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, 'tis a busy time with me.

Dogb.

Marry, this it is, Sir.

Ver.

Yes, in truth it is, Sir.

Leon.

What is it, my good friends?

Dogb.

Goodman Verges, Sir, speaks a little of the matter; an old man, Sir, and his wits are not so blunt, as, God help, I would desire they were, but, in faith, as 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, and 'twere a thousand times more than 'tis, for I hear as good exclamation on your worship as of any man in the city; and tho' 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, hath 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, he's a good man; an two men ride an 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 worship'd; 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 have, indeed, comprehended two auspicious persons; and we would have them this morning examin'd before your worship.

Leon.

Take their examination your self, 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.

Dogb.

Go, good Partner, go get you to Francis Seacoale, bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the jail; we are now to examine those men.

Verg.

And we must do it wisely.

Dogb.

We will spare for no wit, I warrant; 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 Jail.