_Dog._ 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. 5 _Dog._ Marry, this it is, sir. _Verg._ Yes, in truth it is, sir. _Leon._ What is it, my good friends? _Dog._ Goodman Verges, sir, speaks a little off the matter: an old man, sir, and his wits are not so blunt as, God 10 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. _Dog._ Comparisons are odorous: palabras, neighbour 15 Verges. _Leon._ Neighbours, you are tedious. _Dog._ 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 20 all of your worship. _Leon._ All thy tediousness on me, ah? _Dog._ Yea, an ’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 25 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 30 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 35 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. _Dog._ Gifts that God gives. 40 _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 45 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. 50 _Leon._ I’ll wait upon them: I am ready. [_Exeunt Leonato and Messenger._ _Dog._ Go, good partner, go, get you to Francis Seacole; bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the gaol: we are now to examination these men. _Verg._ And we must do it wisely. 55