OCT. I tell you, as I've told you often before,
Lorenzo, 'tis not good for two young girls
To be so much together!

LOR. As you say,
Octavia. For myself, I must confess
It seems a natural thing, enough, that youth
Should seek out youth. And if they are better pleased
Talking together than listening to us,
I find it not unnatural. What have we
To say to children?--They are as different
From older folk as fairies are from them.

OCT. "Talking together," Lorenzo! What have they
To talk about, save things they might much better
Leave undiscussed?--you know what I mean,--lovers,
And marriage, and all that--if that is all!
One never knows--it is impossible
To hear what they are saying; they either speak
In whispers, or burst out in fits of laughter
At some incredible nonsense. There is nothing
So silly as young girls at just that age.--
At just Bianca's age, that is to say.
As for the other,--as for Beatrice,
She's older than Bianca, and I'll not have her
Putting ideas into my daughter's head!

LOR. Fear not, my love. Your daughter's head will doubtless,
In its good time, put up its pretty hair,