Page 1340 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Scene II IT

Enter Leonato meeting an old man, his brother Antonio.

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? [5]

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 [10] 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? [15]

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 be the better prepared for an answer, if
peradventure this [20] be true. Go you and tell her of it.

Attendants cross the stage, led by Antonio’s son, and accompanied by
Balthasar the musician

Cousin, you know what you have to do. (To the musician) O, I cry you mercy,
friend; go you with me, and I will use your skill. Good cousin, have a care this