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, it is 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 off the
matter: an old man, sir, and his wits are not so blunt,
-- 240 --
as, God help, I would desire they were; but, in faith,
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
Verges6 note.
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, an 'twere a thousand pound more than
'tis7 note; 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, 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. God help
us! it is a world to see!—Well said, i'faith, neighbour
Verges:—well, God's a good man: 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, God
is to be worshipped: all men are not alike; alas, good
neighbour!
-- 241 --
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, 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.
Enter 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.
[Exeunt Leonato and Messenger.
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 men4 note.
Verg.
And we must do it wisely.
Dogb.
We will spare for no wit, I warrant you; here's
that 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.
[Exeunt.
J. Payne Collier [1842–1844], The works of William Shakespeare. The text formed from an entirely new collation of the old editions: with the various readings, notes, a life of the poet, and a history of the Early English stage. By J. Payne Collier, Esq. F.S.A. In eight volumes (Whittaker & Co. [etc.], London) [word count] [S10101].
