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 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 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 twice 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 non-come. Only get the learned writer to set down our excommunication, and meet me at the Jail.