Dogberry and Verges preside over the examination of Borachio and Conrade with magnificent incompetence. The Sexton records the proceedings and, unlike Dogberry, grasps their significance immediately — Borachio is one of Don John's men, Don John has fled Messina, and the deception at Hero's window is the source of her ruin. The Sexton departs to bring the prisoners before Leonato. Conrade's parting insult that Dogberry is an ass proves the most memorable moment of the hearing.
Dogberry and Verges preside over the examination of Borachio and Conrade with magnificent incompetence. The Sexton records the proceedings and, unlike Dogberry, grasps their significance immediately — Borachio is one of Don John's men, Don John has fled Messina, and the deception at Hero's window is the source of her ruin. The Sexton departs to bring the prisoners before Leonato. Conrade's parting insult that Dogberry is an ass proves the most memorable moment of the hearing.