Page 721 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

FALSTAFF

Dost thou hear, Hal? Never call a true piece of gold a counterfeit. Thou art
essentially mad without seeming so.

PRINCE
And thou a natural coward without instinct.

FALSTAFF
I deny your major. If you will deny the sheriff, [475] so; if not, let him enter.

If I become not a cart as well as another man, a plague on my bringing up! I
hope I shall as soon be strangled with a halter as another.

PRINCE
Go hide thee behind the arras. The rest walk up above. Now, my masters, for
a true face and good conscience. [480]

FALSTAFF
Both which I have had; but their date is out, and therefore I’ll hide me.
Exit.

PRINCE

Call in the sheriff.
[Exeunt. Manent the Prince and Peto.]

Enter Sheriff and the Carrier.
Now, master sheriff, what is your will with me? [485]

SHERIFF
First, pardon me, my lord. A hue and cry

Hath followed certain men unto this house.

PRINCE

What men?

SHERIFF
One of them is well known, my gracious lord −
A gross fat man.