William Shakespeare: Merry Wives of Windsor, Act V

Updated September 23, 2019 | Infoplease Staff

Act V

Scene I

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 numbers. Away I go. They say there is divinity in odd numbers, either in nativity, chance, or death. Away!

Mistress 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. [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 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 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 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 to-night I will be revenged, and I will deliver his wife into your hand. Follow. Strange things in hand, Master Brook! Follow.

Exeunt

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