Page 1021 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

CHIEF JUSTICE

You speak as having power to do wrong. But answer in the effect of your
reputation, and satisfy the poor woman.

FALSTAFF
Come hither, hostess.

Enter a Messenger [Gower].

CHIEF JUSTICE
Now, Master Gower, what news? [130]

GOWER
The king, my lord, and Harry Prince of Wales

Are near at hand. The rest the paper tells.

FALSTAFF
As I am a gentleman.

HOSTESS
Faith, you said so before.

FALSTAFF
As I am a gentleman. Come, no more words of [135] it.

HOSTESS
By this heavenly ground I tread on, I must be fain to pawn both my plate and

the tapestry of my dining-chambers.

FALSTAFF

Glasses, glasses, is the only drinking. And for [140] thy walls, a pretty slight
drollery, or the story of the Prodigal, or the German hunting in water-work, is
worth a thousand of these bed-hangings and these fly-bitten tapestries. Let it
be ten pound, if thou canst. Come, an ’twere not for thy humours, there’s not

a better wench in [145] England. Go, wash thy face, and draw the action.
Come, thou must not be in this humour with me. Dost not know me? Come,
come, I know thou wast set on to this.