diff --git a/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/jaxen3.xml b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/jaxen3.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a87723a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/jaxen3.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+
+
+
+ 2
+
+ CE-A
+
+
+
+ 1
+
+ CE-B
+
+
+
diff --git a/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/lang.xml b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/lang.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..49b45db
--- /dev/null
+++ b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/lang.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/message.xml b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/message.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3b81df2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/message.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+
+
+
+ lookupformservice
+ 9
+ stammdaten
+ new
+
+
+
+
+
+ iteminfo
+ ELE
+
+
+ parentinfo
+ Pruefgebiete
+
+
+ id
+ 1
+
+
+
+
+
diff --git a/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/moreover.xml b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/moreover.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..38d4c4f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/moreover.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,244 @@
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13563273
+ e-Commerce Operators Present Version 1.0 of the XML Standard
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://www.stockaccess.com/index.html
+ Dec 24 2000 6:28AM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13560995
+ W3C Publishes XML Protocol Requirements Document
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://www.xml.com/
+ Dec 24 2000 12:22AM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13553521
+ Prowler: Open Source XML-Based Content Management Framework
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://www.xml.com/
+ Dec 23 2000 2:05PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13549013
+ The Middleware Company Debuts Public Training Courses in Ejb, J2ee And Xml
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://industry.java.sun.com/javanews/more/hotnews/
+ Dec 23 2000 12:15PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13544467
+ Revised Working Draft for the W3C XML Information Set
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://www.xml.com/
+ Dec 23 2000 5:50AM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13534836
+ XML: Its The Great Peacemaker
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://www.zdnet.com/intweek/
+ Dec 22 2000 9:05PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13533485
+ Project eL - The XML Leningrad Codex Markup Project
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://www.xml.com/
+ Dec 22 2000 8:34PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13533488
+ XML Linking Language (XLink) and XML Base Specifications Issued as W3C Proposed Recommenda
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://www.xml.com/
+ Dec 22 2000 8:34PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13533492
+ W3C Releases XHTML Basic Specification as a W3C Recommendation
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://www.xml.com/
+ Dec 22 2000 8:34PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13521827
+ Java, Xml And Oracle9i(TM) Make A Great Team
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://industry.java.sun.com/javanews/more/hotnews/
+ Dec 22 2000 3:21PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13511233
+ Competing initiatives to vie for security standard
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://www.zdnet.com/eweek/filters/news/
+ Dec 22 2000 10:54AM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13492397
+ Oracle Provides Developers with Great Xml Reading This Holiday Season
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://industry.java.sun.com/javanews/more/hotnews/
+ Dec 21 2000 8:08PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13491292
+ XML as the great peacemaker - Extensible Markup Language Accomplished The Seemingly Impossible This Year: It B
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/list.htm?c=2000
+ Dec 21 2000 7:45PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13484758
+ XML as the great peacemaker
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1003.html?tag=st.ne.1002.dir.1003
+ Dec 21 2000 4:41PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13480896
+ COOP Switzerland Selects Mercator as Integration Platform
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://www.stockhouse.ca/news/
+ Dec 21 2000 1:55PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13471023
+ Competing XML Specs Move Toward a Union
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://www.internetworld.com/
+ Dec 21 2000 11:14AM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13452280
+ Next-generation XHTML stripped down for handhelds
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005.html?tag=st.ne.1002.dir.1005
+ Dec 20 2000 9:11PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13451789
+ Xml Powers Oracle9i(TM) Dynamic Services
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://industry.java.sun.com/javanews/more/hotnews/
+ Dec 20 2000 9:05PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13442097
+ XML DOM reference guide
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://aspwire.com/
+ Dec 20 2000 6:26PM
+
+
+
+
+ http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?x13424117
+ Repeat/Xqsite And Bowstreet Team to Deliver Integrated Xml Solutions
+
+ text
+ moreover...
+
+ http://industry.java.sun.com/javanews/more/hotnews/
+ Dec 20 2000 9:04AM
+
+
+
+
+
diff --git a/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/much_ado.xml b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/much_ado.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f008fad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/much_ado.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,6850 @@
+
+
+Much Ado about Nothing
+
+
+
Text placed in the public domain by Moby Lexical Tools, 1992.
+
SGML markup by Jon Bosak, 1992-1994.
+
XML version by Jon Bosak, 1996-1998.
+
This work may be freely copied and distributed worldwide.
+
+
+
+
+Dramatis Personae
+
+DON PEDRO, prince of Arragon.
+DON JOHN, his bastard brother.
+CLAUDIO, a young lord of Florence.
+BENEDICK, a young lord of Padua.
+LEONATO, governor of Messina.
+ANTONIO, his brother.
+BALTHASAR, attendant on Don Pedro.
+
+
+CONRADE
+BORACHIO
+followers of Don John.
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+DOGBERRY, a constable.
+VERGES, a headborough.
+A Sexton.
+A Boy.
+HERO, daughter to Leonato.
+BEATRICE, niece to Leonato.
+
+
+MARGARET
+URSULA
+gentlewomen attending on Hero.
+
+
+Messengers, Watch, Attendants, &c.
+
+
+SCENE Messina.
+
+MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
+
+ACT I
+
+SCENE I. Before LEONATO'S house.
+Enter LEONATO, HERO, and BEATRICE, with a
+Messenger
+
+
+LEONATO
+I learn in this letter that Don Peter of Arragon
+comes this night to Messina.
+
+
+
+Messenger
+He is very near by this: he was not three leagues off
+when I left him.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+How many gentlemen have you lost in this action?
+
+
+
+Messenger
+But few of any sort, and none of name.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+A victory is twice itself when the achiever brings
+home full numbers. I find here that Don Peter hath
+bestowed much honour on a young Florentine called Claudio.
+
+
+
+Messenger
+Much deserved on his part and equally remembered by
+Don Pedro: he hath borne himself beyond the
+promise of his age, doing, in the figure of a lamb,
+the feats of a lion: he hath indeed better
+bettered expectation than you must expect of me to
+tell you how.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+He hath an uncle here in Messina will be very much
+glad of it.
+
+
+
+Messenger
+I have already delivered him letters, and there
+appears much joy in him; even so much that joy could
+not show itself modest enough without a badge of
+bitterness.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Did he break out into tears?
+
+
+
+Messenger
+In great measure.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+A kind overflow of kindness: there are no faces
+truer than those that are so washed. How much
+better is it to weep at joy than to joy at weeping!
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+I pray you, is Signior Mountanto returned from the
+wars or no?
+
+
+
+Messenger
+I know none of that name, lady: there was none such
+in the army of any sort.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+What is he that you ask for, niece?
+
+
+
+HERO
+My cousin means Signior Benedick of Padua.
+
+
+
+Messenger
+O, he's returned; and as pleasant as ever he was.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+He set up his bills here in Messina and challenged
+Cupid at the flight; and my uncle's fool, reading
+the challenge, subscribed for Cupid, and challenged
+him at the bird-bolt. I pray you, how many hath he
+killed and eaten in these wars? But how many hath
+he killed? for indeed I promised to eat all of his killing.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Faith, niece, you tax Signior Benedick too much;
+but he'll be meet with you, I doubt it not.
+
+
+
+Messenger
+He hath done good service, lady, in these wars.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+You had musty victual, and he hath holp to eat it:
+he is a very valiant trencherman; he hath an
+excellent stomach.
+
+
+
+Messenger
+And a good soldier too, lady.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+And a good soldier to a lady: but what is he to a lord?
+
+
+
+Messenger
+A lord to a lord, a man to a man; stuffed with all
+honourable virtues.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+It is so, indeed; he is no less than a stuffed man:
+but for the stuffing,--well, we are all mortal.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+You must not, sir, mistake my niece. There is a
+kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick and her:
+they never meet but there's a skirmish of wit
+between them.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Alas! he gets nothing by that. In our last
+conflict four of his five wits went halting off, and
+now is the whole man governed with one: so that if
+he have wit enough to keep himself warm, let him
+bear it for a difference between himself and his
+horse; for it is all the wealth that he hath left,
+to be known a reasonable creature. Who is his
+companion now? He hath every month a new sworn brother.
+
+
+
+Messenger
+Is't possible?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Very easily possible: he wears his faith but as
+the fashion of his hat; it ever changes with the
+next block.
+
+
+
+Messenger
+I see, lady, the gentleman is not in your books.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+No; an he were, I would burn my study. But, I pray
+you, who is his companion? Is there no young
+squarer now that will make a voyage with him to the devil?
+
+
+
+Messenger
+He is most in the company of the right noble Claudio.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+O Lord, he will hang upon him like a disease: he
+is sooner caught than the pestilence, and the taker
+runs presently mad. God help the noble Claudio! if
+he have caught the Benedick, it will cost him a
+thousand pound ere a' be cured.
+
+
+
+Messenger
+I will hold friends with you, lady.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Do, good friend.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+You will never run mad, niece.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+No, not till a hot January.
+
+
+
+Messenger
+Don Pedro is approached.
+
+
+
+Enter DON PEDRO, DON JOHN, CLAUDIO, BENEDICK,
+and BALTHASAR
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Good Signior Leonato, you are come to meet your
+trouble: the fashion of the world is to avoid
+cost, and you encounter it.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Never came trouble to my house in the likeness of
+your grace: for trouble being gone, comfort should
+remain; but when you depart from me, sorrow abides
+and happiness takes his leave.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+You embrace your charge too willingly. I think this
+is your daughter.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Her mother hath many times told me so.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Were you in doubt, sir, that you asked her?
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Signior Benedick, no; for then were you a child.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+You have it full, Benedick: we may guess by this
+what you are, being a man. Truly, the lady fathers
+herself. Be happy, lady; for you are like an
+honourable father.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+If Signior Leonato be her father, she would not
+have his head on her shoulders for all Messina, as
+like him as she is.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+I wonder that you will still be talking, Signior
+Benedick: nobody marks you.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+What, my dear Lady Disdain! are you yet living?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Is it possible disdain should die while she hath
+such meet food to feed it as Signior Benedick?
+Courtesy itself must convert to disdain, if you come
+in her presence.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I
+am loved of all ladies, only you excepted: and I
+would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard
+heart; for, truly, I love none.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+A dear happiness to women: they would else have
+been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God
+and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that: I
+had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man
+swear he loves me.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+God keep your ladyship still in that mind! so some
+gentleman or other shall 'scape a predestinate
+scratched face.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Scratching could not make it worse, an 'twere such
+a face as yours were.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Well, you are a rare parrot-teacher.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I would my horse had the speed of your tongue, and
+so good a continuer. But keep your way, i' God's
+name; I have done.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+You always end with a jade's trick: I know you of old.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+That is the sum of all, Leonato. Signior Claudio
+and Signior Benedick, my dear friend Leonato hath
+invited you all. I tell him we shall stay here at
+the least a month; and he heartily prays some
+occasion may detain us longer. I dare swear he is no
+hypocrite, but prays from his heart.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+If you swear, my lord, you shall not be forsworn.
+To DON JOHN
+Let me bid you welcome, my lord: being reconciled to
+the prince your brother, I owe you all duty.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+I thank you: I am not of many words, but I thank
+you.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Please it your grace lead on?
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Your hand, Leonato; we will go together.
+
+
+
+Exeunt all except BENEDICK and CLAUDIO
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Benedick, didst thou note the daughter of Signior Leonato?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I noted her not; but I looked on her.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Is she not a modest young lady?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Do you question me, as an honest man should do, for
+my simple true judgment; or would you have me speak
+after my custom, as being a professed tyrant to their sex?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+No; I pray thee speak in sober judgment.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Why, i' faith, methinks she's too low for a high
+praise, too brown for a fair praise and too little
+for a great praise: only this commendation I can
+afford her, that were she other than she is, she
+were unhandsome; and being no other but as she is, I
+do not like her.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Thou thinkest I am in sport: I pray thee tell me
+truly how thou likest her.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Would you buy her, that you inquire after her?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Can the world buy such a jewel?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Yea, and a case to put it into. But speak you this
+with a sad brow? or do you play the flouting Jack,
+to tell us Cupid is a good hare-finder and Vulcan a
+rare carpenter? Come, in what key shall a man take
+you, to go in the song?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+In mine eye she is the sweetest lady that ever I
+looked on.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I can see yet without spectacles and I see no such
+matter: there's her cousin, an she were not
+possessed with a fury, exceeds her as much in beauty
+as the first of May doth the last of December. But I
+hope you have no intent to turn husband, have you?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+I would scarce trust myself, though I had sworn the
+contrary, if Hero would be my wife.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Is't come to this? In faith, hath not the world
+one man but he will wear his cap with suspicion?
+Shall I never see a bachelor of three-score again?
+Go to, i' faith; an thou wilt needs thrust thy neck
+into a yoke, wear the print of it and sigh away
+Sundays. Look Don Pedro is returned to seek you.
+
+
+
+Re-enter DON PEDRO
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+What secret hath held you here, that you followed
+not to Leonato's?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I would your grace would constrain me to tell.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+I charge thee on thy allegiance.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+You hear, Count Claudio: I can be secret as a dumb
+man; I would have you think so; but, on my
+allegiance, mark you this, on my allegiance. He is
+in love. With who? now that is your grace's part.
+Mark how short his answer is;--With Hero, Leonato's
+short daughter.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+If this were so, so were it uttered.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Like the old tale, my lord: 'it is not so, nor
+'twas not so, but, indeed, God forbid it should be
+so.'
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+If my passion change not shortly, God forbid it
+should be otherwise.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Amen, if you love her; for the lady is very well worthy.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+You speak this to fetch me in, my lord.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+By my troth, I speak my thought.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+And, in faith, my lord, I spoke mine.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+And, by my two faiths and troths, my lord, I spoke mine.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+That I love her, I feel.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+That she is worthy, I know.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+That I neither feel how she should be loved nor
+know how she should be worthy, is the opinion that
+fire cannot melt out of me: I will die in it at the stake.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Thou wast ever an obstinate heretic in the despite
+of beauty.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+And never could maintain his part but in the force
+of his will.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+That a woman conceived me, I thank her; that she
+brought me up, I likewise give her most humble
+thanks: but that I will have a recheat winded in my
+forehead, or hang my bugle in an invisible baldrick,
+all women shall pardon me. Because I will not do
+them the wrong to mistrust any, I will do myself the
+right to trust none; and the fine is, for the which
+I may go the finer, I will live a bachelor.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+I shall see thee, ere I die, look pale with love.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+With anger, with sickness, or with hunger, my lord,
+not with love: prove that ever I lose more blood
+with love than I will get again with drinking, pick
+out mine eyes with a ballad-maker's pen and hang me
+up at the door of a brothel-house for the sign of
+blind Cupid.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Well, if ever thou dost fall from this faith, thou
+wilt prove a notable argument.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+If I do, hang me in a bottle like a cat and shoot
+at me; and he that hits me, let him be clapped on
+the shoulder, and called Adam.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Well, as time shall try: 'In time the savage bull
+doth bear the yoke.'
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+The savage bull may; but if ever the sensible
+Benedick bear it, pluck off the bull's horns and set
+them in my forehead: and let me be vilely painted,
+and in such great letters as they write 'Here is
+good horse to hire,' let them signify under my sign
+'Here you may see Benedick the married man.'
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+If this should ever happen, thou wouldst be horn-mad.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Nay, if Cupid have not spent all his quiver in
+Venice, thou wilt quake for this shortly.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I look for an earthquake too, then.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Well, you temporize with the hours. In the
+meantime, good Signior Benedick, repair to
+Leonato's: commend me to him and tell him I will
+not fail him at supper; for indeed he hath made
+great preparation.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I have almost matter enough in me for such an
+embassage; and so I commit you--
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+To the tuition of God: From my house, if I had it,--
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+The sixth of July: Your loving friend, Benedick.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Nay, mock not, mock not. The body of your
+discourse is sometime guarded with fragments, and
+the guards are but slightly basted on neither: ere
+you flout old ends any further, examine your
+conscience: and so I leave you.
+
+
+
+Exit
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+My liege, your highness now may do me good.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+My love is thine to teach: teach it but how,
+And thou shalt see how apt it is to learn
+Any hard lesson that may do thee good.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Hath Leonato any son, my lord?
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+No child but Hero; she's his only heir.
+Dost thou affect her, Claudio?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+O, my lord,
+When you went onward on this ended action,
+I look'd upon her with a soldier's eye,
+That liked, but had a rougher task in hand
+Than to drive liking to the name of love:
+But now I am return'd and that war-thoughts
+Have left their places vacant, in their rooms
+Come thronging soft and delicate desires,
+All prompting me how fair young Hero is,
+Saying, I liked her ere I went to wars.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Thou wilt be like a lover presently
+And tire the hearer with a book of words.
+If thou dost love fair Hero, cherish it,
+And I will break with her and with her father,
+And thou shalt have her. Was't not to this end
+That thou began'st to twist so fine a story?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+How sweetly you do minister to love,
+That know love's grief by his complexion!
+But lest my liking might too sudden seem,
+I would have salved it with a longer treatise.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+What need the bridge much broader than the flood?
+The fairest grant is the necessity.
+Look, what will serve is fit: 'tis once, thou lovest,
+And I will fit thee with the remedy.
+I know we shall have revelling to-night:
+I will assume thy part in some disguise
+And tell fair Hero I am Claudio,
+And in her bosom I'll unclasp my heart
+And take her hearing prisoner with the force
+And strong encounter of my amorous tale:
+Then after to her father will I break;
+And the conclusion is, she shall be thine.
+In practise let us put it presently.
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+SCENE II. A room in LEONATO's house.
+Enter LEONATO and ANTONIO, meeting
+
+
+LEONATO
+How now, brother! Where is my cousin, your son?
+hath he provided this music?
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+He is very busy about it. But, brother, I can tell
+you strange news that you yet dreamt not of.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Are they good?
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+As the event stamps them: but they have a good
+cover; they show well outward. The prince and Count
+Claudio, walking in a thick-pleached alley in mine
+orchard, were thus much overheard by a man of mine:
+the prince discovered to Claudio that he loved my
+niece your daughter and meant to acknowledge it
+this night in a dance: and if he found her
+accordant, he meant to take the present time by the
+top and instantly break with you of it.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Hath the fellow any wit that told you this?
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+A good sharp fellow: I will send for him; and
+question him yourself.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+No, no; we will hold it as a dream till it appear
+itself: but I will acquaint my daughter withal,
+that she may be the better prepared for an answer,
+if peradventure this be true. Go you and tell her of it.
+Enter Attendants
+Cousins, you know what you have to do. O, I cry you
+mercy, friend; go you with me, and I will use your
+skill. Good cousin, have a care this busy time.
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+SCENE III. The same.
+Enter DON JOHN and CONRADE
+
+
+CONRADE
+What the good-year, my lord! why are you thus out
+of measure sad?
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+There is no measure in the occasion that breeds;
+therefore the sadness is without limit.
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+You should hear reason.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+And when I have heard it, what blessing brings it?
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+If not a present remedy, at least a patient
+sufferance.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+I wonder that thou, being, as thou sayest thou art,
+born under Saturn, goest about to apply a moral
+medicine to a mortifying mischief. I cannot hide
+what I am: I must be sad when I have cause and smile
+at no man's jests, eat when I have stomach and wait
+for no man's leisure, sleep when I am drowsy and
+tend on no man's business, laugh when I am merry and
+claw no man in his humour.
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+Yea, but you must not make the full show of this
+till you may do it without controlment. You have of
+late stood out against your brother, and he hath
+ta'en you newly into his grace; where it is
+impossible you should take true root but by the
+fair weather that you make yourself: it is needful
+that you frame the season for your own harvest.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in
+his grace, and it better fits my blood to be
+disdained of all than to fashion a carriage to rob
+love from any: in this, though I cannot be said to
+be a flattering honest man, it must not be denied
+but I am a plain-dealing villain. I am trusted with
+a muzzle and enfranchised with a clog; therefore I
+have decreed not to sing in my cage. If I had my
+mouth, I would bite; if I had my liberty, I would do
+my liking: in the meantime let me be that I am and
+seek not to alter me.
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+Can you make no use of your discontent?
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+I make all use of it, for I use it only.
+Who comes here?
+Enter BORACHIO
+What news, Borachio?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+I came yonder from a great supper: the prince your
+brother is royally entertained by Leonato: and I
+can give you intelligence of an intended marriage.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Will it serve for any model to build mischief on?
+What is he for a fool that betroths himself to
+unquietness?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Marry, it is your brother's right hand.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Who? the most exquisite Claudio?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Even he.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+A proper squire! And who, and who? which way looks
+he?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Marry, on Hero, the daughter and heir of Leonato.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+A very forward March-chick! How came you to this?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Being entertained for a perfumer, as I was smoking a
+musty room, comes me the prince and Claudio, hand
+in hand in sad conference: I whipt me behind the
+arras; and there heard it agreed upon that the
+prince should woo Hero for himself, and having
+obtained her, give her to Count Claudio.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Come, come, let us thither: this may prove food to
+my displeasure. That young start-up hath all the
+glory of my overthrow: if I can cross him any way, I
+bless myself every way. You are both sure, and will assist me?
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+To the death, my lord.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Let us to the great supper: their cheer is the
+greater that I am subdued. Would the cook were of
+my mind! Shall we go prove what's to be done?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+We'll wait upon your lordship.
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+SCENE I. A hall in LEONATO'S house.
+Enter LEONATO, ANTONIO, HERO, BEATRICE, and others
+
+
+LEONATO
+Was not Count John here at supper?
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+I saw him not.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+How tartly that gentleman looks! I never can see
+him but I am heart-burned an hour after.
+
+
+
+HERO
+He is of a very melancholy disposition.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+He were an excellent man that were made just in the
+midway between him and Benedick: the one is too
+like an image and says nothing, and the other too
+like my lady's eldest son, evermore tattling.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Then half Signior Benedick's tongue in Count John's
+mouth, and half Count John's melancholy in Signior
+Benedick's face,--
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+With a good leg and a good foot, uncle, and money
+enough in his purse, such a man would win any woman
+in the world, if a' could get her good-will.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+By my troth, niece, thou wilt never get thee a
+husband, if thou be so shrewd of thy tongue.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+In faith, she's too curst.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Too curst is more than curst: I shall lessen God's
+sending that way; for it is said, 'God sends a curst
+cow short horns;' but to a cow too curst he sends none.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+So, by being too curst, God will send you no horns.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Just, if he send me no husband; for the which
+blessing I am at him upon my knees every morning and
+evening. Lord, I could not endure a husband with a
+beard on his face: I had rather lie in the woollen.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+You may light on a husband that hath no beard.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+What should I do with him? dress him in my apparel
+and make him my waiting-gentlewoman? He that hath a
+beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no
+beard is less than a man: and he that is more than
+a youth is not for me, and he that is less than a
+man, I am not for him: therefore, I will even take
+sixpence in earnest of the bear-ward, and lead his
+apes into hell.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Well, then, go you into hell?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+No, but to the gate; and there will the devil meet
+me, like an old cuckold, with horns on his head, and
+say 'Get you to heaven, Beatrice, get you to
+heaven; here's no place for you maids:' so deliver
+I up my apes, and away to Saint Peter for the
+heavens; he shows me where the bachelors sit, and
+there live we as merry as the day is long.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+To HERO Well, niece, I trust you will be ruled
+by your father.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Yes, faith; it is my cousin's duty to make curtsy
+and say 'Father, as it please you.' But yet for all
+that, cousin, let him be a handsome fellow, or else
+make another curtsy and say 'Father, as it please
+me.'
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Well, niece, I hope to see you one day fitted with a husband.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Not till God make men of some other metal than
+earth. Would it not grieve a woman to be
+overmastered with a pierce of valiant dust? to make
+an account of her life to a clod of wayward marl?
+No, uncle, I'll none: Adam's sons are my brethren;
+and, truly, I hold it a sin to match in my kindred.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Daughter, remember what I told you: if the prince
+do solicit you in that kind, you know your answer.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+The fault will be in the music, cousin, if you be
+not wooed in good time: if the prince be too
+important, tell him there is measure in every thing
+and so dance out the answer. For, hear me, Hero:
+wooing, wedding, and repenting, is as a Scotch jig,
+a measure, and a cinque pace: the first suit is hot
+and hasty, like a Scotch jig, and full as
+fantastical; the wedding, mannerly-modest, as a
+measure, full of state and ancientry; and then comes
+repentance and, with his bad legs, falls into the
+cinque pace faster and faster, till he sink into his grave.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Cousin, you apprehend passing shrewdly.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+I have a good eye, uncle; I can see a church by daylight.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+The revellers are entering, brother: make good room.
+
+
+All put on their masks
+Enter DON PEDRO, CLAUDIO, BENEDICK, BALTHASAR,
+DON JOHN, BORACHIO, MARGARET, URSULA and others, masked
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Lady, will you walk about with your friend?
+
+
+
+HERO
+So you walk softly and look sweetly and say nothing,
+I am yours for the walk; and especially when I walk away.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+With me in your company?
+
+
+
+HERO
+I may say so, when I please.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+And when please you to say so?
+
+
+
+HERO
+When I like your favour; for God defend the lute
+should be like the case!
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+My visor is Philemon's roof; within the house is Jove.
+
+
+
+HERO
+Why, then, your visor should be thatched.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Speak low, if you speak love.
+
+
+
+Drawing her aside
+
+
+BALTHASAR
+Well, I would you did like me.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+So would not I, for your own sake; for I have many
+ill-qualities.
+
+
+
+BALTHASAR
+Which is one?
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+I say my prayers aloud.
+
+
+
+BALTHASAR
+I love you the better: the hearers may cry, Amen.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+God match me with a good dancer!
+
+
+
+BALTHASAR
+Amen.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+And God keep him out of my sight when the dance is
+done! Answer, clerk.
+
+
+
+BALTHASAR
+No more words: the clerk is answered.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+I know you well enough; you are Signior Antonio.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+At a word, I am not.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+I know you by the waggling of your head.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+To tell you true, I counterfeit him.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+You could never do him so ill-well, unless you were
+the very man. Here's his dry hand up and down: you
+are he, you are he.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+At a word, I am not.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+Come, come, do you think I do not know you by your
+excellent wit? can virtue hide itself? Go to,
+mum, you are he: graces will appear, and there's an
+end.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Will you not tell me who told you so?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+No, you shall pardon me.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Nor will you not tell me who you are?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Not now.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+That I was disdainful, and that I had my good wit
+out of the 'Hundred Merry Tales:'--well this was
+Signior Benedick that said so.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+What's he?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+I am sure you know him well enough.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Not I, believe me.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Did he never make you laugh?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I pray you, what is he?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Why, he is the prince's jester: a very dull fool;
+only his gift is in devising impossible slanders:
+none but libertines delight in him; and the
+commendation is not in his wit, but in his villany;
+for he both pleases men and angers them, and then
+they laugh at him and beat him. I am sure he is in
+the fleet: I would he had boarded me.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+When I know the gentleman, I'll tell him what you say.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Do, do: he'll but break a comparison or two on me;
+which, peradventure not marked or not laughed at,
+strikes him into melancholy; and then there's a
+partridge wing saved, for the fool will eat no
+supper that night.
+Music
+We must follow the leaders.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+In every good thing.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Nay, if they lead to any ill, I will leave them at
+the next turning.
+
+
+
+Dance. Then exeunt all except DON JOHN, BORACHIO,
+and CLAUDIO
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Sure my brother is amorous on Hero and hath
+withdrawn her father to break with him about it.
+The ladies follow her and but one visor remains.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+And that is Claudio: I know him by his bearing.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Are not you Signior Benedick?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+You know me well; I am he.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Signior, you are very near my brother in his love:
+he is enamoured on Hero; I pray you, dissuade him
+from her: she is no equal for his birth: you may
+do the part of an honest man in it.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+How know you he loves her?
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+I heard him swear his affection.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+So did I too; and he swore he would marry her to-night.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Come, let us to the banquet.
+
+
+
+Exeunt DON JOHN and BORACHIO
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Thus answer I in the name of Benedick,
+But hear these ill news with the ears of Claudio.
+'Tis certain so; the prince wooes for himself.
+Friendship is constant in all other things
+Save in the office and affairs of love:
+Therefore, all hearts in love use their own tongues;
+Let every eye negotiate for itself
+And trust no agent; for beauty is a witch
+Against whose charms faith melteth into blood.
+This is an accident of hourly proof,
+Which I mistrusted not. Farewell, therefore, Hero!
+
+
+
+Re-enter BENEDICK
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Count Claudio?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Yea, the same.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Come, will you go with me?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Whither?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Even to the next willow, about your own business,
+county. What fashion will you wear the garland of?
+about your neck, like an usurer's chain? or under
+your arm, like a lieutenant's scarf? You must wear
+it one way, for the prince hath got your Hero.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+I wish him joy of her.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Why, that's spoken like an honest drovier: so they
+sell bullocks. But did you think the prince would
+have served you thus?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+I pray you, leave me.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Ho! now you strike like the blind man: 'twas the
+boy that stole your meat, and you'll beat the post.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+If it will not be, I'll leave you.
+
+
+
+Exit
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Alas, poor hurt fowl! now will he creep into sedges.
+But that my Lady Beatrice should know me, and not
+know me! The prince's fool! Ha? It may be I go
+under that title because I am merry. Yea, but so I
+am apt to do myself wrong; I am not so reputed: it
+is the base, though bitter, disposition of Beatrice
+that puts the world into her person and so gives me
+out. Well, I'll be revenged as I may.
+
+
+
+Re-enter DON PEDRO
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Now, signior, where's the count? did you see him?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Troth, my lord, I have played the part of Lady Fame.
+I found him here as melancholy as a lodge in a
+warren: I told him, and I think I told him true,
+that your grace had got the good will of this young
+lady; and I offered him my company to a willow-tree,
+either to make him a garland, as being forsaken, or
+to bind him up a rod, as being worthy to be whipped.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+To be whipped! What's his fault?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+The flat transgression of a schoolboy, who, being
+overjoyed with finding a birds' nest, shows it his
+companion, and he steals it.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Wilt thou make a trust a transgression? The
+transgression is in the stealer.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Yet it had not been amiss the rod had been made,
+and the garland too; for the garland he might have
+worn himself, and the rod he might have bestowed on
+you, who, as I take it, have stolen his birds' nest.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+I will but teach them to sing, and restore them to
+the owner.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+If their singing answer your saying, by my faith,
+you say honestly.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+The Lady Beatrice hath a quarrel to you: the
+gentleman that danced with her told her she is much
+wronged by you.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+O, she misused me past the endurance of a block!
+an oak but with one green leaf on it would have
+answered her; my very visor began to assume life and
+scold with her. She told me, not thinking I had been
+myself, that I was the prince's jester, that I was
+duller than a great thaw; huddling jest upon jest
+with such impossible conveyance upon me that I stood
+like a man at a mark, with a whole army shooting at
+me. She speaks poniards, and every word stabs:
+if her breath were as terrible as her terminations,
+there were no living near her; she would infect to
+the north star. I would not marry her, though she
+were endowed with all that Adam bad left him before
+he transgressed: she would have made Hercules have
+turned spit, yea, and have cleft his club to make
+the fire too. Come, talk not of her: you shall find
+her the infernal Ate in good apparel. I would to God
+some scholar would conjure her; for certainly, while
+she is here, a man may live as quiet in hell as in a
+sanctuary; and people sin upon purpose, because they
+would go thither; so, indeed, all disquiet, horror
+and perturbation follows her.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Look, here she comes.
+
+
+
+Enter CLAUDIO, BEATRICE, HERO, and LEONATO
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Will your grace command me any service to the
+world's end? I will go on the slightest errand now
+to the Antipodes that you can devise to send me on;
+I will fetch you a tooth-picker now from the
+furthest inch of Asia, bring you the length of
+Prester John's foot, fetch you a hair off the great
+Cham's beard, do you any embassage to the Pigmies,
+rather than hold three words' conference with this
+harpy. You have no employment for me?
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+None, but to desire your good company.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+O God, sir, here's a dish I love not: I cannot
+endure my Lady Tongue.
+
+
+
+Exit
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Come, lady, come; you have lost the heart of
+Signior Benedick.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Indeed, my lord, he lent it me awhile; and I gave
+him use for it, a double heart for his single one:
+marry, once before he won it of me with false dice,
+therefore your grace may well say I have lost it.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+You have put him down, lady, you have put him down.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+So I would not he should do me, my lord, lest I
+should prove the mother of fools. I have brought
+Count Claudio, whom you sent me to seek.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Why, how now, count! wherefore are you sad?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Not sad, my lord.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+How then? sick?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Neither, my lord.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+The count is neither sad, nor sick, nor merry, nor
+well; but civil count, civil as an orange, and
+something of that jealous complexion.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+I' faith, lady, I think your blazon to be true;
+though, I'll be sworn, if he be so, his conceit is
+false. Here, Claudio, I have wooed in thy name, and
+fair Hero is won: I have broke with her father,
+and his good will obtained: name the day of
+marriage, and God give thee joy!
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Count, take of me my daughter, and with her my
+fortunes: his grace hath made the match, and an
+grace say Amen to it.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Speak, count, 'tis your cue.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Silence is the perfectest herald of joy: I were
+but little happy, if I could say how much. Lady, as
+you are mine, I am yours: I give away myself for
+you and dote upon the exchange.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Speak, cousin; or, if you cannot, stop his mouth
+with a kiss, and let not him speak neither.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+In faith, lady, you have a merry heart.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Yea, my lord; I thank it, poor fool, it keeps on
+the windy side of care. My cousin tells him in his
+ear that he is in her heart.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+And so she doth, cousin.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Good Lord, for alliance! Thus goes every one to the
+world but I, and I am sunburnt; I may sit in a
+corner and cry heigh-ho for a husband!
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Lady Beatrice, I will get you one.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+I would rather have one of your father's getting.
+Hath your grace ne'er a brother like you? Your
+father got excellent husbands, if a maid could come by them.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Will you have me, lady?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+No, my lord, unless I might have another for
+working-days: your grace is too costly to wear
+every day. But, I beseech your grace, pardon me: I
+was born to speak all mirth and no matter.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Your silence most offends me, and to be merry best
+becomes you; for, out of question, you were born in
+a merry hour.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+No, sure, my lord, my mother cried; but then there
+was a star danced, and under that was I born.
+Cousins, God give you joy!
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Niece, will you look to those things I told you of?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+I cry you mercy, uncle. By your grace's pardon.
+
+
+
+Exit
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+By my troth, a pleasant-spirited lady.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+There's little of the melancholy element in her, my
+lord: she is never sad but when she sleeps, and
+not ever sad then; for I have heard my daughter say,
+she hath often dreamed of unhappiness and waked
+herself with laughing.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+She cannot endure to hear tell of a husband.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+O, by no means: she mocks all her wooers out of suit.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+She were an excellent wife for Benedict.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+O Lord, my lord, if they were but a week married,
+they would talk themselves mad.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+County Claudio, when mean you to go to church?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+To-morrow, my lord: time goes on crutches till love
+have all his rites.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Not till Monday, my dear son, which is hence a just
+seven-night; and a time too brief, too, to have all
+things answer my mind.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Come, you shake the head at so long a breathing:
+but, I warrant thee, Claudio, the time shall not go
+dully by us. I will in the interim undertake one of
+Hercules' labours; which is, to bring Signior
+Benedick and the Lady Beatrice into a mountain of
+affection the one with the other. I would fain have
+it a match, and I doubt not but to fashion it, if
+you three will but minister such assistance as I
+shall give you direction.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+My lord, I am for you, though it cost me ten
+nights' watchings.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+And I, my lord.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+And you too, gentle Hero?
+
+
+
+HERO
+I will do any modest office, my lord, to help my
+cousin to a good husband.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+And Benedick is not the unhopefullest husband that
+I know. Thus far can I praise him; he is of a noble
+strain, of approved valour and confirmed honesty. I
+will teach you how to humour your cousin, that she
+shall fall in love with Benedick; and I, with your
+two helps, will so practise on Benedick that, in
+despite of his quick wit and his queasy stomach, he
+shall fall in love with Beatrice. If we can do this,
+Cupid is no longer an archer: his glory shall be
+ours, for we are the only love-gods. Go in with me,
+and I will tell you my drift.
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+SCENE II. The same.
+Enter DON JOHN and BORACHIO
+
+
+DON JOHN
+It is so; the Count Claudio shall marry the
+daughter of Leonato.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Yea, my lord; but I can cross it.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Any bar, any cross, any impediment will be
+medicinable to me: I am sick in displeasure to him,
+and whatsoever comes athwart his affection ranges
+evenly with mine. How canst thou cross this marriage?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Not honestly, my lord; but so covertly that no
+dishonesty shall appear in me.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Show me briefly how.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+I think I told your lordship a year since, how much
+I am in the favour of Margaret, the waiting
+gentlewoman to Hero.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+I remember.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+I can, at any unseasonable instant of the night,
+appoint her to look out at her lady's chamber window.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+What life is in that, to be the death of this marriage?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+The poison of that lies in you to temper. Go you to
+the prince your brother; spare not to tell him that
+he hath wronged his honour in marrying the renowned
+Claudio--whose estimation do you mightily hold
+up--to a contaminated stale, such a one as Hero.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+What proof shall I make of that?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Proof enough to misuse the prince, to vex Claudio,
+to undo Hero and kill Leonato. Look you for any
+other issue?
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Only to despite them, I will endeavour any thing.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Go, then; find me a meet hour to draw Don Pedro and
+the Count Claudio alone: tell them that you know
+that Hero loves me; intend a kind of zeal both to the
+prince and Claudio, as,--in love of your brother's
+honour, who hath made this match, and his friend's
+reputation, who is thus like to be cozened with the
+semblance of a maid,--that you have discovered
+thus. They will scarcely believe this without trial:
+offer them instances; which shall bear no less
+likelihood than to see me at her chamber-window,
+hear me call Margaret Hero, hear Margaret term me
+Claudio; and bring them to see this the very night
+before the intended wedding,--for in the meantime I
+will so fashion the matter that Hero shall be
+absent,--and there shall appear such seeming truth
+of Hero's disloyalty that jealousy shall be called
+assurance and all the preparation overthrown.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Grow this to what adverse issue it can, I will put
+it in practise. Be cunning in the working this, and
+thy fee is a thousand ducats.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Be you constant in the accusation, and my cunning
+shall not shame me.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+I will presently go learn their day of marriage.
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+SCENE III. LEONATO'S orchard.
+Enter BENEDICK
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Boy!
+
+
+
+Enter Boy
+
+
+Boy
+Signior?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+In my chamber-window lies a book: bring it hither
+to me in the orchard.
+
+
+
+Boy
+I am here already, sir.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I know that; but I would have thee hence, and here again.
+Exit Boy
+I do much wonder that one man, seeing how much
+another man is a fool when he dedicates his
+behaviors to love, will, after he hath laughed at
+such shallow follies in others, become the argument
+of his own scorn by failing in love: and such a man
+is Claudio. I have known when there was no music
+with him but the drum and the fife; and now had he
+rather hear the tabour and the pipe: I have known
+when he would have walked ten mile a-foot to see a
+good armour; and now will he lie ten nights awake,
+carving the fashion of a new doublet. He was wont to
+speak plain and to the purpose, like an honest man
+and a soldier; and now is he turned orthography; his
+words are a very fantastical banquet, just so many
+strange dishes. May I be so converted and see with
+these eyes? I cannot tell; I think not: I will not
+be sworn, but love may transform me to an oyster; but
+I'll take my oath on it, till he have made an oyster
+of me, he shall never make me such a fool. One woman
+is fair, yet I am well; another is wise, yet I am
+well; another virtuous, yet I am well; but till all
+graces be in one woman, one woman shall not come in
+my grace. Rich she shall be, that's certain; wise,
+or I'll none; virtuous, or I'll never cheapen her;
+fair, or I'll never look on her; mild, or come not
+near me; noble, or not I for an angel; of good
+discourse, an excellent musician, and her hair shall
+be of what colour it please God. Ha! the prince and
+Monsieur Love! I will hide me in the arbour.
+
+
+Withdraws
+Enter DON PEDRO, CLAUDIO, and LEONATO
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Come, shall we hear this music?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Yea, my good lord. How still the evening is,
+As hush'd on purpose to grace harmony!
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+See you where Benedick hath hid himself?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+O, very well, my lord: the music ended,
+We'll fit the kid-fox with a pennyworth.
+
+
+
+Enter BALTHASAR with Music
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Come, Balthasar, we'll hear that song again.
+
+
+
+BALTHASAR
+O, good my lord, tax not so bad a voice
+To slander music any more than once.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+It is the witness still of excellency
+To put a strange face on his own perfection.
+I pray thee, sing, and let me woo no more.
+
+
+
+BALTHASAR
+Because you talk of wooing, I will sing;
+Since many a wooer doth commence his suit
+To her he thinks not worthy, yet he wooes,
+Yet will he swear he loves.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Now, pray thee, come;
+Or, if thou wilt hold longer argument,
+Do it in notes.
+
+
+
+BALTHASAR
+Note this before my notes;
+There's not a note of mine that's worth the noting.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Why, these are very crotchets that he speaks;
+Note, notes, forsooth, and nothing.
+
+
+
+Air
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Now, divine air! now is his soul ravished! Is it
+not strange that sheeps' guts should hale souls out
+of men's bodies? Well, a horn for my money, when
+all's done.
+
+
+
+The Song
+
+
+BALTHASAR
+Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more,
+Men were deceivers ever,
+One foot in sea and one on shore,
+To one thing constant never:
+Then sigh not so, but let them go,
+And be you blithe and bonny,
+Converting all your sounds of woe
+Into Hey nonny, nonny.
+Sing no more ditties, sing no moe,
+Of dumps so dull and heavy;
+The fraud of men was ever so,
+Since summer first was leafy:
+Then sigh not so, &c.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+By my troth, a good song.
+
+
+
+BALTHASAR
+And an ill singer, my lord.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Ha, no, no, faith; thou singest well enough for a shift.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+An he had been a dog that should have howled thus,
+they would have hanged him: and I pray God his bad
+voice bode no mischief. I had as lief have heard the
+night-raven, come what plague could have come after
+it.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Yea, marry, dost thou hear, Balthasar? I pray thee,
+get us some excellent music; for to-morrow night we
+would have it at the Lady Hero's chamber-window.
+
+
+
+BALTHASAR
+The best I can, my lord.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Do so: farewell.
+Exit BALTHASAR
+Come hither, Leonato. What was it you told me of
+to-day, that your niece Beatrice was in love with
+Signior Benedick?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+O, ay: stalk on. stalk on; the fowl sits. I did
+never think that lady would have loved any man.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+No, nor I neither; but most wonderful that she
+should so dote on Signior Benedick, whom she hath in
+all outward behaviors seemed ever to abhor.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Is't possible? Sits the wind in that corner?
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+By my troth, my lord, I cannot tell what to think
+of it but that she loves him with an enraged
+affection: it is past the infinite of thought.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+May be she doth but counterfeit.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Faith, like enough.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+O God, counterfeit! There was never counterfeit of
+passion came so near the life of passion as she
+discovers it.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Why, what effects of passion shows she?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Bait the hook well; this fish will bite.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+What effects, my lord? She will sit you, you heard
+my daughter tell you how.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+She did, indeed.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+How, how, pray you? You amaze me: I would have I
+thought her spirit had been invincible against all
+assaults of affection.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+I would have sworn it had, my lord; especially
+against Benedick.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I should think this a gull, but that the
+white-bearded fellow speaks it: knavery cannot,
+sure, hide himself in such reverence.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+He hath ta'en the infection: hold it up.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Hath she made her affection known to Benedick?
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+No; and swears she never will: that's her torment.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+'Tis true, indeed; so your daughter says: 'Shall
+I,' says she, 'that have so oft encountered him
+with scorn, write to him that I love him?'
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+This says she now when she is beginning to write to
+him; for she'll be up twenty times a night, and
+there will she sit in her smock till she have writ a
+sheet of paper: my daughter tells us all.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Now you talk of a sheet of paper, I remember a
+pretty jest your daughter told us of.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+O, when she had writ it and was reading it over, she
+found Benedick and Beatrice between the sheet?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+That.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+O, she tore the letter into a thousand halfpence;
+railed at herself, that she should be so immodest
+to write to one that she knew would flout her; 'I
+measure him,' says she, 'by my own spirit; for I
+should flout him, if he writ to me; yea, though I
+love him, I should.'
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Then down upon her knees she falls, weeps, sobs,
+beats her heart, tears her hair, prays, curses; 'O
+sweet Benedick! God give me patience!'
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+She doth indeed; my daughter says so: and the
+ecstasy hath so much overborne her that my daughter
+is sometime afeared she will do a desperate outrage
+to herself: it is very true.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+It were good that Benedick knew of it by some
+other, if she will not discover it.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+To what end? He would make but a sport of it and
+torment the poor lady worse.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+An he should, it were an alms to hang him. She's an
+excellent sweet lady; and, out of all suspicion,
+she is virtuous.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+And she is exceeding wise.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+In every thing but in loving Benedick.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+O, my lord, wisdom and blood combating in so tender
+a body, we have ten proofs to one that blood hath
+the victory. I am sorry for her, as I have just
+cause, being her uncle and her guardian.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+I would she had bestowed this dotage on me: I would
+have daffed all other respects and made her half
+myself. I pray you, tell Benedick of it, and hear
+what a' will say.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Were it good, think you?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Hero thinks surely she will die; for she says she
+will die, if he love her not, and she will die, ere
+she make her love known, and she will die, if he woo
+her, rather than she will bate one breath of her
+accustomed crossness.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+She doth well: if she should make tender of her
+love, 'tis very possible he'll scorn it; for the
+man, as you know all, hath a contemptible spirit.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+He is a very proper man.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+He hath indeed a good outward happiness.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Before God! and, in my mind, very wise.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+He doth indeed show some sparks that are like wit.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+And I take him to be valiant.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+As Hector, I assure you: and in the managing of
+quarrels you may say he is wise; for either he
+avoids them with great discretion, or undertakes
+them with a most Christian-like fear.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+If he do fear God, a' must necessarily keep peace:
+if he break the peace, he ought to enter into a
+quarrel with fear and trembling.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+And so will he do; for the man doth fear God,
+howsoever it seems not in him by some large jests
+he will make. Well I am sorry for your niece. Shall
+we go seek Benedick, and tell him of her love?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Never tell him, my lord: let her wear it out with
+good counsel.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Nay, that's impossible: she may wear her heart out first.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Well, we will hear further of it by your daughter:
+let it cool the while. I love Benedick well; and I
+could wish he would modestly examine himself, to see
+how much he is unworthy so good a lady.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+My lord, will you walk? dinner is ready.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+If he do not dote on her upon this, I will never
+trust my expectation.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Let there be the same net spread for her; and that
+must your daughter and her gentlewomen carry. The
+sport will be, when they hold one an opinion of
+another's dotage, and no such matter: that's the
+scene that I would see, which will be merely a
+dumb-show. Let us send her to call him in to dinner.
+
+
+
+Exeunt DON PEDRO, CLAUDIO, and LEONATO
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Coming forward This can be no trick: the
+conference was sadly borne. They have the truth of
+this from Hero. They seem to pity the lady: it
+seems her affections have their full bent. Love me!
+why, it must be requited. I hear how I am censured:
+they say I will bear myself proudly, if I perceive
+the love come from her; they say too that she will
+rather die than give any sign of affection. I did
+never think to marry: I must not seem proud: happy
+are they that hear their detractions and can put
+them to mending. They say the lady is fair; 'tis a
+truth, I can bear them witness; and virtuous; 'tis
+so, I cannot reprove it; and wise, but for loving
+me; by my troth, it is no addition to her wit, nor
+no great argument of her folly, for I will be
+horribly in love with her. I may chance have some
+odd quirks and remnants of wit broken on me,
+because I have railed so long against marriage: but
+doth not the appetite alter? a man loves the meat
+in his youth that he cannot endure in his age.
+Shall quips and sentences and these paper bullets of
+the brain awe a man from the career of his humour?
+No, the world must be peopled. When I said I would
+die a bachelor, I did not think I should live till I
+were married. Here comes Beatrice. By this day!
+she's a fair lady: I do spy some marks of love in
+her.
+
+
+
+Enter BEATRICE
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Fair Beatrice, I thank you for your pains.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+I took no more pains for those thanks than you take
+pains to thank me: if it had been painful, I would
+not have come.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+You take pleasure then in the message?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Yea, just so much as you may take upon a knife's
+point and choke a daw withal. You have no stomach,
+signior: fare you well.
+
+
+
+Exit
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Ha! 'Against my will I am sent to bid you come in
+to dinner;' there's a double meaning in that 'I took
+no more pains for those thanks than you took pains
+to thank me.' that's as much as to say, Any pains
+that I take for you is as easy as thanks. If I do
+not take pity of her, I am a villain; if I do not
+love her, I am a Jew. I will go get her picture.
+
+
+
+Exit
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+SCENE I. LEONATO'S garden.
+Enter HERO, MARGARET, and URSULA
+
+
+HERO
+Good Margaret, run thee to the parlor;
+There shalt thou find my cousin Beatrice
+Proposing with the prince and Claudio:
+Whisper her ear and tell her, I and Ursula
+Walk in the orchard and our whole discourse
+Is all of her; say that thou overheard'st us;
+And bid her steal into the pleached bower,
+Where honeysuckles, ripen'd by the sun,
+Forbid the sun to enter, like favourites,
+Made proud by princes, that advance their pride
+Against that power that bred it: there will she hide her,
+To listen our purpose. This is thy office;
+Bear thee well in it and leave us alone.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+I'll make her come, I warrant you, presently.
+
+
+
+Exit
+
+
+HERO
+Now, Ursula, when Beatrice doth come,
+As we do trace this alley up and down,
+Our talk must only be of Benedick.
+When I do name him, let it be thy part
+To praise him more than ever man did merit:
+My talk to thee must be how Benedick
+Is sick in love with Beatrice. Of this matter
+Is little Cupid's crafty arrow made,
+That only wounds by hearsay.
+Enter BEATRICE, behind
+Now begin;
+For look where Beatrice, like a lapwing, runs
+Close by the ground, to hear our conference.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+The pleasant'st angling is to see the fish
+Cut with her golden oars the silver stream,
+And greedily devour the treacherous bait:
+So angle we for Beatrice; who even now
+Is couched in the woodbine coverture.
+Fear you not my part of the dialogue.
+
+
+
+HERO
+Then go we near her, that her ear lose nothing
+Of the false sweet bait that we lay for it.
+Approaching the bower
+No, truly, Ursula, she is too disdainful;
+I know her spirits are as coy and wild
+As haggerds of the rock.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+But are you sure
+That Benedick loves Beatrice so entirely?
+
+
+
+HERO
+So says the prince and my new-trothed lord.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+And did they bid you tell her of it, madam?
+
+
+
+HERO
+They did entreat me to acquaint her of it;
+But I persuaded them, if they loved Benedick,
+To wish him wrestle with affection,
+And never to let Beatrice know of it.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+Why did you so? Doth not the gentleman
+Deserve as full as fortunate a bed
+As ever Beatrice shall couch upon?
+
+
+
+HERO
+O god of love! I know he doth deserve
+As much as may be yielded to a man:
+But Nature never framed a woman's heart
+Of prouder stuff than that of Beatrice;
+Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes,
+Misprising what they look on, and her wit
+Values itself so highly that to her
+All matter else seems weak: she cannot love,
+Nor take no shape nor project of affection,
+She is so self-endeared.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+Sure, I think so;
+And therefore certainly it were not good
+She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
+
+
+
+HERO
+Why, you speak truth. I never yet saw man,
+How wise, how noble, young, how rarely featured,
+But she would spell him backward: if fair-faced,
+She would swear the gentleman should be her sister;
+If black, why, Nature, drawing of an antique,
+Made a foul blot; if tall, a lance ill-headed;
+If low, an agate very vilely cut;
+If speaking, why, a vane blown with all winds;
+If silent, why, a block moved with none.
+So turns she every man the wrong side out
+And never gives to truth and virtue that
+Which simpleness and merit purchaseth.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+Sure, sure, such carping is not commendable.
+
+
+
+HERO
+No, not to be so odd and from all fashions
+As Beatrice is, cannot be commendable:
+But who dare tell her so? If I should speak,
+She would mock me into air; O, she would laugh me
+Out of myself, press me to death with wit.
+Therefore let Benedick, like cover'd fire,
+Consume away in sighs, waste inwardly:
+It were a better death than die with mocks,
+Which is as bad as die with tickling.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+Yet tell her of it: hear what she will say.
+
+
+
+HERO
+No; rather I will go to Benedick
+And counsel him to fight against his passion.
+And, truly, I'll devise some honest slanders
+To stain my cousin with: one doth not know
+How much an ill word may empoison liking.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+O, do not do your cousin such a wrong.
+She cannot be so much without true judgment--
+Having so swift and excellent a wit
+As she is prized to have--as to refuse
+So rare a gentleman as Signior Benedick.
+
+
+
+HERO
+He is the only man of Italy.
+Always excepted my dear Claudio.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+I pray you, be not angry with me, madam,
+Speaking my fancy: Signior Benedick,
+For shape, for bearing, argument and valour,
+Goes foremost in report through Italy.
+
+
+
+HERO
+Indeed, he hath an excellent good name.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+His excellence did earn it, ere he had it.
+When are you married, madam?
+
+
+
+HERO
+Why, every day, to-morrow. Come, go in:
+I'll show thee some attires, and have thy counsel
+Which is the best to furnish me to-morrow.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+She's limed, I warrant you: we have caught her, madam.
+
+
+
+HERO
+If it proves so, then loving goes by haps:
+Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps.
+
+
+
+Exeunt HERO and URSULA
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Coming forward
+What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true?
+Stand I condemn'd for pride and scorn so much?
+Contempt, farewell! and maiden pride, adieu!
+No glory lives behind the back of such.
+And, Benedick, love on; I will requite thee,
+Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand:
+If thou dost love, my kindness shall incite thee
+To bind our loves up in a holy band;
+For others say thou dost deserve, and I
+Believe it better than reportingly.
+
+
+
+Exit
+
+
+SCENE II. A room in LEONATO'S house
+Enter DON PEDRO, CLAUDIO, BENEDICK, and LEONATO
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+I do but stay till your marriage be consummate, and
+then go I toward Arragon.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+I'll bring you thither, my lord, if you'll
+vouchsafe me.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Nay, that would be as great a soil in the new gloss
+of your marriage as to show a child his new coat
+and forbid him to wear it. I will only be bold
+with Benedick for his company; for, from the crown
+of his head to the sole of his foot, he is all
+mirth: he hath twice or thrice cut Cupid's
+bow-string and the little hangman dare not shoot at
+him; he hath a heart as sound as a bell and his
+tongue is the clapper, for what his heart thinks his
+tongue speaks.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Gallants, I am not as I have been.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+So say I methinks you are sadder.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+I hope he be in love.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Hang him, truant! there's no true drop of blood in
+him, to be truly touched with love: if he be sad,
+he wants money.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I have the toothache.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Draw it.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Hang it!
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+You must hang it first, and draw it afterwards.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+What! sigh for the toothache?
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Where is but a humour or a worm.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Well, every one can master a grief but he that has
+it.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Yet say I, he is in love.
+
+
+
+DON 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 today, a Frenchman to-morrow, or in the
+shape of two countries at once, as, a German from
+the waist downward, all slops, 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.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+If he be not in love with some woman, there is no
+believing old signs: a' brushes his hat o'
+mornings; what should that bode?
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Hath any man seen him at the barber's?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+No, but the barber's man hath been seen with him,
+and the old ornament of his cheek hath already
+stuffed tennis-balls.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Indeed, he looks younger than he did, by the loss of a beard.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Nay, a' rubs himself with civet: can you smell him
+out by that?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+That's as much as to say, the sweet youth's in love.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+The greatest note of it is his melancholy.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+And when was he wont to wash his face?
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Yea, or to paint himself? for the which, I hear
+what they say of him.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Nay, but his jesting spirit; which is now crept into
+a lute-string and now governed by stops.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Indeed, that tells a heavy tale for him: conclude,
+conclude he is in love.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Nay, but I know who loves him.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+That would I know too: I warrant, one that knows him not.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Yes, and his ill conditions; and, in despite of
+all, dies for him.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+She shall be buried with her face upwards.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Yet is this no charm for the toothache. Old
+signior, walk aside with me: I have studied eight
+or nine wise words to speak to you, which these
+hobby-horses must not hear.
+
+
+
+Exeunt BENEDICK and LEONATO
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+For my life, to break with him about Beatrice.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+'Tis even so. Hero and Margaret have by this
+played their parts with Beatrice; and then the two
+bears will not bite one another when they meet.
+
+
+
+Enter DON JOHN
+
+
+DON JOHN
+My lord and brother, God save you!
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Good den, brother.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+If your leisure served, I would speak with you.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+In private?
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+If it please you: yet Count Claudio may hear; for
+what I would speak of concerns him.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+What's the matter?
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+To CLAUDIO Means your lordship to be married
+to-morrow?
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+You know he does.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+I know not that, when he knows what I know.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+If there be any impediment, I pray you discover it.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+You may think I love you not: let that appear
+hereafter, and aim better at me by that I now will
+manifest. For my brother, I think he holds you
+well, and in dearness of heart hath holp to effect
+your ensuing marriage;--surely suit ill spent and
+labour ill bestowed.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Why, what's the matter?
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+I came hither to tell you; and, circumstances
+shortened, for she has been too long a talking of,
+the lady is disloyal.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Who, Hero?
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Even she; Leonato's Hero, your Hero, every man's Hero:
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Disloyal?
+
+
+
+DON 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 to-night, you shall
+see her chamber-window entered, even the night
+before her wedding-day: if you love her then,
+to-morrow wed her; but it would better fit your honour
+to change your mind.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+May this be so?
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+I will not think it.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+If you dare not trust that you see, confess not
+that you know: if you will follow me, I will show
+you enough; and when you have seen more and heard
+more, proceed accordingly.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+If I see any thing to-night why I should not marry
+her to-morrow in the congregation, where I should
+wed, there will I shame her.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+And, as I wooed for thee to obtain her, I will join
+with thee to disgrace her.
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+I will disparage her no farther till you are my
+witnesses: bear it coldly but till midnight, and
+let the issue show itself.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+O day untowardly turned!
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+O mischief strangely thwarting!
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+O plague right well prevented! so will you say when
+you have seen the sequel.
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+SCENE III. A street.
+Enter DOGBERRY and VERGES with the Watch
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Are you good men and true?
+
+
+
+VERGES
+Yea, or else it were pity but they should suffer
+salvation, body and soul.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Nay, that were a punishment too good for them, if
+they should have any allegiance in them, being
+chosen for the prince's watch.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+Well, give them their charge, neighbour Dogberry.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+First, who think you the most desertless man to be
+constable?
+
+
+
+First Watchman
+Hugh Otecake, sir, or George Seacole; for they can
+write and read.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Come hither, neighbour Seacole. God hath blessed
+you with a good name: to be a well-favoured man is
+the gift of fortune; but to write and read comes by nature.
+
+
+
+Second Watchman
+Both which, master constable,--
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+You have: I knew it would be your answer. Well,
+for your favour, sir, why, give God thanks, and make
+no boast of it; and for your writing and reading,
+let that appear when there is no need of such
+vanity. You are thought here to be the most
+senseless and fit man for the constable of the
+watch; therefore bear you the lantern. This is your
+charge: you shall comprehend all vagrom men; you are
+to bid any man stand, in the prince's name.
+
+
+
+Second Watchman
+How if a' will not stand?
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Why, then, take no note of him, but let him go; and
+presently call the rest of the watch together and
+thank God you are rid of a knave.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+If he will not stand when he is bidden, he is none
+of the prince's subjects.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+True, and they are to meddle with none but the
+prince's subjects. You shall also make no noise in
+the streets; for, for the watch to babble and to
+talk is most tolerable and not to be endured.
+
+
+
+Watchman
+We will rather sleep than talk: we know what
+belongs to a watch.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+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
+ale-houses, and bid those that are drunk get them to bed.
+
+
+
+Watchman
+How if they will not?
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+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.
+
+
+
+Watchman
+Well, sir.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+If you meet a thief, you may suspect him, by virtue
+of your office, to be no true man; and, for such
+kind of men, the less you meddle or make with them,
+why the more is for your honesty.
+
+
+
+Watchman
+If we know him to be a thief, shall we not lay
+hands on him?
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+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.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+You have been always called a merciful man, partner.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Truly, I would not hang a dog by my will, much more
+a man who hath any honesty in him.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+If you hear a child cry in the night, you must call
+to the nurse and bid her still it.
+
+
+
+Watchman
+How if the nurse be asleep and will not hear us?
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+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.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+'Tis very true.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+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.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+Nay, by'r our lady, that I think a' cannot.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Five shillings to one on't, with any man that knows
+the statutes, he may stay him: marry, not without
+the prince be willing; for, indeed, the watch ought
+to offend no man; and it is an offence to stay a
+man against his will.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+By'r lady, I think it be so.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+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.
+
+
+
+Watchman
+Well, masters, we hear our charge: let us go sit here
+upon the church-bench till two, and then all to bed.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+One word more, honest neighbours. I pray you watch
+about Signior Leonato's door; for the wedding being
+there to-morrow, there is a great coil to-night.
+Adieu: be vigitant, I beseech you.
+
+
+Exeunt DOGBERRY and VERGES
+Enter BORACHIO and CONRADE
+
+
+BORACHIO
+What Conrade!
+
+
+
+Watchman
+Aside Peace! stir not.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Conrade, I say!
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+Here, man; I am at thy elbow.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Mass, and my elbow itched; I thought there would a
+scab follow.
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+I will owe thee an answer for that: and now forward
+with thy tale.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Stand thee close, then, under this pent-house, for
+it drizzles rain; and I will, like a true drunkard,
+utter all to thee.
+
+
+
+Watchman
+Aside Some treason, masters: yet stand close.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Therefore know I have earned of Don John a thousand ducats.
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+Is it possible that any villany should be so dear?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Thou shouldst rather ask if it were possible any
+villany should be so rich; for when rich villains
+have need of poor ones, poor ones may make what
+price they will.
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+I wonder at it.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+That shows thou art unconfirmed. Thou knowest that
+the fashion of a doublet, or a hat, or a cloak, is
+nothing to a man.
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+Yes, it is apparel.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+I mean, the fashion.
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+Yes, the fashion is the fashion.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Tush! I may as well say the fool's the fool. But
+seest thou not what a deformed thief this fashion
+is?
+
+
+
+Watchman
+Aside I know that Deformed; a' has been a vile
+thief this seven year; a' goes up and down like a
+gentleman: I remember his name.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Didst thou not hear somebody?
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+No; 'twas the vane on the house.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Seest thou not, I say, what a deformed thief this
+fashion is? how giddily a' turns about all the hot
+bloods between fourteen and five-and-thirty?
+sometimes fashioning them like Pharaoh's soldiers
+in the reeky painting, sometime like god Bel's
+priests in the old church-window, sometime like the
+shaven Hercules in the smirched worm-eaten tapestry,
+where his codpiece seems as massy as his club?
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+All this I see; and I see that the fashion wears
+out more apparel than the man. But art not thou
+thyself giddy with the fashion too, that thou hast
+shifted out of thy tale into telling me of the fashion?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Not so, neither: but know that I have to-night
+wooed Margaret, the Lady Hero's gentlewoman, by the
+name of Hero: she leans me out at her mistress'
+chamber-window, bids me a thousand times good
+night,--I tell this tale vilely:--I should first
+tell thee how the prince, Claudio and my master,
+planted and placed and possessed by my master Don
+John, saw afar off in the orchard this amiable encounter.
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+And thought they Margaret was Hero?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Two of them did, the prince and Claudio; but the
+devil my master knew she was Margaret; and partly
+by his oaths, which first possessed them, partly by
+the dark night, which did deceive them, but chiefly
+by my villany, which did confirm any slander that
+Don John had made, away went Claudio enraged; swore
+he would meet her, as he was appointed, next morning
+at the temple, and there, before the whole
+congregation, shame her with what he saw o'er night
+and send her home again without a husband.
+
+
+
+First Watchman
+We charge you, in the prince's name, stand!
+
+
+
+Second Watchman
+Call up the right master constable. We have here
+recovered the most dangerous piece of lechery that
+ever was known in the commonwealth.
+
+
+
+First Watchman
+And one Deformed is one of them: I know him; a'
+wears a lock.
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+Masters, masters,--
+
+
+
+Second Watchman
+You'll be made bring Deformed forth, I warrant you.
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+Masters,--
+
+
+
+First Watchman
+Never speak: we charge you let us obey you to go with us.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+We are like to prove a goodly commodity, being taken
+up of these men's bills.
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+A commodity in question, I warrant you. Come, we'll obey you.
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+SCENE IV. HERO's apartment.
+Enter HERO, MARGARET, and URSULA
+
+
+HERO
+Good Ursula, wake my cousin Beatrice, and desire
+her to rise.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+I will, lady.
+
+
+
+HERO
+And bid her come hither.
+
+
+
+URSULA
+Well.
+
+
+
+Exit
+
+
+MARGARET
+Troth, I think your other rabato were better.
+
+
+
+HERO
+No, pray thee, good Meg, I'll wear this.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+By my troth, '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.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+I like the new tire within excellently, if the hair
+were a thought browner; and your gown's a most rare
+fashion, i' faith. I saw the Duchess of Milan's
+gown that they praise so.
+
+
+
+HERO
+O, that exceeds, they say.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+By my troth, 's but a night-gown in respect of
+yours: cloth o' gold, and cuts, and laced with
+silver, set with pearls, down sleeves, side sleeves,
+and skirts, round underborne with a bluish tinsel:
+but for a fine, quaint, graceful and excellent
+fashion, yours is worth ten on 't.
+
+
+
+HERO
+God give me joy to wear it! for my heart is
+exceeding heavy.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+'Twill be heavier soon by the weight of a man.
+
+
+
+HERO
+Fie upon thee! art not ashamed?
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+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:' and bad
+thinking do not wrest true speaking, I'll offend
+nobody: is there any harm in 'the heavier for a
+husband'? None, I think, and it be the right husband
+and the right wife; otherwise 'tis light, and not
+heavy: ask my Lady Beatrice else; here she comes.
+
+
+
+Enter BEATRICE
+
+
+HERO
+Good morrow, coz.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Good morrow, sweet Hero.
+
+
+
+HERO
+Why how now? do you speak in the sick tune?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+I am out of all other tune, methinks.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+Clap's into 'Light o' love;' that goes without a
+burden: do you sing it, and I'll dance it.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Ye light o' love, with your heels! then, if your
+husband have stables enough, you'll see he shall
+lack no barns.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+O illegitimate construction! I scorn that with my heels.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+'Tis almost five o'clock, cousin; tis time you were
+ready. By my troth, I am exceeding ill: heigh-ho!
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+For a hawk, a horse, or a husband?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+For the letter that begins them all, H.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+Well, and you be not turned Turk, there's no more
+sailing by the star.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+What means the fool, trow?
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+Nothing I; but God send every one their heart's desire!
+
+
+
+HERO
+These gloves the count sent me; they are an
+excellent perfume.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+I am stuffed, cousin; I cannot smell.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+A maid, and stuffed! there's goodly catching of cold.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+O, God help me! God help me! how long have you
+professed apprehension?
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+Even since you left it. Doth not my wit become me rarely?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+It is not seen enough, you should wear it in your
+cap. By my troth, I am sick.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+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 prickest her with a thistle.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Benedictus! why Benedictus? you have some moral in
+this Benedictus.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+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 I list, nor I list
+not to think what I can, nor indeed I cannot think,
+if I would think my heart out of thinking, that you
+are in love or that you will be in love or that you
+can be in love. Yet Benedick was such another, and
+now is he become a man: he swore he would never
+marry, and yet now, in despite of his heart, he eats
+his meat without grudging: and how you may be
+converted I know not, but methinks you look with
+your eyes as other women do.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+What pace is this that thy tongue keeps?
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+Not a false gallop.
+
+
+
+Re-enter URSULA
+
+
+URSULA
+Madam, withdraw: the prince, the count, Signior
+Benedick, Don John, and all the gallants of the
+town, are come to fetch you to church.
+
+
+
+HERO
+Help to dress me, good coz, good Meg, good Ursula.
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+SCENE V. Another room in LEONATO'S house.
+Enter LEONATO, with DOGBERRY and VERGES
+
+
+LEONATO
+What would you with me, honest neighbour?
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Marry, sir, I would have some confidence with you
+that decerns you nearly.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Brief, I pray you; for you see it is a busy time with me.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Marry, this it is, sir.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+Yes, in truth it is, sir.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+What is it, my good friends?
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Goodman Verges, sir, speaks a little off the
+matter: an old man, sir, and his wits are not so
+blunt as, God help, I would desire they were; but,
+in faith, honest as the skin between his brows.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+Yes, I thank God I am as honest as any man living
+that is an old man and no honester than I.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Comparisons are odorous: palabras, neighbour Verges.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Neighbours, you are tedious.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+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 king, I could find it in
+my heart to bestow it all of your worship.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+All thy tediousness on me, ah?
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Yea, an 'twere a thousand pound 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.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+And so am I.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+I would fain know what you have to say.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+Marry, sir, our watch to-night, excepting your
+worship's presence, ha' ta'en a couple of as arrant
+knaves as any in Messina.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+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. Well said, i' faith,
+neighbour Verges: well, God's a good 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 worshipped; all men
+are not alike; alas, good neighbour!
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Indeed, neighbour, he comes too short of you.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Gifts that God gives.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+I must leave you.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+One word, sir: our watch, sir, have indeed
+comprehended two aspicious persons, and we would
+have them this morning examined before your worship.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Take their examination yourself and bring it me: I
+am now in great haste, as it may appear unto you.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+It shall be suffigance.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Drink some wine ere you go: fare you well.
+
+
+
+Enter a Messenger
+
+
+Messenger
+My lord, they stay for you to give your daughter to
+her husband.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+I'll wait upon them: I am ready.
+
+
+
+Exeunt LEONATO and Messenger
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Go, good partner, go, get you to Francis Seacole;
+bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the gaol: we
+are now to examination these men.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+And we must do it wisely.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+We will spare for no wit, I warrant you; here's
+that shall drive some of them to a non-come: only
+get the learned writer to set down our
+excommunication and meet me at the gaol.
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+SCENE I. A church.
+Enter DON PEDRO, DON JOHN, LEONATO, FRIAR FRANCIS,
+CLAUDIO, BENEDICK, HERO, BEATRICE, and Attendants
+
+
+LEONATO
+Come, Friar Francis, be brief; only to the plain
+form of marriage, and you shall recount their
+particular duties afterwards.
+
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+You come hither, my lord, to marry this lady.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+No.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+To be married to her: friar, you come to marry her.
+
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+Lady, you come hither to be married to this count.
+
+
+
+HERO
+I do.
+
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+If either of you know any inward impediment why you
+should not be conjoined, charge you, on your souls,
+to utter it.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Know you any, Hero?
+
+
+
+HERO
+None, my lord.
+
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+Know you any, count?
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+I dare make his answer, none.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+O, what men dare do! what men may do! what men daily
+do, not knowing what they do!
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+How now! interjections? Why, then, some be of
+laughing, as, ah, ha, he!
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Stand thee by, friar. Father, by your leave:
+Will you with free and unconstrained soul
+Give me this maid, your daughter?
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+As freely, son, as God did give her me.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+And what have I to give you back, whose worth
+May counterpoise this rich and precious gift?
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Nothing, unless you render her again.
+
+
+
+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 honour.
+Behold how like a maid she blushes here!
+O, what authority and show of truth
+Can cunning sin cover itself withal!
+Comes not that blood as modest evidence
+To witness simple virtue? Would you not swear,
+All you that see her, that she were a maid,
+By these exterior shows? But she is none:
+She knows the heat of a luxurious bed;
+Her blush is guiltiness, not modesty.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+What do you mean, my lord?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Not to be married,
+Not to knit my soul to an approved wanton.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Dear my lord, if you, in your own proof,
+Have vanquish'd the resistance of her youth,
+And made defeat of her virginity,--
+
+
+
+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, show'd
+Bashful sincerity and comely love.
+
+
+
+HERO
+And seem'd I ever otherwise to you?
+
+
+
+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 pamper'd animals
+That rage in savage sensuality.
+
+
+
+HERO
+Is my lord well, that he doth speak so wide?
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Sweet prince, why speak not you?
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+What should I speak?
+I stand dishonour'd, that have gone about
+To link my dear friend to a common stale.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Are these things spoken, or do I but dream?
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Sir, they are spoken, and these things are true.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+This looks not like a nuptial.
+
+
+
+HERO
+True! O God!
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Leonato, stand I here?
+Is this the prince? is this the prince's brother?
+Is this face Hero's? are our eyes our own?
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+All this is so: but what of this, my lord?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Let me but move one question to your daughter;
+And, by that fatherly and kindly power
+That you have in her, bid her answer truly.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+I charge thee do so, as thou art my child.
+
+
+
+HERO
+O, God defend me! how am I beset!
+What kind of catechising call you this?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+To make you answer truly to your name.
+
+
+
+HERO
+Is it not Hero? Who can blot that name
+With any just reproach?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Marry, that can Hero;
+Hero itself can blot out Hero's virtue.
+What man was he talk'd with you yesternight
+Out at your window betwixt twelve and one?
+Now, if you are a maid, answer to this.
+
+
+
+HERO
+I talk'd with no man at that hour, my lord.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Why, then are you no maiden. Leonato,
+I am sorry you must hear: upon mine honour,
+Myself, my brother and this grieved 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,
+Confess'd 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;
+There is not chastity enough in language
+Without offence 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
+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?
+
+
+
+HERO swoons
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Why, how now, cousin! wherefore sink you down?
+
+
+
+DON JOHN
+Come, let us go. These things, come thus to light,
+Smother her spirits up.
+
+
+
+Exeunt DON PEDRO, DON JOHN, and CLAUDIO
+
+
+BENEDICK
+How doth the lady?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Dead, I think. Help, uncle!
+Hero! why, Hero! Uncle! Signior Benedick! Friar!
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+O Fate! take not away thy heavy hand.
+Death is the fairest cover for her shame
+That may be wish'd for.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+How now, cousin Hero!
+
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+Have comfort, lady.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Dost thou look up?
+
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+Yea, wherefore should she not?
+
+
+
+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 smirch'd thus and mired with infamy,
+I might have said 'No part of it is mine;
+This shame derives itself from unknown loins'?
+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 fallen
+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.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+O, on my soul, my cousin is belied!
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Lady, were you her bedfellow last night?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+No, truly not; although, until last night,
+I have this twelvemonth been her bedfellow.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Confirm'd, confirm'd! O, that is stronger made
+Which was before barr'd up with ribs of iron!
+Would the two princes lie, and Claudio lie,
+Who loved her so, that, speaking of her foulness,
+Wash'd it with tears? Hence from her! let her die.
+
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+Hear me a little; for I have only been
+Silent so long and given way unto
+This course of fortune
+By noting of the lady. I have mark'd
+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 appear'd 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,
+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.
+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
+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,
+Prove you that any man with me conversed
+At hours unmeet, or that I yesternight
+Maintain'd 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.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Two of them have the very bent of honour;
+And if their wisdoms be misled in this,
+The practise of it lives in John the bastard,
+Whose spirits toil in frame of villanies.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+I know not. If they speak but truth of her,
+These hands shall tear her; if they wrong her honour,
+The proudest of them shall well hear of it.
+Time hath not yet so dried this blood of mine,
+Nor age so eat up my invention,
+Nor fortune made such havoc of my means,
+Nor my bad life reft me so much of friends,
+But they shall find, awaked in such a kind,
+Both strength of limb and policy of mind,
+Ability in means and choice of friends,
+To quit me of them throughly.
+
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+Pause awhile,
+And let my counsel sway you in this case.
+Your daughter here the princes left for dead:
+Let her awhile be secretly kept in,
+And publish it that she is dead indeed;
+Maintain a mourning ostentation
+And on your family's old monument
+Hang mournful epitaphs and do all rites
+That appertain unto a burial.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+What shall become of this? what will this do?
+
+
+
+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 maintain'd,
+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 lack'd and lost,
+Why, then we rack the value, then we find
+The virtue that possession would not show us
+Whiles it was ours. So will it fare with Claudio:
+When he shall hear she died upon his words,
+The idea of her life shall sweetly creep
+Into his study of imagination,
+And every lovely organ of her life
+Shall come apparell'd 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 levell'd false,
+The supposition of the lady's death
+Will quench the wonder of her infamy:
+And if it sort not well, you may conceal her,
+As best befits her wounded reputation,
+In some reclusive and religious life,
+Out of all eyes, tongues, minds and injuries.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Signior Leonato, let the friar advise you:
+And though you know my inwardness and love
+Is very much unto the prince and Claudio,
+Yet, by mine honour, I will deal in this
+As secretly and justly as your soul
+Should with your body.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Being that I flow in grief,
+The smallest twine may lead me.
+
+
+
+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 prolong'd: have patience and endure.
+
+
+
+Exeunt all but BENEDICK and BEATRICE
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Lady Beatrice, have you wept all this while?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Yea, and I will weep a while longer.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I will not desire that.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+You have no reason; I do it freely.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Surely I do believe your fair cousin is wronged.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Ah, how much might the man deserve of me that would right her!
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Is there any way to show such friendship?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+A very even way, but no such friend.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+May a man do it?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+It is a man's office, but not yours.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I do love nothing in the world so well as you: is
+not that strange?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+As strange as the thing I know not. It were as
+possible for me to say I loved nothing so well as
+you: but believe me not; and yet I lie not; I
+confess nothing, nor I deny nothing. I am sorry for my cousin.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me.
+
+
+
+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.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Will you not eat your word?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+With no sauce that can be devised to it. I protest
+I love thee.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Why, then, God forgive me!
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+What offence, sweet Beatrice?
+
+
+
+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.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+I love you with so much of my heart that none is
+left to protest.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Come, bid me do any thing for thee.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Kill Claudio.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Ha! not for the wide world.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+You kill me to deny it. Farewell.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Tarry, sweet Beatrice.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+I am gone, though I am here: there is no love in
+you: nay, I pray you, let me go.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Beatrice,--
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+In faith, I will go.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+We'll be friends first.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+You dare easier be friends with me than fight with mine enemy.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Is Claudio thine enemy?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Is he not approved in the height a villain, that
+hath slandered, scorned, dishonoured my kinswoman? O
+that I were a man! What, bear her in hand until they
+come to take hands; and then, with public
+accusation, uncovered slander, unmitigated rancour,
+--O God, that I were a man! I would eat his heart
+in the market-place.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Hear me, Beatrice,--
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Talk with a man out at a window! A proper saying!
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Nay, but, Beatrice,--
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Sweet Hero! She is wronged, she is slandered, she is undone.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Beat--
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Princes and counties! Surely, a princely testimony,
+a goodly count, Count Comfect; a sweet gallant,
+surely! O 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 courtesies, valour 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.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Use it for my love some other way than swearing by it.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Think you in your soul the Count Claudio hath wronged Hero?
+
+
+
+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, comfort your
+cousin: I must say she is dead: and so, farewell.
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+SCENE II. A prison.
+Enter DOGBERRY, VERGES, and Sexton, in gowns; and
+the Watch, with CONRADE and BORACHIO
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Is our whole dissembly appeared?
+
+
+
+VERGES
+O, a stool and a cushion for the sexton.
+
+
+
+Sexton
+Which be the malefactors?
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Marry, that am I and my partner.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+Nay, that's certain; we have the exhibition to examine.
+
+
+
+Sexton
+But which are the offenders that are to be
+examined? let them come before master constable.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Yea, marry, let them come before me. What is your
+name, friend?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Borachio.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Pray, write down, Borachio. Yours, sirrah?
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+I am a gentleman, sir, and my name is Conrade.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Write down, master gentleman Conrade. Masters, do
+you serve God?
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+BORACHIO
+Yea, sir, we hope.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Write down, that they hope they serve God: and
+write God first; for God defend but God should go
+before such villains! Masters, it is proved already
+that you are little better than false knaves; and it
+will go near to be thought so shortly. How answer
+you for yourselves?
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+Marry, sir, we say we are none.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+A marvellous witty fellow, I assure you: but I
+will go about with him. Come you hither, sirrah; a
+word in your ear: sir, I say to you, it is thought
+you are false knaves.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Sir, I say to you we are none.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Well, stand aside. 'Fore God, they are both in a
+tale. Have you writ down, that they are none?
+
+
+
+Sexton
+Master constable, you go not the way to examine:
+you must call forth the watch that are their accusers.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Yea, marry, that's the eftest way. Let the watch
+come forth. Masters, I charge you, in the prince's
+name, accuse these men.
+
+
+
+First Watchman
+This man said, sir, that Don John, the prince's
+brother, was a villain.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Write down Prince John a villain. Why, this is flat
+perjury, to call a prince's brother villain.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Master constable,--
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Pray thee, fellow, peace: I do not like thy look,
+I promise thee.
+
+
+
+Sexton
+What heard you him say else?
+
+
+
+Second Watchman
+Marry, that he had received a thousand ducats of
+Don John for accusing the Lady Hero wrongfully.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Flat burglary as ever was committed.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+Yea, by mass, that it is.
+
+
+
+Sexton
+What else, fellow?
+
+
+
+First Watchman
+And that Count Claudio did mean, upon his words, to
+disgrace Hero before the whole assembly. and not marry her.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+O villain! thou wilt be condemned into everlasting
+redemption for this.
+
+
+
+Sexton
+What else?
+
+
+
+Watchman
+This is all.
+
+
+
+Sexton
+And this is more, masters, than you can deny.
+Prince John is this morning secretly stolen away;
+Hero was in this manner accused, in this very manner
+refused, and upon the grief of this suddenly died.
+Master constable, let these men be bound, and
+brought to Leonato's: I will go before and show
+him their examination.
+
+
+
+Exit
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Come, let them be opinioned.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+Let them be in the hands--
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+Off, coxcomb!
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+God's my life, where's the sexton? let him write
+down the prince's officer coxcomb. Come, bind them.
+Thou naughty varlet!
+
+
+
+CONRADE
+Away! you are an ass, you are an ass.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Dost thou not suspect my place? dost thou not
+suspect my years? O that he were here to write me
+down an ass! But, masters, remember that I am an
+ass; though it be not written down, yet forget not
+that I am an ass. No, thou villain, thou art full of
+piety, as shall be proved upon thee by good witness.
+I am a wise fellow, and, which is more, an officer,
+and, which is more, a householder, and, which is
+more, as pretty a piece of flesh as any is in
+Messina, and one that knows the law, go to; and a
+rich fellow enough, go to; and a fellow that hath
+had losses, and one that hath two gowns and every
+thing handsome about him. Bring him away. O that
+I had been writ down an ass!
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+
+
+ACT V
+
+SCENE I. Before LEONATO'S house.
+Enter LEONATO and ANTONIO
+
+
+ANTONIO
+If you go on thus, you will kill yourself:
+And 'tis not wisdom thus to second grief
+Against yourself.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+I pray thee, cease thy counsel,
+Which falls into mine ears as profitless
+As water in a sieve: give not me counsel;
+Nor let no comforter delight mine ear
+But such a one whose wrongs do suit with mine.
+Bring me a father that so loved his child,
+Whose joy of her is overwhelm'd like mine,
+And bid him speak of patience;
+Measure his woe the length and breadth of mine
+And let it answer every strain for strain,
+As thus for thus and such a grief for such,
+In every lineament, branch, shape, and form:
+If such a one will smile and stroke his beard,
+Bid sorrow wag, cry 'hem!' when he should groan,
+Patch grief with proverbs, make misfortune drunk
+With candle-wasters; bring him yet to me,
+And I of him will gather patience.
+But there is no such man: for, brother, men
+Can counsel and speak comfort to that grief
+Which they themselves not feel; but, tasting it,
+Their counsel turns to passion, which before
+Would give preceptial medicine to rage,
+Fetter strong madness in a silken thread,
+Charm ache with air and agony with words:
+No, no; 'tis all men's office to speak patience
+To those that wring under the load of sorrow,
+But no man's virtue nor sufficiency
+To be so moral when he shall endure
+The like himself. Therefore give me no counsel:
+My griefs cry louder than advertisement.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+Therein do men from children nothing differ.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+I pray thee, peace. I will be flesh and blood;
+For there was never yet philosopher
+That could endure the toothache patiently,
+However they have writ the style of gods
+And made a push at chance and sufferance.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+Yet bend not all the harm upon yourself;
+Make those that do offend you suffer too.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+There thou speak'st reason: nay, I will do so.
+My soul doth tell me Hero is belied;
+And that shall Claudio know; so shall the prince
+And all of them that thus dishonour her.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+Here comes the prince and Claudio hastily.
+
+
+
+Enter DON PEDRO and CLAUDIO
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Good den, good den.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Good day to both of you.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Hear you. my lords,--
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+We have some haste, Leonato.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Some haste, my lord! well, fare you well, my lord:
+Are you so hasty now? well, all is one.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Nay, do not quarrel with us, good old man.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+If he could right himself with quarreling,
+Some of us would lie low.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Who wrongs him?
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Marry, thou dost wrong me; thou dissembler, thou:--
+Nay, never lay thy hand upon thy sword;
+I fear thee not.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Marry, beshrew my hand,
+If it should give your age such cause of fear:
+In faith, my hand meant nothing to my sword.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Tush, tush, man; never fleer and jest at me:
+I speak not like a dotard nor a fool,
+As under privilege of age to brag
+What I have done being young, or what would do
+Were I not old. Know, Claudio, to thy head,
+Thou hast so wrong'd mine innocent child and me
+That I am forced to lay my reverence by
+And, with grey hairs and bruise of many days,
+Do challenge thee to trial of a man.
+I say thou hast belied mine innocent child;
+Thy slander hath gone through and through her heart,
+And she lies buried with her ancestors;
+O, in a tomb where never scandal slept,
+Save this of hers, framed by thy villany!
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+My villany?
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Thine, Claudio; thine, I say.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+You say not right, old man.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+My lord, my lord,
+I'll prove it on his body, if he dare,
+Despite his nice fence and his active practise,
+His May of youth and bloom of lustihood.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Away! I will not have to do with you.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Canst thou so daff me? Thou hast kill'd my child:
+If thou kill'st me, boy, thou shalt kill a man.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+He shall kill two of us, and men indeed:
+But that's no matter; let him kill one first;
+Win me and wear me; let him answer me.
+Come, follow me, boy; come, sir boy, come, follow me:
+Sir boy, I'll whip you from your foining fence;
+Nay, as I am a gentleman, I will.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Brother,--
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+Content yourself. God knows I loved my niece;
+And she is dead, slander'd to death by villains,
+That dare as well answer a man indeed
+As I dare take a serpent by the tongue:
+Boys, apes, braggarts, Jacks, milksops!
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Brother Antony,--
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+Hold you content. What, man! I know them, yea,
+And what they weigh, even to the utmost scruple,--
+Scrambling, out-facing, fashion-monging boys,
+That lie and cog and flout, deprave and slander,
+Go anticly, show outward hideousness,
+And speak off half a dozen dangerous words,
+How they might hurt their enemies, if they durst;
+And this is all.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+But, brother Antony,--
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+Come, 'tis no matter:
+Do not you meddle; let me deal in this.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Gentlemen both, we will not wake your patience.
+My heart is sorry for your daughter's death:
+But, on my honour, she was charged with nothing
+But what was true and very full of proof.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+My lord, my lord,--
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+I will not hear you.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+No? Come, brother; away! I will be heard.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+And shall, or some of us will smart for it.
+
+
+
+Exeunt LEONATO and ANTONIO
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+See, see; here comes the man we went to seek.
+
+
+
+Enter BENEDICK
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Now, signior, what news?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Good day, my lord.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Welcome, signior: you are almost come to part
+almost a fray.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+We had like to have had our two noses snapped off
+with two old men without teeth.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Leonato and his brother. What thinkest thou? Had
+we fought, I doubt we should have been too young for them.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+In a false quarrel there is no true valour. I came
+to seek you both.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+We have been up and down to seek thee; for we are
+high-proof melancholy and would fain have it beaten
+away. Wilt thou use thy wit?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+It is in my scabbard: shall I draw it?
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Dost thou wear thy wit by thy side?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Never any did so, though very many have been beside
+their wit. I will bid thee draw, as we do the
+minstrels; draw, to pleasure us.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+As I am an honest man, he looks pale. Art thou
+sick, or angry?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+What, courage, man! What though care killed a cat,
+thou hast mettle enough in thee to kill care.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Sir, I shall meet your wit in the career, and you
+charge it against me. I pray you choose another subject.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Nay, then, give him another staff: this last was
+broke cross.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+By this light, he changes more and more: I think
+he be angry indeed.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+If he be, he knows how to turn his girdle.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Shall I speak a word in your ear?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+God bless me from a challenge!
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Aside to CLAUDIO You are a villain; I jest not:
+I will make it good how you dare, with what you
+dare, and when you dare. Do me right, or I will
+protest your cowardice. You have killed a sweet
+lady, and her death shall fall heavy on you. Let me
+hear from you.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Well, I will meet you, so I may have good cheer.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+What, a feast, a feast?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+I' faith, I thank him; he hath bid me to a calf's
+head and a capon; the which if I do not carve most
+curiously, say my knife's naught. Shall I not find
+a woodcock too?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Sir, your wit ambles well; it goes easily.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+I'll tell thee how Beatrice praised thy wit the
+other day. I said, thou hadst a fine wit: 'True,'
+said she, 'a fine little one.' 'No,' said I, 'a
+great wit:' 'Right,' says she, 'a great gross one.'
+'Nay,' said I, 'a good wit:' 'Just,' said she, 'it
+hurts nobody.' 'Nay,' said I, 'the gentleman
+is wise:' 'Certain,' said she, 'a wise gentleman.'
+'Nay,' said I, 'he hath the tongues:' 'That I
+believe,' said she, 'for he swore a thing to me on
+Monday night, which he forswore on Tuesday morning;
+there's a double tongue; there's two tongues.' Thus
+did she, an hour together, transshape thy particular
+virtues: yet at last she concluded with a sigh, thou
+wast the properest man in Italy.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+For the which she wept heartily and said she cared
+not.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Yea, that she did: but yet, for all that, an if she
+did not hate him deadly, she would love him dearly:
+the old man's daughter told us all.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+All, all; and, moreover, God saw him when he was
+hid in the garden.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+But when shall we set the savage bull's horns on
+the sensible Benedick's head?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Yea, and text underneath, 'Here dwells Benedick the
+married man'?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Fare you well, boy: you know my mind. I will leave
+you now to your gossip-like humour: you break jests
+as braggarts do their blades, which God be thanked,
+hurt not. My lord, for your many courtesies I thank
+you: I must discontinue your company: your brother
+the bastard is fled from Messina: you have among
+you killed a sweet and innocent lady. For my Lord
+Lackbeard there, he and I shall meet: and, till
+then, peace be with him.
+
+
+
+Exit
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+He is in earnest.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+In most profound earnest; and, I'll warrant you, for
+the love of Beatrice.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+And hath challenged thee.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Most sincerely.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+What a pretty thing man is when he goes in his
+doublet and hose and leaves off his wit!
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+He is then a giant to an ape; but then is an ape a
+doctor to such a man.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+But, soft you, let me be: pluck up, my heart, and
+be sad. Did he not say, my brother was fled?
+
+
+
+Enter DOGBERRY, VERGES, and the Watch, with CONRADE
+and BORACHIO
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Come you, sir: if justice cannot tame you, she
+shall ne'er weigh more reasons in her balance: nay,
+an you be a cursing hypocrite once, you must be looked to.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+How now? two of my brother's men bound! Borachio
+one!
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Hearken after their offence, my lord.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Officers, what offence have these men done?
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Marry, sir, they have committed false report;
+moreover, they have spoken untruths; secondarily,
+they are slanders; sixth and lastly, they have
+belied a lady; thirdly, they have verified unjust
+things; and, to conclude, they are lying knaves.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+First, I ask thee what they have done; thirdly, I
+ask thee what's their offence; sixth and lastly, why
+they are committed; and, to conclude, what you lay
+to their charge.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Rightly reasoned, and in his own division: and, by
+my troth, there's one meaning well suited.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Who have you offended, masters, that you are thus
+bound to your answer? this learned constable is
+too cunning to be understood: what's your offence?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Sweet prince, let me go no farther to mine answer:
+do you hear me, and let this count kill me. I have
+deceived even your very eyes: what your wisdoms
+could not discover, these shallow fools have brought
+to light: who in the night overheard me confessing
+to this man how Don John your brother incensed me
+to slander the Lady Hero, how you were brought into
+the orchard and saw me court Margaret in Hero's
+garments, how you disgraced her, when you should
+marry her: my villany they have upon record; which
+I had rather seal with my death than repeat over
+to my shame. The lady is dead upon mine and my
+master's false accusation; and, briefly, I desire
+nothing but the reward of a villain.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Runs not this speech like iron through your blood?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+I have drunk poison whiles he utter'd it.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+But did my brother set thee on to this?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Yea, and paid me richly for the practise of it.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+He is composed and framed of treachery:
+And fled he is upon this villany.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Sweet Hero! now thy image doth appear
+In the rare semblance that I loved it first.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Come, bring away the plaintiffs: by this time our
+sexton hath reformed Signior Leonato of the matter:
+and, masters, do not forget to specify, when time
+and place shall serve, that I am an ass.
+
+
+
+VERGES
+Here, here comes master Signior Leonato, and the
+Sexton too.
+
+
+
+Re-enter LEONATO and ANTONIO, with the Sexton
+
+
+LEONATO
+Which is the villain? let me see his eyes,
+That, when I note another man like him,
+I may avoid him: which of these is he?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+If you would know your wronger, look on me.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Art thou the slave that with thy breath hast kill'd
+Mine innocent child?
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+Yea, even I alone.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+No, not so, villain; thou beliest thyself:
+Here stand a pair of honourable men;
+A third is fled, that had a hand in it.
+I thank you, princes, for my daughter's death:
+Record it with your high and worthy deeds:
+'Twas bravely done, if you bethink you of it.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+I know not how to pray your patience;
+Yet I must speak. Choose your revenge yourself;
+Impose me to what penance your invention
+Can lay upon my sin: yet sinn'd I not
+But in mistaking.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+By my soul, nor I:
+And yet, to satisfy this good old man,
+I would bend under any heavy weight
+That he'll enjoin me to.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+I cannot bid you bid my daughter live;
+That were impossible: but, I pray you both,
+Possess the people in Messina here
+How innocent she died; and if your love
+Can labour ought in sad invention,
+Hang her an epitaph upon her tomb
+And sing it to her bones, sing it to-night:
+To-morrow morning come you to my house,
+And since you could not be my son-in-law,
+Be yet my nephew: my brother hath a daughter,
+Almost the copy of my child that's dead,
+And she alone is heir to both of us:
+Give her the right you should have given her cousin,
+And so dies my revenge.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+O noble sir,
+Your over-kindness doth wring tears from me!
+I do embrace your offer; and dispose
+For henceforth of poor Claudio.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+To-morrow then I will expect your coming;
+To-night I take my leave. This naughty man
+Shall face to face be brought to Margaret,
+Who I believe was pack'd in all this wrong,
+Hired to it by your brother.
+
+
+
+BORACHIO
+No, by my soul, she was not,
+Nor knew not what she did when she spoke to me,
+But always hath been just and virtuous
+In any thing that I do know by her.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Moreover, sir, which indeed is not under white and
+black, this plaintiff here, the offender, did call
+me ass: I beseech you, let it be remembered in his
+punishment. And also, the watch heard them talk of
+one Deformed: they say be wears a key in his ear and
+a lock hanging by it, and borrows money in God's
+name, the which he hath used so long and never paid
+that now men grow hard-hearted and will lend nothing
+for God's sake: pray you, examine him upon that point.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+I thank thee for thy care and honest pains.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+Your worship speaks like a most thankful and
+reverend youth; and I praise God for you.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+There's for thy pains.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+God save the foundation!
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Go, I discharge thee of thy prisoner, and I thank thee.
+
+
+
+DOGBERRY
+I leave an arrant knave with your worship; which I
+beseech your worship to correct yourself, for the
+example of others. God keep your worship! I wish
+your worship well; God restore you to health! I
+humbly give you leave to depart; and if a merry
+meeting may be wished, God prohibit it! Come, neighbour.
+
+
+
+Exeunt DOGBERRY and VERGES
+
+
+LEONATO
+Until to-morrow morning, lords, farewell.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+Farewell, my lords: we look for you to-morrow.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+We will not fail.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+To-night I'll mourn with Hero.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+To the Watch Bring you these fellows on. We'll
+talk with Margaret,
+How her acquaintance grew with this lewd fellow.
+
+
+
+Exeunt, severally
+
+
+SCENE II. LEONATO'S garden.
+Enter BENEDICK and MARGARET, meeting
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Pray thee, sweet Mistress Margaret, deserve well at
+my hands by helping me to the speech of Beatrice.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+Will you then write me a sonnet in praise of my beauty?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+In so high a style, Margaret, that no man living
+shall come over it; for, in most comely truth, thou
+deservest it.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+To have no man come over me! why, shall I always
+keep below stairs?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Thy wit is as quick as the greyhound's mouth; it catches.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+And yours as blunt as the fencer's foils, which hit,
+but hurt not.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+A most manly wit, Margaret; it will not hurt a
+woman: and so, I pray thee, call Beatrice: I give
+thee the bucklers.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+Give us the swords; we have bucklers of our own.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+If you use them, Margaret, you must put in the
+pikes with a vice; and they are dangerous weapons for maids.
+
+
+
+MARGARET
+Well, I will call Beatrice to you, who I think hath legs.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+And therefore will come.
+Exit MARGARET
+Sings
+The god of love,
+That sits above,
+And knows me, and knows me,
+How pitiful I deserve,--
+I mean in singing; but in loving, Leander the good
+swimmer, Troilus the first employer of panders, and
+a whole bookful of these quondam carpet-mangers,
+whose names yet run smoothly in the even road of a
+blank verse, why, they were never so truly turned
+over and over as my poor self in love. Marry, I
+cannot show it in rhyme; I have tried: I can find
+out no rhyme to 'lady' but 'baby,' an innocent
+rhyme; for 'scorn,' 'horn,' a hard rhyme; for,
+'school,' 'fool,' a babbling rhyme; very ominous
+endings: no, I was not born under a rhyming planet,
+nor I cannot woo in festival terms.
+Enter BEATRICE
+Sweet Beatrice, wouldst thou come when I called thee?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Yea, signior, and depart when you bid me.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+O, stay but till then!
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+'Then' is spoken; fare you well now: and yet, ere
+I go, let me go with that I came; which is, with
+knowing what hath passed between you and Claudio.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Only foul words; and thereupon I will kiss thee.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Foul words is but foul wind, and foul wind is but
+foul breath, and foul breath is noisome; therefore I
+will depart unkissed.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Thou hast frighted the word out of his right sense,
+so forcible is thy wit. But I must tell thee
+plainly, Claudio undergoes my challenge; and either
+I must shortly hear from him, or I will subscribe
+him a coward. And, I pray thee now, tell me for
+which of my bad parts didst thou first fall in love with me?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+For them all together; which maintained so politic
+a state of evil that they will not admit any good
+part to intermingle with them. But for which of my
+good parts did you first suffer love for me?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Suffer love! a good epithet! I do suffer love
+indeed, for I love thee against my will.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+In spite of your heart, I think; alas, poor heart!
+If you spite it for my sake, I will spite it for
+yours; for I will never love that which my friend hates.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Thou and I are too wise to woo peaceably.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+It appears not in this confession: there's not one
+wise man among twenty that will praise himself.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+An old, an old instance, Beatrice, that lived in
+the lime of good neighbours. If a man do not erect
+in this age his own tomb ere he dies, he shall live
+no longer in monument than the bell rings and the
+widow weeps.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+And how long is that, think you?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Question: why, an hour in clamour and a quarter in
+rheum: therefore is it most expedient for the
+wise, if Don Worm, his conscience, find no
+impediment to the contrary, to be the trumpet of his
+own virtues, as I am to myself. So much for
+praising myself, who, I myself will bear witness, is
+praiseworthy: and now tell me, how doth your cousin?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Very ill.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+And how do you?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Very ill too.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Serve God, love me and mend. There will I leave
+you too, for here comes one in haste.
+
+
+
+Enter URSULA
+
+
+URSULA
+Madam, you must come to your uncle. Yonder's old
+coil at home: it is proved my Lady Hero hath been
+falsely accused, the prince and Claudio mightily
+abused; and Don John is the author of all, who is
+fed and gone. Will you come presently?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Will you go hear this news, signior?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I will live in thy heart, die in thy lap, and be
+buried in thy eyes; and moreover I will go with
+thee to thy uncle's.
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+SCENE III. A church.
+Enter DON PEDRO, CLAUDIO, and three or four
+with tapers
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Is this the monument of Leonato?
+
+
+
+Lord
+It is, my lord.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Reading out of a scroll
+Done to death by slanderous tongues
+Was the Hero that here lies:
+Death, in guerdon of her wrongs,
+Gives her fame which never dies.
+So the life that died with shame
+Lives in death with glorious fame.
+Hang thou there upon the tomb,
+Praising her when I am dumb.
+Now, music, sound, and sing your solemn hymn.
+SONG.
+Pardon, goddess of the night,
+Those that slew thy virgin knight;
+For the which, with songs of woe,
+Round about her tomb they go.
+Midnight, assist our moan;
+Help us to sigh and groan,
+Heavily, heavily:
+Graves, yawn and yield your dead,
+Till death be uttered,
+Heavily, heavily.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Now, unto thy bones good night!
+Yearly will I do this rite.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Good morrow, masters; put your torches out:
+The wolves have prey'd; and look, the gentle day,
+Before the wheels of Phoebus, round about
+Dapples the drowsy east with spots of grey.
+Thanks to you all, and leave us: fare you well.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Good morrow, masters: each his several way.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Come, let us hence, and put on other weeds;
+And then to Leonato's we will go.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+And Hymen now with luckier issue speed's
+Than this for whom we render'd up this woe.
+
+
+
+Exeunt
+
+
+SCENE IV. A room in LEONATO'S house.
+Enter LEONATO, ANTONIO, BENEDICK, BEATRICE,
+MARGARET, URSULA, FRIAR FRANCIS, and HERO
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+Did I not tell you she was innocent?
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+So are the prince and Claudio, who accused her
+Upon the error that you heard debated:
+But Margaret was in some fault for this,
+Although against her will, as it appears
+In the true course of all the question.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+Well, I am glad that all things sort so well.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+And so am I, being else by faith enforced
+To call young Claudio to a reckoning for it.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Well, daughter, and you gentle-women all,
+Withdraw into a chamber by yourselves,
+And when I send for you, come hither mask'd.
+Exeunt Ladies
+The prince and Claudio promised by this hour
+To visit me. You know your office, brother:
+You must be father to your brother's daughter
+And give her to young Claudio.
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+Which I will do with confirm'd countenance.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Friar, I must entreat your pains, I think.
+
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+To do what, signior?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+To bind me, or undo me; one of them.
+Signior Leonato, truth it is, good signior,
+Your niece regards me with an eye of favour.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+That eye my daughter lent her: 'tis most true.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+And I do with an eye of love requite her.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+The sight whereof I think you had from me,
+From Claudio and the prince: but what's your will?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Your answer, sir, is enigmatical:
+But, for my will, my will is your good will
+May stand with ours, this day to be conjoin'd
+In the state of honourable marriage:
+In which, good friar, I shall desire your help.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+My heart is with your liking.
+
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+And my help.
+Here comes the prince and Claudio.
+
+
+
+Enter DON PEDRO and CLAUDIO, and two or
+three others
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Good morrow to this fair assembly.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Good morrow, prince; good morrow, Claudio:
+We here attend you. Are you yet determined
+To-day to marry with my brother's daughter?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+I'll hold my mind, were she an Ethiope.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Call her forth, brother; here's the friar ready.
+
+
+
+Exit ANTONIO
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+Good morrow, Benedick. Why, what's the matter,
+That you have such a February face,
+So full of frost, of storm and cloudiness?
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+I think he thinks upon the savage bull.
+Tush, fear not, man; we'll tip thy horns with gold
+And all Europa shall rejoice at thee,
+As once Europa did at lusty Jove,
+When he would play the noble beast in love.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Bull Jove, sir, had an amiable low;
+And some such strange bull leap'd your father's cow,
+And got a calf in that same noble feat
+Much like to you, for you have just his bleat.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+For this I owe you: here comes other reckonings.
+Re-enter ANTONIO, with the Ladies masked
+Which is the lady I must seize upon?
+
+
+
+ANTONIO
+This same is she, and I do give you her.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Why, then she's mine. Sweet, let me see your face.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+No, that you shall not, till you take her hand
+Before this friar and swear to marry her.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Give me your hand: before this holy friar,
+I am your husband, if you like of me.
+
+
+
+HERO
+And when I lived, I was your other wife:
+Unmasking
+And when you loved, you were my other husband.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+Another Hero!
+
+
+
+HERO
+Nothing certainer:
+One Hero died defiled, but I do live,
+And surely as I live, I am a maid.
+
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+The former Hero! Hero that is dead!
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+She died, my lord, but whiles her slander lived.
+
+
+
+FRIAR FRANCIS
+All this amazement can I qualify:
+When after that the holy rites are ended,
+I'll tell you largely of fair Hero's death:
+Meantime let wonder seem familiar,
+And to the chapel let us presently.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Soft and fair, friar. Which is Beatrice?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Unmasking I answer to that name. What is your will?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Do not you love me?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Why, no; no more than reason.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Why, then your uncle and the prince and Claudio
+Have been deceived; they swore you did.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Do not you love me?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Troth, no; no more than reason.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+Why, then my cousin Margaret and Ursula
+Are much deceived; for they did swear you did.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+They swore that you were almost sick for me.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+They swore that you were well-nigh dead for me.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+'Tis no such matter. Then you do not love me?
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+No, truly, but in friendly recompense.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+Come, cousin, I am sure you love the gentleman.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+And I'll be sworn upon't that he loves her;
+For here's a paper written in his hand,
+A halting sonnet of his own pure brain,
+Fashion'd to Beatrice.
+
+
+
+HERO
+And here's another
+Writ in my cousin's hand, stolen from her pocket,
+Containing her affection unto Benedick.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+A miracle! here's our own hands against our hearts.
+Come, I will have thee; but, by this light, I take
+thee for pity.
+
+
+
+BEATRICE
+I would not deny you; but, by this good day, I yield
+upon great persuasion; and partly to save your life,
+for I was told you were in a consumption.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Peace! I will stop your mouth.
+
+
+
+Kissing her
+
+
+DON PEDRO
+How dost thou, Benedick, the married man?
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+I'll tell thee what, prince; a college of
+wit-crackers cannot flout me out of my humour. Dost
+thou think I care for a satire or an epigram? No:
+if a man will be beaten with brains, a' shall wear
+nothing handsome about him. In brief, since I do
+purpose to marry, I will think nothing to any
+purpose that the world can say against it; and
+therefore never flout at me for what I have said
+against it; for man is a giddy thing, and this is my
+conclusion. For thy part, Claudio, I did think to
+have beaten thee, but in that thou art like to be my
+kinsman, live unbruised and love my cousin.
+
+
+
+CLAUDIO
+I had well hoped thou wouldst have denied Beatrice,
+that I might have cudgelled thee out of thy single
+life, to make thee a double-dealer; which, out of
+question, thou wilt be, if my cousin do not look
+exceedingly narrowly to thee.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Come, come, we are friends: let's have a dance ere
+we are married, that we may lighten our own hearts
+and our wives' heels.
+
+
+
+LEONATO
+We'll have dancing afterward.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+First, of my word; therefore play, music. Prince,
+thou art sad; get thee a wife, get thee a wife:
+there is no staff more reverend than one tipped with horn.
+
+
+
+Enter a Messenger
+
+
+Messenger
+My lord, your brother John is ta'en in flight,
+And brought with armed men back to Messina.
+
+
+
+BENEDICK
+Think not on him till to-morrow:
+I'll devise thee brave punishments for him.
+Strike up, pipers.
+
+
+Dance
+Exeunt
+
+
+
diff --git a/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/namespaces.xml b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/namespaces.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e8e4df8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/namespaces.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+
+
+
+ Hello
+
+
+
+ Hey
+
+
+
+ Hey2
+
+
+
+ Hey3
+
+
diff --git a/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/nitf.xml b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/nitf.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..269d99e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/axiom/test/resources/xml/om/nitf.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Use of Napster Quadruples
+
+ By PETER SVENSSON
+ AP Business Writer
+
+ The Associated Press
+
+ NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+
Despite the uncertain legality of the Napster online music-sharing service, the number of people
+using it more than quadrupled in just five months, Media Metrix said Monday.
+
That made Napster the fastest-growing software application ever recorded by the Internet research
+company.
+
From 1.1 million home users in the United States in February, the first month Media Metrix
+tracked the application, Napster use rocketed to 4.9 million users in July.
+
That represents 6 percent of U.S. home PC users who have modems, said Media Metrix, which pays
+people to install monitoring software on their computers.
+
It estimates total usage from a panel of about 50,000 people in the United States.
+
Napster was also used at work by 887,000 people in July, Media Metrix said.
+
Napster Inc. has been sued by the recording industry for allegedly enabling copyright
+infringement. The federal government weighed in on the case Friday, saying the service is not protected
+under a key copyright law, as the San Mateo, Calif., company claims.
+
Bruce Ryon, head of Media Metrix's New Media Group, said Napster was used by "the full spectrum of PC users, not just the youth with time on their hands and a passion for music."
+
The Napster program allows users to copy digital music files from the hard drives of other
+users over the Internet.
+
Napster Inc. said last week that 28 million people had downloaded its program. It does not reveal
+its own figures for how many people actually use the software.
+
Because the program connects to the company's computers over the Internet every time
+it is run, Napster Inc. can track usage exactly.