How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line) Line numbers correspond to the Riverside edition.
Quote #7
BENEDICK
My lord, for your many
courtesies I thank you. I must discontinue your
company. (5.1.200-202)
This is a decisive move for Benedick; as it is the moment when he explicitly breaks company with Don Pedro shows a public transformation in his allegiance.
Quote #8
BORACHIO
Sweet Prince, let me go no farther to mine
answer. Do you hear me, and let this Count kill me.
I have deceived even your very eyes. What your
wisdoms could not discover, these shallow fools
have brought to light, who in the night overheard
me confessing to this man, how Don John your
brother incensed me to slander the Lady Hero, how
you were brought into the orchard and saw me
court Margaret in Hero's garments, how you disgraced
her when you should marry her. My villainy
they have upon record, which I had rather seal with
my death than repeat over to my shame. The lady is
dead upon mine and my master's false accusation.
And, briefly, I desire nothing but the reward of a
villain. (5.1.240-254)
Borachio transforms from a villain into a courageous man willing to accept his guilt and pay for his crimes. The seriousness of his crimes—resulting in the supposed death of Hero—has brought about this tremendous change. It's interesting that it didn’t bring about a similar transformation in Claudio who later tries to weasel his way out of punishment.