Page 1332 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

BENEDICK

What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet [110] living?

BEATRICE
Is it possible disdain should die while she hath such meet food to feed it as
Signor Benedick? Courtesy itself must convert to disdain, if you come in her
presence. [115]

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 [120] 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 [125] 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. [130]

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 a’ God’s name, I have done. [135]

BEATRICE
You always end with a jade’s trick; I know you of old.