MISTRESS FORD.
Marry, as I told you before, John and Robert, be ready here hard by in the brew-house; and when I suddenly call you, come forth, and, without any pause or staggering, take this basket on your shoulders. That done, trudge with it in all haste, and carry it among the whitsters in Datchet Mead, and there empty it in the muddy ditch close by the Thames side.
MISTRESS PAGE.
You will do it?
MISTRESS FORD.
I ha’ told them over and over, they lack no direction.—Be gone, and come when you are called.
[Exeunt John and Robert.]
MISTRESS PAGE.
Here comes little Robin.
Enter Robin.
MISTRESS FORD.
How now, my eyas-musket, what news with you?
ROBIN.
My Master, Sir John, is come in at your back door, Mistress Ford, and requests your company.
MISTRESS PAGE.
You little Jack-a-Lent, have you been true to us?
ROBIN.
Ay, I’ll be sworn. My master knows not of your being here, and hath threatened to put me into everlasting liberty if I tell you of it; for he swears he’ll turn me away.