Page 2510 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

semicircled farthingale. I see what thou wert if Fortune (thy foe) were − not
Nature − thy friend. Come, thou canst not hide it.

MISTRESS FORD
Believe me, there’s no such thing in me. [60]

FALSTAFF
What made me love thee? Let that persuade thee there’s something
extraordinary in thee. Come, I cannot cog and say thou art this and that, like

a many of these lisping hawthorn-buds that come like women in men’s
apparel, and smell like Bucklersbury in simple [65] time; I cannot; but I love
thee, none but thee; and thou deserv’st it.

MISTRESS FORD
Do not betray me, sir. I fear you love Mistress Page.

FALSTAFF
Thou mightst as well say I love to walk by the [70] Counter-gate, which is as

hateful to me as the reek of a lime-kill.

MISTRESS FORD
Well, heaven knows how I love you, and you shall one day find it.

FALSTAFF
Keep in that mind: I’ll deserve it. [75]

MISTRESS FORD
Nay, I must tell you, so you do; or else I could not be in that mind.

[Enter Robin.]

ROBIN
Mistress Ford, Mistress Ford! Here’s Mistress Page at the door, sweating and

blowing, and looking wildly, and would needs speak with you presently. [80]

FALSTAFF

She shall not see me: I will ensconce me behind the arras.