Enter Page, Shallow, Slender, Host, Sir Hugh Evans, Caius and Rugby.
SHALLOW, PAGE, etc.
Well met, Master Ford.
FORD.
Trust me, a good knot. I have good cheer at home, and I pray you all go with me.
SHALLOW.
I must excuse myself, Master Ford.
SLENDER.
And so must I, sir; we have appointed to dine with Mistress Anne, and I would not break with her for more money than I’ll speak of.
SHALLOW.
We have lingered about a match between Anne Page and my cousin Slender, and this day we shall have our answer.
SLENDER.
I hope I have your good will, father Page.
PAGE.
You have, Master Slender, I stand wholly for you.—But my wife, Master doctor, is for you altogether.
CAIUS.
Ay, be-gar; and de maid is love-a me! My nursh-a Quickly tell me so mush.
HOST.
What say you to young Master Fenton? He capers, he dances, he has eyes of youth, he writes verses, he speaks holiday, he smells April and May. He will carry ’t, he will carry ’t. ’Tis in his buttons he will carry ’t.