SCENE I. _A room in the Garter Inn.

_Enter FALSTAFF and MISTRESS QUICKLY._

_Fal._ Prithee, no more prattling; go. I’ll hold. This is the third time; I hope good luck lies in odd numbers. Away! go. They say there is divinity in odd numbers, either in nativity, chance, or death. Away!

_Quick._ I’ll provide you a chain; and I’ll do what I can 5 to get you a pair of horns.

_Fal._ Away, I say; time wears: hold up your head, and mince. [_Exit Mrs Quickly._

_Enter FORD._

How now, Master Brook! Master Brook, the matter will be known to-night, or never. Be you in the Park about 10 midnight, at Herne’s oak, and you shall see wonders.

_Ford._ Went you not to her yesterday, sir, as you told me you had appointed?

_Fal._ I went to her, Master Brook, as you see, like a poor old man: but I came from her, Master Brook, like a 15 poor old woman. That same knave Ford, her husband, hath the finest mad devil of jealousy in him, Master Brook, that ever governed frenzy. I will tell you:--he beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman; for in the shape of man, Master Brook, I fear not Goliath with a weaver’s 20 beam; because I know also life is a shuttle. I am in haste; go along with me: I’ll tell you all, Master Brook. Since I plucked geese, played truant, and whipped top, I knew not what ’twas to be beaten till lately. Follow me: I’ll tell you strange things of this knave Ford, on 25 whom to-night I will be revenged, and I will deliver his wife into your hand. Follow. Strange things in hand, Master Brook! Follow. [_Exeunt._

NOTES: V, 1