Master Fenton, talk not to me – my mind is 2347heavy. I will give over all.

Yet hear me speak. Assist me in my purpose,

2349And, as I am a gentleman, I'll give thee

2350A hundred pound in gold, more than your loss.

I will hear you, Master Fenton, and I will at 2352the least keep your counsel.

From time to time, I have acquainted you

2354With the dear love I bear to fair Anne Page,

2355Who, mutually, hath answered my affection –

2356So far forth as herself might be her chooser –

2357Even to my wish. I have a letter from her

2358Of such contents as you will wonder at,

2359The mirth whereof, so larded with my matter,

2360That neither singly can be manifested

2361Without the show of both. Fat Falstaff

2362Hath a great scene; the image of the jest

2363I'll show you here at large. Hark, good mine host.

2364Tonight at Herne's Oake, just 'twixt twelve and one,

2365Must my sweet Nan present the fairy queen –

2366The purpose why is here – in which disguise,

2367While other jests are something rank on foot,

2368Her father hath commanded her to slip

2369Away with Slender and with him at Eton

2370Immediately to marry. She hath consented. Now, sir,

2371Her mother, even strong against that match

2372And firm for Doctor Caius, hath appointed

2373That he shall likewise shuffle her away,

2374While other sports are tasking of their minds,

2375And at the deanery, where a priest attends,

2376Straight marry her. To this her mother's plot

2377She, seemingly obedient, likewise hath

2378Made promise to the Doctor. Now, thus it rests:

2379Her father means she shall be all in white;

2380And in that habit, when Slender sees his time

2381To take her by the hand and bid her go,

2382She shall go with him; her mother hath intended –

2383The better to devote her to the doctor,

2384For they must all be masked and vizarded –

2385That, quaint in green, she shall be loose enrobed

2386With ribbons pendant flaring 'bout her head;

2387And when the doctor spies his vantage ripe,

2388To pinch her by the hand and on that token

2389The maid hath given consent to go with him.

Which means she to deceive, father, or mo2391ther?

Both, my good host, to go along with me.

2393And here it rests, that you'll procure the vicar

2394To stay for me at church 'twixt twelve and one,

2395And in the lawful name of marrying,

2396To give our hearts united ceremony.

Well, husband your device. I'll to the vicar.

2398Bring you the maid, you shall not lack a priest.

So shall I evermore be bound to thee.

2400Besides, I'll make a present recompence. Exeunt.