The Bodleian First Folio

A digital facsimile of the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, Bodleian Arch. G c.7.



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Reference: D5r - Comedies, p. 45

Left Column


The Merry Wiues of Windsor. Ford. Good mine Host o'th' Garter: a word with you. Host. What saist thou, my Bully‑Rooke? Shal.
[700]

Will you goe with vs to behold it? My merry

Host hath had the measuring of their weapons; and (I

thinke) hath appointed them contrary places: for (be­

leeue mee) I heare the Parson is no Iester: harke, I will

tell you what our sport shall be.

Host.
[705]
Hast thou no suit against my Knight? my guest‑ Caualeire?
Shal.

None, I protest: but Ile giue you a pottle of

burn'd sacke, to giue me recourse to him, and tell him

my name is Broome: onely for a iest.

Host.

My hand, (Bully:) thou shalt haue egresse and

[710]

regresse, (said I well?) and thy name shall be Broome. It

is a merry Knight: will you goe An‑heires?

Shal. Haue with you mine Host. Page. I haue heard the Frenchߛman hath good skill in his Rapier. Shal.

Tut sir: I could haue told you more: In these

[715]

times you stand on distance: your Passes, Stoccado's, and

I know not what: 'tis the heart (Master Page) 'tis heere,

'tis heere: I haue seene the time, with my long‑sword, I

would haue made you fowre tall fellowes skippe like

Rattes.

Host.
[720]
Heere boyes, heere, heere: shall we wag?
Page. Haue with you: I had rather heare them scold, then fight. Ford.

Though Page be a secure foole, and stands so

firmely on his wiues frailty; yet, I cannot put‑off my o­

pinion so easily: she was in his company at Pages house:

[725]

and what they made there, I know not. Well, I wil looke

further into't, and I haue a disguise, to sound Falstaffe; if

I finde her honest, I loose not my labor: if she be other­

wise, 'tis labour well bestowed.

Exeunt.
Scœna Secunda [Act 2, Scene 2] Enter Falstaffe, Pistoll, Robin, Quickly, Bardolffe, Ford. Fal. I will not lend thee a penny. Pist.
[730]
Why then the world's mine Oyster, which I, with sword will open.
Fal.

Not a penny: I haue beene content (Sir,) you

should lay my countenance to pawne: I haue grated vp­

on my good friends for three Repreeues for you, and

your Coach‑fellow Nim; or else you had look'd through

[735]

the grate, like a Geminy of Baboones: I am damn'd in

hell, for swearing to Gentlemen my friends, you were

good Souldiers, and tall‑fellowes. And when Mistresse

Briget lost the handle of her Fan, I took't vpon mine ho­

nour thou hadst it not.

Pist.
[740]
Didst not thou share? hadst thou not fifteene pence?
Fal.

Reason, you roague, reason: thinkst thou Ile en­

danger my soule, gratis? at a word, hang no more about

mee, I am no gibbet for you: goe, a short knife, and a

throng, to your Mannor of Pickt‑hatch: goe, you'll not

[745]

beare a Letter for mee you roague? you stand vpon your

honor: why, (thou vnconfinable basenesse) it is as much

as I can doe to keepe the termes of my honor precise:

I, I, I my selfe sometimes, leauing the feare of heauen on

the left hand, and hiding mine honor in my necessity, am

[750]

faine to shufflle: to hedge, and to lurch, and yet, you

Rogue, will en‑sconce your raggs; your Cat‑a‑Moun­

taine‑lookes, your red‑lattice phrases, and your bold‑

beating‑oathes, vnder the shelter of your honor? you

will not doe it? you?

Pist.
[755]
I doe relent: what would thou more of man?
Robin. Sir, here's a woman would speake with you. Fal. Let her approach. Qui. Giue your worship good morrow. Fal. Good‑morrow, good‑wife. Qui.
[760]
Not so, and't please your worship.
Fal. Good maid then. Qui. Ile be sworne, As my mother was the first houre I was borne. Fal. I doe beleeue the swearer; what with me? Qui.
[765]
Shall I vouch‑safe your worship a word, or two?
Fal. Two thousand (faire woman) and ile vouchsafe thee the hearing. Qui.

There is one Mistresse Ford, (Sir) I pray come a

little neerer this waies: I my selfe dwell with M. Doctor

Caius:

Fal.
[770]
Well, on; Mistresse Ford, you say.
Qui.

Your worship saies very true: I pray your wor­

ship come a little neerer this waies.

Fal.

I warrant thee, no‑bodie heares: mine owne

people, mine owne people

Qui.
[775]

Are they so? heauen‑blesse them, and make

them his Seruants.

Fal. Well; Mistresse Ford, what of her? Qui.

Why, Sir; shee's a good‑creature; Lord, Lord,

your Worship's a wanton: well: heauen forgiue you,

[780]

and all of vs, I pray—

Fal. Mistresse Ford: come, Mistresse Ford. Qui.

Marry this is the short, and the long of it: you

haue brought her into such a Canaries, as 'tis wonder­

full: the best Courtier of them all (when the Court lay

[785]

at Windsor) could neuer haue brought her to such a Ca­

narie: yet there has beene Knights, and Lords, and Gen­

tlemen, with their Coaches; I warrant you Coach after

Coach, letter after letter, gift after gift, smelling so sweet­

ly; all Muske, and so rushling, I warrant you, in silke

[790]

and golde, and in such alligant termes, and in such wine

and suger of the best, and the fairest, that would haue

wonne any womans heart: and I warrant you, they could

neuer get an eyeߛwinke of her: I had my selfe twentie

Angels giuen me this morning, but I defie all Angels (in

[795]

any such sort, as they say) but in the way of honesty: and

I warrant you, they could neuer get her so much as sippe

on a cup with the prowdest of them all, and yet there has

beene Earles: nay, (which is more) Pentioners, but I

warrant you all is one with her.

Fal.
[800]
But what saies shee to mee? be briefe my good shee‑ Mercurie.
Qui.

Marry, she hath receiu'd your Letter: for the

which she thankes you a thousand times; and she giues

you to notifie, that her husband will be absence from his

house, betweene ten and eleuen.

Fal.
[805]
Ten, and eleuen.
Qui.

I, forsooth: and then you may come and see the

picture (she sayes) that you wot of: Master Ford her hus­

band will be from home: alas, the sweet woman leades

an ill life with him: hee's a very iealousie‑man; she leads

[810]

a very frampold life with him, (good hart.)

Fal. Ten, and eleuen. Woman

Right Column


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Scœna Secunda [Act 2, Scene 2] Enter Falstaffe, Pistoll, Robin, Quickly, Bardolffe, Ford. Fal. I will not lend thee a penny. Pist.
[730]
Why then the world's mine Oyster, which I, with sword will open.
Fal.

Not a penny: I haue beene content (Sir,) you

should lay my countenance to pawne: I haue grated vp­

on my good friends for three Repreeues for you, and

your Coach‑fellow Nim; or else you had look'd through

[735]

the grate, like a Geminy of Baboones: I am damn'd in

hell, for swearing to Gentlemen my friends, you were

good Souldiers, and tall‑fellowes. And when Mistresse

Briget lost the handle of her Fan, I took't vpon mine ho­

nour thou hadst it not.

Pist.
[740]
Didst not thou share? hadst thou not fifteene pence?
Fal.

Reason, you roague, reason: thinkst thou Ile en­

danger my soule, gratis? at a word, hang no more about

mee, I am no gibbet for you: goe, a short knife, and a

throng, to your Mannor of Pickt‑hatch: goe, you'll not

[745]

beare a Letter for mee you roague? you stand vpon your

honor: why, (thou vnconfinable basenesse) it is as much

as I can doe to keepe the termes of my honor precise:

I, I, I my selfe sometimes, leauing the feare of heauen on

the left hand, and hiding mine honor in my necessity, am

[750]

faine to shufflle: to hedge, and to lurch, and yet, you

Rogue, will en‑sconce your raggs; your Cat‑a‑Moun­

taine‑lookes, your red‑lattice phrases, and your bold‑

beating‑oathes, vnder the shelter of your honor? you

will not doe it? you?

Pist.
[755]
I doe relent: what would thou more of man?
Robin. Sir, here's a woman would speake with you. Fal. Let her approach. Qui. Giue your worship good morrow. Fal. Good‑morrow, good‑wife. Qui.
[760]
Not so, and't please your worship.
Fal. Good maid then. Qui. Ile be sworne, As my mother was the first houre I was borne. Fal. I doe beleeue the swearer; what with me? Qui.
[765]
Shall I vouch‑safe your worship a word, or two?
Fal. Two thousand (faire woman) and ile vouchsafe thee the hearing. Qui.

There is one Mistresse Ford, (Sir) I pray come a

little neerer this waies: I my selfe dwell with M. Doctor

Caius:

Fal.
[770]
Well, on; Mistresse Ford, you say.
Qui.

Your worship saies very true: I pray your wor­

ship come a little neerer this waies.

Fal.

I warrant thee, no‑bodie heares: mine owne

people, mine owne people

Qui.
[775]

Are they so? heauen‑blesse them, and make

them his Seruants.

Fal. Well; Mistresse Ford, what of her? Qui.

Why, Sir; shee's a good‑creature; Lord, Lord,

your Worship's a wanton: well: heauen forgiue you,

[780]

and all of vs, I pray—

Fal. Mistresse Ford: come, Mistresse Ford. Qui.

Marry this is the short, and the long of it: you

haue brought her into such a Canaries, as 'tis wonder­

full: the best Courtier of them all (when the Court lay

[785]

at Windsor) could neuer haue brought her to such a Ca­

narie: yet there has beene Knights, and Lords, and Gen­

tlemen, with their Coaches; I warrant you Coach after

Coach, letter after letter, gift after gift, smelling so sweet­

ly; all Muske, and so rushling, I warrant you, in silke

[790]

and golde, and in such alligant termes, and in such wine

and suger of the best, and the fairest, that would haue

wonne any womans heart: and I warrant you, they could

neuer get an eyeߛwinke of her: I had my selfe twentie

Angels giuen me this morning, but I defie all Angels (in

[795]

any such sort, as they say) but in the way of honesty: and

I warrant you, they could neuer get her so much as sippe

on a cup with the prowdest of them all, and yet there has

beene Earles: nay, (which is more) Pentioners, but I

warrant you all is one with her.

Fal.
[800]
But what saies shee to mee? be briefe my good shee‑ Mercurie.
Qui.

Marry, she hath receiu'd your Letter: for the

which she thankes you a thousand times; and she giues

you to notifie, that her husband will be absence from his

house, betweene ten and eleuen.

Fal.
[805]
Ten, and eleuen.
Qui.

I, forsooth: and then you may come and see the

picture (she sayes) that you wot of: Master Ford her hus­

band will be from home: alas, the sweet woman leades

an ill life with him: hee's a very iealousie‑man; she leads

[810]

a very frampold life with him, (good hart.)

Fal. Ten, and eleuen. Woman, commend me to her, I will not faile her. Qui.

Why, you say well: But I haue another messen­

ger to your worship: Mistresse Page hath her heartie

[815]

commendations to you to: and let mee tell you in your

eare, shee's as fartuous a ciuill modest wife, and one (I

tell you) that will not misse you morning nor euening

prayer, as any is in Windsor, who ere bee the other: and

shee bade me tell your worship, that her husband is sel­

[820]

dome from home, but she hopes there will come a time.

I neuer knew a woman so doate vpon a man; surely I

thinke you haue charmes, la: yes in truth.

Fal.

Not I, I assure thee; setting the attraction of my

good parts aside, I haue no other charmes.

Qui.
[825]
Blessing on your heart for't.
Fal.

But I pray thee tell me this: has Fords wife, and

Pages wife acquainted each other, how they loue me?

Qui.

That were a iest indeed: they haue not so little

grace I hope, that were a tricke indeed: But Mistris Page

[830]

would desire you to send her your little Page of al loues:

her husband has a maruellous infectiōinfection to the little Page:

and truely Master Page is an honest man: neuer a wife in

Windsor leades a better life then she do's: doe what shee

will, say what she will, take all, pay all, goe to bed when

[835]

she list, rise when she list, all is as she will: and truly she

deserues it; for if there be a kinde woman in Windsor, she

is one: you must send her your Page, no remedie.

Fal. Why, I will. Qu.

Nay, but doe so then, and looke you, hee may

[840]

come and goe betweene you both: and in any case haue

a nay‑word, that you may know one anothers minde,

and the Boy neuer neede to vnderstand any thing; for'

tis not good that children should know any wickednes:

olde folkes you know, haue discretion, as they say, and

[845]

know the world.

Fal.

Farethee‑well, commend mee to them both:

there's my purse, I am yet thy debter: Boy, goe along

with this woman, this newes distracts me.

Pist. This Puncke is one of Cupids Carriers,
[850]
Clap on more sailes, pursue: vp with your fights: Giue fire: she is my prize, or Ocean whelme them all.
Fal.

Saist thou so (old Iacke) go thy waies: Ile make

more of thy olde body then I haue done: will they yet

looke after thee? wilt thou after the expence of so much

[855]

money, be now a gainer? good Body, I thanke thee: let

them say 'tis grossely done, so it bee fairely done, no

matter.

Bar.

Sir Iohn, there's one Master Broome below would

faine speake with you, and be acquainted with you; and

[860]

hath sent your worship a mornings draught of Sacke.

Fal. Broome is his name? Bar. I Sir. Fal.

Call him in: such Broomes are welcome to mee,

that ore'flowes such liquor: ah ha, Mistresse Ford and Mi­

[865]

stresse Page, haue I encompass'd you? goe to, via.

Ford. 'Blesse you sir. Fal. And you sir: would you speake with me? Ford.

I make bold, to presse, with so little prepara­

tion vpon you.

Fal.
[870]
You'r welcome, what's your will? giue vs leaue Drawer.
Ford. Sir, I am a Gentleman that haue spent much, my name is Broome. Fal. Good Master Broome, I desire more acquaintance of you. Ford.

Good Sir Iohn, I sue for yours: not to charge

you, for I must let you vnderstand, I thinke my selfe in

[875]

better plight for a Lender, then you are: the which hath

something emboldned me to this vnseason'd intrusion:

for they say, if money goe before, all waies doe lye

open.

Fal. Money is a good Souldier (Sir) and will on. Ford.
[880]

Troth, and I haue a bag of money heere trou­

bles me: if you will helpe to beare it (Sir Iohn) take all,

or halfe, for easing me of the carriage.

Fal. Sir, I know not how I may deserue to bee your Porter. Ford. I will tell you sir, if you will giue mee the hea­ ring. Fal.
[885]

Speake (good Master Broome) I shall be glad to

be your Seruant.

Ford.

Sir, I heare you are a Scholler: (I will be briefe

with you) and you haue been a man long knowne to me,

though I had neuer so good means as desire, to make my

[890]

selfe acquainted with you. I shall discouer a thing to

you, wherein I must very much lay open mine owne im­

perfection: but (good Sir Iohn) as you haue one eye vp­

on my follies, as you heare them vnfolded, turne another

into the Register of your owne, that I may passe with a

[895]

reproofe the easier, sith you your selfe know how easie it

is to be such an offender.

Fal. Very well Sir, proceed. Ford. There is a Gentlewoman in this Towne, her husbands name is Ford. Fal. Well Sir. Ford.
[900]

I haue long lou'd her, and I protest to you, be­

stowed much on her: followed her with a doating ob­

seruance: Ingross'd opportunities to meete her: fee'd e­

uery slight occasion that could but nigardly giue mee

sight of her: not only bought many presents to giue her,

[905]

but haue giuen largely to many, to know what shee

would haue giuen: briefly, I haue pursu'd her, as Loue

hath pursued mee, which hath beene on the wing of all

occasions: but whatsoeuer I haue merited, either in my

minde, or in my meanes, meede I am sure I haue receiued

[910]

none, vnlesse Experience be a Iewell, that I haue purcha­

sed at an infinite rate, and that hath taught mee to say

this,

“Loue like a shadow flies, when substance Loue pursues, “Pursuing that that flies, and flying what pursues.
Fal.
[915]
Haue you receiu'd no promise of satisfaction at her hands?
Ford. Neuer. Fal. Haue you importun'd her to such a purpose? Ford. Neuer. Fal. Of what qualitie was your loue then? Ford.
[920]

Like a fair house, built on another mans ground,

so that I haue lost my edifice, by mistaking the place,

where I erected it.

Fal. To what purpose haue you vnfolded this to me? For.

When I haue told you that, I haue told you all:

[925]

Some say, that though she appeare honest to mee, yet in

other places shee enlargeth her mirth so farre, that there

is shrewd construction made of her. Now (Sir Iohn) here

is the heart of my purpose: you are a gentleman of ex­

cellent breeding, admirable discourse, of great admit­

[930]

tance, authenticke in your place and person, generally

allow'd for your many war⸗like, court‑like, and learned

preparations.

Fal. O Sir. Ford.

Beleeue it, for you know it: there is money,

[935]

spend it, spend it, spend more; spend all I haue, onely

giue me so much of your time in enchange of it, as to lay

an amiable siege to the honesty of this Fords wife: vse

your Art of wooing; win her to consent to you: if any

man may, you may as soone as any.

Fal.
[940]

Would it apply well to the vehemency of your

affection that I should win what you would enioy? Me­

thinkes you prescribe to your selfe very preposterously.

Ford.

O, vnderstand my drift: she dwells so securely

on the excellency of her honor, that the folly of my soule

[945]

dares not present it selfe: shee is too bright to be look'd

against. Now, could I come to her with any detection

in my hand; my desires had instance and argument to

commend themselues, I could driue her then from the

ward of her purity, her reputation, her marriage‑vow,

[950]

and a thousand other her defences, which now are too‑

too strongly embattaild against me: what say you too't,

Sir Iohn?

Fal.

Master Broome, I will first make bold with your

money: next, giue mee your hand: and last, as I am a

[955]

gentleman, you shall, if you will, enioy Fords wife.

Ford. O good Sir. Fal. I say you shall. Ford. Want no money (Sir Iohn) you shall want none. Fal.

Want no Mistresse Ford (Master Broome) you shall

[960]

want none: I shall be with her (I may tell you) by her

owne appointment, euen as you came in to me, her assi­

stant, or goe‑betweene, parted from me: I say I shall be

with her betweene ten and eleuen: for at that time the

iealious‑rascally‑knaue her husband will be forth: come

[965]

you to me at night, you shall know how I speed.

Ford. I am blest in your acquaintance: do you know Ford Sir? Fal.

Hang him (poore Cuckoldly knaue) I know

him not: yet I wrong him to call him poore: They say

the iealous wittolly‑knaue hath masses of money, for

[970]

the which his wife seemes to me well‑fauourd: I will vse

her as the key of the Cuckoldly‑rogues Coffer, & ther's

my haruest‑home.

Ford.

I would you knew Ford, sir, that you might a­

uoid him, if you saw him.

Fal.
[975]

Hang him, mechanicall‑salt‑butter rogue; I wil

stare him out of his wits: I will awe‑him with my cud­

gell: it shall hang like a Meteor ore the Cuckolds horns:

Master Broome, thou shalt know, I will predominate o­

uer the pezant, and thou shalt lye with his wife. Come

[980]

to me soone at night: Ford's a knaue, and I will aggra­

uate his stile: thou (Master Broome) shalt know him for

knaue, and Cuckold. Come to me soone at night.

Ford.

What a damn'd EpicurianߛRascall is this? my

heart is ready to cracke with impatience: who saies this is

[985]

improuident iealousie? my wife hath sent to him, the

howre is fixt, the match is made: would any man haue

thought this? see the hell of hauing a false woman: my

bed shall be abus'd, my Coffers ransack'd, my reputati­

on gnawne at, and I shall not onely receiue this villainous

[990]

wrong, but stand vnder the adoption of abhominable

termes, and by him that does mee this wrong: Termes,

names: Amaimon sounds well: Lucifer, well: Barbason,

well: yet they are Diuels additions, the names of fiends:

But Cuckold, Wittoll, Cuckold? the Diuell himselfe

[995]

hath not such a name. Page is an Asse, a secure Asse; hee

will trust his wife, hee will not be iealous: I will rather

trust a Fleming with my butter, Parson Hugh the Welsh­ man with my Cheese, an Irish‑man with my Aqua‑vitæ‑bottle,

or a Theefe to walke my ambling gelding, then

[1000]

my wife with her selfe. Then she plots, then shee rumi­

nates, then shee deuises: and what they thinke in their

hearts they may effect; they will breake their hearts but

they will effect. Heauen bee prais'd for my iealousie:

eleuen o'clocke the howre, I will preuent this, detect

[1005]

my wife, bee reueng'd on Falstaffe, and laugh at Page. I

will about it, better three houres too soone, then a my­

nute too late: fie, fie, fie: Cuckold, Cuckold, Cuckold.

Exti.
 

Download the digital text of the play

                                
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<div type="scene" n="2">
   <head rend="italic center">Scœna Secunda</head>
   <head type="supplied">[Act 2, Scene 2]</head>
   <stage rend="center" type="entrance">
      <hi rend="italic">Enter</hi>Falstaffe, Pistoll, Robin, Quickly, Bardolffe,
      <lb/>Ford.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="729">I will not lend thee a penny.</l>
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   <sp who="#F-wiv-pis">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pist.</speaker>
      <l n="730">Why then the world's mine Oyster, which I,
      <lb/>with sword will open.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="731">Not a penny: I haue beene content (Sir,) you
      <lb n="732"/>should lay my countenance to pawne: I haue grated vp­
      <lb n="733"/>on my good friends for three Repreeues for you, and
      <lb n="734"/>your Coach‑fellow<hi rend="italic">Nim</hi>; or else you had look'd through
      <lb n="735"/>the grate, like a Geminy of Baboones: I am damn'd in
      <lb n="736"/>hell, for swearing to Gentlemen my friends, you were
      <lb n="737"/>good Souldiers, and tall‑fellowes. And when Mistresse
      <lb n="738"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Briget</hi>lost the handle of her Fan, I took't vpon mine ho­
      <lb n="739"/>nour thou hadst it not.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pis">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pist.</speaker>
      <l n="740">Didst not thou share? hadst thou not fifteene
      <lb/>pence?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="741">Reason, you roague, reason: thinkst thou Ile en­
      <lb n="742"/>danger my soule,<hi rend="italic">gratis</hi>? at a word, hang no more about
      <lb n="743"/>mee, I am no gibbet for you: goe, a short knife, and a
      <lb n="744"/>throng, to your Mannor of<hi rend="italic">Pickt‑hatch</hi>: goe, you'll not
      <lb n="745"/>beare a Letter for mee you roague? you stand vpon your
      <lb n="746"/>honor: why, (thou vnconfinable basenesse) it is as much
      <lb n="747"/>as I can doe to keepe the termes of my honor precise:
      <lb n="748"/>I, I, I my selfe sometimes, leauing the feare of heauen on<cb n="1"/>
         
      <lb n="749"/>the left hand, and hiding mine honor in my necessity, am
      <lb n="750"/>faine to shufflle: to hedge, and to lurch, and yet, you
      <lb n="751"/>Rogue, will en‑sconce your raggs; your Cat‑a‑Moun­
      <lb n="752"/>taine‑lookes, your red‑lattice phrases, and your bold‑
      <lb n="753"/>beating‑oathes, vnder the shelter of your honor? you
      <lb n="754"/>will not doe it? you?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pis">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pist.</speaker>
      <l n="755">I doe relent: what would thou more of man?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-rob">
      <speaker rend="italic">Robin.</speaker>
      <l n="756">Sir, here's a woman would speake with you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="757">Let her approach.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <l n="758">Giue your worship good morrow.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="759">Good‑morrow, good‑wife.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <l n="760">Not so, and't please your worship.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="761">Good maid then.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <l n="762">Ile be sworne,</l>
      <l n="763">As my mother was the first houre I was borne.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="764">I doe beleeue the swearer; what with me?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <l n="765">Shall I vouch‑safe your worship a word, or
      <lb/>two?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="766">Two thousand (faire woman) and ile vouchsafe
      <lb/>thee the hearing.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <p n="767">There is one Mistresse<hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>, (Sir) I pray come a
      <lb n="768"/>little neerer this waies: I my selfe dwell with M. Doctor
      <lb n="769"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Caius</hi>:</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="770">Well, on; Mistresse<hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>, you say.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <p n="771">Your worship saies very true: I pray your wor­
      <lb n="772"/>ship come a little neerer this waies.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="773">I warrant thee, no‑bodie heares: mine owne
      <lb n="774"/>people, mine owne people</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <p n="775">Are they so? heauen‑blesse them, and make
      <lb n="776"/>them his Seruants.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="777">Well; Mistresse<hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>, what of her?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <p n="778">Why, Sir; shee's a good‑creature; Lord, Lord,
      <lb n="779"/>your Worship's a wanton: well: heauen forgiue you,
      <lb n="780"/>and all of vs, I pray—</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="781">Mistresse<hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>: come, Mistresse<hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <p n="782">Marry this is the short, and the long of it: you
      <lb n="783"/>haue brought her into such a Canaries, as 'tis wonder­
      <lb n="784"/>full: the best Courtier of them all (when the Court lay
      <lb n="785"/>at<hi rend="italic">Windsor</hi>) could neuer haue brought her to such a Ca­
      <lb n="786"/>narie: yet there has beene Knights, and Lords, and Gen­
      <lb n="787"/>tlemen, with their Coaches; I warrant you Coach after
      <lb n="788"/>Coach, letter after letter, gift after gift, smelling so sweet­
      <lb n="789"/>ly; all Muske, and so rushling, I warrant you, in silke
      <lb n="790"/>and golde, and in such alligant termes, and in such wine
      <lb n="791"/>and suger of the best, and the fairest, that would haue
      <lb n="792"/>wonne any womans heart: and I warrant you, they could
      <lb n="793"/>neuer get an eyeߛwinke of her: I had my selfe twentie
      <lb n="794"/>Angels giuen me this morning, but I defie all Angels (in
      <lb n="795"/>any such sort, as they say) but in the way of honesty: and
      <lb n="796"/>I warrant you, they could neuer get her so much as sippe
      <lb n="797"/>on a cup with the prowdest of them all, and yet there has
      <lb n="798"/>beene Earles: nay, (which is more) Pentioners, but I
      <lb n="799"/>warrant you all is one with her.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="800">But what saies shee to mee? be briefe my good
      <lb/>shee‑<hi rend="italic">Mercurie</hi>.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <p n="801">Marry, she hath receiu'd your Letter: for the
      <lb n="802"/>which she thankes you a thousand times; and she giues
      <lb n="803"/>you to notifie, that her husband will be absence from his
      <lb n="804"/>house, betweene ten and eleuen.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="805">Ten, and eleuen.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <p n="806">I, forsooth: and then you may come and see the
      <lb n="807"/>picture (she sayes) that you wot of: Master Ford her hus­
      <lb n="808"/>band will be from home: alas, the sweet woman leades
      <lb n="809"/>an ill life with him: hee's a very iealousie‑man; she leads
      <lb n="810"/>a very frampold life with him, (good hart.)</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="811">Ten, and eleuen.</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0066-0.jpg" n="46"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="812">Woman, commend me to her, I will not faile her.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <p n="813">Why, you say well: But I haue another messen­
      <lb n="814"/>ger to your worship: Mistresse<hi rend="italic">Page</hi>hath her heartie
      <lb n="815"/>commendations to you to: and let mee tell you in your
      <lb n="816"/>eare, shee's as fartuous a ciuill modest wife, and one (I
      <lb n="817"/>tell you) that will not misse you morning nor euening
      <lb n="818"/>prayer, as any is in<hi rend="italic">Windsor</hi>, who ere bee the other: and
      <lb n="819"/>shee bade me tell your worship, that her husband is sel­
      <lb n="820"/>dome from home, but she hopes there will come a time.
      <lb n="821"/>I neuer knew a woman so doate vpon a man; surely I
      <lb n="822"/>thinke you haue charmes, la: yes in truth.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="823">Not I, I assure thee; setting the attraction of my
      <lb n="824"/>good parts aside, I haue no other charmes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <l n="825">Blessing on your heart for't.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="826">But I pray thee tell me this: has<hi rend="italic">Fords</hi>wife, and
      <lb n="827"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Pages</hi>wife acquainted each other, how they loue me?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <p n="828">That were a iest indeed: they haue not so little
      <lb n="829"/>grace I hope, that were a tricke indeed: But Mistris<hi rend="italic">Page</hi>
         
      <lb n="830"/>would desire you to send her your little Page of al loues:
      <lb n="831"/>her husband has a maruellous<choice>
            <abbr>infectiō</abbr>
            <expan>infection</expan>
         </choice>to the little Page:
      <lb n="832"/>and truely Master<hi rend="italic">Page</hi>is an honest man: neuer a wife in
      <lb n="833"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Windsor</hi>leades a better life then she do's: doe what shee
      <lb n="834"/>will, say what she will, take all, pay all, goe to bed when
      <lb n="835"/>she list, rise when she list, all is as she will: and truly she
      <lb n="836"/>deserues it; for if there be a kinde woman in<hi rend="italic">Windsor</hi>, she
      <lb n="837"/>is one: you must send her your Page, no remedie.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="838">Why, I will.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <p n="839">Nay, but doe so then, and looke you, hee may
      <lb n="840"/>come and goe betweene you both: and in any case haue
      <lb n="841"/>a nay‑word, that you may know one anothers minde,
      <lb n="842"/>and the Boy neuer neede to vnderstand any thing; for'
      <lb n="843"/>tis not good that children should know any wickednes:
      <lb n="844"/>olde folkes you know, haue discretion, as they say, and
      <lb n="845"/>know the world.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="846">Farethee‑well, commend mee to them both:
      <lb n="847"/>there's my purse, I am yet thy debter: Boy, goe along
      <lb n="848"/>with this woman, this newes distracts me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pis">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pist.</speaker>
      <l n="849">This Puncke is one of<hi rend="italic">Cupids</hi>Carriers,</l>
      <l n="850">Clap on more sailes, pursue: vp with your fights:</l>
      <l n="851">Giue fire: she is my prize, or Ocean whelme them all.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="852">Saist thou so (old<hi rend="italic">Iacke</hi>) go thy waies: Ile make
      <lb n="853"/>more of thy olde body then I haue done: will they yet
      <lb n="854"/>looke after thee? wilt thou after the expence of so much
      <lb n="855"/>money, be now a gainer? good Body, I thanke thee: let
      <lb n="856"/>them say 'tis grossely done, so it bee fairely done, no
      <lb n="857"/>matter.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-bar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bar.</speaker>
      <p n="858">Sir<hi rend="italic">Iohn</hi>, there's one Master<hi rend="italic">Broome</hi>below would
      <lb n="859"/>faine speake with you, and be acquainted with you; and
      <lb n="860"/>hath sent your worship a mornings draught of Sacke.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="861">
         <hi rend="italic">Broome</hi>is his name?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-bar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bar.</speaker>
      <l n="862">I Sir.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="863">Call him in: such<hi rend="italic">Broomes</hi>are welcome to mee,
      <lb n="864"/>that ore'flowes such liquor: ah ha, Mistresse<hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>and Mi­
      <lb n="865"/>stresse<hi rend="italic">Page</hi>, haue I encompass'd you? goe to,<hi rend="italic">via</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="866">'Blesse you sir.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="867">And you sir: would you speake with me?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="868">I make bold, to presse, with so little prepara­
      <lb n="869"/>tion vpon you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="870">You'r welcome, what's your will? giue vs leaue
      <lb/>Drawer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="871">Sir, I am a Gentleman that haue spent much,
      <lb/>my name is<hi rend="italic">Broome</hi>.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="872">Good Master<hi rend="italic">Broome</hi>, I desire more acquaintance
      <lb/>of you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="873">Good Sir<hi rend="italic">Iohn</hi>, I sue for yours: not to charge
      <lb n="874"/>you, for I must let you vnderstand, I thinke my selfe in<cb n="2"/>
         
      <lb n="875"/>better plight for a Lender, then you are: the which hath
      <lb n="876"/>something emboldned me to this vnseason'd intrusion:
      <lb n="877"/>for they say, if money goe before, all waies doe lye
      <lb n="878"/>open.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="879">Money is a good Souldier (Sir) and will on.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="880">Troth, and I haue a bag of money heere trou­
      <lb n="881"/>bles me: if you will helpe to beare it (Sir<hi rend="italic">Iohn</hi>) take all,
      <lb n="882"/>or halfe, for easing me of the carriage.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="883">Sir, I know not how I may deserue to bee your
      <lb/>Porter.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="884">I will tell you sir, if you will giue mee the hea­
      <lb/>ring.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="885">Speake (good Master<hi rend="italic">Broome</hi>) I shall be glad to
      <lb n="886"/>be your Seruant.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="887">Sir, I heare you are a Scholler: (I will be briefe
      <lb n="888"/>with you) and you haue been a man long knowne to me,
      <lb n="889"/>though I had neuer so good means as desire, to make my
      <lb n="890"/>selfe acquainted with you. I shall discouer a thing to
      <lb n="891"/>you, wherein I must very much lay open mine owne im­
      <lb n="892"/>perfection: but (good Sir<hi rend="italic">Iohn</hi>) as you haue one eye vp­
      <lb n="893"/>on my follies, as you heare them vnfolded, turne another
      <lb n="894"/>into the Register of your owne, that I may passe with a
      <lb n="895"/>reproofe the easier, sith you your selfe know how easie it
      <lb n="896"/>is to be such an offender.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="897">Very well Sir, proceed.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="898">There is a Gentlewoman in this Towne, her
      <lb/>husbands name is<hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="899">Well Sir.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="900">I haue long lou'd her, and I protest to you, be­
      <lb n="901"/>stowed much on her: followed her with a doating ob­
      <lb n="902"/>seruance: Ingross'd opportunities to meete her: fee'd e­
      <lb n="903"/>uery slight occasion that could but nigardly giue mee
      <lb n="904"/>sight of her: not only bought many presents to giue her,
      <lb n="905"/>but haue giuen largely to many, to know what shee
      <lb n="906"/>would haue giuen: briefly, I haue pursu'd her, as Loue
      <lb n="907"/>hath pursued mee, which hath beene on the wing of all
      <lb n="908"/>occasions: but whatsoeuer I haue merited, either in my
      <lb n="909"/>minde, or in my meanes, meede I am sure I haue receiued
      <lb n="910"/>none, vnlesse Experience be a Iewell, that I haue purcha­
      <lb n="911"/>sed at an infinite rate, and that hath taught mee to say
      <lb n="912"/>this,</p>
      <l rend="italic" n="913">“Loue like a shadow flies, when substance Loue pursues,</l>
      <l rend="italic" n="914">“Pursuing that that flies, and flying what pursues.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="915">Haue you receiu'd no promise of satisfaction at
      <lb/>her hands?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="916">Neuer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="917">Haue you importun'd her to such a purpose?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="918">Neuer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="919">Of what qualitie was your loue then?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="920">Like a fair house, built on another mans ground,
      <lb n="921"/>so that I haue lost my edifice, by mistaking the place,
      <lb n="922"/>where I erected it.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="923">To what purpose haue you vnfolded this to me?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">For.</speaker>
      <p n="924">When I haue told you that, I haue told you all:
      <lb n="925"/>Some say, that though she appeare honest to mee, yet in
      <lb n="926"/>other places shee enlargeth her mirth so farre, that there
      <lb n="927"/>is shrewd construction made of her. Now (Sir<hi rend="italic">Iohn</hi>) here
      <lb n="928"/>is the heart of my purpose: you are a gentleman of ex­
      <lb n="929"/>cellent breeding, admirable discourse, of great admit­
      <lb n="930"/>tance, authenticke in your place and person, generally
      <lb n="931"/>allow'd for your many war⸗like, court‑like, and learned
      <lb n="932"/>preparations.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="933">O Sir.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="934">Beleeue it, for you know it: there is money,
      <lb n="935"/>spend it, spend it, spend more; spend all I haue, onely<pb facs="FFimg:axc0067-0.jpg" n="47"/>
         <cb n="1"/>
         
      <lb n="936"/>giue me so much of your time in enchange of it, as to lay
      <lb n="937"/>an amiable siege to the honesty of this<hi rend="italic">Fords</hi>wife: vse
      <lb n="938"/>your Art of wooing; win her to consent to you: if any
      <lb n="939"/>man may, you may as soone as any.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="940">Would it apply well to the vehemency of your
      <lb n="941"/>affection that I should win what you would enioy? Me­
      <lb n="942"/>thinkes you prescribe to your selfe very preposterously.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="943">O, vnderstand my drift: she dwells so securely
      <lb n="944"/>on the excellency of her honor, that the folly of my soule
      <lb n="945"/>dares not present it selfe: shee is too bright to be look'd
      <lb n="946"/>against. Now, could I come to her with any detection
      <lb n="947"/>in my hand; my desires had instance and argument to
      <lb n="948"/>commend themselues, I could driue her then from the
      <lb n="949"/>ward of her purity, her reputation, her marriage‑vow,
      <lb n="950"/>and a thousand other her defences, which now are too‑
      <lb n="951"/>too strongly embattaild against me: what say you too't,
      <lb n="952"/>Sir<hi rend="italic">Iohn</hi>?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="953">Master<hi rend="italic">Broome</hi>, I will first make bold with your
      <lb n="954"/>money: next, giue mee your hand: and last, as I am a
      <lb n="955"/>gentleman, you shall, if you will, enioy<hi rend="italic">Fords</hi>wife.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="956">O good Sir.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <l n="957">I say you shall.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="958">Want no money (Sir<hi rend="italic">Iohn</hi>) you shall want none.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="959">Want no<hi rend="italic">Mistresse Ford</hi>(Master<hi rend="italic">Broome</hi>) you shall
      <lb n="960"/>want none: I shall be with her (I may tell you) by her
      <lb n="961"/>owne appointment, euen as you came in to me, her assi­
      <lb n="962"/>stant, or goe‑betweene, parted from me: I say I shall be
      <lb n="963"/>with her betweene ten and eleuen: for at that time the
      <lb n="964"/>iealious‑rascally‑knaue her husband will be forth: come
      <lb n="965"/>you to me at night, you shall know how I speed.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="966">I am blest in your acquaintance: do you know
      <lb/>
         <hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>Sir?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="967">Hang him (poore Cuckoldly knaue) I know
      <lb n="968"/>him not: yet I wrong him to call him poore: They say
      <lb n="969"/>the iealous wittolly‑knaue hath masses of money, for
      <lb n="970"/>the which his wife seemes to me well‑fauourd: I will vse
      <lb n="971"/>her as the key of the Cuckoldly‑rogues Coffer, &amp; ther's
      <lb n="972"/>my haruest‑home.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="973">I would you knew<hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>, sir, that you might a­
      <lb n="974"/>uoid him, if you saw him.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-fal">
      <speaker rend="italic">Fal.</speaker>
      <p n="975">Hang him, mechanicall‑salt‑butter rogue; I wil
      <lb n="976"/>stare him out of his wits: I will awe‑him with my cud­
      <lb n="977"/>gell: it shall hang like a Meteor ore the Cuckolds horns:
      <lb n="978"/>Master<hi rend="italic">Broome</hi>, thou shalt know, I will predominate o­
      <lb n="979"/>uer the pezant, and thou shalt lye with his wife. Come
      <lb n="980"/>to me soone at night:<hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>'s a knaue, and I will aggra­
      <lb n="981"/>uate his stile: thou (Master<hi rend="italic">Broome</hi>) shalt know him for
      <lb n="982"/>knaue, and Cuckold. Come to me soone at night.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="983">What a damn'd EpicurianߛRascall is this? my
      <lb n="984"/>heart is ready to cracke with impatience: who saies this is
      <lb n="985"/>improuident iealousie? my wife hath sent to him, the
      <lb n="986"/>howre is fixt, the match is made: would any man haue
      <lb n="987"/>thought this? see the hell of hauing a false woman: my
      <lb n="988"/>bed shall be abus'd, my Coffers ransack'd, my reputati­
      <lb n="989"/>on gnawne at, and I shall not onely receiue this villainous
      <lb n="990"/>wrong, but stand vnder the adoption of abhominable
      <lb n="991"/>termes, and by him that does mee this wrong: Termes,
      <lb n="992"/>names:<hi rend="italic">Amaimon</hi>sounds well:<hi rend="italic">Lucifer</hi>, well:<hi rend="italic">Barbason</hi>,
      <lb n="993"/>well: yet they are Diuels additions, the names of fiends:
      <lb n="994"/>But Cuckold, Wittoll, Cuckold? the Diuell himselfe
      <lb n="995"/>hath not such a name.<hi rend="italic">Page</hi>is an Asse, a secure Asse; hee
      <lb n="996"/>will trust his wife, hee will not be iealous: I will rather
      <lb n="997"/>trust a<hi rend="italic">Fleming</hi>with my butter, Parson<hi rend="italic">Hugh</hi>the<hi rend="italic">Welsh­
      <lb n="998"/>man</hi>with my Cheese, an<hi rend="italic">Irish‑man</hi>with my Aqua‑vitæ‑bottle,
      <lb n="999"/>or a Theefe to walke my ambling gelding, then
      <lb n="1000"/>my wife with her selfe. Then she plots, then shee rumi­<cb n="2"/>
         
      <lb n="1001"/>
         <c rend="inverted">n</c>ates, then shee deuises: and what they thinke in their
      <lb n="1002"/>hearts they may effect; they will breake their hearts but
      <lb n="1003"/>they will effect. Heauen bee prais'd for my iealousie:
      <lb n="1004"/>eleuen o'clocke the howre, I will preuent this, detect
      <lb n="1005"/>my wife, bee reueng'd on<hi rend="italic">Falstaffe</hi>, and laugh at<hi rend="italic">Page</hi>. I
      <lb n="1006"/>will about it, better three houres too soone, then a my­
      <lb n="1007"/>nute too late: fie, fie, fie: Cuckold, Cuckold, Cuckold.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exti.</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

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