Page 1428 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

DON PEDRO

First, I ask thee what they have done; thirdly, I ask thee what’s their offence;
sixth and lastly, why they [210] are committed; and, to conclude, what you
lay to their charge.

CLAUDIO
Rightly reasoned, and in his own division; and, by my troth, there’s one

meaning well suited.

DON PEDRO
Who have you offended, masters, that you [215] are thus bound to your
answer? This learned constable is too cunning to be understood; what’s your
offence?

BORACHIO
Sweet Prince, let me go no farther to mine answer; do you hear me, and let

this Count kill me. I have deceived even your very eyes; what your wisdoms
[220] could not discover, these shallow fools have brought to light; who in
the night overheard me confessing to this man how Don John your brother
incensed me to slander the Lady Hero; how you were brought into the

orchard and saw me court Margaret in Hero’s garments; how you [225]
disgraced her, when you should marry her. My villainy they have upon record,
which I had rather seal with my death than repeat over to my shame. The
lady is dead upon mine and my master’s false accusation; and, briefly, I

desire nothing but the reward of a villain. [230]

DON PEDRO

Runs not this speech like iron through your blood?

CLAUDIO
I have drunk poison whiles he uttered it.

DON PEDRO
But did my brother set thee on to this?

BORACHIO
Yes, and paid me richly for the practice of it.