The scene begins with Benedick and Margaret discussing poetry, as Benedick tries to write a poem for Beatrice. He and Margaret engage in a duel of wits, and Benedick admits that she has won. Margaret then leaves to get Beatrice. Benedick sings and then soliloquizes about his inability to find the write words to satisfy the flowery style of Renaissance poetry.
Beatrice then enters, and she and Benedick discuss their feelings about marriage and courtship. After engaging in a few verbal battles, the two agree that they are too sensible to woo each other in the standard, cloyingly emotional manner. Benedick asks after Hero, and Beatrice reports that both she and Hero are not feeling well.
Ursula then enters and tells the two that Hero has been.....
