Claud.

Benedick, didst thou note the daughter of Signior Leonato?

Bene.

I noted her not, but I look'd on her.

Claud.

Is she not a modest young lady?

Bene.

Do you question me, as an honest man should do, for my simple true judgment? or would you have me speak after my custom, as being a professed tyrant to their sex?

Claud.

No, I pry'thee speaks in sober judgment.

Bene.

Why i'faith methinks she is too low for an high praise, too brown for a fair praise, and too little for a great praise; only this commendation I can afford her, that were she other than she is, she were unhandsome; and being no other but as she is, I do not like her.

Claud.

Thou think'st I am in sport, I pray thee tell me truly how thou lik'st her.

Bene.

Would you buy her, that you enquire after her?

Claud.

Can the world buy such a jewel?

Bene.

Yea, and a case to put it into; but speak you this with a sad brow? or do you play the flouting jack, to tell us Cupid is a good hare-finder, and Vulcan a rare carpenter? come, in what key shall a man take you, to go in the song?

Claud.

In mine eye, she is the sweetest lady that I ever look'd on.

Bene.

I can see yet without spectacles, and I see no such matter; there's her cousin, if she were not possest with such a fury, exceeds her as much in beauty, as the first of May doth the last of December: but I hope you have no intent to turn husband, have you?

Claud.

I would scarce trust my self, tho' I had sworn the contrary, if Hero would be my wife.

Bene.

Is't come to this, in faith? hath not the world one man, but he will wear his cap with suspicion? shall I never see a batchelor of threescore again? go to i'faith, if thou wilt needs thrust thy neck into a yoke, wear the print of it, and sigh away Sundays: look, Don Pedro is return'd to seek you.

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