D. Pedro. There is no appearance of fancy in him, unless it be a fancy that he hath to strange disguises; as, to be a Dutchman to-day; a Frenchman a to-morrow; or in the shape of two countries at once, as a German from the waist downward, all slop; and a Spaniard from the hip upward, no doublet: unless he have a fancy to this foolery, as it appears he hath, he is no fool for fancy, as you would have it appear he is.

Claud. If he be not in love with some woman, there is no believing old signs: he brushes his hat o'mornings; what should that bode?

D. John. The word is too good to paint out her wickedness; I could say, she were worse; think you of a worse title, and I will fit her to it. Wonder not till further warrant: go but with me tonight, you shall see her chamber-window entered; D. Pedro. Hath any man seen him at the barber's? even the night before her wedding-day: if you love Claud. No, but the barber's man hath been seen her then, to-morrow wed her; but it would better with him; and the old ornament of his cheek hath fit your honour to change your mind. already stuffed tennis-balls. Claud. May this be so?

Leon. Indeed, he looks younger than he did, by| the loss of a beard.

D. John. If you dare not trust that you see, conD. Pedro. Nay, he rubs himself with civet: can fess not that you know: if you will follow me, I you smell him out by that?

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

129

Dogb. True, and they are to meddle with none now forward with thy tale. but the prince's subjects:-you shall also make no noise in the streets; for, for the watch to babble and talk, is most tolerable, and not to be endured. 2 Watch. We will rather sleep than talk; we know what belongs to a watch.

for it drizzles rain; and I will, like a true drunkard, Bora, Stand thee close then under this penthouse, utter all to thee.

Dogb. Why, you speak like an ancient and most quiet watchman; for I cannot see how sleeping should offend: only, have a care that your bills be not stolen:-Well, you are to call at all the alehouses, and bid those that are drunk get them to bed. 2 Watch. How if they will not?

Dogb. Why then, let them alone till they are sober; if they make you not then the better answer, you may say, they are not the men you took them for. 2 Watch. Well, sir.

Dogb. If you meet a thief, you may suspect him, by virtue of your office, to be no true man: and, a for such kind of men, the less you meddle or make with them, why, the more is for your honesty.

2 Watch. If we know him to be a thief, shall we not lay hands on him?

Dogb. Truly, by your office, you may; but I think, they that touch pitch will be defiled: the most peaceable way for you, if you do take a thief, is, to let him show himself what he is, and steal out of your company.

Verg. You have been always called a merciful man, partner.

Dogb. Truly, I would not hang a dog by my will; much more a man who hath any honesty in him. Verg. If you hear a child cry in the night, you must call to the nurse, and bid her still it.

2 Watch. How if the nurse be asleep, and will not hear us?

Dogb. Why then, depart in peace, and let the child wake her with crying; for the ewe that will not hear her lamb when it baes, will never answer a calf when he bleats.

Verg. 'Tis very true.

Watch. [Aside.] Some treason, masters; yet stand close.

John a thousand ducats.
Bora. Therefore know, I have earned of Don

Con. Is it possible that any villany should be so

dear?

Bora. Thou should'st rather ask, if it were posvillains have need of poor ones, poor ones may sible any villany should be so rich; for when such make what price they will.

Con. I wonder at it.

knowest, that the fashion of a doublet, or a hat, or
Bora. That shows thou art unconfirmed;2 thou
cloak, is nothing to a man.
Con. Yes, it is apparel.
Bora. I mean the fashion.

Con. Yes, the fashion is the fashion.

fool. But seest thou not what a deformed thief this Bora. Tush! I may as well say, the fool's the fashion is?

vile thief this seven year; he goes up and down
Watch. I know that Deformed; he has been a
like a gentleman: I remember his name.

Bora. Didst thou not hear somebody?
Con. No; 'twas the vane on the house.

Bora. Seest thou not, I say, what a deformed all the hot bloods, between fourteen and five and thief this fashion is? how giddily he turns about soldiers in the reechy painting; sometime, like god thirty? sometime, fashioning them like Pharaoh's like the shaven Hercules in the smirched wormBel's priests in the old church window; sometime, eaten tapestry, where his cod-piece secms as massy as his club?

Con. All this I see; and see, that the fashion thou thyself giddy with the fashion too, that thou wears out more apparel than the man: but art not hast shifted out of thy tale to tell me of the fashion?

Dogb. This is the end of the charge. You, constable, are to present the prince's own person; if you meet the prince in the night, you may stay him. Verg. Nay, by'r lady, that I think he cannot. Dogb. Five shillings to one on't, with any man night wooed Margaret, the lady Hero's gentlewoBora. Not so neither: but know, that I have tothat knows the statues, he may stay him: marry, man, by the name of Hero: she leans me out at not without the prince be willing: for, indeed, the her mistress' chamber-window, bids me a thousand watch ought to offend no man; and it is an offence times good night,-I tell this tale vilely:-I should to stay a man against his will."

Verg. By'r lady, I think, it be so.

Dogb. Ha, ha, ha! Well, masters, good night: an there be any matter of weight chances, call up me: keep your fellows' counsels and your own, and good night.-Come, neighbour.

2 Watch. Well, masters, we hear our charge: let us go sit here upon the church-bench till two, and then all to bed.

first tell thee, how the prince, Claudio, and my master Don John, saw afar off in the orchard this master, planted and placed, and possessed by my amiable encounter.

Con. And thought they, Margaret was Hero? but the devil my master knew she was Margaret; Bora. Two of them did, the prince and Claudio; and partly by his oaths, which first possessed them, Dogb. One word more, honest neighbours: I but chiefly by my villany, which did confirm any partly by the dark night, which did deceive them, pray you, watch about signior Leonato's door; for slander that Don John had made, away went Clatthe wedding being there to-morrow, there is a great dio enraged: swore he would meet her as he was coil to-night: adieu, be vigilant, I beseech you. [Exeunt Dogberry and Verges.

Enter Borachio and Conrade.

Bora. What! Conrade,

Watch. Peace, stir not.

Bora. Conrade, I say!

Con. Here man, I am at thy elbow.

before the whole congregation, shame her with appointed, next morning at the temple, and there, what he saw over-night and send her nome again without a husband.

1 Watch. We charge you in the prince's name, [Aside. stand.

Bora. Mass, and my elbow itched; I thought there would a scab follow.

Con. I will owe thee an answer for that; and

(1) Weapons of the watchmen.

(2) Unoractised in the ways of the world.

2 Watch. Call up the right master constable: of lechery that ever was known in the commonwe have here recovered the most dangerous piece wealth.

1 Watch. And one Deformed is one of them; 1 know him, he wears a lock.

Con. Masters, masters.

Marg. Well, an you be no turned Turk, there's

2 Watch. You'll be made bring Deformed forth, no more sailing by the star.

Beat. What means the fool, trow? Marg. Nothing I; but God send every one their heart's desire!

Hero. These gloves the count sent me, they are an excellent perfume.

Beat. I am stuffed, cousin, I cannot smell. Marg. A maid, and stuffed! there's goodly [Exeunt. catching of cold.

Con. A commodity in question, I warrant you. Come, we'll obey you.

SCENE IV-A room in Leonato's house. ter Hero, Margaret, and Ursula.

Beat. O, God help me! God help me! how En-long have you profess'd apprehension?

Hero. No, pray thee, good Meg, I'll wear this. Marg. By my troth, it's not so good; and I warrant, your cousin will say so.

Hero. My cousin's a fool, and thou art another; I'll wear none but this.

Marg. Ever since you left it: doth not my wit become me rarely?

Beat. It is not seen enough, you should wear it in your cap.-By my troth, I am sick.

Marg. Get you some of this distilled Carduus Benedictus, and lay it to your heart; it is the only thing for a qualm.

Hero. There thou prick'st her with a thistle. Beat. Benedictus! why Benedictus? you have some moral' in this Benedictus.

Marg. Moral? no, by my troth, I have no moral meaning; I meant, plain holy thistle. You may think, perchance, that I think you are in love. nay, by'r lady, I am not such a fool to think what Marg. I like the new tire within excellently, I list; nor I list not to think what I can; nor, inif the hair were a thought browner: and your deed, I cannot think, if I would think my heart gown's a most rare fashion, i'faith. I saw the out of thinking, that you are in love, or that you duchess of Milan's gown, that they praise so. will be in love, or that you can be in love: yet Hero. O, that exceeds, they say.

Benedick was such another, and now is he become Marg. By my troth it's but a night-gown in re- a man: he swore he would never marry; and yet spect of yours: Cloth of gold, and cuts, and laced now, in despite of his heart, he eats his meat withwith silver; set with pearls, down sleeves, side-out grudging: and how you may be converted, I sleeves, and skirts round, underborne with a bluish know not; but methinks, you look with your eyes tinsel: but for a fine, quaint, graceful, and excel-as other women do. lent fashion, your's is worth ten on't.

Hero. God give me joy to wear it, for my heart is exceeding heavy!

Marg. "Twill be heavier soon, by the weight of

a man.

Beat. What pace is this that thy tongue keeps?
Marg. Not a false gallop.

Re-enter Ursula.

Urs. Madam, withdraw; the prince, the count, of the town, are come to fetch you to church. signior Benedick, Don John, and all the gallants

Hero. Help to dress me, good coz, good Meg, good Ursula. [Exeunt.

Hero. Fie upon thee! art not ashamed? Marg. Of what, lady? of speaking honourably? Is not marriage honourable in a beggar? Is not your lord honourable without marriage? I think you would have me say, saving your reverence,a husband: an bad thinking do not wrest true speaking, I'll offend nobody: Is there any harm inthe heavier for a husband? None, I think, an if it be the right husband, and the right wife; otherwise, 'tis light, and not heavy: Ask my lady Bea-bour? trice else, here she comes.

Enter Beatrice.

Hero. Good morrow, coz.
Beat. Good morrow, sweet Hero.

Hero. Why, how now! do you speak in the sick tune?

SCENE V.-Another room in Leonato's house.
Enter Leonato, with Dogberry and Verges.
Leon. What would you with me, honest neigh-

Dogb. Marry, sir, I would have some confidence with you, that decerns you nearly.

Leon. Brief, I pray you; for you see, 'tis a busy time with me.

Dogb. Marry, this it is, sir.
Verg. Yes, in truth it is, sir.

Leon. What is it, my good friends?

Dogb. Goodman Verges, sir, speaks a little off Beat. I am out of all other tune, methinks. the matter: an old man, sir, and his wits are not Marg. Clap us into-Light o' love; that goes so blunt, as, God help, I would desire they were; without a burden; do you sing it, and I'll dance it. but, in faith, honest, as the skin between his brows. Beat. Yea, Light o' love, with your heels!- Verg. Yes, I thank God, I am as honest as any then if your husband have stables enough, you'll man living, that is an old man, and no honester see he shall lack no barns.

Marg. O illegitimate construction! I scorn that with my heels.

Beat. 'Tis almost five o'clock, cousin; 'tis time you were ready. By my troth I am exceeding ill ;hey ho!

Marg. For a hawk, a horse, or a husband?
Beat. For the letter that begins them all, H.4
Head-dress.

(3) Aokind of ref. (4) 22 4. for an ache or pain.

than I.

Dogb. Comparisons are odorous: palabras, neighbour Verges.

Leon. Neighbours, you are tedious.

Dogb. It pleases your worship to say so, but we are the poor duke's officers; but, truly, for mine own part, if I were as tedious as a Ag, I could find in my heart to bestow it all of your vorship. Leon. All thy tediousness on me! ha!

(5) Hidden meaning.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

Dogb. Yea, and 'twere a thousand times more than tis: for I hear as good exclamation on your worship, as of any man in the city; and though I be but a poor man, I am glad to hear it.

Verg. And so am I.

Leon. I would fain know what you have to say. Verg. Marry, sir, our watch to-night, excepting your worship's presence, have ta'en a couple of as arrant knaves as any in Messina.

Leon. I dare make his answer, none. what men daily do!. not knowing what they do! Claud. O, what men dare do! what men may do! Bene. How now! interjections? Why, then some be of laughing, as, ha! ha! he!

Claud. Stand thee by, friar:-Father, by your
leave;

Will you with free and unconstrained soul
Give me this maid, your daughter?

Dogb. A good old man, sir; he will be talking;
as they say, When the age is in, the wit is out;
God help us! it is a world to see!1-Well said,
'faith, neighbour Verges :-well, God's a good May counterpoise this rich and precious gift.
man; an two men ride of a horse, one must ride
behind:-an honest soul, i'faith, sir; by my troth
he is, as ever broke bread: but, God is to be wor-
snipped: all men are not alike; alas, good neigh-

Leon. As freely, son, as God did give her me. Claud. And what have I to give you back, whose worth,

bour!

Leon. Indeed, neighbour, he comes too short of

you.

Dogb. Gifts, that God gives.

Leon. I must leave you.

D. Pedro. Nothing, unless you render her again.
Claud. Sweet prince, you learn me noble thank-
fulness.-

There, Leonato, take her back again;
She's but the sign and semblance of her honour :-
Give not this rotten orange to your friend;
Behold, how like a maid she blushes here:
9, what authority and show of truth
Can cunning sin cover itself withal!

Dogb. One word, sir: our watch, sir, have, in- Comes not that blood, as modest evidence, deed, comprehended two auspicious persons, and To witness simple virtue? Would you not swear, we would have them this morning examined before All you that see her, that she were a maid, your worship. She knows the heat of a luxurious bed: By these exterior shows? But she is none: Her blush is guiltiness, not modesty. Leon. What do you mean, my lord? Claud.

it

Leon. Take their examination yourself, and bring I am now in great haste, as it may appear unto you.

me;

Dogb. It shall be suffigance.

Not to be married,

Leon. Drink some wine ere you go: fare you well. Not knit my soul to an approved wanton.

Enter a Messenger.

Mess. My lord, they stay for you to give your daughter to her husband.

Leon. I will wait upon them; I am ready. [Exeunt Leonato and Messenger. Dogb. Go, good partner, go; get you to Francis Seacol, bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the gaol; we are now to examination these men. Verg. And we must do it wisely.

Dogb. We will spare for no wit, I warrant you; here's that [Touching his forehead.] shall drive some of them to a non com only get the learned writer to set down our excommunication, and meet me at the goal. [Exeunt.

ACT IV.

SCENE I.-The inside of a church. Enter Don
Pedro, Don John, Leonato, Friar, Claudio,
Benedick, Hero, and Beatrice, &c.

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

Friar. You come hither, my lord, to marry this lady?

Claud. No.

Leon. To be married to her, friar; you come to! marry her.

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

Hero. I do.

Friar. If either of you know any inward impedi-! ment why you should not be conjoined, I charge you, on your souls, to utter it.

Cland. Know you any, Hero?
Hero. None, my lord."

Friar. Know you any, count?

Leon. Dear my lord, if you, in your own proof
Have vanquish'd the resistance of her youth,
And made defeat of her virginity,

Claud. I know what you would say; If I have
known her,

And so extenuate the 'forehand sin:
You'll say, she did embrace me as a husband,
No, Leonato,

I

never tempted her with word too large;3
But, as a brother to his sister, show'd
Bashful sincerity, and comely love.

You seem to me as Dian in her orb;
Hero. And seem'd I ever otherwise to you?
As chaste as in the bud ere it be blown;
Claud. Out on thy seeming! I will write against it:
But you are more intemperate in your blood
Than Venus, or those pamper'd animals
That rage in savage sensuality.
Hero. Is my lord well, that he doth speak so
wide 4

I

Leon. Sweet prince, why speak not you?
D. Pedro.
What should I speak?
To link my dear friend to a common stale.
stand dishonour'd, that have gone about
Leon. Are these things spoken? or do I but dream?
D. John. Sir, they are spoken, and these things
are true.

Bene. This looks not like a nuptial.
Hero.
True, O God!

Claud. Leonato, stand I here?
Is this face Hero's? Are our eyes our own?
Is this the prince? Is this the prince's brother?
Leon. All this is so; but what of this, my lord?
Claud. Let me but move one question to your
And, by that fatherly and kindly power
daughter;
That you have in her, bid her answer truly.
Leon. I charge thee do so, as thou art my child.
Hero. O God defend me! how am I beset!-
What kind of catechizing call you this?
Claud. To make you answer truly to your name,

(4) Remote from the business in hand.