[144] Claud. To what end? He would make but a sport of 145 it, and torment the poor lady worse.
[146] D. Pedro. An he should, it were an alms to hang him. She’s an excellent sweet lady; and, out of all suspicion, she is virtuous.
Claud. And she is exceeding wise.
150 D. Pedro. In every thing but in loving Benedick.
Leon. O, my lord, wisdom and blood combating in so tender a body, we have ten proofs to one that blood hath the victory. I am sorry for her, as I have just cause, being her uncle and her guardian.
155 D. Pedro. I would she had bestowed this dotage on [156] me: I would have daffed all other respects, and made her half myself. I pray you, tell Benedick of it, and hear what [158] a’ will say.
Leon. Were it good, think you?
160 Claud. Hero thinks surely she will die; for she says she will die, if he love her not; and she will die, ere she make her love known; and she will die, if he woo her, rather than she will bate one breath of her accustomed crossness.
D. Pedro. She doth well: if she should make tender of 165 her love, ’tis very possible he’ll scorn it; for the man, as [166] you know all, hath a contemptible spirit.
Claud. He is a very proper man.