Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted: and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart; for, truly, I love none. Beatrice: A dear happiness to women: they would else have been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that: I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me. -Much Ado About Nothing
The speaker expresses a complex view of love and courtesy, suggesting that while they are admired by many women, they struggle with their own feelings, admitting a lack of affection for anyone. This admission highlights their emotional detachment and perhaps a desire to remain unfettered by romantic entanglements.
Beatrice responds to this sentiment with a mix of sarcasm and relief, valuing her own independence and preferring the simplicity of her dog’s barking over the complications of a man's affections. This exchange reflects the play's themes of love, relationships, and the societal expectations placed on women regarding romance.
