Young lovers Hero and Claudio are to be married in one week. To pass the time, they conspire with Don Pedro to set a "lover's trap" for Benedick, an arrogant confirmed bachelor, and Beatrice, his favorite sparring partner. Meanwhile, the evil Don Jon conspires to break up the wedding by accusing Hero of infidelity. In the end, though, it all turns out to be "much ado about nothing."

Beatrice:
Good Lord for alliance! Thus goes everyone to the world but I, and I am sunburnt; I may sit in a corner and cry 'heigh-ho!' for a husband.


Don Pedro:
Lady Beatrice, I will get you one.


Beatrice:
I would rather have one of your father's getting. Hath your grace not a brother like you? Your father got excellent husbands, if a maid could come by them.


Don Pedro:
Will you have me, lady?


Beatrice:
[pauses] No, my lord, unless I might have another for working-days. Your Grace is too costly to wear everyday. But I beseech your Grace to pardon me; for I was born to speak all mirth and no matter.


Don Pedro:
Your silence most offends me, and to be merry best becomes you; for, out of question, you were born in a merry hour.


Beatrice:
No, sure, my lord, my mother cried; but then there was a star danced, and under that was I born...

[Beatrice exits]


Don Pedro:
By my troth, a pleasant-spirited lady.