Page 2567 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

FORD

This is strange. Who hath got the right Anne?

PAGE
My heart misgives me; here comes Master Fenton. [200]
Enter Fenton and Anne Page.
How now, Master Fenton?

ANNE

Pardon, good father; good my mother, pardon.

PAGE

Now, mistress, how chance you went not with Master Slender?

MISTRESS PAGE
Why went you not with Master Doctor, maid? [205]

FENTON
You do amaze her. Hear the truth of it.
You would have married her most shamefully,
Where there was no proportion held in love.

The truth is, she and I, long since contracted,
Are now so sure that nothing can dissolve us. [210]
Th’ offence is holy that she hath committed,
And this deceit loses the name of craft,

Of disobedience, or unduteous title,
Since therein she doth evitate and shun
A thousand irreligious cursed hours [215]
Which forced marriage would have brought upon her.

FORD
Stand not amaz’d; here is no remedy.

In love the heavens themselves do guide the state;
Money buys lands, and wives are sold by fate.

FALSTAFF
I am glad, though you have ta’en a special [220] stand to strike at me, that