Leon.
So are the Prince and Claudio, who accus’d 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.
Ant.
Well, I am glad that all things sorts so well.
Bene.
And so am I, being else by faith enforc’d
To call young Claudio to a reckoning for it.
Leon.
Well, daughter, and you gentlewomen all,
Withdraw into a chamber by yourselves,
And when I send for you, come hither masked.
The Prince and Claudio promis’d 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.
Exeunt Ladies.
Ant. Which I will do with confirm’d countenance.
Bene. Friar, I must entreat your pains, I think.
Friar. To do what, signior?
Bene.
To bind me, or undo me—one of them.
Signior Leonato, truth it is, good signior,
Your niece regards me with an eye of favor.
Leon.
That eye my daughter lent her, ’tis most true.
Bene.
And I do with an eye of love requite her.
Leon.
The sight whereof I think you had from me,
From Claudio, and the Prince. But what’s your will?
Bene.
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 honorable marriage,
In which, good friar, I shall desire your help.
Leon.
My heart is with your liking.
Friar.
And my help.
Here comes the Prince and Claudio.
Enter Prince [Don Pedro] and Claudio and two or three other.
D. Pedro.
Good morrow to this fair assembly.
Leon.
Good morrow, Prince; good morrow, Claudio;
We here attend you. Are you yet determined
To-day to marry with my brother’s daughter?
Claud.
I’ll hold my mind were she an Ethiope.
Leon.
Call her forth, brother, here’s the friar ready.
[Exit Antonio.]
D. Pedro.
Good morrow, Benedick. Why, what’s the matter,
That you have such a February face,
So full of frost, of storm, and cloudiness?
Claud.
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.
Bene.
Bull Jove, sir, had an amiable low,
And some such strange bull leapt your father’s cow,
And got a calf in that same noble feat
Much like to you, for you have just his bleat.
Enter Brother [Antonio], Hero, Beatrice, Margaret, Ursula, [the ladies masked].
Claud.
For this I owe you: here comes other reck’nings.
Which is the lady I must seize upon?
[Ant.]
This same is she, and I do give you her.
Claud.
Why then she’s mine. Sweet, let me see your face.
Leon.
No, that you shall not till you take her hand,
Before this friar, and swear to marry her.
Claud.
Give me your hand before this holy friar—
I am your husband if you like of me.
Hero [Unmasking.]
And when I liv’d, I was your other wife,
And
