CLAUDIO

Never any did so, though very many have been beside
their wit. I will bid thee draw, as we do the
minstrels; draw, to pleasure us.

DON PEDRO

As I am an honest man, he looks pale. Art thou
sick, or angry?

CLAUDIO

What, courage, man! What though care killed a cat,
thou hast mettle enough in thee to kill care.

BENEDICK

Sir, I shall meet your wit in the career, and you
charge it against me. I pray you choose another subject.

CLAUDIO

Nay, then, give him another staff: this last was
broke cross.

DON PEDRO

By this light, he changes more and more: I think
he be angry indeed.

CLAUDIO

If he be, he knows how to turn his girdle.

BENEDICK

Shall I speak a word in your ear?

CLAUDIO

God bless me from a challenge!

BENEDICK

[Aside to CLAUDIO] You are a villain; I jest not:
I will make it good how you dare, with what you
dare, and when you dare. Do me right, or I will
protest your cowardice. You have killed a sweet
lady, and her death shall fall heavy on you. Let me
hear from you.

CLAUDIO

Well, I will meet you, so I may have good cheer.

DON PEDRO

What, a feast, a feast?

CLAUDIO

I' faith, I thank him; he hath bid me to a calf's
head and a capon; the which if I do not carve most
curiously, say my knife's naught. Shall I not find
a woodcock too?