Leon. (L.)

What would you with me, honest neighbour?

Dogb. (C.)

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

Leon.

Brief, I pray you; for you see 'tis a busy time with me.

Dogb.

Marry, this it is, sir! they say, when the age is in, the wit is out;—heaven help

Verges. (C.)

Yes, in truth it is, sir!

Leon.

What is it, my good friends?

Dogb.

Goodman Verges, sir, speaks a little off the matter: an old man, sir, and his wits are not so blunt, as heaven help, I would desire they were! but, in faith, honest as the skin between his brows.

Verges.

Yes, I thank heaven, 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 pounds 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.

Verges.

And so am I.

Leon.

I would fain know what you have to say.

Verges.

Marry, sir, our watch to-night, excepting your worship's presence, have 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;—heaven help us! it is a world to see! Well said, i'faith, neighbour Verges!—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, heaven is to be worshipped—All men are not alike, alas, good neighbour!

Leon.

Indeed, neighbour, he comes too short of you.

Dogb.

Gifts, that heaven gives.

Leon.

I must leave you. (crossing to R.)

Dogb.

One word, sir. Our watch, sir, have, indeed, comprehended two aspicious 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 may appear unto you.

Dogb.

It shall be suffigance.

Leon.

Drink some wine ere you go.—Fare you well!

Dogb.

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

Verges.

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 gaol.