Page 1625 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

NYM

Faith, I will live so long as I may, that’s the certain of it; and when I cannot
live any longer, I will do as I may: that is my rest, that is the rendezvous of it.
[15]

BARDOLPH
It is certain, corporal, that he is married to Nell Quickly; and certainly she did

you wrong, for you were troth-plight to her.

NYM
I cannot tell; things must be as they may: men may sleep, and they may
have their throats about them at that time; [20] and some say knives have
edges. It must be as it may − though patience be a tired mare, yet she will
plod − there must be conclusions − well, I cannot tell.

Enter Pistol and Hostess Quickly, his wife.

BARDOLPH
Here comes Ancient Pistol and his wife. Good Corporal, be patient here. [25]

NYM
How now, mine host Pistol!

PISTOL
Base tike, call’st thou me host?
Now, by this band I swear, I scorn the term;
Nor shah my Nell keep lodgers.

HOSTESS

No, by my troth, not long; for we cannot lodge [30] and board a dozen or
fourteen gentlewomen that live honestly by the prick of their needles, but it
will be thought we keep a bawdy-house straight.
[Nym and Pistol draw]

O well-a-day, Lady, if he be not hewn now! we shall see wilful adultery and
murder committed. [35]

BARDOLPH