1599 MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Page: 38

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?
Dog. Yea, in 'twere a thousand pound 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, ha' ta'en a couple of as arrant knaves as any in
Messina.
Dog. 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 worshipp'd; all men are not alike, alas, good
neighbour!
Leon. Indeed, neighbour, he comes too short of you.
Dog. Gifts that God gives.
Leon. I must leave you.
Dog. 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.
Dog. 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.]
Dog. Go, good partner, go get you to Francis Seacoal; bid him
bring
his pen and inkhorn to the jail. We are now to examination
these
men.
Verg. And we must do it wisely.
Dog. We will spare for no wit, I warrant you. Here's that shall

drive some of them to a non-come. Only get the learned writer
to
set down our excommunication, and meet me at the jail.
[Exeunt.]