The Merry Wives of Windsor

Act 5, Scene 1

SCENE I. A room in the Garter Inn.

Enter FALSTAFF and MISTRESS QUICKLY

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!

I′ll provide you a chain; and I′ll do what I can to
get you a pair of horns.

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.

Went you not to her yesterday, sir, as you told me
you had appointed?

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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