In naming the hero of Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare borrowed the name Benedick from St. Benedict of Nursia, a 6th century monk who was the founder of the Benedictine order. The good friar was insistent on both celibacy and abstinence from laughter. He would not have appreciated his comedic namesake, a quick-witted buffoon, who was not so much interested in being celibate as in remaining a bachelor. Indeed, the Bard pointed out that "He wears his faith as but the fashion of his hat."

     Of course, he had his good points. Benedick was a noble and brave soldier, true. But history is not on the side of soldiering when it comes to loyalty--at least between the sexes. As Andy Griffith observed of Julius Caesar and Marc Antony regarding their famous trysts with Cleopatra: "You have to remember, they were soldiers...and overseas." Oh well, the good friar and Deacon Andy notwithstanding, perhaps it is well for young ladies to heed Beatrice's advice:

     "Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more,
Men were deceivers ever,
One foot in sea and one on shore,
To one thing constant never."

Acknowledgments: 3, 4, 18, 61

© Russ Brown, 1998