BEATRICE advances. Beat. What fire is in my ears? Can this be true? Contempt, farewell! and maiden pride, adieu ! Beatrice and Benedick are successfully played upon, and a mutual affi between them. A double plot is now developed. Don John, brother to Pedro, contented man, is jealous of Claudio's interest with the Prince, and detern himself. For this purpose he plans with his servant, Borachio, to throw s character of Hero. Don John undertakes to place the Prince and Claudio near Hero's chamber window, while Borachio addresses Margaret, Hero's v by the name of her mistress, while she returns the greeting most familiarly Borachio, returning from this interview, meets his fellow servant, Cor he discloses the business he had been engaged in. They are overheard by and are taken in custody. The following scene introduces one of Shakspeare's most celebrat Dogberry, the constable, is a masterpiece of humor, the type of a clas supercilious "Jack in office." SCENE III.-A Street. Enter DOGBERry and Verges, with the Watch. Dogb. Are you good men and true? Verg. Yea, or else it were pity but they should suff pody and soul. to stay a man against his will. Verg. By'r lady, I think it be so. Dogb. Ha, ha, ha! Well, masters, good night: an the matter of weight chances, call up me: keep your fellows and your own, and good night. -Come, neighbor. 2nd Watch. Well, masters, we hear our charge: let us upon the church-bench till two, and then all to bed. Dogb. One word more, honest neighbors: I pray you, w signior Leonato's door; for the wedding being there t there is a great coil to-night: Adieu, be vigilant, I beseech [Exeunt DOGBERRY and Enter BORACHIO and CONRADE. Bora. What! Conrade, Watch. Peace, stir not. Bora. Conrade, I say ! Con. Here, man, I am at thy elbow. Bora. Stand thee close then under this pent-house, for rain; and I will, like a true drunkard, utter all to thee. Watch. [Aside.] -Some treason, masters; yet stand clo Bora. Therefore know, I have earned of Don John a ducats. Con. Is it possible that any villany should be so dear? Bora. Thou should'st rather ask, if it were possible a should be so rich; for when rich villains have need of poor ones may make what price they will. Con. I wonder at it. Bora. That shows, thou art unconfirmed: Thou knowe fashion of a doublet, or a hat, or a cloak, is nothing to am Con. Yes, it is apparel. Bora. I mean, the fashion. Con. Yes, the fashion is the fashion. And in her eye there hath appear'd a fire, Leon. Friar, it cannot be : Thou seest, that all the grace that she hath left, A sin of perjury; she not denies it : Why seek'st thou then to cover with excuse Friar. Lady, what man is he you are accus'd of? If I know more of any man alive, Than that which maiden modesty doth warrant, Friar. There is some strange misprision in the princes And if their wisdoms be misled in this, Leon. I know not; If they speak but truth of her, |