Open Source Shakespeare

The Merry Wives of Windsor

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Act V, Scene 1

A room in the Garter Inn.

       

[Enter FALSTAFF and MISTRESS QUICKLY]

  • Falstaff. Prithee, no more prattling; go. I'll hold. This is
    the third time; I hope good luck lies in odd 2480
    numbers. Away I go. They say there is divinity in
    odd numbers, either in nativity, chance, or death. Away!
  • Hostess Quickly. I'll provide you a chain; and I'll do what I can to
    get you a pair of horns.
  • Falstaff. Away, I say; time wears: hold up your head, and mince. 2485
    [Exit MISTRESS QUICKLY]
    [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 2490
    see wonders.
  • Ford. Went you not to her yesterday, sir, as you told me
    you had appointed?
  • Falstaff. I went to her, Master Brook, as you see, like a poor
    old man: but I came from her, Master Brook, like a 2495
    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, Master Brook, I fear 2500
    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 2505
    me: I'll tell you strange things of this knave
    Ford, on whom to-night I will be revenged, and I
    will deliver his wife into your hand. Follow.
    Strange things in hand, Master Brook! Follow.

[Exeunt]