The Bodleian First Folio

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



Text and Image

Here you can read a digital edition of each play in various views.

Page Image & Text
Digital Text
XML

Reference: D4r - Comedies, p. 43

Left Column


The Merry Wiues of Windsor. Qui.

I am glad he is so quiet: if he had bin through­

[465]

ly moued, you should haue heard him so loud, and so me­

lancholly: but notwithstanding man, Ile doe yoe your

Master what good I can: and the very yea, & the no is, yͤ

French Doctor my Master, (I may call him my Master,

looke you, for I keepe his house; and I wash, ring, brew,

[470]

bake, scowre, dresse meat and drinke, make the beds, and

doe all my selfe.)

Simp.

'Tis a great charge to come vnder one bodies

hand.

Qui.

Are you a‑uis'd o'that? you shall finde it a great

[475]

charge: and to be vp early, and down late: but notwith­

standing, (to tell you in your eare, I wold haue no words

of it) my Master himselfe is in loue with Mistris Anne Page : but notwithstanding that I know Ans mind, that's

neither heere nor there.

Caius.
[480]

You, Iack'Nape: giue‑'a this Letter to Sir

Hugh, by gar it is a shallenge: I will cut his troat in de

Parke, and I will teach a scuruy Iack‑a‑nape Priest to

meddle, or make: — you may be gon: it is not good

you tarry here: by gar I will cut all his two stones: by

[485]

gar, he shall not haue a stone to throw at his dogge.

Qui. Alas: he speakes but for his friend. Caius.

It is no matter 'a ver dat: do not you tell‑a‑me

dat I shall haue Anne Page for my selfe? by gar, I vill

kill de Iack‑Priest: and I haue appointed mine Host of

[490]

de Iarteer to measure our weapon: by gar, I wil my selfe

haue Anne Page.

Qui. Sir, the maid loues you, and all shall bee well: We must giue folkes leaue to prate: what the good‑ier. Caius. Rugby, come to the Court with me: by gar, if I haue not Anne Page, I shall turne your head out of my dore: follow my heeles, Rugby. Qui.
[495]

You shall haue An‑fooles head of your owne:

No, I know Ans mind for that: neuer a woman in Wind­ sor knowes more of Ans minde then I doe, nor can doe

more then I doe with her, I thanke heauen.

Fenton. Who's with in there, hoa? Qui.
[500]
Who's there, I troa? Come neere the house I pray you.
Fen. How now (good woman) how dost thou? Qui. The better that it pleases your good Worship to aske? Fen. What newes? how do's pretty Mistris Anne? Qui.

In truth Sir, and shee is pretty, and honest, and

[505]

gentle, and one that is your friend, I can tell you that by

the way, I praise heauen for it.

Fen. Shall I doe any good thinkst thou? shall I not loose my suit? Qui.

Troth Sir, all is in his hands aboue: but not­

withstanding (Master Fenton) Ile be sworne on a booke

[510]

shee loues you: haue not your Worship a wart aboue

your eye?

Fen. Yes marry haue I, what of that? Qui.

Wel, thereby hangs a tale: good faith, it is such

another Nan; (but (I detest) an honest maid as euer

[515]

broke bread: wee had an howres talke of that wart; I

shall neuer laugh but in that maids company: but (in­

deed) shee is giuen too much to Allicholy and musing:

but for you— well— goe too⸺

Fen.

Well: I shall see her to day: hold, there's mo­

[520]

ney for thee: Let mee haue thy voice in my behalfe: if

thou seest her before me, commend me.⸺

Qui.

Will I? I faith that wee will: And I will tell

your Worship more of the Wart, the next time we haue

confidence, and of other wooers.

Right Column


Fen.
[525]
Well, fare‑well, I am in great haste now.
Qui.

Fare‑well to your Worship: truely an honest

Gentleman: but Anne loues hiim not: for I know Ans

minde as well as another do's: out vpon't: what haue I

forgot.

Exit.
Actus Secundus. Scœna Prima. [Act 2, Scene 1] Enter Mistris Page, Mistris Ford, Master Page, Master Ford, Pistoll, Nim, Quickly, Host, Shallow. Mist.Page.
[530]

What, haue scap'd Loue‑letters in the

holly‑day‑time of my beauty, and am I now a subiect

for them? let me see?

Aske me no reason why I loue you, for though Loue vse Rea­

son for his precisian, hee admits him not for his Counsailour:

[535]

you are not yong, no more am I: goe to then, there's simpathie:

you are merry, so am I: ha, ha, then there's more simpathie:

you loue sacke, and so do I: would you desire better simpathie?

Let it suffice thee (Mistris Page) at the least if the Loue of

Souldier can suffice, that I loue thee: I will not say pitty mee,

[540]

'tis not a Souldier‑like phrase; but I say, loue me:

By me, thine owne true Knight, by day or night: Or any kinde of light, with all his might, For thee to fight. Iohn Falstaffe. What a Herod of Iurie is this? O wicked, wicked world:
[545]
One that is well‑nye worne to peeces with age To show himselfe a yong Gallant? What an vnwaied Behauiour hath this Flemish drunkard pickt (with The Deuills name) out of my conuersation, that he dares In this manner assay me? why, hee hath not beene thrice
[550]
In my Company: what should I say to him? I was then Frugall of my mirth: (heauen forgiue mee:) why Ile Exhibit a Bill in the Parliament for the putting downe of men: how shall I be reueng'd on him? for reueng'd I will be? as sure as his guts are made of puddings.
Mis.Ford.
[555]
Mistris Page, trust me, I was going to your house.
Mis.Page. And trust me, I was comming to you: you looke very ill. Mis.Ford. Nay Ile nere beleeee that; I haue to shew to the contrary. Mis.Page. 'Faith but you doe in my minde. Mis.Ford.

Well: I doe then: yet I say, I could shew

[560]

you to the contrary: O Mistris Page, giue mee some

counsaile.

Mis.Page. What's the matter, woman? Mi.Ford. O woman: if it were not for one trifling re­ spect,I could come to such honour. Mi.Page.

Hang the trifle (woman) take the honour:

[565]

what is it? dispence with trifles: what is it?

Mi.Ford.

If I would but goe to hell, for an eternall

moment, or so: I could be knighted.

Mi.Page.

What thou liest? Sir Alice Ford? these

Knights will hacke, and so thou shouldst not alter the ar­

[570]

ticle of thy Gentry.

Mi.Ford.

Wee burne day‑light: heere, read, read:

perceiue how I might bee knighted, I shall thinke the

worse of fat men, as long as I haue an eye to make diffe­

rence of mens liking: and yet hee would not sweare: praise

Download the digital text and images of the play



 
Actus Secundus. Scœna Prima. [Act 2, Scene 1] Enter Mistris Page, Mistris Ford, Master Page, Master Ford, Pistoll, Nim, Quickly, Host, Shallow. Mist.Page.
[530]

What, haue scap'd Loue‑letters in the

holly‑day‑time of my beauty, and am I now a subiect

for them? let me see?

Aske me no reason why I loue you, for though Loue vse Rea­

son for his precisian, hee admits him not for his Counsailour:

[535]

you are not yong, no more am I: goe to then, there's simpathie:

you are merry, so am I: ha, ha, then there's more simpathie:

you loue sacke, and so do I: would you desire better simpathie?

Let it suffice thee (Mistris Page) at the least if the Loue of

Souldier can suffice, that I loue thee: I will not say pitty mee,

[540]

'tis not a Souldier‑like phrase; but I say, loue me:

By me, thine owne true Knight, by day or night: Or any kinde of light, with all his might, For thee to fight. Iohn Falstaffe. What a Herod of Iurie is this? O wicked, wicked world:
[545]
One that is well‑nye worne to peeces with age To show himselfe a yong Gallant? What an vnwaied Behauiour hath this Flemish drunkard pickt (with The Deuills name) out of my conuersation, that he dares In this manner assay me? why, hee hath not beene thrice
[550]
In my Company: what should I say to him? I was then Frugall of my mirth: (heauen forgiue mee:) why Ile Exhibit a Bill in the Parliament for the putting downe of men: how shall I be reueng'd on him? for reueng'd I will be? as sure as his guts are made of puddings.
Mis.Ford.
[555]
Mistris Page, trust me, I was going to your house.
Mis.Page. And trust me, I was comming to you: you looke very ill. Mis.Ford. Nay Ile nere beleeee that; I haue to shew to the contrary. Mis.Page. 'Faith but you doe in my minde. Mis.Ford.

Well: I doe then: yet I say, I could shew

[560]

you to the contrary: O Mistris Page, giue mee some

counsaile.

Mis.Page. What's the matter, woman? Mi.Ford. O woman: if it were not for one trifling re­ spect,I could come to such honour. Mi.Page.

Hang the trifle (woman) take the honour:

[565]

what is it? dispence with trifles: what is it?

Mi.Ford.

If I would but goe to hell, for an eternall

moment, or so: I could be knighted.

Mi.Page.

What thou liest? Sir Alice Ford? these

Knights will hacke, and so thou shouldst not alter the ar­

[570]

ticle of thy Gentry.

Mi.Ford.

Wee burne day‑light: heere, read, read:

perceiue how I might bee knighted, I shall thinke the

worse of fat men, as long as I haue an eye to make diffe­

rence of mens liking: and yet hee would not sweare:

[575]

praise womens modesty: and gaue such orderly and wel‑

behaued reproofe to al vncomelinesse, that I would haue

sworne his disposition would haue gone to the truth of

his words: but they doe no more adhere and keep place

together, then the hundred Psalms to the tune of Green­sleeues: What tempest (I troa) threw this Whale, (with

[580]

so many Tuns of oyle in his belly) a'shoare at Windsor?

How shall I bee reuenged on him? I thinke the best way

were, to entertaine him with hope, till the wicked fire

of lust haue melted him in his owne greace: Did you e­

uer heare the like?

Mis.Page.
[585]

Letter for letter; but that the name of

Page and Ford differs: to thy great comfort in this my­

stery of ill opinions, heere's the twyn‑brother of thy Let­

ter: but let thine inherit first, for I protest mine neuer

shall: I warrant he hath a thousand of these Letters, writ

[590]

with blancke‑space for different names (sure more): and

these are of the second edition: hee will print them out

of doubt: for he cares not what hee puts into the presse,

when he would put vs two: I had rather be a Giantesse,

and lye vnder Mount Pelion: Well; I will find you twen­

[595]

tie lasciuious Turtles ere one chaste man.

Mis.Ford.

Why this is the very same: the very hand:

the very words: what doth he thinke of vs?

Mis.Page.

Nay I know not: it makes me almost rea­

die to wrangle with mine owne honesty: Ile entertaine

[600]

my selfe like one that I am not acquainted withall: for

sure vnlesse hee know some straine in mee, that I know

not my selfe, hee would neuer haue boorded me in this

furie.

Mi.Ford.

Boording, call you it? Ile bee sure to keepe

[605]

him aboue decke.

Mi.Page.

So will I: if hee come vnder my hatches,

Ile neuer to Sea againe: Let's bee reueng'd on him: let's

appoint him a meeting: giue him a show of comfort in

his Suit, and lead him on with a fine baited delay, till hee

[610]

hath pawn'd his horses to mine Host of the Garter.

Mi.Ford.

Nay, I wil consent to act any villany against

him, that may not sully the charinesse of our honesty: oh

that my husband saw this Letter: it would giue eternall

food to his iealousie.

Mis.Page.
[615]

Why look where he comes; and my good

man too: hee's as farre from iealousie, as I am from gi­

uing him cause, and that (I hope) is an vnmeasurable di­

stance.

Mis.Ford. You are the happier woman. Mis.Page.
[620]

Let's consult together against this greasie

Knight: Come hither.

Ford. Well: I hope, it be not so. Pist. Hope is a curtall‑dog in some affaires: Sir Iohn affects thy wife. Ford.
[625]
Why sir, my wife is not young.
Pist. He wooes both high and low, both rich & poor, both yong and old, one with another ( Ford) he loues the Gally‑mawfry ( Ford) perpend. Ford. Loue my wife? Pist. With liuer, burning hot: preuent:
[630]
Or goe thou like Sir Acteon he, with Ring‑wood at thy heeles: O, odious is the name.
Ford. What name Sir? Pist. The horne I say: Farewell: Take heed, haue open eye, for theeues doe foot by night.
[635]
Take heed, ere sommer comes, or Cuckoo‑birds do sing. Away sir Corporall Nim: Beleeue it ( Page) he speakes sence.
Ford. I will be patient: I will find out this. Nim.

And this is true: I like not the humor of lying:

[640]

hee hath wronged mee in some humors: I should haue

borne the humour'd Letter to her: but I haue a sword:

and it shall bite vpon my necessitie: he loues your wife;

There's the short and the long: My name is Corporall

Nim: I speak, and I auouch; 'tis true: my name is Nim:

[645]

and Falstaffe loues your wife: adieu, I loue not the hu­

mour of bread and cheese: adieu.

Page. The humour of it (quoth'a?) heere's a fellow frights English out of his wits. Ford. I will seeke out Falstaffe. Page. I neuer heard such a drawling‑affecting rogue. Ford.
[650]
If I doe finde it: well.
Page. I will not beleeue such a Cataian, though the Priest o' th' Towne commended him for a true man. Ford. 'Twas a good sensible fellow: well. Page. How now Meg? Mist.Page. Whether goe you ( George?) harke you. Mis.Ford.
[655]
How now (sweet Frank) why art thou me­ lancholy?
Ford. I melancholy? I am not melancholy: Get you home: goe. Mis.Ford. Faith, thou hast some crochets in thy head, Now: will you goe, Mistris Page? Mis.Page.
[660]

Haue with you: you'll come to dinner

George? Looke who comes yonder: shee shall bee our

Messenger to this paltrie Knight.

Mis.Ford. Trust me, I thought on her: shee'll fit it. Mis.Page. You are come to see my daughter Anne? Qui.
[665]
I forsooth: and I pray how do's good Mistresse Anne?
Mis.Page. Go in with vs and see: we haue an houres talke with you. Page. How now Master Ford? For. You heard what this knaue told me, did you not? Page. Yes, and you heard what the other told me? Ford.
[670]
Doe you thinke there is truth in them?
Pag.

Hang 'em slaues: I doe not thinke the Knight

would offer it: But these that accuse him in his intent

towards our wiues, are a yoake of his discarded men: ve‑

ry rogues, now they be out of seruice.

Ford.
[675]
Were they his men?
Page. Marry were they. Ford. I like it neuer the beter for that, Do's he lye at the Garter? Page.

I marry do's he: if hee should intend this voy­

[680]

age toward my wife, I would turne her loose to him;

and what hee gets more of her, then sharpe words, let it

lye on my head.

Ford.

I doe not misdoubt my wife: but I would bee

loath to turne them together: a man may be too confi­

[685]

dent: I would haue nothing lye on my head: I cannot

be thus satisfied.

Page.

Looke where my ranting‑Host of the Garter

comes: there is eyther liquor in his pate, or mony in his

purse, when hee lookes so merrily: How now mine

[690]

Host?

Host. How now Bully‑Rooke: thou'rt a Gentleman Caueleiro Iustice, I say. Shal.

I follow, (mine Host) I follow: Good‑euen,

and twenty (good Master Page.) Master Page, wil you go

[695]

with vs? we haue sport in hand.

Host. Tell him Caueleiro‑Iustice: tell him Bully‑ Rooke. Shall. Sir, there is a fray to be fought, betweene Sir Hugh the Welch Priest, and Caius the French Doctor. 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.
 

Download the digital text of the play

                                
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="1">
   <head rend="italic center">Actus Secundus. Scœna Prima.</head>
   <head type="supplied">[Act 2, Scene 1]</head>
   <stage rend="center" type="entrance">
      <hi rend="italic">Enter Mistris</hi>Page,<hi rend="italic">Mistris</hi>Ford,<hi rend="italic">Master</hi>Page,<hi rend="italic">Master</hi>
      
      <lb/>Ford, Pistoll, Nim, Quickly, Host, Shallow.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mist.Page.</speaker>
      <p n="530">What, haue scap'd Loue‑letters in the
      <lb n="531"/>holly‑day‑time of my beauty, and am I now a subiect
      <lb n="532"/>for them? let me see?</p>
      <p rend="italic" n="533">Aske me no reason why I loue you, for though Loue vse Rea­
      <lb n="534"/>son for his precisian, hee admits him not for his Counsailour:
      <lb n="535"/>you are not yong, no more am I: goe to then, there's simpathie:
      <lb n="536"/>you are merry, so am I: ha, ha, then there's more simpathie:
      <lb n="537"/>you loue sacke, and so do I: would you desire better simpathie?
      <lb n="538"/>Let it suffice thee (Mistris Page) at the least if the Loue of
      <lb n="539"/>Souldier can suffice, that I loue thee: I will not say pitty mee,
      <lb n="540"/>'tis not a Souldier‑like phrase; but I say, loue me:</p>
      <l rend="italic" n="541">By me, thine owne true Knight, by day or night:</l>
      <l rend="italic" n="542">Or any kinde of light, with all his might,</l>
      <l rend="italic" n="543">For thee to fight. Iohn Falstaffe.</l>
      <l n="544">What a<hi rend="italic">Herod</hi>of<hi rend="italic">Iurie</hi>is this? O wicked, wicked world:</l>
      <l n="545">One that is well‑nye worne to peeces with age</l>
      <l n="546">To show himselfe a yong Gallant? What an vnwaied</l>
      <l n="547">Behauiour hath this Flemish drunkard pickt (with</l>
      <l n="548">The Deuills name) out of my conuersation, that he dares</l>
      <l n="549">In this manner assay me? why, hee hath not beene thrice</l>
      <l n="550">In my Company: what should I say to him? I was then</l>
      <l n="551">Frugall of my mirth: (heauen forgiue mee:) why Ile</l>
      <l n="552">Exhibit a Bill in the Parliament for the putting downe</l>
      <l n="553">of men: how shall I be reueng'd on him? for reueng'd I</l>
      <l n="554">will be? as sure as his guts are made of puddings.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="555">
         <hi rend="italic">Mistris Page</hi>, trust me, I was going to your
      <lb/>house.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Page.</speaker>
      <l n="556">And trust me, I was comming to you: you
      <lb/>looke very ill.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="557">Nay Ile nere beleeee that; I haue to shew
      <lb/>to the contrary.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Page.</speaker>
      <l n="558">'Faith but you doe in my minde.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="559">Well: I doe then: yet I say, I could shew
      <lb n="560"/>you to the contrary: O Mistris<hi rend="italic">Page</hi>, giue mee some
      <lb n="561"/>counsaile.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Page.</speaker>
      <l n="562">What's the matter, woman?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mi.Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="563">O woman: if it were not for one trifling re­
      <lb/>spect,I could come to such honour.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mi.Page.</speaker>
      <p n="564">Hang the trifle (woman) take the honour:
      <lb n="565"/>what is it? dispence with trifles: what is it?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mi.Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="566">If I would but goe to hell, for an eternall
      <lb n="567"/>moment, or so: I could be knighted.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mi.Page.</speaker>
      <p n="568">What thou liest? Sir<hi rend="italic">Alice Ford</hi>? these
      <lb n="569"/>Knights will hacke, and so thou shouldst not alter the ar­
      <lb n="570"/>ticle of thy Gentry.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mi.Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="571">Wee burne day‑light: heere, read, read:
      <lb n="572"/>perceiue how I might bee knighted, I shall thinke the
      <lb n="573"/>worse of fat men, as long as I haue an eye to make diffe­
      <lb n="574"/>rence of mens liking: and yet hee would not sweare:<pb facs="FFimg:axc0064-0.jpg" n="44"/>
         <cb n="1"/>
         
      <lb n="575"/>praise womens modesty: and gaue such orderly and wel‑
      <lb n="576"/>behaued reproofe to al vncomelinesse, that I would haue
      <lb n="577"/>sworne his disposition would haue gone to the truth of
      <lb n="578"/>his words: but they doe no more adhere and keep place
      <lb n="579"/>together, then the hundred Psalms to the tune of Green­sleeues: What tempest (I troa) threw this Whale, (with
      <lb n="580"/>so many Tuns of oyle in his belly) a'shoare at Windsor?
      <lb n="581"/>How shall I bee reuenged on him? I thinke the best way
      <lb n="582"/>were, to entertaine him with hope, till the wicked fire
      <lb n="583"/>of lust haue melted him in his owne greace: Did you e­
      <lb n="584"/>uer heare the like?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Page.</speaker>
      <p n="585">Letter for letter; but that the name of
      <lb n="586"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Page</hi>and<hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>differs: to thy great comfort in this my­
      <lb n="587"/>stery of ill opinions, heere's the twyn‑brother of thy Let­
      <lb n="588"/>ter: but let thine inherit first, for I protest mine neuer
      <lb n="589"/>shall: I warrant he hath a thousand of these Letters, writ
      <lb n="590"/>with blancke‑space for different names (sure more): and
      <lb n="591"/>these are of the second edition: hee will print them out
      <lb n="592"/>of doubt: for he cares not what hee puts into the presse,
      <lb n="593"/>when he would put vs two: I had rather be a Giantesse,
      <lb n="594"/>and lye vnder Mount<hi rend="italic">Pelion</hi>: Well; I will find you twen­
      <lb n="595"/>tie lasciuious Turtles ere one chaste man.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="596">Why this is the very same: the very hand:
      <lb n="597"/>the very words: what doth he thinke of vs?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Page.</speaker>
      <p n="598">Nay I know not: it makes me almost rea­
      <lb n="599"/>die to wrangle with mine owne honesty: Ile entertaine
      <lb n="600"/>my selfe like one that I am not acquainted withall: for
      <lb n="601"/>sure vnlesse hee know some straine in mee, that I know
      <lb n="602"/>not my selfe, hee would neuer haue boorded me in this
      <lb n="603"/>furie.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mi.Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="604">Boording, call you it? Ile bee sure to keepe
      <lb n="605"/>him aboue decke.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mi.Page.</speaker>
      <p n="606">So will I: if hee come vnder my hatches,
      <lb n="607"/>Ile neuer to Sea againe: Let's bee reueng'd on him: let's
      <lb n="608"/>appoint him a meeting: giue him a show of comfort in
      <lb n="609"/>his Suit, and lead him on with a fine baited delay, till hee
      <lb n="610"/>hath pawn'd his horses to mine Host of the Garter.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mi.Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="611">Nay, I wil consent to act any villany against
      <lb n="612"/>him, that may not sully the charinesse of our honesty: oh
      <lb n="613"/>that my husband saw this Letter: it would giue eternall
      <lb n="614"/>food to his iealousie.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Page.</speaker>
      <p n="615">Why look where he comes; and my good
      <lb n="616"/>man too: hee's as farre from iealousie, as I am from gi­
      <lb n="617"/>uing him cause, and that (I hope) is an vnmeasurable di­
      <lb n="618"/>stance.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="619">You are the happier woman.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Page.</speaker>
      <p n="620">Let's consult together against this greasie
      <lb n="621"/>Knight: Come hither.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="622">Well: I hope, it be not so.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pis">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pist.</speaker>
      <l n="623">Hope is a curtall‑dog in some affaires:</l>
      <l n="624">Sir<hi rend="italic">Iohn</hi>affects thy wife.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="625">Why sir, my wife is not young.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pis">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pist.</speaker>
      <l n="626">He wooes both high and low, both rich &amp; poor,
      <lb/>both yong and old, one with another (<hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>) he loues the</l>
      <l n="627">Gally‑mawfry (<hi rend="italic">Ford</hi>) perpend.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="628">Loue my wife?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pis">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pist.</speaker>
      <l n="629">With liuer, burning hot: preuent:</l>
      <l n="630">Or goe thou like Sir<hi rend="italic">Acteon</hi>he, with</l>
      <l n="631">Ring‑wood at thy heeles: O, odious is the name.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="632">What name Sir?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pis">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pist.</speaker>
      <l n="633">The horne I say: Farewell:</l>
      <l n="634">Take heed, haue open eye, for theeues doe foot by night.</l>
      <l n="635">Take heed, ere sommer comes, or Cuckoo‑birds do sing.</l>
      <l n="636">Away sir Corporall<hi rend="italic">Nim</hi>:</l>
      <l n="637">Beleeue it (<hi rend="italic">Page</hi>) he speakes sence.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="638">I will be patient: I will find out this.</l>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-nym">
      <speaker rend="italic">Nim.</speaker>
      <p n="639">And this is true: I like not the humor of lying:
      <lb n="640"/>hee hath wronged mee in some humors: I should haue
      <lb n="641"/>borne the humour'd Letter to her: but I haue a sword:
      <lb n="642"/>and it shall bite vpon my necessitie: he loues your wife;
      <lb n="643"/>There's the short and the long: My name is Corporall
      <lb n="644"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Nim</hi>: I speak, and I auouch; 'tis true: my name is<hi rend="italic">Nim</hi>:
      <lb n="645"/>and<hi rend="italic">Falstaffe</hi>loues your wife: adieu, I loue not the hu­
      <lb n="646"/>mour of bread and cheese: adieu.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pag">
      <speaker rend="italic">Page.</speaker>
      <l n="647">The humour of it (quoth'a?) heere's a fellow
      <lb/>frights English out of his wits.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="648">I will seeke out<hi rend="italic">Falstaffe</hi>.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pag">
      <speaker rend="italic">Page.</speaker>
      <l n="649">I neuer heard such a drawling‑affecting rogue.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="650">If I doe finde it: well.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pag">
      <speaker rend="italic">Page.</speaker>
      <l n="651">I will not beleeue such a<hi rend="italic">Cataian</hi>, though the
      <lb/>Priest o' th' Towne commended him for a true man.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="652">'Twas a good sensible fellow: well.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pag">
      <speaker rend="italic">Page.</speaker>
      <l n="653">How now<hi rend="italic">Meg</hi>?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mist.Page.</speaker>
      <l n="654">Whether goe you (<hi rend="italic">George</hi>?) harke you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="655">How now (sweet<hi rend="italic">Frank</hi>) why art thou me­
      <lb/>lancholy?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="656">I melancholy? I am not melancholy:</l>
      <l n="657">Get you home: goe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="658">Faith, thou hast some crochets in thy head,</l>
      <l n="659">Now: will you goe,<hi rend="italic">Mistris Page</hi>?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Page.</speaker>
      <p n="660">Haue with you: you'll come to dinner
      <lb n="661"/>
         <hi rend="italic">George</hi>? Looke who comes yonder: shee shall bee our
      <lb n="662"/>Messenger to this paltrie Knight.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mfo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="663">Trust me, I thought on her: shee'll fit it.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Page.</speaker>
      <l n="664">You are come to see my daughter<hi rend="italic">Anne</hi>?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mqu">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qui.</speaker>
      <l n="665">I forsooth: and I pray how do's good Mistresse
      <lb/>
         <hi rend="italic">Anne</hi>?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-mpa">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mis.Page.</speaker>
      <l n="666">Go in with vs and see: we haue an houres
      <lb/>talke with you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pag">
      <speaker rend="italic">Page.</speaker>
      <l n="667">How now Master Ford?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">For.</speaker>
      <l n="668">You heard what this knaue told me, did you not?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pag">
      <speaker rend="italic">Page.</speaker>
      <l n="669">Yes, and you heard what the other told me?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="670">Doe you thinke there is truth in them?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pag">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pag.</speaker>
      <p n="671">Hang 'em slaues: I doe not thinke the Knight
      <lb n="672"/>would offer it: But these that accuse him in his intent
      <lb n="673"/>towards our wiues, are a yoake of his discarded men: ve‑
      <lb n="674"/>ry rogues, now they be out of seruice.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="675">Were they his men?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pag">
      <speaker rend="italic">Page.</speaker>
      <l n="676">Marry were they.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="677">I like it neuer the beter for that,</l>
      <l n="678">Do's he lye at the Garter?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pag">
      <speaker rend="italic">Page.</speaker>
      <p n="679">I marry do's he: if hee should intend this voy­
      <lb n="680"/>age toward my wife, I would turne her loose to him;
      <lb n="681"/>and what hee gets more of her, then sharpe words, let it
      <lb n="682"/>lye on my head.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="683">I doe not misdoubt my wife: but I would bee
      <lb n="684"/>loath to turne them together: a man may be too confi­
      <lb n="685"/>dent: I would haue nothing lye on my head: I cannot
      <lb n="686"/>be thus satisfied.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pag">
      <speaker rend="italic">Page.</speaker>
      <p n="687">Looke where my ranting‑Host of the Garter
      <lb n="688"/>comes: there is eyther liquor in his pate, or mony in his
      <lb n="689"/>purse, when hee lookes so merrily: How now mine
      <lb n="690"/>Host?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-hos">
      <speaker rend="italic">Host.</speaker>
      <l n="691">How now Bully‑Rooke: thou'rt a Gentleman</l>
      <l n="692">Caueleiro Iustice, I say.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-sha">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shal.</speaker>
      <p n="693">I follow, (mine Host) I follow: Good‑euen,
      <lb n="694"/>and twenty (good Master<hi rend="italic">Page</hi>.) Master<hi rend="italic">Page</hi>, wil you go
      <lb n="695"/>with vs? we haue sport in hand.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-hos">
      <speaker rend="italic">Host.</speaker>
      <l n="696">Tell him Caueleiro‑Iustice: tell him Bully‑
      <lb/>Rooke.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-sha">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shall.</speaker>
      <l n="697">Sir, there is a fray to be fought, betweene Sir
      <lb/>
         <hi rend="italic">Hugh</hi>the Welch Priest, and<hi rend="italic">Caius</hi>the French Doctor.</l>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0065-0.jpg" n="45"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <l n="698">Good mine Host o'th' Garter: a word with you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-hos">
      <speaker rend="italic">Host.</speaker>
      <l n="699">What saist thou, my Bully‑Rooke?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-sha">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shal.</speaker>
      <p n="700">Will you goe with vs to behold it? My merry
      <lb n="701"/>Host hath had the measuring of their weapons; and (I
      <lb n="702"/>thinke) hath appointed them contrary places: for (be­
      <lb n="703"/>leeue mee) I heare the Parson is no Iester: harke, I will
      <lb n="704"/>tell you what our sport shall be.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-hos">
      <speaker rend="italic">Host.</speaker>
      <l n="705">Hast thou no suit against my Knight? my guest‑
      <lb/>Caualeire?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-sha">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shal.</speaker>
      <p n="706">None, I protest: but Ile giue you a pottle of
      <lb n="707"/>burn'd sacke, to giue me recourse to him, and tell him
      <lb n="708"/>my name is<hi rend="italic">Broome</hi>: onely for a iest.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-hos">
      <speaker rend="italic">Host.</speaker>
      <p n="709">My hand, (Bully:) thou shalt haue egresse and
      <lb n="710"/>regresse, (said I well?) and thy name shall be<hi rend="italic">Broome</hi>. It
      <lb n="711"/>is a merry Knight: will you goe An‑heires?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-sha">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shal.</speaker>
      <l n="712">Haue with you mine Host.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pag">
      <speaker rend="italic">Page.</speaker>
      <l n="713">I haue heard the Frenchߛman hath good skill
      <lb/>in his Rapier.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-sha">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shal.</speaker>
      <p n="714">Tut sir: I could haue told you more: In these
      <lb n="715"/>times you stand on distance: your Passes, Stoccado's, and
      <lb n="716"/>I know not what: 'tis the heart (Master<hi rend="italic">Page</hi>) 'tis heere,
      <lb n="717"/>'tis heere: I haue seene the time, with my long‑sword, I
      <lb n="718"/>would haue made you fowre tall fellowes skippe like
      <lb n="719"/>Rattes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-hos">
      <speaker rend="italic">Host.</speaker>
      <l n="720">Heere boyes, heere, heere: shall we wag?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-pag">
      <speaker rend="italic">Page.</speaker>
      <l n="721">Haue with you: I had rather heare them scold,
      <lb/>then fight.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wiv-for">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ford.</speaker>
      <p n="722">Though<hi rend="italic">Page</hi>be a secure foole, and stands so
      <lb n="723"/>firmely on his wiues frailty; yet, I cannot put‑off my o­
      <lb n="724"/>pinion so easily: she was in his company at<hi rend="italic">Pages</hi>house:
      <lb n="725"/>and what they made there, I know not. Well, I wil looke
      <lb n="726"/>further into't, and I haue a disguise, to sound<hi rend="italic">Falstaffe</hi>; if
      <lb n="727"/>I finde her honest, I loose not my labor: if she be other­
      <lb n="728"/>wise, 'tis labour well bestowed.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

Download the XML