chamber :

Quic. Sir, let me speak with you in your you shall hear how things go; and, I warrant, to your content. Here is a letter will say somewhat. Good hearts, what ado is here to bring you together! sure, one of you does not serve heaven well, that you are so cross'd.

Fal. Come up into my

chamber.

[Exeunt.

SCENE VI.

Enter FENTON and Host.

Host. Master Fenton, talk not to me; my mind is

heavy, I will give over all.

Fent. Yet hear me speak :

purpose,

Assist me in my

And, as I am a gentleman, I'll give thee

540

A hundred pound in gold, more than your loss.
Host. I will hear you, master Fenton; and I will,

at the least keep your counsel.

Fent. From time to time I have acquainted you
With the dear love I bear to fair Anne Page;
Who, mutually, hath answer'd my affection
(So far forth as herself might be her chuşer)
Even to my wish: I have a letter from her
Of such contents as you will wonder at;

The mirth whereof's so larded with my matter, 550
That neither, singly, can be manifested,

Without the shew of both: Fat sir John Falstaff

Hath a great scene; the image of the jest

[Shewing a Letter.. I'll shew you here at large. Hark, good mine host: To-night at Herne's oak, just 'twixt twelve and one, Must my sweet Nan present the fairy queen ; The purpose why, is here; in which disguise, While other jests are something rank on foot, Her father hath commanded her to slip Away with Slender, and with him at Eton Immediately to marry: she hath consented: now,

sir,

Her mother, even strong against that match,
And firm for doctor Caius, hath appointed
That he shall likewise shuffle her away,
While other sports are tasking of their minds,
And at the deanery, where a priest attends,
Straight marry her to this her mother's plot
She, seemingly obedient, likewise hath

Made promise to the doctor :-Now, thus it rests;
Her father means she shall be all in white;
And in that habit, when Slender sees his time
To take her by the hand, and bid her go,

560

570

She shall go with him :-her mother hath intended,
The better to devote her to the doctor

(For they must all be mask'd and vizarded),
That, quaint in green, she shall be loose enrob'd,
With ribbands pendant, flaring 'bout her head;
And when the doctor spies his vantage ripe,
To pinch her by the hand, and, on that token,
The maid hath given consent to go with him.

580

Host.

Host. Which means she to deceive ? father or mo

ther?

Fent. Both, my good host, to go along with me: And here it rests,-that you'll procure the vicar To stay for me at church, 'twixt twelve and one, And, in the lawful name of marrying,

To give our hearts united ceremony,

Host. Well, husband your device; I'll to the vicar :

Bring you the maid, you shall not lack a priest.
Fent. So shall I evermore be bound to thee;
Besides, I'll make a present recompence.

590

ACT V. SCENE I.

[Exeunt.

Enter FALSTAFF and Mrs. QUICKLY.

Falstaff.

PR'YTHEE, no more pratling ;-go.-I'll hold: This is the third time; I hope, good luck lies in odd numbers. Away, go; they say, there is divinity in odd numbers, either in nativity, chance, or death.— Away.

Quic. I'll provide you a chain; and I'll do what I can to get you a pair of horns.

Fal. Away, I say; time wears: hold up your head, and mince.

9

Enter FORD.

How now, master Brook? Master Brook, the matter will be known to-night, or never. Be you in the Park about midnight, at Herne's oak, and you shall see wonders.

Ford. Went you not to her yesterday, sir, as you told me you had appointed?

15

Fal. I went to her, master Brook, as you see, like a poor old man: but I came from her, master Brook, like a poor old woman. That same knave, Ford her husband, hath the finest mad devil of jealousy in him, master Brook, that ever govern'd frenzy. I will teH you. He beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman; for in the shape of man, master Brook, I fear not Goliah with a weaver's beam; because I know also, life is a shuttle. I am in haste; go along with me; I'll tell you all, master Brook. Since I pluck'd geese, play'd truant, and whipp'd top, I knew not what 'twas to be beaten, till lately. Follow me: I'll tell you strange things of this knave Ford; on whom to-night I will be reveng'd, and I will deliver his wife into your hand.-Follow: Strange things in hand, master Brook! follow.

31

[Exeunt.

SCENE