William Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor

ACT V. SCENE 1. 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! go. They say there is divinity in odd numbers, either
in nativity, chance, or death. Away!

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 MRS. QUICKLY.]

[Enter FORD.]

How now, Master Brook! Master Brook, the matter will
be known tonight, 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.]