How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line) Line numbers correspond to the Riverside edition.
Quote #1
MESSENGER
Much deserved on his part, and equally
remembered by Don Pedro. He hath borne himself
beyond the promise of his age, doing in the figure
of a lamb the feats of a lion. He hath indeed better
bettered expectation than you must expect of me to
tell you how. (1.1.12-17)
Claudio isn’t just praised for being a great soldier: it’s of particular importance that one so young has proven himself on the battlefield. This qualification will be important throughout the play. Though Claudio will have adult feelings (especially about love), he’s still young. While he has experience in battle, he has no such experience yet with love, which sheds light on his immature behavior towards Hero.
Quote #2
DON PEDRO
Well, as time shall try.
In time the savage bull doth bear the yoke. (1.1.255-256)
Don Pedro’s been around the block, and he’s mature enough to realize that even the savage bull can be tamed. He knows men can change their minds, which is, interestingly, exactly the conclusion Benedick comes to in the very end of the play... after he’s had some time to mature himself.