We are getting ready to do a play of selected scenes from William Shakespeare’s “Much ado about nothing”. One scene which is definitely going to be included is a battle of wits between Beatrice (quoted in the voice of Emma Thompson) and Benedick (quoted in the voice of Kenneth Branaugh):
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Bene: ….If Signor Leonato be her father, she would not have his head on her shoulders for all Messina, as like him as she is.
Beat: I wonder that you will still be talking Signor Benedick: Nobody marks you.
Bene: What! My dear lady Disdain, Are you yet living?
Beat: I it possible disdain should die while she has such meet food to feed it as Signor Benedick? Courtesy itself must convert to disdain if you come in her presence.
Bene: Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted; and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart; for truly, I love none.
Beat: A dear happiness to women: else they had been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God and my cold blood, I am of your humor for that : I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.
Bene: God keep your ladyship still in that mind; so some gentleman or other shall ‘scape a predestinate scratched face.
Beat: Scratching could not make it worse, an ‘twere such a face as yours were.
Bene: Well, you are a rare parrot-teacher.
Beat: A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours.
Bene: I would my hose had the speed of your tongue, and so good a continuer. But keep your way, I have done.
Beat: you always end with a jade’s trick : I know you of old.
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Isn’t it great? Kaitlyn and I always quote it.
Shakespeare is without doubt one of my all time favourites.
His works have been a part of my life and continue to be so.
His birthplace along with other Shakespeare sites – were all a joy to visit.
May you and your sister enjoy Shakespeare and the imagination of every scene.
Blessings to you all.