SCENE V. Enter LEONATO, with DOGBERRY and VERGES.

Leon. What would you with me, honest neighbour? Dogb. Marry, sir, I would have some confidence with you that decernes 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 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 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, ah?

Dogb. Yea, and 'twere a thousand times 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, 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; and 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!

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 may appear unto

you.

Dogb. It shall be suffigance. [Exit. 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 Seacoal; bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the gaol. We are now to examine those men.

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 excom. munication, and meet me at the goal. [Exeunt.

ACT IV

SCENE I. Enter PRINCE, BASTARD, LEONATO, Friar, CLAUDIO, BENEDICK, HERO, and BEATRICE.

Leon. Come, Friar Francis, be brief; only to the plain form of marriage, and you shall recount their particular duties afterwards.

Friar. You come hither, my lord, to marry this lady?

Claud. No.

Leon. To be married to her: friar, you come to marry her.

Friar. Lady, you come hither to be married to this count?