DON PEDROCome, lady, come; you have lost the heart of Signior Benedick.BEATRICEIndeed, my lord, he lent it me awhile; and I gave him use for it, a double heart for his single one: marry, once before he won it of me with false dice, therefore your grace may well say I have lost it.DON PEDROYou have put him down, lady, you have put him down.BEATRICESo I would not he should do me, my lord, lest I should prove the mother of fools.
In this exchange, Don Pedro informs Beatrice that she has won the heart of Benedick, suggesting a romantic connection between them. Beatrice cleverly responds, indicating that she had borrowed Benedick's heart before, only to give it back, humorously implying that he isn't worth her affection since he previously deceived her. Her words reveal her wit and the playful nature of their relationship.
Don Pedro acknowledges Beatrice’s sharp retort, recognizing her ability to outsmart Benedick. Beatrice’s response also shows her desire to avoid being foolishly in love, hinting at her independent mindset and reluctance to fall into romantic folly. This dialogue encapsulates the clever banter and themes of love and deception that characterize Shakespeare's play.
