Page 2482 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

PAGE

Have with you. I had rather hear them scold than fight.
[Exeunt Host, Shallow, and Page.]

FORD
Though Page be a secure fool, and stands so firmly on his wife’s frailty, yet I
cannot put off my opinion so easily: she was in his company at Page’s house;

and what [210] they made there, I know not. Well, I will look further into ’t,
and I have a disguise to sound Falstaff. If I find her honest, I lose not my
labour; if she be otherwise, ’tis labour well bestowed.
Exit.

Scene II IT

Enter Falstaff and Pistol.

FALSTAFF
I will not lend thee a penny.

PISTOL
Why, then the world’s mine oyster, which I with sword will open.

FALSTAFF
Not a penny. I have been content, sir, you should lay my countenance to

pawn; I have grated upon [5] my good friends for three reprieves for you and
your coach-fellow Nym − or else you had looked through the grate, like a
geminy of baboons; I am damned in hell for swearing to gentlemen my
friends you were good soldiers and tall fellows; and when Mistress Bridget
lost the [10] handle of her fan, I took ’t upon mine honour thou hadst it not.

PISTOL
Didst not thou share? Hadst thou not fifteen pence?

FALSTAFF
Reason, you rogue, reason; think’st thou I’ll [15] endanger my soul gratis? At
a word, hang no more about me; I am no gibbet for you. Go − a short knife
and a throng! − to your manor of Pickt-hatch, go! You’ll not bear a letter for