There, Leonato, take her back again.
“As freely, son, as God gave her to me,” said Leonato.
“And what have I to give you that shall equal in worth this rare and precious gift?” said Claudio.
“Nothing, unless you render her again,” said Don Pedro.
“Sweet Prince, you teach me noble thankfulness. There, Leonato, take her back again.”
And then Claudio, as he had sworn, in the presence of the whole congregation, brought forth his terrible accusations against Hero, and declared he would not marry her. Stung to fury by what he considered her wickedness and deceit—for the young girl’s blushing modesty and grace appeared to him nothing but seeming—he related what he and the Prince had seen the night before, and how Hero had spoken out of her window with a ruffian. It was useless for Hero to protest her innocence; nothing could destroy the evidence of their own eyes.
Unable to endure this cruel and astounding calumny, Hero sank fainting to the ground. Don Pedro, Claudio, and Don John left the church; the amazed wedding guests dispersed; and Leonato, Beatrice, Benedick, and the Friar were left alone with the unhappy Hero.