Act III, Scene v:
Another Room in Leonato's house.

[Enter Leonato, with Dogberry and Verges.]

Leon. :

What would you with me, honest neighbour?

Dogb. :

Marry, sir, I would have some confidence with you that decerns

you nearly.

Leon. :

Brief, I pray you; for, you see, 't is a busy time with me.

Dogb. :

Marry, this it is, sir.

Verg. :

Yes, in truth it is, sir.

Leon. :

What is it, my good friends?

Dogb. :

Goodman Verges, sir, speaks a little off the matter: an old

man, sir, and his wits are not so blunt, as, God help, I would

desire they were; but, in faith, honest as the skin between his

brows.

Verg. :

Yes, I thank God, I am as honest as any man living, that is an

old man, and no honester than I.

Dogb. :

Comparisons are odorous: palabras, neighbour Verges.

Leon. :

Neighbours, you are tedious.

Dogb. :

It pleases your worship to say so, but we are the poor duke's

officers; but, truly, for mine own part, if I were as tedious as

a king, I could find in my heart to bestow it all of your worship.

Leon. :

All thy tediousness on me! ah?

Dogb. :

Yea, an't were a thousand times more than 't is; for I hear as

good exclamation on your worship, as of any man in the city; and

though I be but a poor man I am glad to hear it.

Verg. :

And so am I.

Leon. :

I would fain know what you have to say.

Verg. :

Marry, sir, our watch to-night, excepting your worship's

presence, have ta'en a couple of as arrant knaves as any in

Messina.

Dogb. :

A good old man, sir; he will be talking; as they say, When

the age is in, the wit is out; God help us! it is a world to

see!—Well said, i' faith, neighbour Verges:—well, God's a good

man; an two men ride of a horse, one must ride behind:—An honest

soul, i' faith, sir; by my troth he is, as ever broke bread: but

God is to be worshipped: All men are not alike; alas, good

neighbour!

Leon. :

Indeed, neighbour, he comes too short of you.

Dogb. :

Gifts, that God gives.

Leon. :

I must leave you.

Dogb. :

One word, sir: our watch, sir, have, indeed, comprehended two

aspicious persons, and we would have them this morning examined

before your worship.

Leon. :

Take their examination yourself, and bring it to me; I am now in

great haste, as it may appear unto you.

Dogb. :

It shall be suffigance.

Leon. :

Drink some wine ere you go: fare you well.

[Enter a Messenger.]

Mess. :

My lord, they stay for you to give your daughter to her

husband.

Leon. :

I'll wait upon them; I am ready.

[Exeunt Leonato and Messenger.]

Dogb. :

Go, good partner, go get you to Francis Seacoal; bid him bring

his pen and inkhorn to the gaol: we are now to examination these

men.

Verg. :

And we must do it wisely.

Dogb. :

We will spare for no wit, I warrant you here's that[touching his forhead]shall drive some of them to a non-come: only get the

learned writer to set down our excommunication, and meet me at

the gaol.

[Exeunt.]