Page 1057 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

fourteen and fourteen and a half, that [45] it would have done a man’s heart
good to see. How a score of ewes now?

SILENCE
Thereafter as they be. A score of good ewes may be worth ten pounds.

SHALLOW
And is old Double dead? [50]

SILENCE
Here come two of Sir John Falstaff’s men, as I think.

Enter Bardolph and one with him.

[SHALLOW]

Good morrow, honest gentlemen.

BARDOLPH

I beseech you, which is Justice Shallow?

SHALLOW
I am Robert Shallow, sir, a poor esquire of this [55] county, and one of the
king’s justices of the peace. What is your good pleasure with me?

BARDOLPH
My captain, sir, commends him to you, my captain, Sir John Falstaff, a tall
gentleman, by heaven, and a most gallant leader. [60]

SHALLOW
He greets me well, sir. I knew him a good backsword man. How doth the

good knight? May I ask how my lady his wife doth?

BARDOLPH
Sir, pardon, a soldier is better accommodated than with a wife. [65]

SHALLOW
It is well said, in faith, sir, and it is well said indeed too. Better