Much Ado - Don John

Cue lines and lines for Don John in an abridged version of Much Ado About Nothing

“—A hot January.”

ENTER DON JOHN

“—with much honor.”

Move aside

“—know you of old.”

Come forward

“—bid you of welcome also.”

Thank you. I am not of many words, but I thank you.

EXIT DON JOHN

“—put it presently.”

ENTER DON JOHN

Now there is an intended marriage. The most exquisite Claudio, and which was looks he? On Hero, the daughter and heir of Leonato. This may prove food to my displeasure. That young start-up hath all the glory of my overthrow. If I can cross him any way, I bless myself every way.

EXIT DON JOHN

“—make good room.”

ENTER DON JOHN

“—at the next turning.”

Dance

EXIT DON JOHN

“—tell you my drift”

ENTER DON JOHN

It is so. The Count Claudio shall marry the daughter of Leonato. Any bar, any cross, any impediment will be med’cinable to me. I am sick in displeasure to him, and whatsoever comes athwart his affection ranges evenly with mine. Borachio, how canst thou cross this marriage?

“—gentlewoman to Hero.”

I remember.

“—chamber window.”

What life is in that to be the death of this marriage?

“—the preparation overthrown.”

Grow this to what adverse issue it can, I will put it in practice.

EXIT DON JOHN

“—better than reportingly.”

ENTER DON JOHN

Count Claudio, God save you.

“—Count John.”

If your leisure is served, I would speak with you.

“—What’s the matter?”

Means your lordship to be married tomorrow?”

“—I do.”

I know not that, when you know what I know.

“—you discover it.”

You may think I love you not. Let that appear hereafter, and aim better at me by that I now will manifest. I came hither to tell you; and, circumstances shortened, for she has been too long a-talking of, the lady is disloyal.

“—Hero?”

Even she: Leonato’s Hero, your Hero, every man’s Hero.

“—Disloyal?”

The word is too good to paint out her wickedness. Go but with me tonight, you shall see her chamber window entered, even the night before her wedding day. If you love her then, tomorrow wed her. But it would better fit your honor to change your mind.

“—this be so?”

If you dare not trust that you see, confess not that you know. If you will follow me, I will show you enough, and when you have seen more and heard more, proceed accordingly.

“—I shame her.”

I will disparage her no farther till you are my witness. Bear it coldly but till midnight, and let the issue show itself.

“—strangely thwarting!”

O plague right well prevented! So will you say when you have seen the sequel.

EXIT DON JOHN