The Merry Wives of Windsor: Act 5, Scene 1

    comedy

    A room in the Garter Inn.

    Scene Summary

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    Ford, still disguised as Brook, meets with Falstaff and hears about the plan for Herne's Oak. He already knows what is coming.

    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