Page 2553 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Scene VI IT

Enter Fenton and Host.

HOST
Master Fenton, talk not to me, my mind is heavy. I will give over all.

FENTON
Yet hear me speak. Assist me in my purpose

And, as I am a gentleman, I’ll give thee
A hundred pound in gold more than your loss. [5]

HOST
I will hear you, Master Fenton; and I will, at the least, keep your counsel.

FENTON
From time to time I have acquainted you
With the dear love I bear to fair Anne Page,
Who mutually hath answer’d my affection, [10]

So far forth as herself might be her chooser,
Even to my wish. I have a letter from her
Of such contents as you will wonder at,

The mirth whereof so larded with my matter
That neither singly can be manifested [15]
Without the show of both. Fat Falstaff
Hath a great scene; the image of the jest
I’ll show you here at large. Hark, good mine host.

To-night at Herne’s oak, just ’twixt twelve and one,
Must my sweet Nan present the Fairy Queen − [20]
The purpose why, is here-in which disguise,

While other jests are something rank on foot,
Her father hath commanded her to slip
Away with Slender, and with him at Eton
Immediately to marry; she hath consented. [25]
Now, sir, her mother, even strong against that match,

And firm for Doctor Caius, hath appointed
That he shall likewise shuffle her away,
While other sports are tasking of their minds,