SCENE V.
Another Apartment 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, 'tis 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 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, honest, as the skin between his brows6 note.
-- 327 --
Verg.
Yes, I thank God, 7 note
I am as honest as any
man living, that is an old man, and no honester
than I.
Dogb.
Comparisons are odorous: palabras8 note, 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 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, 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!* note—Well said, i'faith,
-- 328 --
neighbour Verges:—well, God's a good man9 note
; an
two men ride of a horse, one must ride behind1 note
:—
An honest soul, i'faith, sir; by my troth he is, as
ever broke bread: but, God is to be worshipp'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 aspicious persons, and we would
have them this morning examin'd 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.
Enter a Messenger.
Mess.
My lord, they stay for you to give your
daughter to her husband.
-- 329 --
Leon.
I will wait upon them; I am ready.
[Exit Leonato.
Dogb.
Go, good partner, go, get you to Francis
Seacoal, bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the
jail; 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 forehead] shall drive some of
them to a non-com: only get the learned writer to
set down our excommunication, and meet me at the
jail.
[Exeunt.
Samuel Johnson [1778], The plays of William Shakspeare. In ten volumes. With the corrections and illustrations of various commentators; to which are added notes by Samuel Johnson and George Steevens. The second edition, Revised and Augmented (Printed for C. Bathurst [and] W. Strahan [etc.], London) [word count] [S10901].
