# Result number

Work The work is either a play, poem, or sonnet. The sonnets are treated as single work with 154 parts.

Character Indicates who said the line. If it's a play or sonnet, the character name is "Poet."

Line Shows where the line falls within the work.

The numbering is not keyed to any copyrighted numbering system found in a volume of collected works (Arden, Oxford, etc.) The numbering starts at the beginning of the work, and does not restart for each scene.

Text The line's full text, with keywords highlighted within it, unless highlighting has been disabled by the user.

1

Much Ado about Nothing
[III, 3]

(stage directions)

1322

[Enter DOGBERRY and VERGES with the Watch]

2

Much Ado about Nothing
[III, 3]

Dogberry

1326

Nay, that were a punishment too good for them, if
they should have any allegiance in them, being
chosen for the prince's watch.

3

Much Ado about Nothing
[III, 3]

Dogberry

1338

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 when there is no need of such
vanity. You are thought here to be the most
senseless and fit man for the constable 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.

4

Much Ado about Nothing
[III, 3]

Dogberry

1348

Why, then, take no note of him, but let him go; and
presently call the rest of the watch together and
thank God you are rid of a knave.

5

Much Ado about Nothing
[III, 3]

Dogberry

1353

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.

6

Much Ado about Nothing
[III, 3]

Watchman

1357

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

7

Much Ado about Nothing
[III, 3]

Dogberry

1393

Five shillings to one on't, with any man that knows
the statutes, 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.

8

Much Ado about Nothing
[III, 3]

Dogberry

1405

One word more, honest neighbours. I pray you watch
about Signior Leonato's door; for the wedding being
there to-morrow, there is a great coil to-night.
Adieu: be vigitant, I beseech you.

9

Much Ado about Nothing
[III, 5]

Verges

1607

Marry, sir, our watch to-night, excepting your
worship's presence, ha' ta'en a couple of as arrant
knaves as any in Messina.

10

Much Ado about Nothing
[III, 5]

Dogberry

1621

One word, sir: our watch, sir, have indeed
comprehended two aspicious persons, and we would
have them this morning examined before your worship.

11

Much Ado about Nothing
[IV, 2]

(stage directions)

1982

[Enter DOGBERRY, VERGES, and Sexton, in gowns; and]
the Watch, with CONRADE and BORACHIO]

12

Much Ado about Nothing
[IV, 2]

Sexton

2013

Master constable, you go not the way to examine:
you must call forth the watch that are their accusers.

13

Much Ado about Nothing
[IV, 2]

Dogberry

2015

Yea, marry, that's the eftest way. Let the watch
come forth. Masters, I charge you, in the prince's
name, accuse these men.

14

Much Ado about Nothing
[V, 1]

(stage directions)

2280

[Enter DOGBERRY, VERGES, and the Watch, with CONRADE and BORACHIO]

15

Much Ado about Nothing
[V, 1]

Dogberry

2380

Moreover, sir, which indeed is not under white and
black, this plaintiff here, the offender, did call
me ass: I beseech you, let it be remembered in his
punishment. And also, the watch heard them talk of
one Deformed: they say be wears a key in his ear and
a lock hanging by it, and borrows money in God's
name, the which he hath used so long and never paid
that now men grow hard-hearted and will lend nothing
for God's sake: pray you, examine him upon that point.

16

Much Ado about Nothing
[V, 1]

Leonato

2406

[To the Watch] Bring you these fellows on. We'll
talk with Margaret,
How her acquaintance grew with this lewd fellow.