Enter Fenton and Anne Page.
FENTON.
I see I cannot get thy father’s love;
Therefore no more turn me to him, sweet Nan.
ANNE.
Alas, how then?
FENTON.
Why, thou must be thyself.
He doth object I am too great of birth,
And that my state being galled with my expense,
I seek to heal it only by his wealth.
Besides these, other bars he lays before me:
My riots past, my wild societies—
And tells me ’tis a thing impossible
I should love thee but as a property.
ANNE.
Maybe he tells you true.
FENTON.
No, heaven so speed me in my time to come!
Albeit I will confess thy father’s wealth
Was the first motive that I wooed thee, Anne,
Yet, wooing thee, I found thee of more value
Than stamps in gold or sums in sealed bags.
And ’tis the very riches of thyself
That now I aim at.
ANNE.
Gentle Master Fenton,
Yet seek my father’s love, still seek it, sir.
If opportunity and humblest suit
Cannot attain it, why then—hark you hither.
[They talk apart.]
Enter Shallow, Slender and Mistress Quickly.
SHALLOW.
Break their talk, Mistress Quickly. My kinsman shall speak for himself.