L. 1 E.
Conrade.
What the good year, my lord! why are you
thus out of measure sad?
Don John.
There is no measure in the occasion that
breeds it, therefore the sadness is without limit.
Conrade.
You should hear reason.
Don John.
And when I have heard it, what blessing
bringeth it?
Conrade.
If not a present remedy, yet a patient sufferance.
You have of late stood out against your brother,
and he hath ta'en you newly into his grace; where it is
impossible you should take true root, but by the fair
weather that you make yourself: it is needful that you
frame the season for your own harvest.
Don John.
I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a
rose in his grace; and it better fits my blood to be disdained
of all, than to fashion a carriage to rob love from any. I
am trusted with a muzzle, and enfranchised with a clog;
therefore, I have decreed not to sing in my cage;—
if I had my mouth I would bite; if I had my liberty I
would do my liking: in the meantime, let me be that I
am, and seek not to alter me.
Conrade.
Can you make no use of your discontent?
Don John.
I make all use of it, for I use it only. Who
comes here? What news, Borachio? (crosses to C.)
Enter Borachio, L. 1 E.
Borach.
I came yonder from a great supper; the prince,
-- 13 --
your brother, is royally entertained by Leonato; and I
can give you intelligence of an intended marriage.
Don John. (C.)
Will it serve for any model to build
mischief on? What is he for a fool, that betroths himself
to unquietness?
Borach. (L.)
Marry, it is your brother's right hand.
Don John.
Who? the most exquisite Claudio?
Borach.
Even he.
Don John.
A proper squire! And who, and who?
which way looks he?
Borach.
Marry, on Hero, the daughter and heir of
Leonato.
Don John.
A very forward March-chick! How came
you to this?
Borach.
I heard it agreed upon, that the prince should
woo her for himself, and having obtained her give her to
Count Claudio.
Don John.
Come, come, let us thither; (crosses)
this may prove food to my displeasure: that young start-up
hath all the glory of my overthrow; if I can cross
him in any way I bless myself every way. You are both
sure, and will assist me?
Conrade. (C.)
To the death, my lord.
Don John.
Let us to the great supper: their cheer is
the greater that I am subdued: 'Would the cook were of
my mind!
Exeunt, L. 1 E.
END OF ACT I. Time—17 minutes.
Charles Kean [1858], [Much Ado About Nothing. A Comedy, in five acts. By William Shakespeare, in] Lacy's acting edition of plays, dramas, farces, extravaganzas, etc. etc. as performed at the various theatres. Volume 35 containing Love Knot. Much Ado About Nothing. Ticklish Times. A Lucky Hit. Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady. Double Dummy. Spectre Bridegroom. Birthplace Of Podgers. Crossing The Line. Children of the Castle. Nothing Venture Nothing Win. Fra Diavolo (Burlesque). Margaret Catchpole. My Wife's Dentist. Schoolfellows. (Thomas Hailes Lacy [etc.], London) [word count] [S40500].
