Scene VI : (Laertes convinces Bernardo, Marcellus, and Ophelia that they can turn Horatio and Beatrice into lovers.)
Laertes. By my troth, Beatrice is one pleasant-spirited lady who cannot endure to hear tell of a husband.
Ber. O, by no means. She mocks all her wooers out of suit.
Laertes. She were an excellent wife for Horatio.
Mar. If they were married but a week, they would talk themselves mad.
Laertes. I will undertake one of Cupid’s labours, and bring Horatio and the Lady Beatrice into a mountain of affection, th’ one with th’ other, if you friends will minister your worthy assistance.
Ber. My lord, I am for you.
Mar. And I, my lord.
Laertes. And you, my gentle sister?
Ophelia. Brother, I will do any modest office to help my friend to a good husband.
Laertes. Very well. We shall humour Beatrice that she shall fall in love with Horatio, and we’ll so practise on Horatio that Beatrice will become his object of affection. If we can do this, we shall replace Cupid as the true love gods! (All exit)