Page 2491 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

FALSTAFF

Would it apply well to the vehemency of your affection that I should win what
you would enjoy? Methinks you prescribe to yourself very preposterously.

FORD
O, understand my drift: she dwells so securely on [220] the excellency of her
honour that the folly of my soul dares not present itself; she is too bright to

be looked against. Now, could I come to her with any detection in my hand,
my desires had instance and argument to commend themselves; I could drive
her then from the [225] ward of her purity, her reputation, her marriage-vow,
and a thousand other her defences which now are too too strongly embattled

against me. What say you to ’t, Sir John?

FALSTAFF

Master Brook, I will first make bold with your [230] money; next, give me
your hand; and last, as I am a gentleman, you shall, if you will, enjoy Ford’s
wife.

FORD
O good sir!

FALSTAFF

I say you shall.

FORD

Want no money, Sir John; you shall want none. [235]

FALSTAFF
Want no Mistress Ford, Master Brook; you shall want none. I shall be with
her, I may tell you, by her own appointment; even as you came in to me, her
assistant, or go-between, parted from me: I say I shall be with her between
ten and eleven; for at that time the jealous rascally [240] knave her husband

will be forth. Come you to me at night, you shall know how I speed.

FORD
I am blest in your acquaintance. Do you know Ford, sir?