Act I, Scene ii:
A Room in Leonato's House.

[Enter Leonato and Antonio.]

Leon. :

How now, brother? Where is my cousin, your son? Hath he

provided this music?

Ant. :

He is very busy about it. But, brother, I can tell you

news that you yet dream not of.

Leon. :

Are they good?

Ant. :

As the event stamps them; but they have a good cover, they

show well outward. The prince and count Claudio, walking in a

thick-pleached alley in mine orchard, were thus overheard by

a man of mine: The prince discovered to Claudio that he loved my

niece, your daughter, and meant to acknowledge it this night in a

dance; and, if he found her accordant, he meant to take the

present time by the top, and instantly break with you of it.

Leon. :

Hath the fellow any wit that told you this?

Ant. :

A good sharp fellow; I will send for him, and question him

yourself.

Leon. :

No, no; we will hold it as a dream, till it appear itself:—but

I will acquaint my daughter withal, that she may be the better

prepared for an answer, if peradventure this be true. Go you and

tell her of it.

[Several persons cross the stage.]

Cousins, you know what you have to do.—O, I cry you mercy,

friend: go you with me, and I will use your skill:—

Good cousins, have a care this busy time.

[Exeunt.]