A room in Leonato’s house.
[Enter Leonato, Antonio, Benedick, Beatrice, Margaret, Ursula, F.Francis, and Hero.]
FRIAR FRANCIS. Did I not tell you she was innocent?
LEONATO. So are the prince and Claudio, who accused her
Upon the error that you heard debated;
But Margaret was in some fault for this,
Although against her will, as it appears
In the true course of all the question.
ANTONIO. Well, I am glad that all things sort so well.
BENEDICK. And so am I, being else by faith enforced
To call young Claudio to a reckoning for it.
LEONATO. Well, daughter, and you gentle-women all,
Withdraw into a chamber by yourselves,
And when I send for you, come hither masked.
The prince and Claudio promised by this hour
To visit me. You know your office, brother;
[Exeunt Ladies.]
You must be father to your brother’s daughter
And give her to young Claudio.
ANTONIO. Which I will do with confirmed countenance.
BENEDICK. Friar, I must entreat your pains, I think.
FRIAR FRANCIS. To do what, signior?
BENEDICK. To bind me, or undo me; one of them.
Signior Leonato, truth it is, good signior,
Your niece regards me with an eye of favour.
LEONATO. That eye my daughter lent her; ’tis most true.
BENEDICK. And I do with an eye of love requite her.
LEONATO. The sight whereof I think you had from me,
From Claudio and the prince; but what’s your will?
BENEDICK. Your answer, sir, is enigmatical;
But, for my will, my will is your good will
May stand with ours, this day to be conjoined
In the state of honourable marriage;
In which, good friar, I shall desire your help.
LEONATO. My heart is with your liking.
FRIAR FRANCIS. And my help.
Here comes the prince and Claudio.
[Enter Don Pedro and Claudio, and two or three others.]
DON PEDRO. Good morrow to this fair assembly.
LEONATO. Good morrow, prince; good morrow, Claudio;
We here attend you. Are you yet determined
To-day to marry with my brother’s daughter?
CLAUDIO. I’ll hold my mind, were she an Ethiope.
LEONATO. Call her forth, brother; here’s the friar ready.
[Exit Antonio.]
DON PEDRO. Good morrow, Benedick. Why, what’s the matter,