MAAN III. 3 Enter Dogberry and Verges with the Watch.
Dog. Are you good men and true?
Verg. Yea, or else it were pity but they should suffer salvation, body and soul.
Dog. Nay, that were a punishment too good for them, 005 if they should have any allegiance in them, being chosen for the prince’s watch.
Verg. Well, give them their charge, neighbour Dogberry.
[008] Dog. First, who think you the most desartless man to be constable?
[010] First Watch. Hugh Otecake, sir, or George Seacole; for they can write and read.
Dog. Come hither, neighbour Seacole. God hath blessed you with a good name: to be a well-favoured man is the gift of fortune; but to write and read comes by nature.
015 Sec. Watch. Both which, master constable,—
Dog. You have: I knew it would be your answer. Well, for your favour, sir, why, give God thanks, and make no boast of it; and for your writing and reading, let that appear [019] when there is no need of such vanity. You are thought 020 here to be the most senseless and fit man for the constable [021] of the watch; therefore bear you the lantern. This is your charge: you shall comprehend all vagrom men; you are to bid any man stand, in the prince’s name.