I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in his grace,
and it better fits my blood to be disdained of all than to
fashion a carriage to rob love from any. In this, though I
cannot be said to be a flattering honest man, it must not be
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denied but I am a plain-dealing villain. I am trusted with a
muzzle and enfranchised with a clog; therefore I have
decreed not to sing in my cage. If I had my mouth, I would
bite; if I had my liberty, I would do my liking. In the
meantime, let me be that I am, and seek not to alter me.
DON JOHN
I'd rather be a weed in a hedge than a rose in my
brother's garden. It suits me more to be hated by
everyone than to put on a fancy show and trick people into loving
me. Though I am not a flattering, righteous man, at least you can
say that I am honest about being a villain. My brother trusts me
now? Yeah—as much as a master trusts the dog he muzzles
or the peasant he “frees” by chaining a big
block around the man's foot. If my mouth were
unrestrained, I'd bite. If I were free, I'd do
what I pleased. Until that happens, let me be who I am and
don't try to change me.
CONRAD
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Can you make no use of your discontent?
CONRAD
Can't you somehow use your dissatisfaction to your own
advantage?
DON JOHN
I make all use of it, for I use it only. Who comes here?
DON JOHN
I use it all the time, since it's all that I have.
Who's that?
Enter BORACHIO
BORACHIO enters.
What news, Borachio?
What's going on, Borachio?
BORACHIO
I came yonder from a great supper. The Prince your
brother
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is royally entertained by Leonato, and I can give you
intelligence of an intended marriage.
BORACHIO
I just came from a great feast where Leonato is entertaining the
Prince, your brother. I can give you information about an intended
marriage.
DON JOHN
Will it serve for any model to build mischief on? What is he
for a fool that betroths himself to unquietness?
DON JOHN
Will this give me an opportunity to make some mischief? Who is
this fool who wants all the fuss of marriage?
