Much Ado About Nothing: Act 1

Earlier, Leonato declared that "a victory is twice itself when the achiever brings home full numbers." But Beatrice disagrees and insults the soldiers, especially Benedick, by comparing their easy military victory to eating musty (stale or moldy) victual.

The Latin valere means "be strong, have power" and in the face of danger, that means being brave. Beatrice uses both valiant and excellent to describe Benedick, so her speech sounds positive. But instead of praising his efforts in the trenches (ditches dug in the ground for protection during a war), she praises his efforts in front of a trencher (a wooden board or platter where food is served).

The adjective also means "fragmentary or broken from emotional strain." This could describe Benedick's reaction to losing a battle of wits. But here, Beatrice compares Benedick's wits to an injured horse that limps away from its rider. For a soldier, a horse is a valuable weapon. Beatrice claims to have unhorsed Benedick, but she admits that he has one wit left, because otherwise, her victory would be musty victual too.

In the first example sentence, Beatrice personifies the attitude of disdain in order to respond to Benedick calling her "Lady Disdain." In the second, she personifies courtesy ("a respectful or considerate manner") to further disdain Benedick, but also to suggest that disdain is not her natural attitude but one brought on and fed by Benedick's presence.

The Latin re means "again" and conciliare means "to bring together, make friendly." The word suggests that a conflict has been resolved. But although Pedro has publicly forgiven John for standing against him, John has not reconciled with Pedro. As a bastard who does not have the same rights as the Prince, John does not take joy in Pedro's victories, yet he gladly accepts the invitation from his brother's friend.

Accused heretics were often given a chance to change their beliefs. But Benedick is obstinate ("unwilling to yield" or "resistant to guidance or discipline") and declares he'd rather burn at the stake than admit that Hero (or any woman) is beautiful and worthy of being loved.

John uses the word enfranchise ironically here. Although Pedro has not thrown John into a dungeon for trying to overthrow him, he does not trust him. Thus, John describes his freedom with images of a muzzle ("a leather or wire restraint put over an animal's mouth to silence or control") and a clog ("any object that hinders movement, such as wooden shoes or chains").