A messenger brings word to Leonato that Don Pedro of Aragon is passing through Messina on his return from a victorious battle. Then Beatrice asks if Benedick is part of the company, but then hides her interest in the news. Shortly the company of Don Pedro, Claudio, and Benedick arrives and Beatrice and Benedick trade clever remarks with one another, both professing that love is only for fools. Meanwhile Claudio, attracted by Hero's beauty, thinks he is in love. He asks Benedick what he thinks of the lady, but Benedick only rails against marria ....