Leonato:
Canst thou so daff me? Thou hast killed my child! If thou kill'st me, boy, thou shalt kill a man.
Antonio:
He shall kill two of us, and men indeed. But that's no matter, let him kill one first. I'll whip you from your foining fence. Nay, as I am a gentleman, I will.
Leonato:
Brother...
Antonio:
Content yourself. God knows I loved my niece. And she is dead, slandered to death by villains scrambling, outfacing, fashion-monging boys that lie, and cog and flout, deprave and slander...
Leonato:
Brother Antony.
Antonio:
'Tis no matter. Do not you meddle. Let me deal in this.
Don Pedro:
Gentlemen both, we will not wake your patience. My heart is sorry for your daughter's death, but, on my honor, she was charged with nothing but what was true and very full of proof.
Leonato:
My lord...
Don Pedro:
I will not hear you.
Leonato:
No? Come, brother, away. I will be heard.
Antonio:
And shall, or some of us will smart for it.
[Both depart]
Don Pedro:
[Benedick approaches]
See, here comes the man we went to seek.
Claudio:
Now, signior, what news?
Benedick:
Good day, my lord.
Don Pedro:
Welcome, signior. You are almost come to part almost a fray.
Claudio:
We had like to have our two noses snapped off with two old men without teeth.
Benedick:
Shall I speak a word in your ear?
[Grabs Claudio and holds against wall]
Benedick:
You are a villain. I jest not. I will make it good how dare you and when you dare. Do me right, or I will protest your cowardice. You have killed a sweet lady, and her death shall fall heavy on you. Fare you well, boy. You know my mind.
[Releases Claudio and approaches Don Pedro]
Benedick:
My lord, for your many courtesies I thank you. I must discontinue your company. Your brother is fled from Messina. You have among you killed a sweet and innocent lady. For my Lord Lackbeard there, he and I shall meet. Till then peace be with him.
[Departs]
Don Pedro:
He is in earnest.
Claudio:
In most profound earnest.
Don Pedro:
And hath challenged thee.
Claudio:
Most sincerely.
Riportata da il
05/03/2025 alle ore 08:59