_Dog._ True, and they are to meddle with none but the 30 prince’s subjects. You shall also make no noise in the streets; for for the watch to babble and to talk is most tolerable and not to be endured. _Watch._ We will rather sleep than talk: we know what belongs to a watch. 35 _Dog._ Why, you speak like an ancient and most quiet watchman; for I cannot see how sleeping should offend: only, have a care that your bills be not stolen. Well, you are to call at all the ale-houses, and bid those that are drunk get them to bed. 40 _Watch._ How if they will not? _Dog._ Why, then, let them alone till they are sober: if they make you not then the better answer, you may say they are not the men you took them for. _Watch._ Well, sir. 45 _Dog._ If you meet a thief, you may suspect him, by virtue of your office, to be no true man; and, for such kind of men, the less you meddle or make with them, why, the more is for your honesty. _Watch._ If we know him to be a thief, shall we not 50 lay hands on him? _Dog._ Truly, by your office, you may; but I think they that touch pitch will be defiled: the most peaceable way for you, if you do take a thief, is to let him show himself what he is, and steal out of your company. 55 _Verg._ You have been always called a merciful man, partner. _Dog._ Truly, I would not hang a dog by my will, much more a man who hath any honesty in him. _Verg._ If you hear a child cry in the night, you must 60 call to the nurse and bid her still it. _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 65 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. 70 _Verg._ Nay, by’r lady, that I think a’ cannot. _Dog._ Five shillings to one on’t, with any man that knows the statues, 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. 75 _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. 80 _Watch._ Well, masters, we hear our charge: let us go sit here upon the church-bench till two, and then all to bed.