William Shakespeare (1564–1616). The Oxford Shakespeare. 1914.
Act III. Scene V.Much Ado about Nothing
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 it 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! ha?
Dogb.Yea, an ’t were a thousand pound more than ’tis; 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, ha’ 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, hath indeed comprehended two aspicious persons, and we would have them this morning examined before your worship.
Leon.Take their examination yourself, and bring it me: I am now in great haste, as may appear unto you.
Dogb.It shall be suffigance.
Leon.Drink some wine ere you go: fare you well.
Mess.My lord, they stay for you to give your daughter to her husband.
Leon.I’ll wait upon them: I am ready.[Exeunt L
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 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.