Page 1338 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

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 − [260]

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 [265] 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 [270]
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, [275]
I looked upon her with a soldier’s eye,
That liked, but had a rougher task in hand