Leon.

What would you with me, honest neighbour?

Dog.

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

Leon.

Brief, I pray you; for you see it is ^note a busy time with me.

Dog.

Marry, this it is, sir.

Verg.

Yes, in truth it is, sir.

Leon.

What is it, my good friends?

Dog.

Goodman Verges, sir, speaks a little off ^note 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 ^note 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.

Dog.

Comparisons are odorous: palabras, neighbour Verges.

Leon.

Neighbours, you are tedious.

Dog.

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?

Dog.

Yea, an 'twere a thousand pound ^note 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' ^note ta'en a couple of as arrant knaves as any in Messina.

Dog.

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 ^note a good man; an ^note two men ride of a horse ^note, 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.

Dog.

Gifts that God gives.

Leon.

I must leave you.

Dog.

One word, sir: our watch, sir, ^note have indeed comprehended two aspicious ^note 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 it ^note may appear unto you.

Dog.

It shall be suffigance.

Leon.

Drink some wine ere you go: fare you well.

Enter ^note 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.

Dog.

Go, good partner, go, get you to Francis Seacole; bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the gaol: we are now to examination ^note these ^note men.

Verg.

And we must do it wisely.

Dog.

We will spare for no wit, I warrant you ^note; here's that ^note shall drive some of them to a noncome ^note: only get the learned writer to set down our excommunication, and meet me at the gaol.