SCENE II
A room in LEONATO'S house.Enter LEONATO and ANTONIO, meeting.
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 strange news that you yet dreamt 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 (10)
much 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 (20)
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. [Enter attendants.]
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 cousin,
have a care this busy time. [Exeunt.
