Open Source Shakespeare

Speeches (Lines) for Watchman
in "Much Ado about Nothing"

Total: 10

# Act, Scene, Line
(Click to see in context)
Speech text

1

III,3,1357

Dogberry. True, and they are to meddle with none but the
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.

Watchman. We will rather sleep than talk: we know what
belongs to a watch.


2

III,3,1364

Dogberry. 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.

Watchman. How if they will not?


3

III,3,1368

Dogberry. 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.

Watchman. Well, sir.


4

III,3,1373

Dogberry. 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.

Watchman. If we know him to be a thief, shall we not lay
hands on him?


5

III,3,1384

Verges. If you hear a child cry in the night, you must call
to the nurse and bid her still it.

Watchman. How if the nurse be asleep and will not hear us?


6

III,3,1403

Dogberry. Ha, ha, 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.

Watchman. Well, masters, we hear our charge: let us go sit here
upon the church-bench till two, and then all to bed.


7

III,3,1412

Borachio. What Conrade!

Watchman. [Aside] Peace! stir not.


8

III,3,1422

Borachio. Stand thee close, then, under this pent-house, for
it drizzles rain; and I will, like a true drunkard,
utter all to thee.

Watchman. [Aside] Some treason, masters: yet stand close.


9

III,3,1439

Borachio. Tush! I may as well say the fool's the fool. But
seest thou not what a deformed thief this fashion
is?

Watchman. [Aside] I know that Deformed; a' has been a vile
thief this seven year; a' goes up and down like a
gentleman: I remember his name.


10

IV,2,2036

Sexton. What else?

Watchman. This is all.