William Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor

ACT II. SCENE 2. A room in the Garter Inn. (continued)

FALSTAFF.
Why, I will.

QUICKLY.
Nay, but do so then; and, look you, he may come
and go between you both; and in any case have a
nay-word, that you may know one another's mind, and the boy
never need to understand any thing; for 'tis not good that
children should know any wickedness: old folks, you
know, have discretion, as they say, and know the world.

FALSTAFF.
Fare thee well; commend me to them both.
There's my purse; I am yet thy debtor. Boy, go along with
this woman.--

[Exeunt MISTRESS QUICKLY and ROBIN.]

This news distracts me.

PISTOL.
This punk is one of Cupid's carriers;
Clap on more sails; pursue; up with your fights;
Give fire; she is my prize, or ocean whelm them all!

[Exit.]

FALSTAFF.
Say'st thou so, old Jack? go thy ways; I'll make
more of thy old body than I have done. Will they yet look
after thee? Wilt thou, after the expense of so much money,
be now a gainer? Good body, I thank thee. Let them say
'tis grossly done; so it be fairly done, no matter.

[Enter BARDOLPH, with a cup of sack.]

BARDOLPH.
Sir John, there's one Master Brook below would
fain speak with you and be acquainted with you: and hath
sent your worship a moming's draught of sack.

FALSTAFF.
Brook is his name?

BARDOLPH.
Ay, sir.

FALSTAFF.
Call him in. [Exit BARDOLPH.] Such Brooks are
welcome to me, that o'erflow such liquor. Ah, ha! Mistress
Ford and Mistress Page, have I encompassed you? Go to;
via!

[Re-enter BARDOLPH, with FORD disguised.]

FORD.
Bless you, sir!

FALSTAFF.
And you, sir; would you speak with me?

FORD.
I make bold to press with so little preparation upon
you.