Page 2527 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

mark the sequel, Master Brook: I suffered the pangs of three several deaths.
First, [95] an intolerable fright, to be detected with a jealous rotten bell-
wether; next, to be compassed like a good bilbo in the circumference of a
peck, hilt to point, heel to head; and then to be stopped in like a strong

distillation with stinking clothes that fretted in their own grease − think of
[100] that − a man of my kidney − think of that − that am as subject to heat
as butter; a man of continual dissolution and thaw: it was a miracle to ’scape
suffocation. And in the height of this bath, when I was more than half stewed

in grease, like a Dutch dish, to be thrown into the Thames [105] and cooled,
glowing hot, in that surge, like a horse-shoe − think of that − hissing hot −
think of that, Master Brook!

FORD
In good sadness, sir, I am sorry that for my sake you have suffered all this.
My suit, then, is desperate; you’ll [110] undertake her no more?

FALSTAFF
Master Brook, I will be thrown into Etna, as I have been into Thames, ere I
will leave her thus. Her husband is this morning gone a-birding; I have
received from her another embassy of meeting. ’Twixt eight and nine [115] is
the hour, Master Brook.

FORD

’Tis past eight already, sir.

FALSTAFF

Is it? I will then address me to my appointment. Come to me at your
convenient leisure and you shall know how I speed; and the conclusion shall
be crowned [120] with your enjoying her. Adieu. You shall have her, Master
Brook; Master Brook, you shall cuckold Ford.

Exit.

FORD
Hum! Ha! Is this a vision? Is this a dream? Do I sleep? Master Ford, awake;
awake, Master Ford: there’s a hole made in your best coat, Master Ford. This
’tis to be [125] married; this ’tis to have linen and buck-baskets! Well, I will

proclaim myself what I am. I will now take the lecher; he is at my house; he