Fal. My lord, the man I know.
Prince. I know thou dost.445
Fal. But to say I know more harm in him than in myself,
were to say more than I know. That he is old, the
more the pity, his white hairs do witness it; but that he is,[2558]
saving your reverence, a whoremaster, that I utterly deny.
If sack and sugar be a fault, God help the wicked! if to be[2559]450
old and merry be a sin, then many an old host that I know
is damned: if to be fat be to be hated, then Pharaoh's lean
kine are to be loved. No, my good lord; banish Peto,
banish Bardolph, banish Poins: but for sweet Jack Falstaff,
kind Jack Falstaff, true Jack Falstaff, valiant Jack Falstaff,455
and therefore more valiant, being, as he is, old Jack Falstaff,
banish not him thy Harry's company, banish not him[2560]
thy Harry's company: banish plump Jack, and banish all
the world.
Prince. I do, I will. [A knocking-heard.[2561]460
[Exeunt Hostess, Francis, and Bardolph.
Re-enter Bardolph, running.[2562]
Bard. O, my lord, my lord! the sheriff with a most[2563]
monstrous watch is at the door.[2564]
Fal. Out, ye rogue! Play out the play: I have much[2565]
to say in the behalf of that Falstaff.
Re-enter the Hostess.[2566]