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No Fear Translations
No Fear Audio
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Enter DON PEDRO , DON JOHN , LEONATO , FRIAR FRANCIS , CLAUDIO , BENEDICK , HERO , BEATRICE , and Attendants
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Enter DON PEDRO , DON JOHN , LEONATO , FRIAR FRANCIS , CLAUDIO , BENEDICK , HERO , BEATRICE , and Attendants
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LEONATO Come, Friar Francis, be brief, only to the plain form of
marriage, and you shall recount their particular duties
afterwards.
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LEONATO Come, Friar Francis, be brief, only to the plain form of
marriage, and you shall recount their particular duties
afterwards.
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FRIAR FRANCIS (to CLAUDIO) You come hither, my lord, to marry this lady?
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FRIAR FRANCIS (to CLAUDIO) You come hither, my lord, to marry this lady?
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CLAUDIO 5 No.
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CLAUDIO No.
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LEONATO To be married to her.—Friar, you come to marry her.
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LEONATO To be married to her.—Friar, you come to marry her.
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FRIAR FRANCIS Lady, you come hither to be married to this count?
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FRIAR FRANCIS Lady, you come hither to be married to this count?
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HERO I do.
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HERO I do.
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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.
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FRIAR FRANCIS If either of you know any inward impediment why you
should not be conjoined, charge you on your souls to utter
it.
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CLAUDIO Know you any, Hero?
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CLAUDIO Know you any, Hero?
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HERO None, my lord.
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HERO None, my lord.
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FRIAR FRANCIS Know you any, count?
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FRIAR FRANCIS Know you any, count?
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LEONATO 15 I dare make his answer, none.
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LEONATO I dare make his answer, none.
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CLAUDIO O, what men dare do! What men may do! What men daily
do, not knowing what they do!
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CLAUDIO O, what men dare do! What men may do! What men daily
do, not knowing what they do!
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BENEDICK How now, interjections? Why, then, some be of laughing,
as, ah, ha, he!
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BENEDICK How now, interjections? Why, then, some be of laughing,
as, ah, ha, he!
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CLAUDIO 20 Stand thee by, Friar.—Father, by your leave,
Will you with free and unconstrainèd soul
Give me this maid, your daughter?
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CLAUDIO Stand thee by, Friar.—Father, by your leave,
Will you with free and unconstrainèd soul
Give me this maid, your daughter?
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LEONATO As freely, son, as God did give her me.
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LEONATO As freely, son, as God did give her me.
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CLAUDIO And what have I to give you back whose worth
25 May counterpoise this rich and precious gift?
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CLAUDIO And what have I to give you back whose worth
May counterpoise this rich and precious gift?
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DON PEDRO Nothing, unless you render her again.
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DON PEDRO Nothing, unless you render her again.
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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.
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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.
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LEONATO 40 What do you mean, my lord?
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LEONATO What do you mean, my lord?
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CLAUDIO Not to be married,
Not to knit my soul to an approvèd wanton.
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CLAUDIO Not to be married,
Not to knit my soul to an approvèd wanton.
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LEONATO Dear my lord, if you in your own proof
Have vanquished the resistance of her youth
And made defeat of her virginity—
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LEONATO Dear my lord, if you in your own proof
Have vanquished the resistance of her youth
And made defeat of her virginity—
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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.
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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.
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HERO And seemed I ever otherwise to you?
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HERO And seemed I ever otherwise to you?
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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.
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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.
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HERO Is my lord well, that he doth speak so wide?
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HERO Is my lord well, that he doth speak so wide?
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LEONATO 60 Sweet Prince, why speak not you?
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LEONATO Sweet Prince, why speak not you?
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DON PEDRO What should I speak?
I stand dishonored, that have gone about
To link my dear friend to a common stale.
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DON PEDRO What should I speak?
I stand dishonored, that have gone about
To link my dear friend to a common stale.
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LEONATO Are these things spoken, or do I but dream?
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LEONATO Are these things spoken, or do I but dream?
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DON JOHN Sir, they are spoken, and these things are true.
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DON JOHN Sir, they are spoken, and these things are true.
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BENEDICK 65 This looks not like a nuptial.
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BENEDICK This looks not like a nuptial.
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HERO True! O God!
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HERO True! O God!
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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?
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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?
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LEONATO 70 All this is so, but what of this, my lord?
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LEONATO All this is so, but what of this, my lord?
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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.
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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.
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LEONATO I charge thee do so, as thou art my child.
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LEONATO I charge thee do so, as thou art my child.
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HERO 75 Oh, God defend me! how am I beset!—
What kind of catechizing call you this?
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HERO Oh, God defend me! how am I beset!—
What kind of catechizing call you this?
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CLAUDIO To make you answer truly to your name.
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CLAUDIO To make you answer truly to your name.
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HERO Is it not Hero? Who can blot that name
With any just reproach?
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HERO Is it not Hero? Who can blot that name
With any just reproach?
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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.
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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.
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HERO I talked with no man at that hour, my lord.
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HERO I talked with no man at that hour, my lord.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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LEONATO Hath no man’s dagger here a point for me?
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LEONATO Hath no man’s dagger here a point for me?
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HERO swoons
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HERO swoons
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BEATRICE Why, how now, cousin! wherefore sink you down?
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BEATRICE Why, how now, cousin! wherefore sink you down?
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DON JOHN Come, let us go. These things, come thus to light,
110 Smother her spirits up.
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DON JOHN Come, let us go. These things, come thus to light,
Smother her spirits up.
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Exeunt DON PEDRO , DON JOHN , and CLAUDIO
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Exeunt DON PEDRO , DON JOHN , and CLAUDIO
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BENEDICK How doth the lady?
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BENEDICK How doth the lady?
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BEATRICE Dead, I think.—Help, uncle!—
Hero, why, Hero! Uncle! Signor Benedick! Friar!
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BEATRICE Dead, I think.—Help, uncle!—
Hero, why, Hero! Uncle! Signor Benedick! Friar!
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LEONATO O Fate! Take not away thy heavy hand!
Death is the fairest cover for her shame
115 That may be wished for.
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LEONATO O Fate! Take not away thy heavy hand!
Death is the fairest cover for her shame
That may be wished for.
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BEATRICE How now, cousin Hero!
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BEATRICE How now, cousin Hero!
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HERO stirs
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HERO stirs
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FRIAR FRANCIS (to HERO) Have comfort, lady.
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FRIAR FRANCIS (to HERO) Have comfort, lady.
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LEONATO (to HERO) Dost thou look up?
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LEONATO (to HERO) Dost thou look up?
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FRIAR FRANCIS Yea, wherefore should she not?
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FRIAR FRANCIS Yea, wherefore should she not?
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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”?
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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”?
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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!
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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!
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BENEDICK Sir, sir, be patient.
For my part, I am so attired in wonder
I know not what to say.
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BENEDICK Sir, sir, be patient.
For my part, I am so attired in wonder
I know not what to say.
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BEATRICE 145 Oh, on my soul, my cousin is belied!
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BEATRICE Oh, on my soul, my cousin is belied!
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BENEDICK Lady, were you her bedfellow last night?
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BENEDICK Lady, were you her bedfellow last night?
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BEATRICE No, truly not, although until last night
I have this twelvemonth been her bedfellow.
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BEATRICE No, truly not, although until last night
I have this twelvemonth been her bedfellow.
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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.
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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.
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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,
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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, |
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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?
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FRIAR FRANCIS 175 Lady, what man is he you are accused of?
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FRIAR FRANCIS Lady, what man is he you are accused of?
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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!
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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!
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FRIAR FRANCIS There is some strange misprision in the princes.
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FRIAR FRANCIS There is some strange misprision in the princes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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LEONATO What shall become of this? What will this do?
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LEONATO What shall become of this? What will this do?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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LEONATO Being that I flow in grief,
The smallest twine may lead me.
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LEONATO Being that I flow in grief,
The smallest twine may lead me.
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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.
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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.
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Exeunt all but BENEDICK and BEATRICE
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Exeunt all but BENEDICK and BEATRICE
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BENEDICK Lady Beatrice, have you wept all this while?
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BENEDICK Lady Beatrice, have you wept all this while?
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BEATRICE 255 Yea, and I will weep a while longer.
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BEATRICE Yea, and I will weep a while longer.
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BENEDICK I will not desire that.
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BENEDICK I will not desire that.
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BEATRICE You have no reason. I do it freely.
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BEATRICE You have no reason. I do it freely.
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BENEDICK Surely I do believe your fair cousin is wronged.
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BENEDICK Surely I do believe your fair cousin is wronged.
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BEATRICE Ah, how much might the man deserve of me that would
260 right her!
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BEATRICE Ah, how much might the man deserve of me that would
right her!
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BENEDICK Is there any way to show such friendship?
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BENEDICK Is there any way to show such friendship?
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BEATRICE A very even way, but no such friend.
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BEATRICE A very even way, but no such friend.
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BENEDICK May a man do it?
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BENEDICK May a man do it?
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BEATRICE It is a man’s office, but not yours.
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BEATRICE It is a man’s office, but not yours.
|
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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?
|
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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.
|
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BENEDICK By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me.
|
BENEDICK By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me.
|
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BEATRICE Do not swear, and eat it.
|
BEATRICE Do not swear, and eat it.
|
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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?
|
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BENEDICK With no sauce that can be devised to it. I protest I love thee.
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BENEDICK With no sauce that can be devised to it. I protest I love thee.
|
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BEATRICE Why then, God forgive me.
|
BEATRICE Why then, God forgive me.
|
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BENEDICK What offense, sweet Beatrice?
|
BENEDICK What offense, sweet Beatrice?
|
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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.
|
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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.
|
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BENEDICK Come, bid me do anything for thee.
|
BENEDICK Come, bid me do anything for thee.
|
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BEATRICE 285 Kill Claudio.
|
BEATRICE Kill Claudio.
|
|
BENEDICK Ha! Not for the wide world.
|
BENEDICK Ha! Not for the wide world.
|
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BEATRICE You kill me to deny it. Farewell.
|
BEATRICE You kill me to deny it. Farewell.
|
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BEATRICE begins to exit
|
BEATRICE begins to exit
|
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BENEDICK Tarry, sweet Beatrice.
|
BENEDICK Tarry, sweet Beatrice.
|
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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.
|
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BENEDICK We’ll be friends first.
|
BENEDICK We’ll be friends first.
|
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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?
|
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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
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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
|
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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.
|
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FRIAR FRANCIS (to CLAUDIO) You come hither, my lord, to marry this lady?
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FRIAR FRANCIS (to CLAUDIO) You come hither, my lord, to marry this lady?
|
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CLAUDIO 5 No.
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CLAUDIO No.
|
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LEONATO To be married to her.—Friar, you come to marry her.
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LEONATO To be married to her.—Friar, you come to marry her.
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FRIAR FRANCIS Lady, you come hither to be married to this count?
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FRIAR FRANCIS Lady, you come hither to be married to this count?
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HERO I do.
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HERO I do.
|
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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.
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FRIAR FRANCIS If either of you know any inward impediment why you
should not be conjoined, charge you on your souls to utter
it.
|
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CLAUDIO Know you any, Hero?
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CLAUDIO Know you any, Hero?
|
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HERO None, my lord.
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HERO None, my lord.
|
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FRIAR FRANCIS Know you any, count?
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FRIAR FRANCIS Know you any, count?
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LEONATO 15 I dare make his answer, none.
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LEONATO I dare make his answer, none.
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CLAUDIO O, what men dare do! What men may do! What men daily
do, not knowing what they do!
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CLAUDIO O, what men dare do! What men may do! What men daily
do, not knowing what they do!
|
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BENEDICK How now, interjections? Why, then, some be of laughing,
as, ah, ha, he!
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BENEDICK How now, interjections? Why, then, some be of laughing,
as, ah, ha, he!
|
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CLAUDIO 20 Stand thee by, Friar.—Father, by your leave,
Will you with free and unconstrainèd soul
Give me this maid, your daughter?
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CLAUDIO Stand thee by, Friar.—Father, by your leave,
Will you with free and unconstrainèd soul
Give me this maid, your daughter?
|
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LEONATO As freely, son, as God did give her me.
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LEONATO As freely, son, as God did give her me.
|
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CLAUDIO And what have I to give you back whose worth
25 May counterpoise this rich and precious gift?
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CLAUDIO And what have I to give you back whose worth
May counterpoise this rich and precious gift?
|
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DON PEDRO Nothing, unless you render her again.
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DON PEDRO Nothing, unless you render her again.
|
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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.
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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.
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LEONATO 40 What do you mean, my lord?
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LEONATO What do you mean, my lord?
|
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CLAUDIO Not to be married,
Not to knit my soul to an approvèd wanton.
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CLAUDIO Not to be married,
Not to knit my soul to an approvèd wanton.
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LEONATO Dear my lord, if you in your own proof
Have vanquished the resistance of her youth
And made defeat of her virginity—
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LEONATO Dear my lord, if you in your own proof
Have vanquished the resistance of her youth
And made defeat of her virginity—
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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.
|
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HERO And seemed I ever otherwise to you?
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HERO And seemed I ever otherwise to you?
|
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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.
|
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HERO Is my lord well, that he doth speak so wide?
|
HERO Is my lord well, that he doth speak so wide?
|
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LEONATO 60 Sweet Prince, why speak not you?
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LEONATO Sweet Prince, why speak not you?
|
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DON PEDRO What should I speak?
I stand dishonored, that have gone about
To link my dear friend to a common stale.
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DON PEDRO What should I speak?
I stand dishonored, that have gone about
To link my dear friend to a common stale.
|
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LEONATO Are these things spoken, or do I but dream?
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LEONATO Are these things spoken, or do I but dream?
|
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DON JOHN Sir, they are spoken, and these things are true.
|
DON JOHN Sir, they are spoken, and these things are true.
|
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BENEDICK 65 This looks not like a nuptial.
|
BENEDICK This looks not like a nuptial.
|
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HERO True! O God!
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HERO True! O God!
|
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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?
|
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LEONATO 70 All this is so, but what of this, my lord?
|
LEONATO All this is so, but what of this, my lord?
|
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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.
|
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LEONATO I charge thee do so, as thou art my child.
|
LEONATO I charge thee do so, as thou art my child.
|
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HERO 75 Oh, God defend me! how am I beset!—
What kind of catechizing call you this?
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HERO Oh, God defend me! how am I beset!—
What kind of catechizing call you this?
|
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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.
|
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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LEONATO What shall become of this? What will this do?
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LEONATO What shall become of this? What will this do?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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LEONATO Being that I flow in grief,
The smallest twine may lead me.
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LEONATO Being that I flow in grief,
The smallest twine may lead me.
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|
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.
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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.
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Exeunt all but BENEDICK and BEATRICE
|
Exeunt all but BENEDICK and BEATRICE
|
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BENEDICK Lady Beatrice, have you wept all this while?
|
BENEDICK Lady Beatrice, have you wept all this while?
|
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BEATRICE 255 Yea, and I will weep a while longer.
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BEATRICE Yea, and I will weep a while longer.
|
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BENEDICK I will not desire that.
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BENEDICK I will not desire that.
|
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BEATRICE You have no reason. I do it freely.
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BEATRICE You have no reason. I do it freely.
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BENEDICK Surely I do believe your fair cousin is wronged.
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BENEDICK Surely I do believe your fair cousin is wronged.
|
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BEATRICE Ah, how much might the man deserve of me that would
260 right her!
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BEATRICE Ah, how much might the man deserve of me that would
right her!
|
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BENEDICK Is there any way to show such friendship?
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BENEDICK Is there any way to show such friendship?
|
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BEATRICE A very even way, but no such friend.
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BEATRICE A very even way, but no such friend.
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BENEDICK May a man do it?
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BENEDICK May a man do it?
|
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BEATRICE It is a man’s office, but not yours.
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BEATRICE It is a man’s office, but not yours.
|
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BENEDICK 265 I do love nothing in the world so well as you. Is not that
strange?
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BENEDICK I do love nothing in the world so well as you. Is not that
strange?
|
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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.
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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.
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|
BENEDICK By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me.
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BENEDICK By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me.
|
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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.
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BENEDICK I will swear by it that you love me, and I will make him eat
it that says I love not you.
|
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BEATRICE 275 Will you not eat your word?
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BEATRICE Will you not eat your word?
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BENEDICK With no sauce that can be devised to it. I protest I love thee.
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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.
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BEATRICE You have stayed me in a happy hour. I was about to protest
I loved you.
|
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BENEDICK And do it with all thy heart.
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BENEDICK And do it with all thy heart.
|
|
BEATRICE I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to
protest.
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BEATRICE I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to
protest.
|
|
BENEDICK Come, bid me do anything for thee.
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BENEDICK Come, bid me do anything for thee.
|
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BEATRICE 285 Kill Claudio.
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BEATRICE Kill Claudio.
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BENEDICK Ha! Not for the wide world.
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BENEDICK Ha! Not for the wide world.
|
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BEATRICE You kill me to deny it. Farewell.
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BEATRICE You kill me to deny it. Farewell.
|
|
BEATRICE begins to exit
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BEATRICE begins to exit
|
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BENEDICK Tarry, sweet Beatrice.
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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.
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BEATRICE I am gone, though I am here. There is no love in you. Nay,
I pray you let me go.
|
|
BENEDICK Beatrice—
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BENEDICK Beatrice—
|
|
BEATRICE In faith, I will go.
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BEATRICE In faith, I will go.
|
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BENEDICK We’ll be friends first.
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BENEDICK We’ll be friends first.
|
|
BEATRICE You dare easier be friends with me than fight with mine
295 enemy.
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BEATRICE You dare easier be friends with me than fight with mine
enemy.
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BENEDICK Is Claudio thine enemy?
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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.
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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—
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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—
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BENEDICK Nay, but Beatrice—
|
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BEATRICE Sweet Hero, she is wronged, she is slandered, she is
undone.
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BEATRICE Sweet Hero, she is wronged, she is slandered, she is
undone.
|
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BENEDICK Beat—
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BENEDICK Beat—
|
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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.
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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.
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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?
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BENEDICK Think you in your soul the Count Claudio hath wronged
Hero?
|
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BEATRICE Yea, as sure as I have a thought or a soul.
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BEATRICE Yea, as sure as I have a thought or a soul.
|
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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.
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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.
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|
Exeunt
|
Exeunt
|
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