1599 MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Page: 9

measure
sad?
John. There is no measure in the occasion that breeds;
therefore
the sadness is without limit.
Con. You should hear reason.
John. And when I have heard it, what blessings brings it?
Con. If not a present remedy, at least a patient sufferance.
John. I wonder that thou (being, as thou say'st thou art, born
under Saturn) goest about to apply a moral medicine to a
mortifying mischief. I cannot hide what I am: I must be sad
when
I have cause, and smile at no man's jests; eat when I have
stomach, and wait for no man's leisure; sleep when I am
drowsy,
and tend on no man's business; laugh when I am merry, and
claw no
man in his humour.
Con. Yea, but you must not make the full show of this till you
may
do it without controlment. You have of late stood out against
your brother, and he hath ta'en you newly into his grace,
where
it is impossible you should take true root but by the fair
weather that you make yourself. It is needful that you frame
the
season for your own harvest.
John. I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in his
grace,
and it better fits my blood to be disdain'd of all than to
fashion a carriage to rob love from any. In this, though I
cannot
be said to be a flattering honest man, it must not be denied
but
I am a plain-dealing villain. I am trusted with a muzzle and
enfranchis'd with a clog; therefore I have decreed not to
sing in
my cage. If I had my mouth, I would bite; if I had my
liberty, I
would do my liking. In the meantime let me be that I am, and
seek
not to alter me.
Con. Can you make no use of your discontent?
John. I make all use of it, for I use it only.

Enter Borachio.

Who comes here? What news, Borachio?
Bora. I came yonder from a great supper. The Prince your
brother is
royally entertain'd by Leonato, and I can give you
intelligence
of an intended marriage.
John. Will it serve for any model to build mischief on?
What is he for a fool that betroths himself to unquietness?