I love the word ‘pernicious’ – not a lot of call for it in everyday conversation … but one does what one can 🙂 It’s been on the fridge for the last week and I haven’t managed to make it into conversation this week :S.
Beatrice:
I wonder that you will still be talking, Signior Benedick. Nobody marks you.
Benedick:
What, my dear Lady Disdain! are you yet living?
Beatrice:
Is it possible Disdain should die while she hath such meet food to feed it as Signior Benedick? Courtesy itself must convert to disdain if you come in her presence.
Benedick:
Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted; and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart, for truly I love none.
Beatrice:
A dear happiness to women! They would else have been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that. I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.
Benedick:
God keep your ladyship still in that mind! So some gentleman or other shall scape a predestinate scratch’d face.
Beatrice:
Scratching could not make it worse an ’twere such a face as yours were.
per·ni·cious /pərˈnɪʃəs/ –adjective
1. causing insidious harm or ruin; ruinous; injurious; hurtful: pernicious teachings; a pernicious lie.
2. deadly; fatal: a pernicious disease.
3. Obsolete. evil; wicked.