Page 2554 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

And at the dean’ry, where a priest attends, [30]
Straight marry her; to this her mother’s plot
She seemingly obedient likewise hath
Made promise to the Doctor. Now, thus it rests:

Her father means she shall be all in white;
And in that habit, when Slender sees his time [35]
To take her by the hand and bid her go,
She shall go with him; her mother hath intended,

The better to denote her to the Doctor −
For they must all be mask’d and vizarded −
That quaint in green she shall be loose enrob’d, [40]
With ribands pendant flaring ’bout her head;

And when the Doctor spies his vantage ripe,
To pinch her by the hand, and, on that token,
The maid hath given consent to go with him.

HOST
Which means she to deceive, father or mother? [45]

FENTON
Both, my good host, to go along with me:

And here it rests − that you’ll procure the vicar
To stay for me at church, ’twixt twelve and one,
And, in the lawful name of marrying,
To give our hearts united ceremony. [50]

HOST
Well, husband your device; I’ll to the vicar.

Bring you the maid, you shall not lack a priest.

FENTON
So shall I evermore be bound to thee;
Besides, I’ll make a present recompense.
Exeunt.