ARMADO.

Sufficient, good master, sufficient; a man of my dignity and knowledge shou'd despise these little vanities.—What you are a member of the common-wealth?

DULL.

Yes, please your worship, I am Anthony Dull, as honest as any man living, that is not a greater rogue than myself.

ARMADO.

What's your profession, master Dull?

DULL.

I am by trade a constable, and by profession a rat-catcher.

ARMADO.

Then thy occupation is to entrap.—The visage of a villain too appertaineth to thy knowledge— that is, for thy better apprehension, knowest thou a rogue?

DULL.

Yes, Sir, when I am told so: tho' a man may meet fifty in a day, with smooth tongues and fair faces, that one wou'd hardly suspect to be such.

ARMADO.

Knowest thou master Costard?

DULL.

What, that simple swain; sure his simplicity will keep him honest.

ARMADO.

Why, master constable, then thus it stands; by the king's strict edict we are forbid to converse with a woman.—Now this Costard has violated, infringed, and broke in upon this wholsome law— and in my presence has courted and toyed with one of these females; nay, imprinted on her wanton cheeks a familiar kiss.

DULL.

A most marvellous great crime, truly Sir! and worthy of most benign punishment.

ARMADO.

Why, as to that master Dull, the crime in itself is very immaculate and innocent, but you must know—Can you keep a secret?—You must know, master constable, that Jaquenetta, Costard's mistress —is—my mistress.

DULL.

And so—

ARMADO.

Right; I must commend your sensibility, master Dull; he, who breaketh the law, offendeth the king; and he who offendeth the king, deserves to be chastis'd; therefore you must apprehend this fellow Costard, and let him be examined before the king himself; I will be present to answer to the charge.

DULL.

Sir, I shall do your pleasure.

ARMADO.

Come, Moth, this way; nay, prithee, boy, be quick—I have much pastime still in view.