Page 1424 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Leonato and his brother. What think’st thou? Had we fought, I doubt we
should have been too young for them.

BENEDICK
In a false quarrel there is no true valour. I came to seek you both. [120]

CLAUDIO
We have been up and down to seek thee, for we are high-proof melancholy,
and would fain have it beaten away. Wilt thou use thy wit?

BENEDICK
It is in my scabbard; shall I draw it?

DON PEDRO
Dost thou wear thy wit by thy side? [125]

CLAUDIO
Never any did so, though very many have been beside their wit. I will bid
thee draw, as we do the minstrels − draw to pleasure us.

DON PEDRO
As I am an honest man, he looks pale. Art thou sick, or angry? [130]

CLAUDIO
What, courage, man! What though care killed a cat, thou hast mettle enough

in thee to kill care.

BENEDICK

Sir, I shall meet your wit in the career, an you charge it against me. I pray
you choose another subject.

CLAUDIO
Nay, then, give him another staff; this last was [135] broke cross.

DON PEDRO
By this light, he changes more and more; I think he be angry indeed.