Leon. Not till Monday, my dear son, which is hence a 325 just seven-night; and a time too brief, too, to have all [326] things answer my mind.
D. Pedro. Come, you shake the head at so long a breathing: but, I warrant thee, Claudio, the time shall not go dully by us. I will, in the interim, undertake one of 330 Hercules’ labours; which is, to bring Signior Benedick and [331] the Lady Beatrice into a mountain of affection the one with the other. I would fain have it a match; and I doubt [333] not but to fashion it, if you three will but minister such assistance as I shall give you direction.
335 Leon. My lord, I am for you, though it cost me ten nights’ watchings.
Claud. And I, my lord.
D. Pedro. And you too, gentle Hero?
Hero. I will do any modest office, my lord, to help 340 my cousin to a good husband.
D. Pedro. And Benedick is not the unhopefullest husband that I know. Thus far can I praise him; he is of a noble strain, of approved valour, and confirmed honesty. I will teach you how to humour your cousin, that she shall 345 fall in love with Benedick; and I, with your two helps, will so practise on Benedick, that, in despite of his quick wit and his queasy stomach, he shall fall in love with Beatrice. If we can do this, Cupid is no longer an archer: his glory shall be ours, for we are the only love-gods. Go [350] in with me, and I will tell you my drift. [Exeunt.
[000] Scene II. The same.
MAAN II. 2 Enter Don John and Borachio.
D. John. It is so; the Count Claudio shall marry the daughter of Leonato.