Page 712 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

wealth. Mark now how a plain tale shall put you down. Then did we two set
on you four and, with a word, outfaced you from your prize, and have it; yea,
and can show it you here in the house. [245] And, Falstaff, you carried your
guts away as nimbly, with as quick dexterity, and roared for mercy, and still

run and roared, as ever I heard bullcalf. What a slave art thou to hack thy
sword as thou hast done, and then say it was in fight! What trick, what
device, what starting hole [250] canst thou now find out to hide thee from
this open and apparent shame?

POINS

Come, let’s hear, Jack. What trick hast thou now?

FALSTAFF

By the Lord, I knew ye as well as he that made ye. Why, hear you, my
masters. Was it for me to kill the [255] heir apparent? Should I turn upon the
true prince? Why, thou knowest I am as valiant as Hercules, but beware
instinct. The lion will not touch the true prince. Instinct is a great matter. I

was now a coward on instinct. I shall think the better of myself, and thee,
during my life − I [260] for a valiant lion, and thou for a true prince. But, by
the Lord, lads, I am glad you have the money. Hostess, clap to the doors.
Watch to-night, pray to-morrow. Gallants, lads, boys, hearts of gold, all the

titles of good fellowship come to you! What, shall we be merry? Shall we
have a [265] play extempore?

PRINCE
Content − and the argument shall be thy running away.

FALSTAFF
Ah, no more of that, Hal, an thou lovest me!

Enter Hostess.

HOSTESS
O Jesu, my lord the Prince! [270]

PRINCE

How now, my lady the hostess? What say’st thou to me?