Author's Note: Originally written for English class , but I really, really like it, and I wanted to share it. This is my take on what Beatrice would be thinking as Claudio and Don Pedro described her when they were baiting Benedick in the orchard.
Disclaimer: Much Ado About Nothing and its respective characters, settings, etc. copyright William Shakespeare. Beatrice: Lady Tongue, Lady Love copyright Sabrina Cook. Do not touch it or I will actually murder you. Poetically.
Beatrice: Lady Tongue, Lady Love
Sharpened tongues of two doth clash,
Within each crass, euphoric lash,
Lies slicing wit as rapier's tip,
Slays crude defenders of my ship.
Within harsh humor's hollow wakes,
A gentler guard whose spirit takes,
A most disturbing course at sea,
On winds of foul epiphany.
A shipwreck's final flag shall wave,
Belike thy love shall dig my grave,
And such a ship shall drown this day,
Than turn to mutiny, I pray.
Planks crash down, cross deck to deck,
As ship sinks to become shipwreck.
To raid my riches, but seek not gold,
With stolen keys to my heart's hold.
To passion's plight, I grant thee spite,
Lest I sway to fancy's flight,
Of handsome, craven, selfish sin,
Tis love I loathe, yet love I'm in.