Act I. Scene
II.
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 my orchard, were thus
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
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 cousin, have a
care this busy time. [Exeunt.
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