Page 1361 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

BORACHIO

Go, then; find me a meet hour to draw Don [30] Pedro and the Count Claudio
alone. Tell them that you know that Hero loves me; intend a kind of zeal both
to the Prince and Claudio − as in love of your brother’s honour, who hath

made this match, and his friend’s reputation, who is thus like to be cozened
with the semblance [35] of a maid − that you have discovered thus. They will
scarcely believe this without trial; offer them instances, which shall bear no
less likelihood than to see me at her chamber window, hear me call Margaret
Hero, hear Margaret term me Claudio; and bring them to see this [40] the

very night before the intended wedding − for in the meantime I will so
fashion the matter that Hero shall be absent − and there shall appear such
seeming truth of Hero’s disloyalty that jealousy shall be called assurance, and

all the preparation overthrown. [45]

DON JOHN

Grow this to what adverse issue it can, I will put it in practice. Be cunning in
the working this, and thy fee is a thousand ducats.

BORACHIO
Be you constant in the accusation, and my cunning shall not shame me. [50]

DON JOHN
I will presently go learn their day of marriage.
Exeunt.

Scene III IT

Enter Benedick alone.

BENEDICK
Boy!

Enter Boy.

BOY
Signior?