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In The Merry Wives of Windsor, fat, disreputable Sir John Falstaff pursues two housewives, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, who outwit and humiliate him instead. Meanwhile, three suitors seek the hand of Anne Page, Mistress Page’s daughter.
Falstaff hopes to seduce the wives so he can gain access to their husbands’ wealth. Ford learns of Falstaff’s approaches and is consumed by jealousy. In disguise, he befriends Falstaff to learn about Mistress Ford’s behavior. The wives, however, trick Falstaff and Ford. As Falstaff visits Mistress Ford, Mistress Page announces that Ford is coming. Falstaff hides in a basket of dirty laundry and is thrown in the river.
Another visit ends similarly: Falstaff disguises himself as “the fat woman of Brentford,” whom Ford hates. Ford beats “her” in anger. Finally, Falstaff is lured to a comical nighttime rendezvous where all of Windsor comes together, Falstaff is publicly humiliated, and Ford admits his folly. Two of Anne Page’s suitors elope with boys in disguise while Anne marries her chosen suitor, Fenton.
ACT 1
Scene 1
Star-Chamber matter of it . If he were twenty Sir
John Falstaffs , he shall not abuse Robert Shallow ,
Esquire .
and Coram .
Master Parson , who writes himself ‘Armigero’
in any bill , warrant , quittance , or obligation —
‘Armigero !’
three hundred years .
done ’t , and all his ancestors that come after him
may . They may give the dozen white luces in their
coat .
coat well . It agrees well , passant . It is a familiar
beast to man and signifies love .
old coat .
[9]ACT 1. SC. 1
coat , there is but three skirts for yourself , in my
simple conjectures . But that is all one . If Sir John
Falstaff have committed disparagements unto you ,
I am of the Church , and will be glad to do my
benevolence to make atonements and compromises
between you .
is no fear of Got in a riot . The Council , look you ,
shall desire to hear the fear of Got , and not to hear
a riot . Take your visaments in that .
sword should end it .
it . And there is also another device in my prain ,
which peradventure prings goot discretions with
it . There is Anne Page , which is daughter to Master
Thomas Page , which is pretty virginity .
and speaks small like a woman ?
as you will desire . And seven hundred pounds of
moneys , and gold , and silver , is her grandsire upon
his death’s-bed ( Got deliver to a joyful resurrections ! )
give , when she is able to overtake seventeen
years old . It were a goot motion if we leave our
pribbles and prabbles , and desire a marriage between
Master Abraham and Mistress Anne Page .
pound ?
penny .
[11]ACT 1. SC. 1
good gifts .
goot gifts .
there ?
do despise one that is false , or as I despise one that
is not true . The knight Sir John is there , and I beseech
you be ruled by your well-willers . I will peat
the door for Master Page . He knocks . What ho ?
Got pless your house here .
Justice Shallow , and here young Master Slender ,
that peradventures shall tell you another tale , if
matters grow to your likings .
for my venison , Master Shallow .
good do it your good heart ! I wished your venison
better ; it was ill killed . How doth good Mistress
Page ? And I thank you always with my heart , la ,
with my heart .
heard say he was outrun on Cotsall .
fault . ’Tis a good dog .
[13]ACT 1. SC. 1
be more said ? He is good and fair . Is Sir John Falstaff
here ?
office between you .
that so , Master Page ? He hath wronged me , indeed
he hath ; at a word , he hath . Believe me . Robert
Shallow , Esquire , saith he is wronged .
to the King ?
deer , and broke open my lodge .
That is now answered .
counsel . You’ll be laughed at .
broke your head . What matter have you against
me ?
you and against your cony-catching rascals , Bardolph ,
Nym , and Pistol .
[15]ACT 1. SC. 1
Can you tell , cousin ?
there is three umpires in this matter , as I understand :
that is , Master Page ( fidelicet Master Page ) ;
and there is myself ( fidelicet myself ) ; and the three
party is , lastly and finally , mine Host of the Garter .
notebook , and we will afterwards ’ork upon the
cause with as great discreetly as we can .
‘He hears with ear’ ? Why , it is affectations .
might never come in mine own great chamber
again else — of seven groats in mill-sixpences ,
and two Edward shovel-boards that cost me two
shilling and twopence apiece of Yed Miller , by
these gloves .
master mine , I combat challenge of this latten
bilbo . — Word of denial in thy labras here ! Word of
denial ! Froth and scum , thou liest .
he .
‘marry trap with you’ if you run the nuthook’s
humor on me . That is the very note of it .
[17]ACT 1. SC. 1
For , though I cannot remember what I did when
you made me drunk , yet I am not altogether an
ass .
had drunk himself out of his five sentences .
is !
they say , cashiered . And so conclusions passed the
careers .
matter . I’ll ne’er be drunk whilst I live again but in
honest , civil , godly company , for this trick . If I be
drunk , I’ll be drunk with those that have the fear of
God , and not with drunken knaves .
You hear it .
within .
met . By your leave , good mistress .
have a hot venison pasty to dinner . Come , gentlemen ,
I hope we shall drink down all unkindness .
book of Songs and Sonnets here !
[19] ACT 1. SC. 1
How now , Simple ? Where have you been ? I must
wait on myself , must I ? You have not the Book of
Riddles about you , have you ?
Alice Shortcake upon Allhallowmas last , a fortnight
afore Michaelmas ?
for you . A word with you , coz . Marry , this , coz :
there is , as ’twere , a tender , a kind of tender , made
afar off by Sir Hugh here . Do you understand me ?
so , I shall do that that is reason .
will description the matter to you , if you be capacity
of it .
pray you , pardon me . He’s a Justice of Peace in his
country , simple though I stand here .
concerning your marriage .
Anne Page .
reasonable demands .
to know that of your mouth , or of your lips ;
for divers philosophers hold that the lips is parcel of
the mouth . Therefore , precisely , can you carry your
good will to the maid ?
[21]ACT 1. SC. 1
that would do reason .
speak positable , if you can carry her your desires
towards her .
marry her ?
request , cousin , in any reason .
What I do is to pleasure you , coz . Can you love the
maid ?
there be no great love in the beginning , yet heaven
may decrease it upon better acquaintance , when
we are married and have more occasion to know
one another . I hope upon familiarity will grow
more content . But if you say ‘Marry her ,’ I will
marry her . That I am freely dissolved , and
dissolutely .
in the ’ord ‘dissolutely .’ The ’ort is , according to
our meaning , ‘resolutely .’ His meaning is good .
were young for your sake , Mistress Anne .
your Worships’ company .
the grace .
in , sir ?
[23]ACT 1. SC. 1
well .
Simple . ) Go , sirrah , for all you are my man , go
wait upon my cousin Shallow . ( Simple exits . ) A
Justice of Peace sometime may be beholding to his
friend for a man . I keep but three men and a boy
yet , till my mother be dead . But what though ? Yet
I live like a poor gentleman born .
not sit till you come .
as though I did .
my shin th’ other day with playing at sword and
dagger with a master of fence — three veneys for a
dish of stewed prunes — and , by my troth , I cannot
abide the smell of hot meat since . Why do your
dogs bark so ? Be there bears i’ th’ town ?
at it as any man in England . You are afraid if
you see the bear loose , are you not ?
seen Sackerson loose twenty times , and have taken
him by the chain . But , I warrant you , the women
have so cried and shrieked at it that it passed . But
women , indeed , cannot abide ’em ; they are very ill-favored
rough things .
you .
[25]ACT 1. SC. 2
come .
you that wrong .
You do yourself wrong , indeed , la !
Scene 2
house which is the way . And there dwells one Mistress
Quickly , which is in the manner of his nurse ,
or his dry nurse , or his cook , or his laundry — his
washer and his wringer .
( handing him a paper ) , for it is a ’oman that altogether’s
acquaintance with Mistress Anne Page ;
and the letter is to desire and require her to solicit
your master’s desires to Mistress Anne Page . I pray
you , be gone . I will make an end of my dinner ;
there’s pippins and cheese to come .
[27]ACT 1. SC. 3
Scene 3
and Robin , Falstaff’s Page .
wisely .
my followers .
trot , trot .
Pheazar . I will entertain Bardolph . He shall draw ,
he shall tap . Said I well , bully Hector ?
froth and lime . I am at a word . Follow .
trade . An old cloak makes a new jerkin , a withered
servingman a fresh tapster . Go . Adieu .
wield ?
conceited ?
His thefts were too open . His filching was like an
unskillful singer ; he kept not time .
for the phrase !
must shift .
[29]ACT 1. SC. 3
about .
waist two yards about , but I am now about no
waste ; I am about thrift . Briefly , I do mean to make
love to Ford’s wife . I spy entertainment in her . She
discourses ; she carves ; she gives the leer of invitation .
I can construe the action of her familiar style ;
and the hardest voice of her behavior , to be Englished
rightly , is ‘I am Sir John Falstaff’s .’
translated her will — out of honesty into English .
humor pass ?
her husband’s purse . He hath a legion of angels .
‘To her , boy ,’ say I .
Humor me the angels .
letter to her ; and here another to Page’s wife , who
even now gave me good eyes too , examined my
parts with most judicious oeillades . Sometimes
the beam of her view gilded my foot , sometimes
my portly belly .
shine .
such a greedy intention that the appetite of her
eye did seem to scorch me up like a burning-glass .
[31] ACT 1. SC. 3 Here’s another letter to her . She bears the purse
too ; she is a region in Guiana , all gold and bounty .
I will be cheaters to them both , and they shall be
exchequers to me ; they shall be my East and West
Indies , and I will trade to them both . Go bear thou
this letter to Mistress Page — and thou this to Mistress
Ford . We will thrive , lads , we will thrive .
And by my side wear steel ? Then Lucifer take all !
the humor-letter . I will keep the havior of
reputation .
Sail like my pinnace to these golden shores . —
Rogues , hence , avaunt , vanish like hailstones , go ,
Trudge , plod away i’ th’ hoof , seek shelter , pack !
Falstaff will learn the humor of the age :
French thrift , you rogues — myself and skirted page .
holds ,
And high and low beguiles the rich and poor .
Tester I’ll have in pouch when thou shalt lack ,
Base Phrygian Turk !
humor of this love to Ford .
How Falstaff , varlet vile ,
[33] ACT 1. SC. 4 His dove will prove , his gold will hold ,
And his soft couch defile .
deal with poison . I will possess him with yellowness ,
for the revolt of mine is dangerous . That is
my true humor .
thee . Troop on .
Scene 4
Rugby . ) I pray thee , go to the casement and see if
you can see my master , Master Doctor Caius , coming .
If he do , i’ faith , and find anybody in the
house , here will be an old abusing of God’s patience
and the King’s English .
soon at night , in faith , at the latter end of a seacoal
fire . ( Rugby exits . ) An honest , willing , kind fellow
as ever servant shall come in house withal ; and , I
warrant you , no telltale nor no breed-bate . His
worst fault is that he is given to prayer . He is something
peevish that way , but nobody but has his
fault . But let that pass . Peter Simple you say your
name is ?
beard like a glover’s paring knife ?
with a little yellow beard , a Cain-colored beard .
[35]ACT 1. SC. 4
hands as any is between this and his head . He hath
fought with a warrener .
him . Does he not hold up his head , as it were ,
and strut in his gait ?
worse fortune ! Tell Master Parson Evans I will do
what I can for your master . Anne is a good girl , and
I wish —
good young man . Go into this closet . He will not
stay long . ( Simple exits . ) What , John Rugby !
John ! What , John , I say ! Go , John , go enquire for
my master . I doubt he be not well , that he comes
not home .
Pray you , go and vetch me in my closet un boîtier
vert , a box , a green-a box . Do intend vat I speak ?
A green-a box .
had found the young man , he would have been
horn-mad .
m’en vais à la cour — la grande affaire .
quickly . Vere is dat knave Rugby ?
[37]ACT 1. SC. 4
Rugby . Come , take-a your rapier , and come after
my heel to the court .
me ! Qu’ai-j’oublié ? Dere is some simples in my
closet dat I vill not for the varld I shall leave
behind .
there , and be mad !
Larron ! ( Pulling out Simple . ) Rugby , my
rapier !
closet ? Dere is no honest man dat shall come in
my closet .
Hear the truth of it . He came of an errand to me
from Parson Hugh .
tale .
maid , to speak a good word to Mistress Anne Page
for my master in the way of marriage .
[39]ACT 1. SC. 4
put my finger in the fire , and need not .
Rugby , baille me some paper . — Tarry you a little-a
while .
quiet . If he had been throughly moved , you should
have heard him so loud and so melancholy . But
notwithstanding , man , I’ll do you your master
what good I can . And the very yea and the no is ,
the French doctor , my master — I may call him my
master , look you , for I keep his house , and I wash ,
wring , brew , bake , scour , dress meat and drink ,
make the beds , and do all myself —
under one body’s hand .
that ? You shall find it a great charge . And to be up
early and down late . But notwithstanding — to tell
you in your ear ; I would have no words of it — my
master himself is in love with Mistress Anne Page .
But notwithstanding that , I know Anne’s mind .
That’s neither here nor there .
give-a this letter to Sir Hugh . By gar , it is a
shallenge . I will cut his troat in de park , and I will
teach a scurvy jackanape priest to meddle or
make . You may be gone . It is not good you tarry
here . — By gar , I will cut all his two stones . By gar ,
he shall not have a stone to throw at his dog .
me dat I shall have Anne Page for myself ? By gar , I
vill kill de jack priest ; and I have appointed mine
[41] ACT 1. SC. 4 Host of de Jarteer to measure our weapon . By gar ,
I will myself have Anne Page .
be well . We must give folks leave to prate . What
the goodyear !
Mistress Quickly . )
I shall turn your head out of my door . — Follow my
heels , Rugby .
fool’s head of your own . No , I know Anne’s mind
for that . Never a woman in Windsor knows more
of Anne’s mind than I do , nor can do more than I
do with her , I thank heaven .
house , I pray you .
Worship to ask .
honest , and gentle ; and one that is your friend , I
can tell you that by the way , I praise heaven for it .
lose my suit ?
But notwithstanding , Master Fenton , I’ll be sworn
on a book she loves you . Have not your Worship a
wart above your eye ?
faith , it is such another Nan ! But , I detest , an honest
[43] ACT 1. SC. 4 maid as ever broke bread . We had an hour’s
talk of that wart . I shall never laugh but in that
maid’s company . But , indeed , she is given too
much to allicholy and musing . But , for you , — well ,
go to .
money for thee . ( He hands her money . ) Let me
have thy voice in my behalf . If thou see’st her before
me , commend me .
will tell your Worship more of the wart the next
time we have confidence , and of other wooers .
Truly an honest gentleman — but Anne loves him
not , for I know Anne’s mind as well as another
does . Out upon ’t ! What have I forgot ?
[47]
ACT 2
Scene 1
the holiday time of my beauty , and am I now a
subject for them ? Let me see .
Ask me no reason why I love you , for though Love
use Reason for his precisian , he admits him not for
his counselor . You are not young ; no more am I . Go
to , then , there’s sympathy . You are merry ; so am I .
Ha , ha , then , there’s more sympathy . You love sack ,
and so do I . Would you desire better sympathy ? Let
it suffice thee , Mistress Page — at the least , if the love
of soldier can suffice — that I love thee . I will not say
pity me — ’tis not a soldier-like phrase — but I say love
me . By me ,
Thine own true knight ,
By day or night ,
Or any kind of light ,
With all his might
For thee to fight ,
John Falstaff .
What a Herod of Jewry is this ! O wicked , wicked
world ! One that is well-nigh worn to pieces with
age , to show himself a young gallant ! What an
unweighed behavior hath this Flemish drunkard
[49] ACT 2. SC. 1 picked — with the devil’s name ! — out of my conversation ,
that he dares in this manner assay me ?
Why , he hath not been thrice in my company !
What should I say to him ? I was then frugal of my
mirth . Heaven forgive me ! Why , I’ll exhibit a bill
in the Parliament for the putting down of men .
How shall I be revenged on him ? For revenged I
will be , as sure as his guts are made of puddings .
your house .
You look very ill .
show to the contrary .
you to the contrary . O Mistress Page , give me some
counsel .
respect , I could come to such honor !
What is it ? Dispense with trifles . What is it ?
moment or so , I could be knighted .
knights will hack , and so thou shouldst not alter
the article of thy gentry .
how I might be knighted . ( She gives a paper
to Mistress Page , who reads it . ) I shall think the
worse of fat men as long as I have an eye to make
difference of men’s liking . And yet he would not
swear ; praised women’s modesty ; and gave such
[51] ACT 2. SC. 1 orderly and well-behaved reproof to all uncomeliness
that I would have sworn his disposition
would have gone to the truth of his words . But
they do no more adhere and keep place together
than the Hundredth Psalm to the tune of
Greensleeves . What tempest , I trow , threw this
whale , with so many tuns of oil in his belly , ashore
at Windsor ? How shall I be revenged on him ? I
think the best way were to entertain him with hope
till the wicked fire of lust have melted him in his
own grease . Did you ever hear the like ?
Page and Ford differs ! To thy great comfort in this
mystery of ill opinions , here’s the twin brother of
thy letter . ( She gives a paper to Mistress Ford , who
reads it . ) But let thine inherit first , for I protest
mine never shall . I warrant he hath a thousand of
these letters writ with blank space for different
names — sure , more — and these are of the second
edition . He will print them , out of doubt ; for he
cares not what he puts into the press , when he
would put us two . I had rather be a giantess and lie
under Mount Pelion . Well , I will find you twenty
lascivious turtles ere one chaste man .
hand , the very words . What doth he think of us ?
ready to wrangle with mine own honesty . I’ll entertain
myself like one that I am not acquainted
withal ; for , sure , unless he know some strain in
me that I know not myself , he would never have
boarded me in this fury .
keep him above deck .
I’ll never to sea again . Let’s be revenged on him .
Let’s appoint him a meeting , give him a show of
[53] ACT 2. SC. 1 comfort in his suit , and lead him on with a fine-baited
delay till he hath pawned his horses to mine
Host of the Garter .
against him that may not sully the chariness of our
honesty . O , that my husband saw this letter ! It
would give eternal food to his jealousy .
good man too . He’s as far from jealousy as I am
from giving him cause , and that , I hope , is an
unmeasurable distance .
knight . Come hither .
Sir John affects thy wife .
Both young and old , one with another , Ford .
He loves the gallimaufry . Ford , perpend .
Or go thou like Sir Acteon , he ,
With Ringwood at thy heels .
O , odious is the name !
Take heed , have open eye , for thieves do foot by
night .
Take heed , ere summer comes or cuckoo birds do
sing . —
[55] ACT 2. SC. 1 Away , Sir Corporal Nym . — Believe it , Page . He
speaks sense .
lying . He hath wronged me in some humors . I
should have borne the humored letter to her ; but I
have a sword , and it shall bite upon my necessity .
He loves your wife ; there’s the short and the long .
My name is Corporal Nym . I speak and I avouch .
’Tis true . My name is Nym , and Falstaff loves your
wife . Adieu . I love not the humor of bread and
cheese . Adieu .
frights English out of his wits .
rogue .
the priest o’ th’ town commended him for a true
man .
art thou melancholy ?
home . Go .
head now . — Will you go , Mistress Page ?
George ?
comes yonder .
[57] ACT 2. SC. 1
She shall be our messenger to this paltry knight .
see my daughter Anne ?
good Mistress Anne ?
hour’s talk with you .
Mistress Quickly exit .
would offer it . But these that accuse him in his intent
towards our wives are a yoke of his discarded
men , very rogues , now they be out of service .
the Garter ?
toward my wife , I would turn her loose to him ;
and what he gets more of her than sharp words , let
it lie on my head .
to turn them together . A man may be too confident .
I would have nothing lie on my head . I cannot
be thus satisfied .
comes . There is either liquor in his pate or money
in his purse when he looks so merrily . — How now ,
mine Host ?
[59]ACT 2. SC. 1
Cavaleiro Justice , I say !
and twenty , good Master Page . Master Page , will
you go with us ? We have sport in hand .
Sir Hugh the Welsh priest and Caius the French
doctor .
My merry Host hath had the measuring of their
weapons and , I think , hath appointed them contrary
places ; for , believe me , I hear the parson is no
jester . Hark , I will tell you what our sport shall be .
my guest cavalier ?
burnt sack to give me recourse to him , and tell him
my name is Brook — only for a jest .
regress — said I well ? — and thy name shall be
Brook . It is a merry knight .
Page . )
in his rapier .
times you stand on distance — your passes , stoccados ,
and I know not what . ’Tis the heart , Master
Page ; ’tis here , ’tis here . I have seen the time , with
my long sword I would have made you four tall
fellows skip like rats .
[61]ACT 2. SC. 2
than fight .
firmly on his wife’s frailty , yet I cannot put off my
opinion so easily . She was in his company at Page’s
house , and what they made there I know not . Well ,
I will look further into ’t , and I have a disguise to
sound Falstaff . If I find her honest , I lose not my
labor . If she be otherwise , ’tis labor well bestowed .
Scene 2
with sword will open .
should lay my countenance to pawn . I have grated
upon my good friends for three reprieves for you
and your coach-fellow Nym , or else you had
looked through the grate like a gemini of baboons .
I am damned in hell for swearing to gentlemen my
friends you were good soldiers and tall fellows .
And when Mistress Bridget lost the handle of her
fan , I took ’t upon mine honor thou hadst it not .
pence ?
endanger my soul gratis ? At a word , hang no more
about me . I am no gibbet for you . Go — a short
knife and a throng — to your manor of Pickt-hatch ,
go . You’ll not bear a letter for me , you rogue ? You
stand upon your honor ? Why , thou unconfinable
[63] ACT 2. SC. 2 baseness , it is as much as I can do to keep the
terms of my honor precise . Ay , ay , I myself sometimes ,
leaving the fear of God on the left hand
and hiding mine honor in my necessity , am fain to
shuffle , to hedge , and to lurch ; and yet you , rogue ,
will ensconce your rags , your cat-a-mountain
looks , your red-lattice phrases , and your bold beating
oaths under the shelter of your honor ! You will
not do it ? You ?
the first hour I was born .
word or two ?
thee the hearing .
pray , come a little nearer this ways . I myself dwell
with Master Doctor Caius .
your Worship , come a little nearer this ways .
people , mine own people .
make them His servants !
[65]ACT 2. SC. 2
Lord , Lord , your Worship’s a wanton ! Well , heaven
forgive you and all of us , I pray !
of it : you have brought her into such a canaries as
’tis wonderful . The best courtier of them all , when
the court lay at Windsor , could never have brought
her to such a canary . Yet there has been knights ,
and lords , and gentlemen , with their coaches , I
warrant you , coach after coach , letter after letter ,
gift after gift , smelling so sweetly — all musk — and
so rushling , I warrant you , in silk and gold , and in
such alligant terms , and in such wine and sugar of
the best and the fairest , that would have won any
woman’s heart ; and , I warrant you , they could
never get an eye-wink of her . I had myself twenty
angels given me this morning , but I defy all angels
in any such sort , as they say , but in the way of
honesty . And , I warrant you , they could never get
her so much as sip on a cup with the proudest of
them all . And yet there has been earls — nay , which
is more , pensioners — but , I warrant you , all is one
with her .
she-Mercury .
for the which she thanks you a thousand times ,
and she gives you to notify that her husband will
be absence from his house between ten and eleven .
and see the picture , she says , that you wot of . Master
Ford , her husband , will be from home . Alas , the
sweet woman leads an ill life with him . He’s a very
[67] ACT 2. SC. 2 jealousy man . She leads a very frampold life with
him , good heart .
her . I will not fail her .
messenger to your Worship . Mistress Page
hath her hearty commendations to you too ; and ,
let me tell you in your ear , she’s as fartuous a civil
modest wife , and one , I tell you , that will not miss
you morning nor evening prayer , as any is in Windsor ,
whoe’er be the other . And she bade me tell
your Worship that her husband is seldom from
home , but she hopes there will come a time . I
never knew a woman so dote upon a man . Surely , I
think you have charms , la ! Yes , in truth .
my good parts aside , I have no other charms .
and Page’s wife acquainted each other how they
love me ?
not so little grace , I hope . That were a trick indeed !
But Mistress Page would desire you to send her
your little page , of all loves . Her husband has a
marvelous infection to the little page ; and , truly ,
Master Page is an honest man . Never a wife in
Windsor leads a better life than she does . Do what
she will , say what she will , take all , pay all , go to
bed when she list , rise when she list — all is as she
will . And , truly , she deserves it , for if there be a
kind woman in Windsor , she is one . You must send
her your page , no remedy .
he may come and go between you both . And in any
[69] ACT 2. SC. 2 case have a nayword , that you may know one another’s
mind , and the boy never need to understand
anything ; for ’tis not good that children
should know any wickedness . Old folks , you know ,
have discretion , as they say , and know the world .
There’s my purse . ( He gives her money . ) I am yet
thy debtor . — Boy , go along with this woman . ( Mistress
Quickly and Robin exit . ) This news distracts
me .
Clap on more sails , pursue ; up with your fights ;
Give fire ! She is my prize , or ocean whelm them all !
make more of thy old body than I have done . Will
they yet look after thee ? Wilt thou , after the expense
of so much money , be now a gainer ? Good
body , I thank thee . Let them say ’tis grossly done ;
so it be fairly done , no matter .
would fain speak with you and be acquainted with
you , and hath sent your Worship a morning’s
draught of sack .
me that o’erflows such liquor .
Ah ha , Mistress Ford and Mistress Page , have I encompassed
you ? Go to . Via !
[71]ACT 2. SC. 2
preparation upon you .
leave , drawer .
much . My name is Brook .
of you .
to charge you , for I must let you understand I
think myself in better plight for a lender than you
are , the which hath something emboldened me to
this unseasoned intrusion ; for they say , if money
go before , all ways do lie open .
here troubles me . He sets it down . If you will help
to bear it , Sir John , take all , or half , for easing me
of the carriage .
porter .
the hearing .
to be your servant .
be brief with you — and you have been a man long
known to me , though I had never so good means
as desire to make myself acquainted with you . I
shall discover a thing to you wherein I must very
much lay open mine own imperfection . But , good
Sir John , as you have one eye upon my follies , as
you hear them unfolded , turn another into the register
of your own , that I may pass with a reproof
the easier , sith you yourself know how easy it is to
be such an offender .
[73]ACT 2. SC. 2
town — her husband’s name is Ford .
to you , bestowed much on her , followed her with
a doting observance , engrossed opportunities to
meet her , fee’d every slight occasion that could but
niggardly give me sight of her , not only bought
many presents to give her , but have given largely to
many to know what she would have given . Briefly ,
I have pursued her as love hath pursued me , which
hath been on the wing of all occasions . But whatsoever
I have merited , either in my mind or in my
means , meed I am sure I have received none , unless
experience be a jewel . That I have purchased
at an infinite rate , and that hath taught me to say
this :
‘Love like a shadow flies when substance love
pursues ,
Pursuing that that flies , and flying what pursues .’
at her hands ?
purpose ?
man’s ground , so that I have lost my edifice by
mistaking the place where I erected it .
me ?
told you all . Some say that though she appear honest
to me , yet in other places she enlargeth her
mirth so far that there is shrewd construction
[75] ACT 2. SC. 2 made of her . Now , Sir John , here is the heart of my
purpose : you are a gentleman of excellent breeding ,
admirable discourse , of great admittance ,
authentic in your place and person , generally
allowed for your many warlike , courtlike , and
learned preparations .
money . ( He points to the bag . ) Spend it , spend
it , spend more ; spend all I have . Only give me so
much of your time in exchange of it as to lay an
amiable siege to the honesty of this Ford’s wife .
Use your art of wooing ; win her to consent to you .
If any man may , you may as soon as any .
your affection that I should win what you would
enjoy ? Methinks you prescribe to yourself very
preposterously .
so securely on the excellency of her honor that the
folly of my soul dares not present itself ; she is too
bright to be looked against . Now , could I come to
her with any detection in my hand , my desires had
instance and argument to commend themselves . I
could drive her then from the ward of her purity ,
her reputation , her marriage vow , and a thousand
other her defenses , which now are too too strongly
embattled against me . What say you to ’t , Sir
John ?
make bold with your money ; next , give me your
hand ; and , last , as I am a gentleman , you shall , if
you will , enjoy Ford’s wife .
want none .
[77]ACT 2. SC. 2
shall want none . I shall be with her , I may tell you ,
by her own appointment . Even as you came in to
me , her assistant or go-between parted from me . I
say I shall be with her between ten and eleven , for
at that time the jealous , rascally knave her husband
will be forth . Come you to me at night . You
shall know how I speed .
Do you know Ford , sir ?
him not . Yet I wrong him to call him poor . They
say the jealous wittolly knave hath masses of
money , for the which his wife seems to me well-favored .
I will use her as the key of the cuckoldly
rogue’s coffer , and there’s my harvest home .
might avoid him if you saw him .
will stare him out of his wits . I will awe him with
my cudgel ; it shall hang like a meteor o’er the
cuckold’s horns . Master Brook , thou shalt know I
will predominate over the peasant , and thou shalt
lie with his wife . Come to me soon at night . Ford’s
a knave , and I will aggravate his style . Thou , Master
Brook , shalt know him for knave and cuckold .
Come to me soon at night .
heart is ready to crack with impatience . Who says
this is improvident jealousy ? My wife hath sent
to him , the hour is fixed , the match is made .
Would any man have thought this ? See the hell of
having a false woman : my bed shall be abused , my
coffers ransacked , my reputation gnawn at . And
I shall not only receive this villainous wrong but
stand under the adoption of abominable terms ,
[79] ACT 2. SC. 3 and by him that does me this wrong . Terms ,
names ! ‘Amaimon’ sounds well , ‘Lucifer’ well ,
‘Barbason’ well ; yet they are devils’ additions , the
names of fiends . But ‘Cuckold ,’ ‘Wittoll ,’ ‘Cuckold’ !
The devil himself hath not such a name . Page
is an ass , a secure ass . He will trust his wife , he will
not be jealous . I will rather trust a Fleming with
my butter , Parson Hugh the Welshman with my
cheese , an Irishman with my aquavitae bottle , or
a thief to walk my ambling gelding , than my wife
with herself . Then she plots , then she ruminates ,
then she devises ; and what they think in their
hearts they may effect , they will break their hearts
but they will effect . God be praised for my jealousy !
Eleven o’clock the hour . I will prevent this ,
detect my wife , be revenged on Falstaff , and laugh
at Page . I will about it . Better three hours too soon
than a minute too late . Fie , fie , fie ! Cuckold , cuckold ,
cuckold !
Scene 3
to meet .
come . He has pray his Pible well dat he is no come .
By gar , Jack Rugby , he is dead already if he be
come .
kill him if he came .
[81]ACT 2. SC. 3
kill him . Take your rapier , Jack . I vill tell you how I
vill kill him .
for ?
to see thee here , to see thee there ; to see
thy pass , thy puncto , thy stock , thy reverse , thy
distance , thy montant . Is he dead , my Ethiopian ?
Is he dead , my Francisco ? Ha , bully ? What says
my Aesculapius , my Galien , my heart of elder , ha ?
Is he dead , bully stale ? Is he dead ?
vorld . He is not show his face .
Greece , my boy !
stay six or seven , two , tree hours for him , and he is
no come .
curer of souls , and you a curer of bodies . If you
should fight , you go against the hair of your professions . —
Is it not true , Master Page ?
fighter , though now a man of peace .
and of the peace , if I see a sword out , my finger
[83] ACT 2. SC. 3 itches to make one . Though we are justices and
doctors and churchmen , Master Page , we have
some salt of our youth in us . We are the sons of
women , Master Page .
Doctor Caius , I am come to fetch you home . I am
sworn of the peace . You have showed yourself a
wise physician , and Sir Hugh hath shown himself
a wise and patient churchman . You must go with
me , Master Doctor .
Monsieur Mockwater .
bully .
as de Englishman . Scurvy jack-dog priest ! By gar ,
me vill cut his ears .
me , for , by gar , me vill have it .
and Slender aside . ) But first , Master guest , and
Master Page , and eke Cavaleiro Slender , go you
through the town to Frogmore .
bring the doctor about by the fields . Will it do
well ?
Doctor .
[85]ACT 2. SC. 3
for a jackanape to Anne Page .
water on thy choler . Go about the fields with me
through Frogmore . I will bring thee where Mistress
Anne Page is , at a farmhouse a-feasting , and
thou shalt woo her . Cried game ! Said I well ?
love you , and I shall procure-a you de good guest :
de earl , de knight , de lords , de gentlemen , my
patients .
Anne Page . Said I well ?
[89]
ACT 3
Scene 1
and Simple ( carrying Sir Hugh’s gown ) .
and friend Simple by your name , which
way have you looked for Master Caius , that calls
himself doctor of physic ?
every way ; Old Windsor way , and every way but
the town way .
look that way .
trempling of mind ! I shall be glad if he have deceived
me . How melancholies I am ! I will knog his
urinals about his knave’s costard when I have good
opportunities for the ’ork . Pless my soul !
To shallow rivers , to whose falls
Melodious birds sings madrigals .
There will we make our peds of roses
And a thousand fragrant posies .
To shallow —
Mercy on me , I have a great dispositions to cry .
[91] ACT 3. SC. 1
Melodious birds sing madrigals —
Whenas I sat in Pabylon —
And a thousand vagram posies .
To shallow rivers , to whose falls
Melodious birds sings madrigals .
To shallow rivers , to whose falls —
Heaven prosper the right ! What weapons is he ?
Master Shallow , and another gentleman , from
Frogmore , over the stile , this way .
in your arms .
good Sir Hugh . Keep a gamester from the dice ,
and a good student from his book , and it is
wonderful .
you !
study them both , Master Parson ?
this raw rheumatic day ?
Parson .
[93]ACT 3. SC. 1
having received wrong by some person , is at
most odds with his own gravity and patience that
ever you saw .
never heard a man of his place , gravity , and learning
so wide of his own respect .
renowned French physician .
as lief you would tell me of a mess of porridge .
and Galen — and he is a knave besides , a cowardly
knave as you would desires to be acquainted
withal .
fight with him .
asunder . Here comes Doctor Caius .
keep their limbs whole and hack our English .
a word with your ear . Verefore vill you not
meet-a me ?
John ape .
[95]ACT 3. SC. 1
laughing-stocks to other men’s humors . I desire
you in friendship , and I will one way or other
make you amends .
your urinal about your knave’s cogscomb .
have I not stay for him to kill him ? Have I not ,
at de place I did appoint ?
is the place appointed . I’ll be judgment by mine
Host of the Garter .
soul-curer and body-curer !
I politic ? Am I subtle ? Am I a Machiavel ? Shall I
lose my doctor ? No , he gives me the potions and
the motions . Shall I lose my parson , my priest , my
Sir Hugh ? No , he gives me the proverbs and the
no-verbs .
so .
so . Boys of art , I have deceived you both . I
have directed you to wrong places . Your hearts are
mighty , your skins are whole , and let burnt sack be
the issue .
swords to pawn .
me , lads of peace , follow , follow , follow .
follow .
de sot of us , ha , ha ?
I desire you that we may be friends , and let
[97] ACT 3. SC. 2 us knog our prains together to be revenge on this
same scall , scurvy , cogging companion , the Host of
the Garter .
to bring me where is Anne Page . By gar , he deceive
me too .
follow .
Scene 2
were wont to be a follower , but now you are a
leader . Whether had you rather — lead mine eyes ,
or eye your master’s heels ?
than follow him like a dwarf .
you’ll be a courtier .
home ?
want of company . I think if your husbands were
dead , you two would marry .
is my husband had him of . — What do you call your
knight’s name , sirrah ?
[99]ACT 3. SC. 2
There is such a league between my goodman and
he . Is your wife at home indeed ?
her .
he any thinking ? Sure they sleep ; he hath no use
of them . Why , this boy will carry a letter twenty
mile as easy as a cannon will shoot point-blank
twelve score . He pieces out his wife’s inclination .
He gives her folly motion and advantage . And now
she’s going to my wife , and Falstaff’s boy with her .
A man may hear this shower sing in the wind . And
Falstaff’s boy with her ! Good plots they are laid ,
and our revolted wives share damnation together .
Well , I will take him , then torture my wife , pluck
the borrowed veil of modesty from the so-seeming
Mistress Page , divulge Page himself for a secure
and willful Acteon , and to these violent proceedings
all my neighbors shall cry aim . A clock
strikes . The clock gives me my cue , and my assurance
bids me search . There I shall find Falstaff . I
shall be rather praised for this than mocked , for it
is as positive as the earth is firm that Falstaff is
there . I will go .
Evans , Doctor Caius , and Rugby .
home , and I pray you all go with me .
with Mistress Anne , and I would not break with
her for more money than I’ll speak of .
[101]ACT 3. SC. 2
Anne Page and my cousin Slender , and this day we
shall have our answer .
you . — But my wife , Master Doctor , is for you
altogether .
nursh-a Quickly tell me so mush .
He capers , he dances , he has eyes of youth , he
writes verses , he speaks holiday , he smells April
and May . He will carry ’t , he will carry ’t . ’Tis in his
buttons he will carry ’t .
is of no having . He kept company with the
wild Prince and Poins . He is of too high a region ;
he knows too much . No , he shall not knit a knot in
his fortunes with the finger of my substance . If he
take her , let him take her simply . The wealth I have
waits on my consent , and my consent goes not that
way .
with me to dinner . Besides your cheer , you shall
have sport : I will show you a monster . Master Doctor ,
you shall go . — So shall you , Master Page . —
And you , Sir Hugh .
wooing at Master Page’s .
Falstaff , and drink canary with him .
with him ; I’ll make him dance . — Will you go ,
gentles ?
[103]ACT 3. SC. 3
see this monster .
Scene 3
brief .
Robert , be ready here hard by in the brewhouse ,
and when I suddenly call you , come forth , and
without any pause or staggering take this basket
on your shoulders . That done , trudge with it in all
haste , and carry it among the whitsters in Datchet
Mead , and there empty it in the muddy ditch close
by the Thames side .
no direction . — Be gone , and come when you are
called .
with you ?
door , Mistress Ford , and requests your company .
[105]ACT 3. SC. 3
true to us ?
being here and hath threatened to put me into
everlasting liberty if I tell you of it , for he swears
he’ll turn me away .
thine shall be a tailor to thee and shall make thee a
new doublet and hose . — I’ll go hide me .
( Robin exits . ) Mistress Page , remember you your
cue .
me .
humidity , this gross-wat’ry pumpion . We’ll
teach him to know turtles from jays .
Why , now let me die , for I have lived long enough .
This is the period of my ambition . O , this blessèd
hour !
Mistress Ford . Now shall I sin in my wish : I would
thy husband were dead . I’ll speak it before the best
lord : I would make thee my lady .
a pitiful lady .
another . I see how thine eye would emulate the
diamond . Thou hast the right arched beauty of the
brow that becomes the ship-tire , the tire-valiant ,
or any tire of Venetian admittance .
become nothing else , nor that well neither .
[107]ACT 3. SC. 3
make an absolute courtier , and the firm fixture of
thy foot would give an excellent motion to thy gait
in a semicircled farthingale . I see what thou wert ,
if Fortune thy foe were not , Nature thy friend .
Come , thou canst not hide it .
me .
thee . There’s something extraordinary in thee .
Come , I cannot cog and say thou art this and that
like a many of these lisping hawthorn buds that
come like women in men’s apparel and smell like
Bucklersbury in simple time . I cannot . But I love
thee , none but thee ; and thou deserv’st it .
Mistress Page .
the Counter gate , which is as hateful to me as the
reek of a lime-kiln .
and you shall one day find it .
I could not be in that mind .
Page at the door , sweating and blowing and looking
wildly , and would needs speak with you
presently .
the arras .
woman .
[109] ACT 3. SC. 3
What’s the matter ? How now ?
You’re shamed , you’re overthrown , you’re undone
forever !
honest man to your husband , to give him such
cause of suspicion !
How am I mistook in you !
with all the officers in Windsor , to search for a gentleman
that he says is here now in the house , by
your consent , to take an ill advantage of his absence .
You are undone .
such a man here ! But ’tis most certain your husband’s
coming , with half Windsor at his heels , to
search for such a one . I come before to tell you . If
you know yourself clear , why , I am glad of it . But if
you have a friend here , convey , convey him out . Be
not amazed ! Call all your senses to you ; defend
your reputation , or bid farewell to your good life
forever .
my dear friend ; and I fear not mine own shame so
much as his peril . I had rather than a thousand
pound he were out of the house .
rather’ and ‘you had rather .’ Your husband’s here
at hand . Bethink you of some conveyance . In the
[111] ACT 3. SC. 3 house you cannot hide him . O , how have you deceived
me ! Look , here is a basket . If he be of any
reasonable stature , he may creep in here ; and
throw foul linen upon him , as if it were going to
bucking . Or — it is whiting time — send him by your
two men to Datchet Mead .
do ?
in , I’ll in . Follow your friend’s counsel . I’ll in .
him . )
away . Let me creep in here . I’ll never —
him with dirty clothes .
boy . — Call your men , Mistress Ford . — You dissembling
knight !
Go , take up these clothes here quickly . Where’s the
cowlstaff ? Look how you drumble ! Carry them to
the laundress in Datchet Mead . Quickly ! Come .
and Sir Hugh Evans .
why then make sport at me . Then let me be your
jest ; I deserve it . — How now ? Whither bear you
this ?
bear it ? You were best meddle with buck-washing !
[113]ACT 3. SC. 3
Buck , buck , buck ! Ay , buck ! I warrant you , buck ,
and of the season too , it shall appear .
Gentlemen , I have dreamed tonight ; I’ll tell you my
dream . Here , here , here be my keys . Ascend my
chambers . Search , seek , find out . I’ll warrant we’ll
unkennel the fox . Let me stop this way first . ( He
locks the door . ) So , now uncape .
yourself too much .
see sport anon . Follow me , gentlemen .
jealousies .
not jealous in France .
search .
that my husband is deceived , or Sir John .
husband asked who was in the basket !
washing , so throwing him into the water will do
him a benefit .
of the same strain were in the same distress .
suspicion of Falstaff’s being here , for I never saw
him so gross in his jealousy till now .
yet have more tricks with Falstaff . His dissolute
disease will scarce obey this medicine .
[115] ACT 3. SC. 3 Quickly to him , and excuse his throwing into
the water , and give him another hope , to betray
him to another punishment ?
eight o’clock to have amends .
that he could not compass .
that ?
thoughts !
Ford .
chambers , and in the coffers , and in the presses ,
heaven forgive my sins at the day of judgment !
What spirit , what devil suggests this imagination ?
I would not ha’ your distemper in this kind for the
wealth of Windsor Castle .
as honest a ’omans as I will desires among five
thousand , and five hundred too .
walk in the park . I pray you , pardon me . I will
hereafter make known to you why I have done
[117] ACT 3. SC. 4 this . — Come , wife — come , Mistress Page , I pray
you , pardon me . Pray , heartily , pardon me .
But , trust me , we’ll mock him .
and Sir Hugh . )
to my house to breakfast . After , we’ll a-birding together ;
I have a fine hawk for the bush . Shall it be
so ?
company .
turd .
the lousy knave mine Host .
mockeries !
Scene 4
Therefore no more turn me to him , sweet Nan .
He doth object I am too great of birth ,
And that , my state being galled with my expense ,
I seek to heal it only by his wealth .
[119] ACT 3. SC. 4 Besides these , other bars he lays before me —
My riots past , my wild societies —
And tells me ’tis a thing impossible
I should love thee but as a property .
Albeit I will confess thy father’s wealth
Was the first motive that I wooed thee , Anne ,
Yet , wooing thee , I found thee of more value
Than stamps in gold or sums in sealèd bags .
And ’tis the very riches of thyself
That now I aim at .
Yet seek my father’s love , still seek it , sir .
If opportunity and humblest suit
Cannot attain it , why then — hark you hither .
shall speak for himself .
venturing .
that , but that I am afeard .
would speak a word with you .
O , what a world of vile ill-favored faults
Looks handsome in three hundred pounds a year !
Pray you , a word with you .
boy , thou hadst a father !
[121]ACT 3. SC. 4
tell you good jests of him . — Pray you , uncle , tell
Mistress Anne the jest how my father stole two
geese out of a pen , good uncle .
Gloucestershire .
the degree of a squire .
pounds jointure .
good comfort . — She calls you , coz . I’ll leave you .
indeed ! I ne’er made my will yet , I thank heaven . I
am not such a sickly creature , I give heaven praise .
me ?
nothing with you . Your father and my uncle hath
made motions . If it be my luck , so ; if not , happy
man be his dole . They can tell you how things go
better than I can . You may ask your father .
Here he comes .
Why , how now ? What does Master Fenton here ?
[123] ACT 3. SC. 4 You wrong me , sir , thus still to haunt my house .
I told you , sir , my daughter is disposed of .
Come Master Shallow . — Come , son Slender , in . —
Knowing my mind , you wrong me , Master Fenton .
In such a righteous fashion as I do ,
Perforce , against all checks , rebukes , and manners ,
I must advance the colors of my love
And not retire . Let me have your good will .
And bowled to death with turnips !
I will not be your friend nor enemy .
My daughter will I question how she loves you ,
And as I find her , so am I affected .
Till then , farewell , sir . She must needs go in ;
Her father will be angry .
[125]ACT 3. SC. 5
‘will you cast away your child on a fool and a
physician ? Look on Master Fenton .’ This is my
doing .
Give my sweet Nan this ring . There’s for thy pains .
A kind heart he hath . A woman would run through
fire and water for such a kind heart . But yet I
would my master had Mistress Anne , or I would
Master Slender had her , or , in sooth , I would Master
Fenton had her . I will do what I can for them all
three ; for so I have promised and I’ll be as good as
my word — but speciously for Master Fenton . Well ,
I must of another errand to Sir John Falstaff from
my two mistresses . What a beast am I to slack it !
Scene 5
Have I lived to be carried in a basket like a barrow
of butcher’s offal , and to be thrown in the Thames ?
Well , if I be served such another trick , I’ll have my
brains ta’en out and buttered , and give them to a
dog for a New Year’s gift . ’Sblood , the rogues
[127] ACT 3. SC. 5 slighted me into the river with as little remorse as
they would have drowned a blind bitch’s puppies ,
fifteen i’ th’ litter ! And you may know by my size
that I have a kind of alacrity in sinking ; if the bottom
were as deep as hell , I should down . I had
been drowned , but that the shore was shelvy and
shallow — a death that I abhor , for the water swells
a man , and what a thing should I have been when
I had been swelled ! By the Lord , I should have
been a mountain of mummy .
you .
Thames water , for my belly’s as cold as if I had
swallowed snowballs for pills to cool the reins . He
drinks . Call her in .
your Worship good morrow .
brew me a pottle of sack finely .
brewage .
How now ?
from Mistress Ford .
was thrown into the ford , I have my belly full of
ford .
not her fault . She does so take on with her men ;
they mistook their erection .
[129]ACT 3. SC. 5
woman’s promise .
would yearn your heart to see it . Her husband goes
this morning a-birding ; she desires you once more
to come to her , between eight and nine . I must
carry her word quickly . She’ll make you amends , I
warrant you .
think what a man is . Let her consider his frailty ,
and then judge of my merit .
sent me word to stay within . I like his money well .
O , here he comes .
what hath passed between me and Ford’s wife .
business .
her house the hour she appointed me .
determination ?
her husband , Master Brook , dwelling in a continual
’larum of jealousy , comes me in the instant of
[131] ACT 3. SC. 5 our encounter , after we had embraced , kissed ,
protested , and , as it were , spoke the prologue of
our comedy , and , at his heels , a rabble of his companions ,
thither provoked and instigated by his
distemper , and , forsooth , to search his house for
his wife’s love .
not find you ?
comes in one Mistress Page , gives intelligence of
Ford’s approach , and , in her invention and Ford’s
wife’s distraction , they conveyed me into a
buck-basket .
in with foul shirts and smocks , socks , foul stockings ,
greasy napkins , that , Master Brook , there
was the rankest compound of villainous smell that
ever offended nostril .
have suffered to bring this woman to evil for your
good . Being thus crammed in the basket , a couple
of Ford’s knaves , his hinds , were called forth by
their mistress to carry me in the name of foul
clothes to Datchet Lane . They took me on their
shoulders , met the jealous knave their master in
the door , who asked them once or twice what they
had in their basket . I quaked for fear lest the lunatic
knave would have searched it , but fate , ordaining
he should be a cuckold , held his hand .
Well , on went he for a search , and away went I for
foul clothes . But mark the sequel , Master Brook .
I suffered the pangs of three several deaths : first ,
[133] ACT 3. SC. 5 an intolerable fright to be detected with a jealous
rotten bellwether ; next , to be compassed , like a
good bilbo , in the circumference of a peck , hilt to
point , heel to head ; and then , to be stopped in , like
a strong distillation , with stinking clothes that fretted
in their own grease . Think of that , a man of my
kidney — think of that — that am as subject to heat
as butter ; a man of continual dissolution and thaw .
It was a miracle to ’scape suffocation . And in
the height of this bath , when I was more than half-stewed
in grease , like a Dutch dish , to be thrown
into the Thames and cooled , glowing hot , in that
surge , like a horseshoe ! Think of that — hissing
hot — think of that , Master Brook .
for my sake you have suffered all this . My suit ,
then , is desperate . You’ll undertake her no more ?
as I have been into Thames , ere I will leave her
thus . Her husband is this morning gone a-birding .
I have received from her another embassy of meeting .
’Twixt eight and nine is the hour , Master
Brook .
Come to me at your convenient leisure ,
and you shall know how I speed ; and the conclusion
shall be crowned with your enjoying her .
Adieu . You shall have her , Master Brook . Master
Brook , you shall cuckold Ford .
sleep ? Master Ford , awake ! Awake , Master Ford !
There’s a hole made in your best coat , Master
Ford . This ’tis to be married ; this ’tis to have linen
and buck-baskets ! Well , I will proclaim myself
what I am . I will now take the lecher . He is at my
[135] ACT 3. SC. 5 house . He cannot ’scape me . ’Tis impossible he
should . He cannot creep into a half-penny purse ,
nor into a pepper-box . But lest the devil that
guides him should aid him , I will search impossible
places . Though what I am I cannot avoid , yet to
be what I would not shall not make me tame . If I
have horns to make one mad , let the proverb go
with me : I’ll be horn-mad .
[139]
ACT 4
Scene 1
thou ?
But truly he is very courageous mad about
his throwing into the water . Mistress Ford desires
you to come suddenly .
my young man here to school .
Look where his master comes . ’Tis a playing day , I
see . — How now , Sir Hugh , no school today ?
play .
profits nothing in the world at his book . I pray you ,
ask him some questions in his accidence .
Come .
Answer your master . Be not afraid .
[141]ACT 4. SC. 1
number more , because they say ‘ ’Od’s nouns .’
William ?
than polecats , sure .
peace . — What is lapis , William ?
prain .
that does lend articles ?
thus declined : singulariter , nominativo , hic , haec ,
hoc .
genitivo , huius . Well , what is your accusative case ?
Accusativo , hung , hang , hog .
warrant you .
focative case , William ?
[143]ACT 4. SC. 2
her ! Never name her , child , if she be a whore .
words . — He teaches him to hick and to hack ,
which they’ll do fast enough of themselves , and to
call ‘whorum .’ — Fie upon you !
for thy cases and the numbers of the
genders ? Thou art as foolish Christian creatures as
I would desires .
peace .
your pronouns .
your quae’s , and your quod’s , you must be
preeches . Go your ways and play , go .
was .
Page .
boy .
long .
Scene 2
my sufferance . I see you are obsequious in your
love , and I profess requital to a hair’s breadth , not
[145] ACT 4. SC. 2 only , Mistress Ford , in the simple office of love ,
but in all the accoutrement , compliment , and ceremony
of it . But are you sure of your husband now ?
ho !
besides yourself ?
louder .
here .
old lunes again . He so takes on yonder with my
husband , so rails against all married mankind , so
curses all Eve’s daughters of what complexion soever ,
and so buffets himself on the forehead , crying
‘Peer out , peer out !’ that any madness I ever yet
beheld seemed but tameness , civility , and patience
to this his distemper he is in now . I am glad the fat
knight is not here .
carried out , the last time he searched for him , in a
basket ; protests to my husband he is now here ;
and hath drawn him and the rest of their company
from their sport to make another experiment of
his suspicion . But I am glad the knight is not here .
Now he shall see his own foolery .
[147]ACT 4. SC. 2
anon .
he’s but a dead man . What a woman are you ! Away
with him , away with him ! Better shame than
murder .
I bestow him ? Shall I put him into the basket
again ?
go out ere he come ?
watch the door with pistols , that none shall issue
out . Otherwise you might slip away ere he came .
But what make you here ?
chimney .
their birding pieces .
press , coffer , chest , trunk , well , vault , but he
hath an abstract for the remembrance of such
places , and goes to them by his note . There is no
hiding you in the house .
you die , Sir John — unless you go out disguised .
woman’s gown big enough for him ; otherwise he
[149] ACT 4. SC. 2 might put on a hat , a muffler , and a kerchief , and
so escape .
rather than a mischief .
Brentford , has a gown above .
big as he is . And there’s her thrummed hat and her
muffler too . — Run up , Sir John .
and I will look some linen for your head .
straight . Put on the gown the while .
in this shape . He cannot abide the old woman of
Brentford . He swears she’s a witch , forbade her my
house , and hath threatened to beat her .
cudgel , and the devil guide his cudgel afterwards !
the basket too , howsoever he hath had
intelligence .
to carry the basket again , to meet him at the door
with it as they did last time .
dress him like the witch of Brentford .
do with the basket . Go up . I’ll bring linen for him
straight .
misuse him enough .
We’ll leave a proof , by that which we will do ,
Wives may be merry and yet honest too .
[151] ACT 4. SC. 2 We do not act that often jest and laugh ;
’Tis old but true : ‘Still swine eats all the draff .’
who bring the buck-basket .
shoulders . Your master is hard at door . If he bid
you set it down , obey him . Quickly , dispatch .
Evans , and Shallow .
any way then to unfool me again ? — Set down the
basket , villain . They put the basket down . Somebody
call my wife . Youth in a basket ! O , you panderly
rascals ! There’s a knot , a gang , a pack , a
conspiracy against me . Now shall the devil be
shamed . — What , wife , I say ! Come , come forth !
Behold what honest clothes you send forth to
bleaching !
loose any longer ; you must be pinioned .
dog .
Come hither , Mistress Ford . — Mistress Ford , the
honest woman , the modest wife , the virtuous creature ,
[153] ACT 4. SC. 2 that hath the jealous fool to her husband ! — I
suspect without cause , mistress , do I ?
suspect me in any dishonesty .
forth , sirrah .
alone .
wife’s clothes ? Come , away .
out of my house yesterday in this basket .
Why may not he be there again ? In my house I am
sure he is . My intelligence is true , my jealousy is
reasonable . — Pluck me out all the linen .
flea’s death .
This wrongs you .
the imaginations of your own heart . This is
jealousies .
not what I seek , show no color for my extremity .
Let me forever be your table-sport . Let them say of
me ‘As jealous as Ford , that searched a hollow
walnut for his wife’s leman .’ Satisfy me once
more . Once more search with me .
[155]ACT 4. SC. 2
Page ! Come you and the old woman down . My
husband will come into the chamber .
I not forbid her my house ? She comes of errands ,
does she ? We are simple men ; we do not know
what’s brought to pass under the profession of
fortune-telling . She works by charms , by spells , by
th’ figure , and such daubery as this is , beyond our
element . We know nothing . — Come down , you
witch , you hag , you ! Come down , I say !
let him not strike the old woman .
as an old woman .
your hand .
door , you witch , you rag , you baggage , you polecat ,
you runnion ! Out , out ! I’ll conjure you , I’ll
fortune-tell you !
killed the poor woman .
for you .
indeed . I like not when a ’oman has a great peard .
I spy a great peard under her muffler .
See but the issue of my jealousy . If I cry out
thus upon no trail , never trust me when I open
again .
[157]ACT 4. SC. 3
gentlemen .
beat him most unpitifully , methought .
o’er the altar . It hath done meritorious service .
warrant of womanhood and the witness of a good
conscience , pursue him with any further revenge ?
scared out of him . If the devil have him not in fee
simple , with fine and recovery , he will never , I
think , in the way of waste , attempt us again .
have served him ?
the figures out of your husband’s brains . If they
can find in their hearts the poor unvirtuous fat
knight shall be any further afflicted , we two will
still be the ministers .
shamed , and methinks there would be no period to
the jest should he not be publicly shamed .
it . I would not have things cool .
Scene 3
your horses . The Duke himself will be tomorrow at
court , and they are going to meet him .
[159]ACT 4. SC. 4
hear not of him in the court . Let me speak with the
gentlemen . They speak English ?
pay . I’ll sauce them . They have had my house a
week at command ; I have turned away my other
guests . They must come off . I’ll sauce them . Come .
Scene 4
Sir Hugh Evans .
ever I did look upon .
instant ?
I rather will suspect the sun with cold
Than thee with wantonness . Now doth thy honor
stand ,
In him that was of late an heretic ,
As firm as faith .
Be not as extreme in submission as in offense .
But let our plot go forward . Let our wives
Yet once again , to make us public sport ,
Appoint a meeting with this old fat fellow ,
Where we may take him and disgrace him for it .
park at midnight ? Fie , fie , he’ll never come .
[161]ACT 4. SC. 4
and has been grievously peaten as an old ’oman .
Methinks there should be terrors in him , that he
should not come . Methinks his flesh is punished ;
he shall have no desires .
And let us two devise to bring him thither .
Sometime a keeper here in Windsor Forest ,
Doth all the wintertime , at still midnight ,
Walk round about an oak , with great ragged horns ,
And there he blasts the tree , and takes the cattle ,
And makes milch-kine yield blood , and shakes a
chain
In a most hideous and dreadful manner .
You have heard of such a spirit , and well you know
The superstitious idle-headed eld
Received and did deliver to our age
This tale of Herne the Hunter for a truth .
In deep of night to walk by this Herne’s oak .
But what of this ?
That Falstaff at that oak shall meet with us .
And in this shape when you have brought him
thither ,
What shall be done with him ? What is your plot ?
Nan Page my daughter , and my little son ,
[163] ACT 4. SC. 4 And three or four more of their growth we’ll dress
Like urchins , aufs , and fairies , green and white ,
With rounds of waxen tapers on their heads
And rattles in their hands . Upon a sudden ,
As Falstaff , she , and I are newly met ,
Let them from forth a sawpit rush at once
With some diffusèd song . Upon their sight ,
We two in great amazedness will fly .
Then let them all encircle him about ,
And , fairy-like , to pinch the unclean knight ,
And ask him why , that hour of fairy revel ,
In their so sacred paths he dares to tread
In shape profane .
Let the supposèd fairies pinch him sound
And burn him with their tapers .
We’ll all present ourselves , dis-horn the spirit ,
And mock him home to Windsor .
Be practiced well to this , or they’ll ne’er do ’t .
I will be like a jackanapes also , to burn the knight
with my taber .
Finely attirèd in a robe of white .
Shall Master Slender steal my Nan away
And marry her at Eton . — Go , send to Falstaff
straight .
He’ll tell me all his purpose . Sure he’ll come .
[165]ACT 4. SC. 5
And tricking for our fairies .
fery honest knaveries .
Send quickly to Sir John to know his mind .
I’ll to the doctor . He hath my good will ,
And none but he , to marry with Nan Page .
That Slender , though well-landed , is an idiot ,
And he my husband best of all affects .
The doctor is well-moneyed , and his friends
Potent at court . He , none but he , shall have her ,
Though twenty thousand worthier come to crave her .
Scene 5
Speak , breathe , discuss ; brief , short , quick ,
snap .
from Master Slender .
standing-bed and truckle-bed . ’Tis painted about
with the story of the Prodigal , fresh and new . Go ,
knock and call . He’ll speak like an Anthropophaginian
unto thee . Knock , I say .
into his chamber . I’ll be so bold as stay , sir , till she
come down . I come to speak with her , indeed .
I’ll call . — Bully knight ! Bully Sir John ! Speak from
[167] ACT 4. SC. 5 thy lungs military . Art thou there ? It is thine Host ,
thine Ephesian , calls .
down of thy fat woman . Let her descend , bully , let
her descend . My chambers are honorable . Fie ! Privacy ?
Fie !
even now with me , but she’s gone .
Brentford ?
you with her ?
seeing her go through the streets , to know , sir ,
whether one Nym , sir , that beguiled him of a chain ,
had the chain or no .
beguiled Master Slender of his chain cozened him
of it .
herself . I had other things to have spoken with her
too from him .
Anne Page , to know if it were my master’s fortune
to have her or no .
[169]ACT 4. SC. 5
me so .
glad with these tidings .
there a wise woman with thee ?
taught me more wit than ever I learned before in
my life . And I paid nothing for it neither , but was
paid for my learning .
cozenage !
varletto .
I came beyond Eton , they threw me off from behind
one of them in a slough of mire , and set
spurs , and away , like three German devils , three
Doctor Faustuses .
not say they be fled . Germans are honest men .
a friend of mine come to town tells me there is
three cozen-Germans that has cozened all the
hosts of Readings , of Maidenhead , of Colnbrook ,
of horses and money . I tell you for good will , look
you . You are wise , and full of gibes and vlouting-stocks ,
and ’tis not convenient you should be cozened .
Fare you well .
[171]ACT 4. SC. 5
dilemma .
dat you make grand preparation for a duke de
Jamanie . By my trot , dere is no duke that the court
is know to come . I tell you for good will . Adieu .
me , knight . I am undone . — Fly , run ; hue and cry ,
villain ! I am undone .
have been cozened and beaten too . If it should
come to the ear of the court how I have been transformed ,
and how my transformation hath been
washed and cudgeled , they would melt me out of
my fat drop by drop , and liquor fishermen’s boots
with me . I warrant they would whip me with their
fine wits till I were as crestfallen as a dried pear . I
never prospered since I forswore myself at
primero . Well , if my wind were but long enough , I
would repent .
Now , whence come you ?
other , and so they shall be both bestowed . I have
suffered more for their sakes , more than the villainous
inconstancy of man’s disposition is able to
bear .
warrant , speciously one of them . Mistress Ford ,
[173] ACT 4. SC. 6 good heart , is beaten black and blue that you cannot
see a white spot about her .
beaten myself into all the colors of the rainbow ,
and I was like to be apprehended for the witch of
Brentford . But that my admirable dexterity of wit ,
my counterfeiting the action of an old woman , delivered
me , the knave constable had set me i’ th’
stocks , i’ th’ common stocks , for a witch .
chamber . You shall hear how things go , and , I warrant ,
to your content . Here is a letter will say
somewhat . She gives him a paper . Good hearts ,
what ado here is to bring you together ! Sure , one
of you does not serve heaven well , that you are so
crossed .
Scene 6
heavy . I will give over all .
And , as I am a gentleman , I’ll give thee
A hundred pound in gold more than your loss .
least , keep your counsel .
With the dear love I bear to fair Anne Page ,
Who mutually hath answered my affection ,
So far forth as herself might be her chooser ,
[175] ACT 4. SC. 6 Even to my wish . I have a letter from her
Of such contents as you will wonder at ,
The mirth whereof so larded with my matter
That neither singly can be manifested
Without the show of both . Fat Falstaff
Hath a great scene ; the image of the jest
I’ll show you here at large . He shows the Host a
paper . Hark , good mine Host :
Tonight 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 , ever 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 dean’ry , 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 ,
She shall go with him . Her mother hath intended
The better to denote her to the doctor —
For they must all be masked and vizarded —
That quaint in green she shall be loose enrobed ,
With ribbons pendent 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 .
[177]ACT 4. SC. 6
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 .
Bring you the maid , you shall not lack a priest .
Besides , I’ll make a present recompense .
[181]
ACT 5
Scene 1
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 .
what I can to get you a pair of horns .
and mince .
How now , Master Brook ! Master Brook , the
matter will be known tonight or never . Be you in
the park about midnight , at Herne’s oak , and you
shall see wonders .
you told me you had appointed ?
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 governed
frenzy . I will tell you , he beat me grievously ,
in the shape of a woman ; for in the shape of man ,
[183] ACT 5. SC. 3 Master Brook , I fear not Goliath 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 plucked geese , played truant , and
whipped 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 tonight I will be revenged ,
and I will deliver his wife into your hand .
Follow . Strange things in hand , Master Brook !
Follow .
Scene 2
see the light of our fairies . — Remember , son Slender ,
my —
have a nayword how to know one another . I come
to her in white and cry ‘mum ,’ she cries ‘budget ,’
and by that we know one another .
‘mum’ or her ‘budget’ ? The white will decipher
her well enough . It hath struck ten o’clock .
it well . Heaven prosper our sport ! No man means
evil but the devil , and we shall know him by his
horns . Let’s away . Follow me .
Scene 3
green . When you see your time , take her by the
[185] ACT 5. SC. 4 hand ; away with her to the deanery , and dispatch
it quickly . Go before into the park . We two must go
together .
My husband will not rejoice so much at the abuse
of Falstaff as he will chafe at the doctor’s marrying
my daughter . But ’tis no matter . Better a little chiding
than a great deal of heartbreak .
fairies , and the Welsh devil Hugh ?
Herne’s oak , with obscured lights , which , at the
very instant of Falstaff’s and our meeting , they will
at once display to the night .
mocked . If he be amazed , he will every way be
mocked .
Those that betray them do no treachery .
oak !
Scene 4
like him , as Fairies .
your parts . Be pold , I pray you . Follow me into the
pit , and when I give the watch-’ords , do as I pid
you . Come , come ; trib , trib .
[187]ACT 5. SC. 5
Scene 5
minute draws on . Now , the hot-blooded gods assist
me ! Remember , Jove , thou wast a bull for thy
Europa ; love set on thy horns . O powerful love ,
that in some respects makes a beast a man , in
some other a man a beast ! You were also , Jupiter ,
a swan for the love of Leda . O omnipotent love ,
how near the god drew to the complexion of a
goose ! A fault done first in the form of a beast ; O
Jove , a beastly fault ! And then another fault in the
semblance of a fowl ; think on ’t , Jove , a foul fault .
When gods have hot backs , what shall poor men
do ? For me , I am here a Windsor stag , and the fattest ,
I think , i’ th’ forest . Send me a cool rut-time ,
Jove , or who can blame me to piss my tallow ?
Who comes here ? My doe ?
male deer ?
potatoes , let it thunder to the tune of ‘Greensleeves ,’
hail kissing-comfits , and snow eryngoes ; let there
come a tempest of provocation , I will shelter me
here .
sweetheart .
I will keep my sides to myself , my shoulders for
the fellow of this walk , and my horns I bequeath
your husbands . Am I a woodman , ha ? Speak I like
Herne the Hunter ? Why , now is Cupid a child of
conscience ; he makes restitution . As I am a true
spirit , welcome .
[189]ACT 5. SC. 5
lest the oil that’s in me should set hell on fire . He
would never else cross me thus .
Anne Page and boys , all disguised as Fairies and
carrying tapers .
You moonshine revelers and shades of night ,
You orphan heirs of fixèd destiny ,
Attend your office and your quality .
Crier Hobgoblin , make the fairy oyes .
Cricket , to Windsor chimneys shalt thou leap ,
Where fires thou find’st unraked and hearths
unswept .
There pinch the maids as blue as bilberry .
Our radiant queen hates sluts and sluttery .
I’ll wink and couch . No man their works must eye .
That ere she sleep has thrice her prayers said ,
Raise up the organs of her fantasy ;
Sleep she as sound as careless infancy .
But those as sleep and think not on their sins ,
Pinch them , arms , legs , backs , shoulders , sides , and
shins .
[191]ACT 5. SC. 5
Search Windsor Castle , elves , within and out .
Strew good luck , aufs , on every sacred room ,
That it may stand till the perpetual doom
In state as wholesome as in state ’tis fit ,
Worthy the owner , and the owner it .
The several chairs of order look you scour
With juice of balm and every precious flower .
Each fair installment , coat , and sev’ral crest
With loyal blazon evermore be blest !
And nightly , meadow fairies , look you sing ,
Like to the Garter’s compass , in a ring .
Th’ expressure that it bears , green let it be ,
More fertile-fresh than all the field to see ;
And Honi soit qui mal y pense write
In em’rald tufts , flowers purple , blue , and white ,
Like sapphire , pearl , and rich embroidery ,
Buckled below fair knighthood’s bending knee .
Fairies use flowers for their charactery .
Away , disperse ! But till ’tis one o’clock ,
Our dance of custom round about the oak
Of Herne the Hunter let us not forget .
And twenty glowworms shall our lanterns be ,
To guide our measure round about the tree .
But stay ! I smell a man of Middle Earth .
fairy , lest he transform me to a piece of cheese .
If he be chaste , the flame will back descend
And turn him to no pain . But if he start ,
It is the flesh of a corrupted heart .
[193]ACT 5. SC. 5
About him , fairies . Sing a scornful rhyme ,
And , as you trip , still pinch him to your time .
Caius comes one way and steals away a boy in white .
And Slender comes another way ; he takes a boy in
green . And Fenton
Fie on lust and luxury !
Lust is but a bloody fire
Kindled with unchaste desire ,
Fed in heart whose flames aspire
As thoughts do blow them higher and higher .
Pinch him , fairies , mutually ;
Pinch him for his villainy .
Pinch him and burn him and turn him about ,
Till candles and starlight and moonshine be out .
run away from Falstaff , who pulls off his buck’s head
and rises up .
Mistress Ford and Ford .
Will none but Herne the Hunter serve your turn ?
Now , good Sir John , how like you Windsor wives ?
[195] ACT 5. SC. 5
See you these , husband ? Do not these fair yokes
Become the forest better than the town ?
Master Brook , Falstaff’s a knave , a cuckoldly
knave . Here are his horns , Master Brook . And ,
Master Brook , he hath enjoyed nothing of Ford’s
but his buck-basket , his cudgel , and twenty
pounds of money , which must be paid to Master
Brook . His horses are arrested for it , Master
Brook .
could never meet . I will never take you for my love
again , but I will always count you my deer .
times in the thought they were not fairies ; and yet
the guiltiness of my mind , the sudden surprise of
my powers , drove the grossness of the foppery into
a received belief , in despite of the teeth of all
rhyme and reason , that they were fairies . See now
how wit may be made a Jack-a-Lent when ’tis upon
ill employment .
desires , and fairies will not pinse you .
you .
able to woo her in good English .
that it wants matter to prevent so gross o’erreaching
as this ? Am I ridden with a Welsh goat too ?
Shall I have a coxcomb of frieze ? ’Tis time I were
choked with a piece of toasted cheese .
[197]ACT 5. SC. 5
all putter .
the taunt of one that makes fritters of English ?
This is enough to be the decay of lust and late
walking through the realm .
would have thrust virtue out of our hearts by the
head and shoulders , and have given ourselves
without scruple to hell , that ever the devil could
have made you our delight ?
and sack , and wine , and metheglins , and to drinkings
and swearings and starings , pribbles and
prabbles ?
me . I am dejected . I am not able to answer the
Welsh flannel . Ignorance itself is a plummet o’er
me . Use me as you will .
Master Brook , that you have cozened of money ,
to whom you should have been a pander . Over and
above that you have suffered , I think to repay that
money will be a biting affliction .
tonight at my house , where I will desire thee to
laugh at my wife , that now laughs at thee . Tell her
Master Slender hath married her daughter .
Page be my daughter , she is , by this , Doctor Caius’
wife .
[199]ACT 5. SC. 5
dispatched ?
know on ’t . Would I were hanged , la , else !
Anne Page , and she’s a great lubberly boy . If it had
not been i’ th’ church , I would have swinged him ,
or he should have swinged me . If I did not think it
had been Anne Page , would I might never stir ! And
’tis a post-master’s boy .
I took a boy for a girl . If I had been married to him ,
for all he was in woman’s apparel , I would not
have had him .
how you should know my daughter by her
garments ?
and she cried ‘budget ,’ as Anne and I had appointed ,
and yet it was not Anne , but a post-master’s
boy .
your purpose , turned my daughter into green ,
and indeed she is now with the doctor at the deanery ,
and there married .
I ha’ married un garçon , a boy ; un paysan , by
gar , a boy . It is not Anne Page . By gar , I am
cozened .
[201]ACT 5. SC. 5
all Windsor .
How now , Master Fenton !
Master Slender ?
You would have married her most shamefully ,
Where there was no proportion held in love .
The truth is , she and I , long since contracted ,
Are now so sure that nothing can dissolve us .
Th’ offense is holy that she hath committed ,
And this deceit loses the name of craft ,
Of disobedience , or unduteous title ,
Since therein she doth evitate and shun
A thousand irreligious cursèd hours
Which forcèd marriage would have brought upon her .
In love the heavens themselves do guide the state .
Money buys lands , and wives are sold by fate .
stand to strike at me , that your arrow hath
glanced .
What cannot be eschewed must be embraced .
[203]ACT 5. SC. 5
Heaven give you many , many merry days . —
Good husband , let us every one go home
And laugh this sport o’er by a country fire —
Sir John and all .
To Master Brook you yet shall hold your word ,
For he tonight shall lie with Mistress Ford .
Appendix A
- License
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CC BY 4.0
Link to license
- Citation Suggestion for this Edition
- TextGrid Repository (2025). Shakespeare, William. The Merry Wives of Windsor. The Folger Digital Texts in TextGrid. https://hdl.handle.net/21.11113/0000-0016-844D-D