Colour picture of Kirsty Besterman and Bill Buckhurst as Beatrice and Benedick, act four, scene one.
Copyright © 2009 Photo: Andy Bradshaw
Back to list"I was born to speak all mirth and no matter "
2.1.303-4
Title: Niece to Leonato
Sex: female
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Hometown: Messina
Job: Lady of the house
Often called: "Lady Disdain", "Lady Tongue" or "harpy" by Benedick.
Personal philosophy: "...there was a star danced, and under that was I born." (2.1.309)
Views on marriage: “Lord, I could not endure a husband with a beard on his face! I had rather lie in the woollen... He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man; and he that is more than a youth is not for me, and he that is less than a man, I am not for him... I'll none. Adam's sons are my brethren, and truly, I hold it a sin to match in my kindred.” (2.1.26-57)