Page 1330 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

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. [70]

MESSENGER
I see, lady, the gentlemen 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 [75] 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 [80] 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. [85]

LEONATO
You will never run mad, niece.

BEATRICE
No, not till a hot January.

MESSENGER