[Enter Dogberry, Leader of the Watch , who is carrying a lantern , Verges and the rest of the Watch , who are all old men]
Dogberry : Are all these men honest
Verges : They must be, sir. They have been chosen to look after this city
Dogberry : That’s right. If they weren’t honest, they would all come to a terrible end.
Verges : Speak to them, neighbour. Ask them their names. Check that they know their job
Dogberry : First, I must choose the leader. His job is to hold the lantern. He must challenge any villains too. Neighbour Seacole, you must be that man
Seacole : Sir, I cannot read or write
Dogberry : Never mind, just hold the lantern. If you see a man out walking, late at night, ask for his name. You don’t have to write it down. Tell him to stop in the prince’s name.
Seacole: And if he doesn’t stop?
Dogberry : Then let him go. He is no friend of ours.
Verges : He’s no friend to the prince, either. So don’t worry about him, Neighbour Seacole.
Dogberry : Quite right. And you must be quite, too. No talking or shouting!
Watchman : We could always sleep. Then we would be quiet
Dogberry : That’s a good idea. Now here’s another thing. If you meet any men who are drunk, tell them to go home.
Watchman : And if they won’t go?
Dogberry : Then leave them along and walk away. Do the same with any villain. Don’t have anything to do with bad men. Keep the city quiet and be quiet yourselves. In that way, you will help our prince. Come, Verges. We’ll leave the Watch to do their job.
Watchman : Right, sir. We’ll sit here until two o’clock and then we’ll go home to bad.
Dogberry : One more thing. Be sure that you watch Signor Leonato’s house. There’s a wedding there tomorrow. Lots of people will be coming and going. Keep your eyes open! Now goodnight, neighbours.
[Exit Dogberry and Verges. Enter Borachio and Conrad]
Borachio : Hey! Conrad!
Watchman : [Quietly] Let’s listen.
Conrad : Here I am. What have you been doing, you villain?
Borachio : Come and stand over here, out of the rain. Than I’ll tell you everything. It’s good story.
Watchman : [Quietly] A villain? There’s something wrong here, neighbours!