Another room in LEONATO'S house. Enter LEONATO, with DOGBERRY and VERGES LEONATO What would you with me, honest neighbour? DOGBERRY Marry, sir, I would have some confidence with you that decerns you nearly. LEONATO Brief, I pray you; for you see it is a busy time with me. DOGBERRY Marry, this it is, sir. VERGES Yes, in truth it is, sir. LEONATO What is it, my good friends? DOGBERRY 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. VERGES Yes, I thank God I am as honest as any man living that is an old man and no honester than I. DOGBERRY Comparisons are odorous: palabras, neighbour Verges. LEONATO Neighbours, you are tedious. DOGBERRY 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 it in my heart to bestow it all of your worship. LEONATO All thy tediousness on me, ah? DOGBERRY Yea, an 'twere 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, Iam glad to hear it. VERGES And so am I. LEONATO I would fain know what you have to say. VERGES Marry, sir, our watch to-night, excepting your worship's presence, ha' ta'en a couple of as arrant knaves as any in Messina. DOGBERRY 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! LEONATO Indeed, neighbour, he comes too short of you. DOGBERRY Gifts that God gives. LEONATO I must leave you. DOGBERRY One word, sir: our watch, sir, have indeed comprehended two aspicious persons, and we would have them this morning examined before your worship. LEONATO Take their examination yourself and bring it me: Iam now in great haste, as it may appear unto you. DOGBERRY It shall be suffigance. LEONATO Drink some wine ere you go: fare you well.
Enter a Messenger Messenger My lord, they stay for you to give your daughter to her husband. LEONATO I'll wait upon them: I am ready.
Exeunt LEONATO and Messenger DOGBERRY Go, good partner, go, get you to Francis Seacole;bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the gaol:
we are now to examination these men. VERGES And we must do it wisely. DOGBERRY 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.