General Linguistics

Selected Subfields

Much Ado About Nothing, Act V, Scene I, example 9

Dogberry serves Leonato as constable in charge of the Watch; he tries to behave and speak formal but is very confused. He has captured Borachio who supported Don John in disrupting the marriage of Claudio and Hero.

Dogberry: Moreover, sir, which indeed is not under white and black, this plaintiff here, the offender, did call me ass: I beseech [A], let it be remembered in his punishment.
Leonato: I thank [B] for [C] care and honest pains.
Dogberry: [D] worship speaks like a most thankful and reverend youth; and I praise God for [E].
Leonato: There's for [F] pains.
Dogberry: God save the foundation!
Leonato: Go, I discharge [G] of [H] prisoner, and I thank [I].
Dogberry: I leave with [J] worship an arrant knave; which I beseech [K] worship to correct [L]self, for the example of others. God restore [M] to health! I humbly give [N] leave to depart; and if a merry meeting may be wished, God prohibit it!\\

Position A has to be:

thee
you
thou

Positions B, G and I have to be:

thy
your
thee

Positions C, F and H have to be:

thy
your
thou

Position D has to be:

thy
your
thou

Position E has to be:

thy
you
thou

Positions J, K and L have to be:

thy
you
your

Positions M and N have to be:

you
thee
thou

watch example 9, Much Ado About Nothing V,1