Poins. Mark, Jack.
Prince. We two saw you four set on four and bound[2478]
them, and were masters of their wealth. Mark now, how
a plain tale shall put you down. Then did we two set on[2479]245
you four; and, with a word, out-faced you from your prize,[2480]
and have it; yea, and can show it you here in the house:[2481]
and, Falstaff, you carried your guts away as nimbly, with
as quick dexterity, and roared for mercy and still run and[2482]
roared, as ever I heard bull-calf. What a slave art thou, to[2483]250
hack thy sword as thou hast done, and then say it was in
fight! What trick, what device, what starting-hole, canst
thou now find out to hide thee from this open and apparent
shame?
Poins. Come, let's hear, Jack; what trick hast thou255
now?
Fal. By the Lord, I knew ye as well as he that made[2484]
ye. Why, hear you, my masters: was it for me to kill the[2485]
heir-apparent? should I turn upon the true prince? why,
thou knowest I am as valiant as Hercules: but beware instinct;[2486]260
the lion will not touch the true prince. Instinct is
a great matter; I was now a coward on instinct. I shall[2487]
think the better of myself and thee during my life; I for
a valiant lion, and thou for a true prince. But, by the
Lord, lads, I am glad you have the money. Hostess, clap[2485]265
to the doors: watch to-night, pray to-morrow. Gallants,[2488]
lads, boys, hearts of gold, all the titles of good fellowship[2489]
come to you! What, shall we be merry? shall we have a
play extempore?[2490]
Prince. Content; and the argument shall be thy270
running away.
Fal. Ah, no more of that, Hal, an thou lovest me!
Enter Hostess.[2491]
Host. O Jesu, my lord the prince![2492]
Prince. How now, my lady the hostess! what sayest
thou to me?275
Host. Marry, my lord, there is a nobleman of the[2493]
court at door would speak with you: he says he comes
from your father.