William Shakespeare: Much Ado about Nothing, Act III, Scene II
Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, and Leonato
Nay, that would be as great a soil in the new gloss of your marriage as to show a child his new coat and forbid him to wear it. I will only be bold with Benedick for his company; for, from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot, he is all mirth: he hath twice or thrice cut Cupid's bow-string and the little hangman dare not shoot at him; he hath a heart as sound as a bell and his tongue is the clapper, for what his heart thinks his tongue speaks.
Hang him, truant! there's no true drop of blood in him, to be truly touched with love: if he be sad, he wants money.
There is no appearance of fancy in him, unless it be a fancy that he hath to strange disguises; as, to be a Dutchman today, a Frenchman to-morrow, or in the shape of two countries at once, as, a German from the waist downward, all slops, and a Spaniard from the hip upward, no doublet. Unless he have a fancy to this foolery, as it appears he hath, he is no fool for fancy, as you would have it appear he is.
If he be not in love with some woman, there is no believing old signs: a' brushes his hat o' mornings; what should that bode?
No, but the barber's man hath been seen with him, and the old ornament of his cheek hath already stuffed tennis-balls.
Nay, but his jesting spirit; which is now crept into a lute-string and now governed by stops.
Yet is this no charm for the toothache. Old signior, walk aside with me: I have studied eight or nine wise words to speak to you, which these hobby-horses must not hear.
Exeunt Benedick and Leonato
'Tis even so. Hero and Margaret have by this played their parts with Beatrice; and then the two bears will not bite one another when they meet.
Enter Don John
You may think I love you not: let that appear hereafter, and aim better at me by that I now will manifest. For my brother, I think he holds you well, and in dearness of heart hath holp to effect your ensuing marriage;—surely suit ill spent and labour ill bestowed.
I came hither to tell you; and, circumstances shortened, for she has been too long a talking of, the lady is disloyal.
The word is too good to paint out her wickedness; I could say she were worse: think you of a worse title, and I will fit her to it. Wonder not till further warrant: go but with me to-night, you shall see her chamber-window entered, even the night before her wedding-day: if you love her then, to-morrow wed her; but it would better fit your honour to change your mind.
If you dare not trust that you see, confess not that you know: if you will follow me, I will show you enough; and when you have seen more and heard more, proceed accordingly.
If I see any thing to-night why I should not marry her to-morrow in the congregation, where I should wed, there will I shame her.
I will disparage her no farther till you are my witnesses: bear it coldly but till midnight, and let the issue show itself.
Exeunt