Verg.
If you hear a child cry in the night, you must call to the nurse
and bid her still it.
2. Watch.
How if the nurse be asleep and will not hear us?
Dog.
Why then, depart in peace and let the child wake her with crying;
for the ewe that will not hear her lamb when it baes will never
answer a calf when he bleats.
Verg.
'Tis very true.
Dog.
This is the end of the charge: you, constable, are to present the
Prince's own person. If you meet the Prince in the night, you may
stay him.
Verg.
Nay, by'r lady, that I think 'a cannot.
Dog.
Five shillings to one on't with any man that knows the statutes,
he may stay him! Marry, not without the Prince be willing; for
indeed the watch ought to offend no man, and it is
an offence to stay a man against his will.
Verg.
By'r lady, I think it be so.
Dog.
Ha, ah, ha! Well, masters, good night. An there be any matter of
weight chances, call up me. Keep your fellows' counsels and your
own, and good night. Come, neighbour.
2. Watch.
Well, masters, we hear our charge. Let us go sit here upon the
church bench till two, and then all to bed.
Dog.
One word more, honest neighbours. I pray you watch about Signior
Leonato's door; for the wedding being there tomorrow, there is a
great coil to-night. Adieu. Be vigitant, I beseech you.
[Exeunt Dogberry and Verges.]
[Enter Borachio and Conrade.]
Bora.
What, Conrade!
2. Watch.
[aside] Peace! stir not!
Bora.
Conrade, I say!
Con.
Here, man. I am at thy elbow.
Bora.
Mass, and my elbow itch'd! I thought there would a scab follow.
Con.
I will owe thee an answer for that; and now forward with thy
tale.
Bora.
Stand thee close then under this penthouse, for it drizzles rain,
and I will, like a true drunkard, utter all to thee.
2. Watch.
[aside] Some treason, masters. Yet stand close.
Bora.
Therefore know I have earned of Don John a thousand ducats.
Con.
Is it possible that any villany should be so dear?
Bora.
Thou shouldst rather ask if it were possible any villany should
be so rich; for when rich villains have need of poor ones, poor
ones may make what price they will.
Con.
I wonder at it.
Bora.
That shows thou art unconfirm'd. Thou knowest that the fashion of
a doublet, or a hat, or a cloak, is nothing to a man.
Con.
Yes, it is apparel.
Bora.
I mean the fashion.
Con.
Yes, the fashion is the fashion.
Bora.
Tush! I may as well say the fool's the fool. But seest thou not
what a deformed thief this fashion is?
2. Watch.
[aside] I know that Deformed. 'A bas been a vile thief this seven
year; 'a goes up and down like a gentleman. I remember his name.
Bora.
Didst thou not hear somebody?
Con.
No; 'twas the vane on the house.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account