No Fear Shakespeare
Much Ado About Nothing
Act 5, Scene 4
Original Text | Modern Text | |
Enter
LEONATO,ANTONIO,
BENEDICK,BEATRICE,
MARGARET,URSULA, FRIAR
FRANCIS, andHERO
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LEONATO,
ANTONIO,BENEDICK,
BEATRICE,MARGARET,
URSULA, FRIAR FRANCIS, and
HERO enter. | |
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FRIAR FRANCIS
Did I not tell you she was innocent?
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FRIAR FRANCIS
Didn’t I tell you she was innocent?
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5 |
LEONATO
So are the Prince and Claudio, who accused her
Upon the error that you heard debated.
But Margaret was in some fault for this,
Although against her will, as it appears
In the true course of all the question.
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LEONATO
And the Prince and Claudio, who accused her, are innocent as well,
because they were deceived by Don John. Margaret is partially
guilty, although our investigation shows that she acted
unintentionally.
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ANTONIO
Well, I am glad that all things sort so well.
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ANTONIO
Well, I’m glad that everything has been sorted
out.
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BENEDICK
And so am I, being else by faith enforced
To call young Claudio to a reckoning for it.
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BENEDICK
Me too—otherwise I would have had to duel with
Claudio.
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10 15 |
LEONATO
Well, daughter, and you gentlewomen all,
Withdraw into a chamber by yourselves,
And when I send for you, come hither masked.
The Prince and Claudio promised by this hour
To visit me.—You know your office, brother.
You must be father to your brother’s daughter,
And give her to young Claudio.
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LEONATO
Hero, you and the other women should all retreat to a room. When I
send for you, come out wearing masks. The Prince and Claudio are
supposed to be here by now.—You know your job, brother.
You have to pretend to be your niece’s father, and give
her away to Claudio.
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Exeunt Ladies | The ladies exit. | |
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ANTONIO
Which I will do with confirmed countenance.
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ANTONIO
I’ll do that, without giving away our secret.
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BENEDICK
Friar, I must entreat your pains, I think.
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BENEDICK
Friar, I think I need a favor from you.
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FRIAR FRANCIS
To do what, Signior?
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FRIAR FRANCIS
What do you need me to do?
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