Page 720 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

FALSTAFF

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 (saving your reverence) a whoremaster, that I utterly [450] deny. If

sack and sugar be a fault, God help the wicked! If to be 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 [455] sweet Jack Falstaff, kind Jack
Falstaff, true Jack Falstaff, valiant Jack Falstaff, and therefore more valiant

being, as he is, old Jack Falstaff, banish not him thy Harry’s company, banish
not him thy Harry’s company. Banish plump Jack, and banish all the world!
[460]

PRINCE
I do, I will.

[A knocking heard.]
[Exeunt Hostess, Francis, and Bardolph.]

Enter Bardolph, running.

BARDOLPH
O, my lord, my lord! the sheriff with a most monstrous watch is at the door.

FALSTAFF
Out, ye rogue! Play out the play. I have much to say in the behalf of that

Falstaff. [465]

Enter the Hostess.

HOSTESS

O Jesu, my lord, my lord!

PRINCE
Heigh, heigh, the devil rides upon a fiddlestick! What’s the matter?

HOSTESS
The sheriff and all the watch are at the door. They are come to search the
house. Shall I let them in? [470]