Act V, 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! 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.]