HERO:
“Good Ursula, wake my cousin Beatrice and desire her to rise.”
- Simple meaning: Please, Ursula, wake Beatrice and ask her to get up.
- Analysis: Hero is speaking to Ursula, instructing her to wake Beatrice. Hero is likely busy with preparations for the wedding and asks Ursula to help her cousin.
- Theme: Hospitality, duty.
URSULA:
“I will, lady.”
- Simple meaning: I will do so, my lady.
- Analysis: Ursula acknowledges Hero’s request and agrees to wake Beatrice.
- Theme: Obedience, service.
HERO:
“And bid her come hither.”
- Simple meaning: And tell her to come here.
- Analysis: Hero wants Beatrice to come to her after Ursula wakes her up. Hero’s tone suggests a sense of urgency or importance regarding the wedding preparations.
- Theme: Instruction, responsibility.
MARGARET:
“Troth, I think your other rebato were better.”
- Simple meaning: Honestly, I think the other collar you had was better.
- Analysis: Margaret is commenting on Hero’s outfit, suggesting that a different collar (rebato) would suit her better. This is a lighthearted exchange, typical of Margaret’s playful nature.
- Theme: Fashion, friendship.
HERO:
“No, pray thee, good Meg, I’ll wear this.”
- Simple meaning: No, please, Margaret, I will wear this one.
- Analysis: Hero firmly decides on the current collar, despite Margaret’s suggestion. This moment shows Hero’s decision-making and perhaps a bit of stubbornness.
- Theme: Independence, determination.
MARGARET:
“By my troth, ’s not so good, and I warrant your cousin will say so.”
- Simple meaning: Honestly, it’s not as good, and I bet your cousin will agree with me.
- Analysis: Margaret playfully disagrees with Hero’s choice, predicting that Beatrice will also have the same opinion. This shows the friendly teasing nature of their relationship.
- Theme: Playfulness, teasing.
HERO:
“My cousin’s a fool, and thou art another. I’ll wear none but this.”
- Simple meaning: My cousin is foolish, and you are too. I’ll wear this one, and that’s final.
- Analysis: Hero, perhaps mockingly, calls both Margaret and Beatrice foolish, demonstrating their playful dynamic. She’s resolute about her choice of collar.
- Theme: Stubbornness, humor.
MARGARET:
“I like the new tire within excellently, if the hair were a thought browner; and your gown’s a most rare fashion, i’ faith. I saw the Duchess of Milan’s gown that they praise so.”
- Simple meaning: I really like the new headpiece, though I think the hair could be a little darker. Your gown is a very fine fashion. I saw the Duchess of Milan’s gown that they all talk about.
- Analysis: Margaret continues teasing Hero about her attire, comparing it to a fashionable gown she’s seen. This adds humor and lightness to their interaction.
- Theme: Fashion, comparison.
HERO:
“O, that exceeds, they say.”
- Simple meaning: Oh, they say it’s even better.
- Analysis: Hero acknowledges that the Duchess’s gown exceeds her own in elegance or value, agreeing with Margaret’s comparison.
- Theme: Humility, modesty.
MARGARET:
“By my troth, ’s but a nightgown in respect of yours—cloth o’ gold, and cuts, and laced with silver, set with pearls, down sleeves, side sleeves, and skirts round underborne with a bluish tinsel. But for a fine, quaint, graceful, and excellent fashion, yours is worth ten on ’t.”
- Simple meaning: Honestly, that gown is just a nightgown compared to yours—yours has gold cloth, cuts, silver lace, pearls, sleeves, side sleeves, and a bluish tinsel around the skirts. But in terms of style, yours is much better.
- Analysis: Margaret exaggerates the comparison, saying that Hero’s gown far exceeds the one she saw. This is playful flattery on Margaret’s part, as she builds up Hero’s attire.
- Theme: Fashion, flattery, friendship.
HERO:
“God give me joy to wear it, for my heart is exceeding heavy.”
- Simple meaning: God give me joy as I wear it, because my heart feels very heavy.
- Analysis: Hero is trying to remain composed, but her inner sadness is evident. She is preparing for a wedding, but the weight of the situation (likely due to her doubts about Claudio’s feelings) is causing her distress.
- Theme: Sadness, conflict, hidden emotions.
MARGARET:
“’Twill be heavier soon by the weight of a man.”
- Simple meaning: It’ll get heavier soon, when you have the weight of a husband.
- Analysis: Margaret humorously implies that Hero’s heart will grow heavier with the responsibilities and emotional weight of marriage. This is another playful tease, though it hints at the gravity of what marriage entails.
- Theme: Marriage, humor, responsibility.
HERO:
“Fie upon thee! Art not ashamed?”
- Simple meaning: Shame on you! Aren’t you ashamed?
- Analysis: Hero scolds Margaret in mock indignation for her teasing. Hero’s response shows her modesty and her discomfort with such jokes about marriage.
- Theme: Modesty, shame.
MARGARET:
“Of what, lady? Of speaking honorably? Is not marriage honorable in a beggar? Is not your lord honorable without marriage? I think you would have me say ‘Saving your reverence, a husband.’”
- Simple meaning: What do you mean, lady? Am I ashamed of speaking honorably? Isn’t marriage honorable, even for a beggar? Isn’t your lord honorable whether married or not? I think you just want me to say, “Forgive me, but a husband.”
- Analysis: Margaret defends her teasing by making a point about the honor of marriage. She questions Hero’s response, implying that Hero may be overreacting. This shows Margaret’s boldness and her more playful, irreverent nature.
- Theme: Honor, marriage, playfulness.
MARGARET:
“I’ll offend nobody. Is there any harm in ‘the heavier for a husband’? None, I think, an it be the right husband and the right wife. Otherwise, ’tis light and not heavy.”
- Simple meaning: I don’t mean to offend anyone. Is there anything wrong with saying marriage will make you heavier? No, I think it’s fine if you have the right husband and wife. Otherwise, it’s light and not burdensome.
- Analysis: Margaret makes a thoughtful yet playful comment about marriage. She suggests that marriage is a burden only when it’s not the right one, which hints at deeper thoughts on the nature of love and relationships.
- Theme: Marriage, love, compatibility.
MARGARET:
“Ask my lady Beatrice else. Here she comes.”
- Simple meaning: Ask Beatrice about it. Here she comes.
- Analysis: Margaret sets Beatrice up as someone who may offer her own thoughts on the matter. It also sets up Beatrice’s entrance.
- Theme: Anticipation, humor.
Enter Beatrice.
HERO:
“Good morrow, coz.”
- Simple meaning: Good morning, cousin.
- Analysis: Hero greets Beatrice warmly, as they are close family members.
- Theme: Friendship, familial connection.
BEATRICE:
“Good morrow, sweet Hero.”
- Simple meaning: Good morning, sweet Hero.
- Analysis: Beatrice responds warmly, showing affection for Hero.
- Theme: Affection, friendship.
HERO:
“Why, how now? Do you speak in the sick tune?”
- Simple meaning: Why do you sound sick?
- Analysis: Hero notices Beatrice’s change in tone and questions if she’s ill. Hero is likely surprised at Beatrice’s appearance or behavior.
- Theme: Health, concern.
BEATRICE:
“I am out of all other tune, methinks.”
- Simple meaning: I feel like I’m out of sorts, I think.
- Analysis: Beatrice responds with her typical witty and sarcastic tone, indicating that she feels unwell, but in a more humorous way.
- Theme: Humor, illness.
MARGARET:
“Clap ’s into ‘Light o’ love.’ That goes without a burden. Do you sing it, and I’ll dance it.”
- Simple meaning: Let’s get into the “Light o’ love” song. It’s carefree. You sing, and I’ll dance.
- Analysis: Margaret suggests a carefree activity (singing and dancing) to lift the mood, implying that Beatrice’s mood is heavy or somber.
- Theme: Playfulness, light-heartedness.
BEATRICE:
“You light o’ love with your heels! Then, if your husband have stables enough, you’ll see he shall lack no barns.”
- Simple meaning: You’re light o’ love with your dancing! If your husband has enough stables, he’ll have no lack of barns.
- Analysis: Beatrice humorously rebuffs Margaret’s suggestion, implying that if Margaret’s husband is wealthy enough, he’ll be able to provide everything. Beatrice continues to showcase her quick wit and sarcasm.
- Theme: Marriage, wealth, wit.
MARGARET:
“O, illegitimate construction! I scorn that with my heels.”
- Simple meaning: What an improper suggestion! I dismiss that with my heels (as in, by walking away).
- Analysis: Margaret, in a playful tone, rejects Beatrice’s comment as improper, exaggerating the rejection humorously.
- Theme: Rejection, humor.
BEATRICE:
“’Tis almost five o’clock, cousin. ’Tis time you were ready. By my troth, I am exceeding ill. Heigh-ho!”
- Simple meaning: It’s almost five o’clock, cousin. You should be ready now. Honestly, I feel very ill. Sigh!
- Analysis: Beatrice is likely feeling sick due to the wedding preparations or her emotions, but she also uses it as an excuse to act dramatic.
- Theme: Illness, time management.
MARGARET:
“For a hawk, a horse, or a husband?”
- Simple meaning: Are you ill because of a hawk, a horse, or a husband?
- Analysis: Margaret playfully asks Beatrice if her illness is related to any of these things—perhaps hinting at Beatrice’s thoughts on love or marriage.
- Theme: Wit, humor, relationships.
BEATRICE:
“For the letter that begins them all, H.”
- Simple meaning: It’s because of the letter “H” that starts all three words.
- Analysis: Beatrice offers a witty response, connecting the letter “H” to the three things mentioned. She continues her playful tone.
- Theme: Wordplay, humor.
MARGARET:
“Well, an you be not turned Turk, there’s no more sailing by the star.”
- Simple meaning: Well, if you’re not a Turk (i.e., someone who has turned against their faith or values), then there’s no more point in continuing.
- Analysis: Margaret makes another playful, nonsensical remark. It reflects her lively, irreverent nature.
- Theme: Humor, irreverence.
BEATRICE:
“What means the fool, trow?”
- Simple meaning: What does the fool mean, I wonder?
- Analysis: Beatrice questions Margaret’s odd remark, showing her confusion in a playful manner.
- Theme: Curiosity, humor.
MARGARET:
“Nothing, I; but God send everyone their heart’s desire.”
- Simple meaning: Nothing, but I hope everyone gets what they wish for.
- Analysis: Margaret concludes her thoughts with a more serious, if somewhat ironic, wish for people to be fulfilled.
- Theme: Wishes, desire.
HERO:
“These gloves the Count sent me, they are an excellent perfume.”
- Simple meaning: The Count sent me these gloves; they smell wonderful.
- Analysis: Hero brings up the gift from Count Claudio, showing her excitement or appreciation. This might foreshadow her involvement with him later in the play.
- Theme: Gifts, romance.
BEATRICE:
“I am stuffed, cousin. I cannot smell.”
- Simple meaning: I’m so stuffed up, cousin, I can’t smell anything.
- Analysis: Beatrice humorously claims to be so ill that she can’t appreciate the scent of the gloves.
- Theme: Illness, humor.
MARGARET:
“A maid, and stuffed! There’s goodly catching of cold.”
- Simple meaning: A maid and stuffed up? You’re really catching a cold, aren’t you?
- Analysis: Margaret jokes about Beatrice’s condition, playing on the idea that being a maid (or young woman) and sick makes her more vulnerable.
- Theme: Health, gender roles.
BEATRICE:
“O, God help me, God help me! How long have you professed apprehension?”
- Simple meaning: Oh, God help me! How long have you been so worried or dramatic?
- Analysis: Beatrice plays along with the teasing, showing her exasperation but also engaging in the fun.
- Theme: Exasperation, humor.
MARGARET:
“Ever since you left it. Doth not my wit become me rarely?”
- Simple meaning: Ever since you stopped being dramatic, I’ve been witty. Doesn’t my wit suit me well?
- Analysis: Margaret continues teasing Beatrice, claiming her wit has become sharper since Beatrice stopped being dramatic.
- Theme: Wit, teasing.
BEATRICE:
“It is not seen enough; you should wear it in your cap. By my troth, I am sick.”
- Simple meaning: Your wit isn’t on display enough; you should put it in your cap (like a decoration). Honestly, I’m really sick.
- Analysis: Beatrice continues to humorously criticize Margaret, suggesting that her wit should be worn more openly. But she also returns to her illness, reinforcing her dramatic act.
- Theme: Wit, illness.
MARGARET:
“Get you some of this distilled carduus benedictus and lay it to your heart. It is the only thing for a qualm.”
- Simple meaning: Take some carduus benedictus (a medicinal herb) and apply it to your chest. It’s the only cure for nausea.
- Analysis: Margaret continues her playful, albeit somewhat helpful, suggestions for Beatrice’s illness.
- Theme: Health, remedies.
HERO:
“There thou prick’st her with a thistle.”
- Simple meaning: You’re teasing her too much, like pricking her with a thistle.
- Analysis: Hero intervenes in the banter, acknowledging that Margaret is teasing Beatrice a bit too much.
- Theme: Friendship, teasing.
BEATRICE:
“Benedictus! Why benedictus? You have some moral in this benedictus?”
- Simple meaning: Benedictus! Why mention “benedictus”? Is there some deeper meaning to this word?
- Analysis: Beatrice questions the use of “benedictus” and playfully suggests there’s a deeper moral behind it.
- Theme: Wordplay, humor.
MARGARET:
“Moral? No, by my troth, I have no moral meaning; I meant plain holy thistle. You may think perchance that I think you are in love. Nay, by ’r Lady, I am not such a fool to think what I list, nor I list not to think what I can, nor indeed I cannot think, if I would think my heart out of thinking, that you are in love or that you will be in love or that you can be in love. Yet Benedick was such another, and now is he become a man. He swore he would never marry, and yet now, in despite of his heart, he eats his meat without grudging. And how you may be converted I know not, but methinks you look with your eyes as other women do.”
- Simple meaning: No, I don’t have a moral meaning behind it. I just meant plain holy thistle (a remedy). Maybe you think I think you’re in love, but I’m not foolish enough to assume that. Yet, Benedick was the same way; he swore he would never marry, but now he’s eating his food without complaint. Perhaps you may change too, but you certainly look like you might be in love.
- Analysis: Margaret teases Beatrice, suggesting that despite her denials, she might be in love, just like Benedick, who swore off marriage but has changed his tune.
- Theme: Love, transformation, change.
BEATRICE:
“What pace is this that thy tongue keeps?”
- Simple meaning: What speed is your tongue moving at?
- Analysis: Beatrice asks Margaret this question, likely teasing her for speaking too quickly or perhaps giving a witty response too fast. It plays into the playful nature of their relationship.
- Theme: Wit, humor, quick thinking.
MARGARET:
“Not a false gallop.”
- Simple meaning: I’m not going too fast or in a wrong direction.
- Analysis: Margaret responds humorously, suggesting that she’s not speaking too quickly or in a confused manner. This adds to the light, bantering tone.
- Theme: Humor, self-assurance.
Enter Ursula.
URSULA:
“Madam, withdraw. The Prince, the Count, Signior Benedick, Don John, and all the gallants of the town are come to fetch you to church.”
- Simple meaning: Madam, please step aside. The Prince, the Count, Benedick, Don John, and all the gentlemen from the town have arrived to escort you to the church.
- Analysis: Ursula informs Hero that the men have arrived to take them to the church, signaling the approach of the wedding ceremony. The mention of important characters like the Prince and Benedick hints at the central events of the play.
- Theme: Marriage, ceremony, social roles.
HERO:
“Help to dress me, good coz, good Meg, good Ursula.”
- Simple meaning: Please help me get dressed, dear cousin, dear Meg, dear Ursula.
- Analysis: Hero calls on her closest companions to help prepare her for the upcoming wedding. The use of “good” shows affection and camaraderie.
- Theme: Friendship, support, preparation.
They exit.
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