The Merry Wives of Windsor

Act 5, Scene 1

SCENE I. A room in the Garter Inn.

    Enter FALSTAFF and MISTRESS QUICKLY

FALSTAFF

    Prithee, no more prattling; go. I'll hold. This is
    the third time; I hope good luck lies in odd
    numbers. Away I go. They say there is divinity in
    odd numbers, either in nativity, chance, or death. Away!

MISTRESS QUICKLY

    I'll provide you a chain; and I'll do what I can to
    get you a pair of horns.

FALSTAFF

    Away, I say; time wears: hold up your head, and mince.

    Exit MISTRESS QUICKLY

    Enter FORD
    How now, Master Brook! Master Brook, the matter
    will be known to-night, or never. Be you in the
    Park about midnight, at Herne's oak, and you shall
    see wonders.

FORD

    Went you not to her yesterday, sir, as you told me
    you had appointed?

FALSTAFF

    I went to her, Master Brook, as you see, like a poor
    old man: but I came from her, Master Brook, like a
    poor old woman. That same knave Ford, her husband,
    hath the finest mad devil of jealousy in him,
    Master Brook, that ever governed frenzy. I will tell
    you: he beat me grievously, in the shape of a
    woman; for in the shape of man, Master Brook, I fear
    not Goliath with a weaver's beam; because I know
    also life is a shuttle. I am in haste; go along
    with me: I'll tell you all, Master Brook. Since I
    plucked geese, played truant and whipped top, I knew
    not what 'twas to be beaten till lately. Follow
    me: I'll tell you strange things of this knave
    Ford, on whom to-night I will be revenged, and I
    will deliver his wife into your hand. Follow.
    Strange things in hand, Master Brook! Follow.

    Exeunt