Rob. Sir John Falstaff.
[Ford.] Sir John Falstaff!
20 Mrs Page. He, he; I can never hit [on’s] name. There is such a league between my good man and he!—Is your wife at home indeed?
Ford. Indeed she is.
Mrs Page. By your leave, sir: I am sick till I see her.
III. 2.
25 Ford. Has Page any brains? hath he any eyes? hath he any thinking? Sure, they sleep; he hath no use of them. Why, this boy will carry a letter twenty mile, as easy as a cannon will shoot point-blank twelve score. He pieces out his wife’s inclination; he gives her folly motion and advantage: 30 and now she’s going to my wife, and Falstaff’s boy with her. A man may hear this shower sing in the wind. And Falstaff’s boy with her! Good plots, they are laid; and our revolted wives share damnation together. Well; I will take him, then torture my wife, pluck the borrowed 35 veil of modesty from the so seeming Mistress Page, divulge Page himself for a secure and wilful Actæon; and to these violent proceedings all my neighbours shall cry aim. [Clock heard.] The clock gives me my cue, and my assurance bids me [search: there] I shall find Falstaff: I shall be rather 40 praised for this than mocked; for it is as positive as the earth is firm that Falstaff is there: I will go.
[Enter Page, Shallow, Slender, Host, Sir Hugh Evans, Caius, and Rugby.]
Shal., Page, &c. Well met, Master Ford.
Ford. Trust me, a good knot: I have good cheer at home; and I pray you all go with me.