Characteristics of Women: Moral, Poetical, and Historical. Mrs. (Anna) Jameson
the midst of all this tilting and sparring of their nimble and fiery wits, we find them infinitely anxious for the good opinion of each other, and secretly impatient of each other's scorn: but Beatrice is the most truly indifferent of the two; the most assured of herself. The comic effect produced by their mutual attachment, which, however natural and expected, comes upon us with all the force of a surprise, cannot be surpassed: and how exquisitely characteristic the mutual avowal!
BENEDICK.
By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me.
BEATRICE.
Do not swear by it, and eat it.
BENEDICK.
I will swear by it that you love me; and I will make him eat
it, that says, I love not you.
BEATRICE.
Will you not eat your word?
BENEDICK.
With no sauce that can be devised to it: I protest, I love
thee.
BEATRICE.
Why, then, God forgive me!
BENEDICK.
What offence, sweet Beatrice?
BEATRICE.
You stayed me in a happy hour. I was about to protest, I
loved you.
BENEDICK.
And do it with all thy heart.
BEATRICE.
I love you with so much of my heart, that there is none left
to protest.
But here again the dominion rests with Beatrice, and she appears in a less amiable light than her lover. Benedick surrenders his whole heart to her and to his new passion. The revulsion of feeling even causes it to overflow in an excess of fondness; but with Beatrice temper has still the mastery. The affection of Benedick induces him to challenge his intimate friend for her sake, but the affection of Beatrice does not prevent her from risking the life of her lover.
The character of Hero is well contrasted with that of Beatrice, and their mutual attachment is very beautiful and natural. When they are both on the scene together, Hero has but little to say for herself: Beatrice asserts the rule of a master spirit, eclipses her by her mental superiority, abashes her by her raillery, dictates to her, answers for her, and would fain inspire her gentle-hearted cousin with some of her own assurance.
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