Page 1049 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

PETO

The king your father is at Westminster,
And there are twenty weak and wearied posts
Come from the north. And as I came along [345]

I met and overtook a dozen captains,
Bareheaded, sweating, knocking at the taverns,
And asking every one for Sir John Falstaff.

PRINCE
By heaven, Poins, I feel me much to blame,
So idly to profane the precious time, [350]

When tempest of commotion, like the south
Borne with black vapour, doth begin to melt
And drop upon our bare unarmèd heads.
Give me my sword and cloak. Falstaff, good night.

Exeunt Prince Henry, Poins [, Peto, and Bardolph].

FALSTAFF
Now comes in the sweetest morsel of the night, [355] and we must hence
and leave it unpicked. [Knocking within.] More knocking at the door!
[Enter Bardolph.]
How now! What’s the matter?

BARDOLPH

You must away to court, sir, presently.
A dozen captains stay at door for you. [360]

FALSTAFF
[to the Page]
Pay the musicians, sirrah. Farewell, hostess. Farewell, Doll. You see, my good

wenches, how men of merit are sought after. The undeserver may sleep
when the man of action is called on. Farewell, good wenches. If I be not sent
away post, I will see you again [365] ere I go.

DOLL
I cannot speak. If my heart be not ready to burst − well, sweet Jack, have a
care of thyself.