lord?

CLAUDIO

Let me but move one question to your daughter,
And by that fatherly and kindly power
That you have in her, bid her answer truly.

CLAUDIO

Let me but move one question to your daughter,
And by that fatherly and kindly power
That you have in her, bid her answer truly.

LEONATO

I charge thee do so, as thou art my child.

LEONATO

I charge thee do so, as thou art my child.

HERO

75 Oh, God defend me! how am I beset!—
What kind of catechizing call you this?

HERO

Oh, God defend me! how am I beset!—
What kind of catechizing call you this?

CLAUDIO

To make you answer truly to your name.

CLAUDIO

To make you answer truly to your name.

HERO

Is it not Hero? Who can blot that name
With any just reproach?

HERO

Is it not Hero? Who can blot that name
With any just reproach?

CLAUDIO

Marry, that can Hero!
80 Hero itself can blot out Hero’s virtue.
What man was he talked with you yesternight
Out at your window betwixt twelve and one?
Now, if you are a maid, answer to this.

CLAUDIO

Marry, that can Hero!
Hero itself can blot out Hero’s virtue.
What man was he talked with you yesternight
Out at your window betwixt twelve and one?
Now, if you are a maid, answer to this.

HERO

I talked with no man at that hour, my lord.

HERO

I talked with no man at that hour, my lord.

DON PEDRO

85 Why, then are you no maiden.—Leonato,
I am sorry you must hear. Upon mine honor,
Myself, my brother, and this grievèd count
Did see her, hear her, at that hour last night
Talk with a ruffian at her chamber window
90 Who hath indeed, most like a liberal villain,
Confessed the vile encounters they have had
A thousand times in secret.

DON PEDRO

Why, then are you no maiden.—Leonato,
I am sorry you must hear. Upon mine honor,
Myself, my brother, and this grievèd count
Did see her, hear her, at that hour last night
Talk with a ruffian at her chamber window
Who hath indeed, most like a liberal villain,
Confessed the vile encounters they have had
A thousand times in secret.

DON JOHN

Fie, fie, they are not to be named, my lord,
Not to be spoke of!
95 There is not chastity enough in language,
Without offense, to utter them.—Thus, pretty lady,
I am sorry for thy much misgovernment.

DON JOHN

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.

CLAUDIO

O Hero, what a Hero hadst thou been
If half thy outward graces had been placed
100 About thy thoughts and counsels of thy heart!
But fare thee well, most foul, most fair! Farewell,
Thou pure impiety and impious purity.
For thee I’ll lock up all the gates of love,
And on my eyelids shall conjecture hang,
105 To turn all beauty into thoughts of harm,
And never shall it more be gracious.

CLAUDIO

O Hero, what a Hero hadst thou been
If half thy outward graces had been placed
About thy thoughts and counsels of thy heart!
But fare thee well, most foul, most fair! Farewell,
Thou pure impiety and impious purity.
For thee I’ll lock up all the gates of love,
And on my eyelids shall conjecture hang,
To turn all beauty into thoughts of harm,
And never shall it more be gracious.

LEONATO

Hath no man’s dagger here a point for me?

LEONATO

Hath no man’s dagger here a point for me?
HERO swoons
HERO swoons

BEATRICE

Why, how now, cousin! wherefore sink you down?

BEATRICE

Why, how now, cousin! wherefore sink you down?

DON JOHN

Come, let us go. These things, come thus to light,
110 Smother her spirits up.

DON JOHN

Come, let us go. These things, come thus to light,
Smother her spirits up.
Exeunt DON PEDRO , DON JOHN , and CLAUDIO
Exeunt DON PEDRO , DON JOHN , and CLAUDIO

BENEDICK

How doth the lady?

BENEDICK

How doth the lady?

BEATRICE

Dead, I think.—Help, uncle!—
Hero, why, Hero! Uncle! Signor Benedick! Friar!

BEATRICE

Dead, I think.—Help, uncle!—
Hero, why, Hero! Uncle! Signor Benedick! Friar!

LEONATO

O Fate! Take not away thy heavy hand!
Death is the fairest cover for her shame
115 That may be wished for.

LEONATO

O Fate! Take not away thy heavy hand!
Death is the fairest cover for her shame
That may be wished for.

BEATRICE

How now, cousin Hero!

BEATRICE

How now, cousin Hero!
HERO stirs
HERO stirs

FRIAR FRANCIS

(to HERO) Have comfort, lady.

FRIAR FRANCIS

(to HERO) Have comfort, lady.

LEONATO

(to HERO) Dost thou look up?

LEONATO

(to HERO) Dost thou look up?

FRIAR FRANCIS

Yea, wherefore should she not?

FRIAR FRANCIS

Yea, wherefore should she not?

LEONATO

Wherefore! Why, doth not every earthly thing
120 Cry shame upon her? Could she here deny
The story that is printed in her blood?—
Do not live, Hero, do not ope thine eyes,
For, did I think thou wouldst not quickly die,
Thought I thy spirits were stronger than thy shames,
125 Myself would, on the rearward of reproaches,
Strike at thy life. Grieved I I had but one?
Chid I for that at frugal Nature’s frame?
O, one too much by thee! Why had I one?
Why ever wast thou lovely in my eyes?
130 Why had I not with charitable hand
Took up a beggar’s issue at my gates,
Who, smirchèd thus, and mired with infamy,
I might have said, “No part of it is mine;
This shame derives itself from unknown loins”?

LEONATO

Wherefore! Why, doth not every earthly thing
Cry shame upon her? Could she here deny
The story that is printed in her blood?—
Do not live, Hero, do not ope thine eyes,
For, did I think thou wouldst not quickly die,
Thought I thy spirits were stronger than thy shames,
Myself would, on the rearward of reproaches,
Strike at thy life. Grieved I I had but one?
Chid I for that at frugal Nature’s frame?
O, one too much by thee! Why had I one?
Why ever wast thou lovely in my eyes?
Why had I not with charitable hand
Took up a beggar’s issue at my gates,
Who, smirchèd thus, and mired with infamy,
I might have said, “No part of it is mine;
This shame derives itself from unknown loins”?
135 But mine, and mine I loved, and mine I praised,
And mine that I was proud on, mine so much
That I myself was to myself not mine,
Valuing of her—why, she, O she is fall'n
Into a pit of ink, that the wide sea
140 Hath drops too few to wash her clean again
And salt too little which may season give
To her foul tainted flesh!
But mine, and mine I loved, and mine I praised,
And mine that I was proud on, mine so much
That I myself was to myself not mine,
Valuing of her—why, she, O she is fall'n
Into a pit of ink, that the wide sea
Hath drops too few to wash her clean again
And salt too little which may season give
To her foul tainted flesh!

BENEDICK

Sir, sir, be patient.
For my part, I am so attired in wonder
I know not what to say.

BENEDICK

Sir, sir, be patient.
For my part, I am so attired in wonder
I know not what to say.

BEATRICE

145 Oh, on my soul, my cousin is belied!

BEATRICE

Oh, on my soul, my cousin is belied!

BENEDICK

Lady, were you her bedfellow last night?

BENEDICK

Lady, were you her bedfellow last night?

BEATRICE

No, truly not, although until last night
I have this twelvemonth been her bedfellow.

BEATRICE

No, truly not, although until last night
I have this twelvemonth been her bedfellow.

LEONATO

Confirmed, confirmed! Oh, that is stronger made
150 Which was before barred up with ribs of iron!
Would the two princes lie and Claudio lie,
Who loved her so that, speaking of her foulness,
Washed it with tears? Hence from her. Let her die.

LEONATO

Confirmed, confirmed! Oh, that is stronger made
Which was before barred up with ribs of iron!
Would the two princes lie and Claudio lie,
Who loved her so that, speaking of her foulness,
Washed it with tears? Hence from her. Let her die.

FRIAR FRANCIS

Hear me a little,
155 For I have only silent been so long,
And given way unto this course of fortune,
By noting of the lady. I have marked
A thousand blushing apparitions
To start into her face, a thousand innocent shames
160 In angel whiteness beat away those blushes,
And in her eye there hath appeared a fire
To burn the errors that these princes hold
Against her maiden truth. Call me a fool,

FRIAR FRANCIS

Hear me a little,
For I have only silent been so long,
And given way unto this course of fortune,
By noting of the lady. I have marked
A thousand blushing apparitions
To start into her face, a thousand innocent shames
In angel whiteness beat away those blushes,
And in her eye there hath appeared a fire
To burn the errors that these princes hold
Against her maiden truth. Call me a fool,
Trust not my reading nor my observations,
165 Which with experimental seal doth warrant
The tenor of my book; trust not my age,
My reverence, calling, nor divinity,
If this sweet lady lie not guiltless here
Under some biting error.
Trust not my reading nor my observations,
Which with experimental seal doth warrant
The tenor of my book; trust not my age,
My reverence, calling, nor divinity,
If this sweet lady lie not guiltless here
Under some biting error.

LEONATO

Friar, it cannot be.
170 Thou seest that all the grace that she hath left
Is that she will not add to her damnation
A sin of perjury. She not denies it.
Why seek’st thou then to cover with excuse
That which appears in proper nakedness?

LEONATO

Friar, it cannot be.
Thou seest that all the grace that she hath left
Is that she will not add to her damnation
A sin of perjury. She not denies it.
Why seek’st thou then to cover with excuse
That which appears in proper nakedness?

FRIAR FRANCIS

175 Lady, what man is he you are accused of?

FRIAR FRANCIS

Lady, what man is he you are accused of?

HERO

They know that do accuse me. I know none.
If I know more of any man alive
Than that which maiden modesty doth warrant,
Let all my sins lack mercy!—O my father,
180 Prove you that any man with me conversed
At hours unmeet, or that I yesternight
Maintained the change of words with any creature,
Refuse me, hate me, torture me to death!

HERO

They know that do accuse me. I know none.
If I know more of any man alive
Than that which maiden modesty doth warrant,
Let all my sins lack mercy!—O my father,
Prove you that any man with me conversed
At hours unmeet, or that I yesternight
Maintained the change of words with any creature,
Refuse me, hate me, torture me to death!

FRIAR FRANCIS

There is some strange misprision in the princes.

FRIAR FRANCIS

There is some strange misprision in the princes.

BENEDICK

185 Two of them have the very bent of honor,
And if their wisdoms be misled in this,
The practice of it lives in John the Bastard,
Whose spirits toil in frame of villainies.

BENEDICK

Two of them have the very bent of honor,
And if their wisdoms be misled in this,
The practice of it lives in John the Bastard,
Whose spirits toil in frame of villainies.

LEONATO

I know not. If they speak but truth of her,
190 These hands shall tear her; if they wrong her honor,
The proudest of them shall well hear of it.
Time hath not yet so dried this blood of mine
Nor age so eat up my invention
Nor fortune made such havoc of my means
195 Nor my bad life reft me so much of friends
But they shall find, awaked in such a kind,
Both strength of limb and policy of mind,
Ability in means and choice of friends,
To quit me of them throughly.

LEONATO

I know not. If they speak but truth of her,
These hands shall tear her; if they wrong her honor,
The proudest of them shall well hear of it.
Time hath not yet so dried this blood of mine
Nor age so eat up my invention
Nor fortune made such havoc of my means
Nor my bad life reft me so much of friends
But they shall find, awaked in such a kind,
Both strength of limb and policy of mind,
Ability in means and choice of friends,
To quit me of them throughly.

FRIAR FRANCIS

Pause awhile,
200 And let my counsel sway you in this case.
Your daughter here the princes left for dead.
Let her awhile be secretly kept in
And publish it that she is dead indeed.
Maintain a mourning ostentation,
205 And on your family’s old monument
Hang mournful epitaphs and do all rites
That appertain unto a burial.

FRIAR FRANCIS

Pause awhile,
And let my counsel sway you in this case.
Your daughter here the princes left for dead.
Let her awhile be secretly kept in
And publish it that she is dead indeed.
Maintain a mourning ostentation,
And on your family’s old monument
Hang mournful epitaphs and do all rites
That appertain unto a burial.

LEONATO

What shall become of this? What will this do?

LEONATO

What shall become of this? What will this do?

FRIAR FRANCIS

Marry, this, well carried, shall on her behalf
210 Change slander to remorse. That is some good.
But not for that dream I on this strange course,
But on this travail look for greater birth.
She, dying, as it must so be maintained,
Upon the instant that she was accused,
215 Shall be lamented, pitied and excused
Of every hearer. For it so falls out
That what we have we prize not to the worth
Whiles we enjoy it, but being lacked and lost,
Why then we rack the value, then we find
220 The virtue that possession would not show us
Whiles it was ours.

FRIAR FRANCIS

Marry, this, well carried, shall on her behalf
Change slander to remorse. That is some good.
But not for that dream I on this strange course,
But on this travail look for greater birth.
She, dying, as it must so be maintained,
Upon the instant that she was accused,
Shall be lamented, pitied and excused
Of every hearer. For it so falls out
That what we have we prize not to the worth
Whiles we enjoy it, but being lacked and lost,
Why then we rack the value, then we find
The virtue that possession would not show us
Whiles it was ours.
So will it fare with Claudio.
When he shall hear she died upon his words,
The idea of her life shall sweetly creep
Into his study of imagination,
225 And every lovely organ of her life
Shall come apparelled in more precious habit,
More moving, delicate and full of life,
Into the eye and prospect of his soul
Than when she lived indeed. Then shall he mourn,
230 If ever love had interest in his liver,
And wish he had not so accused her,
No, though he thought his accusation true.
Let this be so, and doubt not but success
Will fashion the event in better shape
235 Than I can lay it down in likelihood.
But if all aim but this be leveled false,
The supposition of the lady’s death
Will quench the wonder of her infamy.
And if it sort not well, you may conceal her,
240 As best befits her wounded reputation,
In some reclusive and religious life,
Out of all eyes, tongues, minds, and injuries.
So will it fare with Claudio.
When he shall hear she died upon his words,
The idea of her life shall sweetly creep
Into his study of imagination,
And every lovely organ of her life
Shall come apparelled in more precious habit,
More moving, delicate and full of life,
Into the eye and prospect of his soul
Than when she lived indeed. Then shall he mourn,
If ever love had interest in his liver,
And wish he had not so accused her,
No, though he thought his accusation true.
Let this be so, and doubt not but success
Will fashion the event in better shape
Than I can lay it down in likelihood.
But if all aim but this be leveled false,
The supposition of the lady’s death
Will quench the wonder of her infamy.
And if it sort not well, you may conceal her,
As best befits her wounded reputation,
In some reclusive and religious life,
Out of all eyes, tongues, minds, and injuries.

BENEDICK

Signior Leonato, let the friar advise you.
And though you know my inwardness and love
245 Is very much unto the Prince and Claudio,
Yet, by mine honor, I will deal in this
As secretly and justly as your soul
Should with your body.

BENEDICK

Signior Leonato, let the friar advise you.
And though you know my inwardness and love
Is very much unto the Prince and Claudio,
Yet, by mine honor, I will deal in this
As secretly and justly as your soul
Should with your body.

LEONATO

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

LEONATO

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

FRIAR FRANCIS

250 'Tis well consented. Presently away,
For to strange sores strangely they strain the cure.—
Come, lady, die to live. This wedding day
Perhaps is but prolonged. Have patience and endure.

FRIAR FRANCIS

'Tis well consented. Presently away,
For to strange sores strangely they strain the cure.—
Come, lady, die to live. This wedding day
Perhaps is but prolonged. Have patience and endure.
Exeunt all but BENEDICK and BEATRICE
Exeunt all but BENEDICK and BEATRICE

BENEDICK

Lady Beatrice, have you wept all this while?

BENEDICK

Lady Beatrice, have you wept all this while?

BEATRICE

255 Yea, and I will weep a while longer.

BEATRICE

Yea, and I will weep a while longer.

BENEDICK

I will not desire that.

BENEDICK

I will not desire that.

BEATRICE

You have no reason. I do it freely.

BEATRICE

You have no reason. I do it freely.

BENEDICK

Surely I do believe your fair cousin is wronged.

BENEDICK

Surely I do believe your fair cousin is wronged.

BEATRICE

Ah, how much might the man deserve of me that would
260 right her!

BEATRICE

Ah, how much might the man deserve of me that would
right her!

BENEDICK

Is there any way to show such friendship?

BENEDICK

Is there any way to show such friendship?

BEATRICE

A very even way, but no such friend.

BEATRICE

A very even way, but no such friend.

BENEDICK

May a man do it?

BENEDICK

May a man do it?

BEATRICE

It is a man’s office, but not yours.

BEATRICE

It is a man’s office, but not yours.

BENEDICK

265 I do love nothing in the world so well as you. Is not that
strange?

BENEDICK

I do love nothing in the world so well as you. Is not that
strange?

BEATRICE

As strange as the thing I know not. It were as possible for
me to say I loved nothing so well as you, but believe me not,
and yet I lie not, I confess nothing, nor I deny nothing. I am
270 sorry for my cousin.

BEATRICE

As strange as the thing I know not. It were as possible for
me to say I loved nothing so well as you, but believe me not,
and yet I lie not, I confess nothing, nor I deny nothing. I am
sorry for my cousin.

BENEDICK

By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me.

BENEDICK

By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me.

BEATRICE

Do not swear, and eat it.

BEATRICE

Do not swear, and eat it.

BENEDICK

I will swear by it that you love me, and I will make him eat
it that says I love not you.

BENEDICK

I will swear by it that you love me, and I will make him eat
it that says I love not you.

BEATRICE

275 Will you not eat your word?

BEATRICE

Will you not eat your word?

BENEDICK

With no sauce that can be devised to it. I protest I love thee.

BENEDICK

With no sauce that can be devised to it. I protest I love thee.

BEATRICE

Why then, God forgive me.

BEATRICE

Why then, God forgive me.

BENEDICK

What offense, sweet Beatrice?

BENEDICK

What offense, sweet Beatrice?

BEATRICE

You have stayed me in a happy hour. I was about to protest
280 I loved you.

BEATRICE

You have stayed me in a happy hour. I was about to protest
I loved you.

BENEDICK

And do it with all thy heart.

BENEDICK

And do it with all thy heart.

BEATRICE

I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to
protest.

BEATRICE

I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to
protest.

BENEDICK

Come, bid me do anything for thee.

BENEDICK

Come, bid me do anything for thee.

BEATRICE

285 Kill Claudio.

BEATRICE

Kill Claudio.

BENEDICK

Ha! Not for the wide world.

BENEDICK

Ha! Not for the wide world.

BEATRICE

You kill me to deny it. Farewell.

BEATRICE

You kill me to deny it. Farewell.
BEATRICE begins to exit
BEATRICE begins to exit

BENEDICK

Tarry, sweet Beatrice.

BENEDICK

Tarry, sweet Beatrice.

BEATRICE

I am gone, though I am here. There is no love in you. Nay,
290 I pray you let me go.

BEATRICE

I am gone, though I am here. There is no love in you. Nay,
I pray you let me go.

BENEDICK

Beatrice—

BENEDICK

Beatrice—

BEATRICE

In faith, I will go.

BEATRICE

In faith, I will go.

BENEDICK

We’ll be friends first.

BENEDICK

We’ll be friends first.

BEATRICE

You dare easier be friends with me than fight with mine
295 enemy.

BEATRICE

You dare easier be friends with me than fight with mine
enemy.

BENEDICK

Is Claudio thine enemy?

BENEDICK

Is Claudio thine enemy?

BEATRICE

Is he not approved in the height a villain, that hath
slandered, scorned, dishonored my kinswoman? Oh, that I
were a man! What, bear her in hand until they come to take
300 hands and then, with public accusation, uncovered
slander, unmitigated rancor—O God, that I were a man! I
would eat his heart in the marketplace.

BEATRICE

Is he not approved in the height a villain, that hath
slandered, scorned, dishonored my kinswoman? Oh, that I
were a man! What, bear her in hand until they come to take
hands and then, with public accusation, uncovered
slander, unmitigated rancor—O God, that I were a man! I
would eat his heart in the marketplace.

BENEDICK

Hear me, Beatrice—

BENEDICK

Hear me, Beatrice—

BEATRICE

Talk with a man out at a window! A proper saying!

BEATRICE

Talk with a man out at a window! A proper saying!

BENEDICK

305 Nay, but Beatrice—

BENEDICK

Nay, but Beatrice—

BEATRICE

Sweet Hero, she is wronged, she is slandered, she is
undone.

BEATRICE

Sweet Hero, she is wronged, she is slandered, she is
undone.

BENEDICK

Beat—

BENEDICK

Beat—

BEATRICE

Princes and counties! Surely, a princely testimony, a goodly
310 count, Count Comfect, a sweet gallant, surely! Oh, that I
were a man for his sake! Or that I had any friend would be
a man for my sake! But manhood is melted into curtsies,
valor into compliment, and men are only turned into
tongue, and trim ones too. He is now as valiant as Hercules
315 that only tells a lie and swears it. I cannot be a man with
wishing, therefore I will die a woman with grieving.

BEATRICE

Princes and counties! Surely, a princely testimony, a goodly
count, Count Comfect, a sweet gallant, surely! Oh, that I
were a man for his sake! Or that I had any friend would be
a man for my sake! But manhood is melted into curtsies,
valor into compliment, and men are only turned into
tongue, and trim ones too. He is now as valiant as Hercules
that only tells a lie and swears it. I cannot be a man with
wishing, therefore I will die a woman with grieving.

BENEDICK

Tarry, good Beatrice. By this hand, I love thee.

BENEDICK

Tarry, good Beatrice. By this hand, I love thee.

BEATRICE

Use it for my love some other way than swearing by it.

BEATRICE

Use it for my love some other way than swearing by it.

BENEDICK

Think you in your soul the Count Claudio hath wronged
320 Hero?

BENEDICK

Think you in your soul the Count Claudio hath wronged
Hero?

BEATRICE

Yea, as sure as I have a thought or a soul.

BEATRICE

Yea, as sure as I have a thought or a soul.

BENEDICK

Enough, I am engaged. I will challenge him. I will kiss your
hand, and so I leave you. By this hand, Claudio shall render
me a dear account. As you hear of me, so think of me. Go
325 comfort your cousin. I must say she is dead, and so,
farewell.

BENEDICK

Enough, I am engaged. I will challenge him. I will kiss your
hand, and so I leave you. By this hand, Claudio shall render
me a dear account. As you hear of me, so think of me. Go
comfort your cousin. I must say she is dead, and so,
farewell.
Exeunt
Exeunt