Page 1362 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

BENEDICK

In my chamber-window lies a book; bring it hither to me in the orchard.

BOY
I am here already, sir. [5]

BENEDICK
I know that; but I would have thee hence, and here again.
Exit Boy.

I do much wonder that one man, seeing how much another man is a fool
when he dedicates his behaviours to love, will, after he hath laughed at such
shallow follies [10] in others, become the argument of his own scorn by
falling in love; and such a man is Claudio. I have known when there was no
music with him but the drum and the fife, and now had he rather hear the

tabor and the pipe. I have known when he would have walked ten mile afoot
[15] to see a good armour, and now will he lie ten nights awake carving the
fashion of a new doublet. He was wont to speak plain and to the purpose,

like an honest man and a soldier, and now is he turned orthography; his
words are a very fantastical banquet, just so many [20] strange dishes. May I
be so converted and see with these eyes? I cannot tell; I think not. I will not
be sworn but love may transform me to an oyster; but I’ll take my oath on it,
till he have made an oyster of me, he shall never make me such a fool. One

woman is fair, yet I am well; [25] another is wise, yet I am well; another
virtuous, yet I am well; but till all graces be in one woman, one woman shall
not come in my grace. Rich she shall be, that’s certain; wise, or I’ll none;

virtuous, or I’ll never cheapen her; fair, or I’ll never look on her; mild, or come
not near [30] me; noble, or not I for an angel; of good discourse, an excellent
musician, and her hair shall be of what colour it please God. Ha! The Prince
and Monsieur Love! I will hide me in the arbour.

He withdraws. Enter Don Pedro, Leonato, and Claudio.

DON PEDRO

Come, shall we hear this music? [35]

CLAUDIO

Yea, my good lord. How still the evening is,
As hushed on purpose to grace harmony!