William Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor

ACT I. SCENE 4. A room in DOCTOR CAIUS'S house. (continued)

FENTON.
How now, good woman! how dost thou?

QUICKLY.
The better, that it pleases your good worship to ask.

FENTON.
What news? how does pretty Mistress Anne?

QUICKLY.
In truth, sir, and she is pretty, and honest, and
gentle; and one that is your friend, I can tell you that by
the way; I praise heaven for it.

FENTON.
Shall I do any good, thinkest thou? Shall I not lose
my suit?

QUICKLY.
Troth, sir, all is in His hands above; but
notwithstanding, Master Fenton, I'll be sworn on a book
she loves you. Have not your worship a wart above your eye?

FENTON.
Yes, marry, have I; what of that?

QUICKLY.
Well, thereby hangs a tale; good faith, it is such
another Nan; but, I detest, an honest maid as ever broke
bread. We had an hour's talk of that wart; I shall never
laugh but in that maid's company;--but, indeed, she is
given too much to allicholy and musing. But for you--well,
go to.

FENTON.
Well, I shall see her to-day. Hold, there's money
for thee; let me have thy voice in my behalf: if thou seest
her before me, commend me.

QUICKLY.
Will I? i' faith, that we will; and I will tell your
worship more of the wart the next time we have confidence;
and of other wooers.

FENTON.
Well, farewell; I am in great haste now.

QUICKLY.
Farewell to your worship.--[Exit FENTON.] Truly,
an honest gentleman; but Anne loves him not; for I know
Anne's mind as well as another does. Out upon 't, what
have I forgot?

[Exit.]