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Subject Area: Literature

Scene V.—: Another Room inLeonato’sHouse. - William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing [1623]

Edition used:

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (The Oxford Shakespeare), ed. with a glossary by W.J. Craig M.A. (Oxford University Press, 1916).

Part of: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (The Oxford Shakespeare)

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Scene V.—

Another Room inLeonato’sHouse.

EnterLeonatowithDogberryandVerges.

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, 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! ha?

Dogb.

Yea, an’t were 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.

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.

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, hath 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.

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.

[ExeuntLeonatoand 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 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-come: only get the learned writer to set down our excommunication, and meet me at the gaol.

[Exeunt.

ACT IV.