Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Helen Ostovich
Not Peer Reviewed

The Merry Wives of Windsor (Modern, Folio)

[5.1]
Enter Falstaff [and] Quickly.
Falstaff
Prithee, no more prattling. Go. I'll hold. This is the third time. I hope good luck lies in odd numbers. 2405Away, go! They say there is divinity in odd numbers, either in nativity, chance, or death. Away!
Quickly
I'll prouvide 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 2410mince. [Exit Quickly.]
[Enter Ford disguised as Broom.]
How now, Master Broom! Master Broom, the matter will be known tonight, 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 2415me you had appointed?
Falstaff
I went to her, Master Broom, as you see, like a poor old man, but I came from her, Master Broom, like a poor old woman. That same knave, Ford her husband, hath the finest mad devil of jealousy in him, Ma2420ster Broom, that ever gouerned frenzy. I will tell you, he beat me grieuously in the shape of a woman – for in the shape of man, Master Broom, 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, 2425Master Broom. Since I plucked geese, played truant, and whipped Top, I knew not what 'twas to be beaten, till lately. Follow me, Ile tell you strange things of this knave Ford, on whom tonight I will be revenged, and I will deliver his wife into your hand. Follow – strange 2430things in hand, Master Broom – follow. Exeunt.