The Merry Wives of Windsor

Share
First folio
Modern text

Definitions

Key line

Enter Falstaffe, Pistoll, Robin, Quickly, Bardolffe, Ford.Enter Falstaff and Pistol MW II.ii.1
Fal. FALSTAFF 
I will not lend thee a penny.I will not lend thee a penny. MW II.ii.1
Pist. PISTOL 
Why then the world's mine Oyster,Why then, the world's mine oyster, MW II.ii.2
which I, with sword will open.Which I with sword will open. – MW II.ii.3
I will retort the sum in equipage.equipage (n.)
[unclear meaning] small parts, instalments
MW II.ii.4
retort (v.)
repay, pay back, recompense
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Not a penny: I haue beene content (Sir,) youNot a penny. I have been content, sir, youcontent (adj.)
agreeable, willing, ready
MW II.ii.5
should lay my countenance to pawne: I haue grated vponshould lay my countenance to pawn. I have grated uponpawn (n.)

old form: pawne
pledge, surety, forfeit
MW II.ii.6
lay (v.)
put forward, present, use
grate on / upon (v.)

old form: vpon
pester, harass, make heavy demands on
countenance (n.)
position, standing, authority
my good friends for three Repreeues for you, and yourmy good friends for three reprieves for you and your MW II.ii.7
Coach-fellow Nim; or else you had look'd through thecoach-fellow Nym, or else you had looked through thecoach-fellow (n.)
[one of a team of horses drawing a coach] companion, mate, partner in crime
MW II.ii.8
grate, like a Geminy of Baboones: I am damn'd in hell,grate, like a geminy of baboons. I am damned in hellgrate (n.)
prison bars, grating, cage
MW II.ii.9
geminy (n.)
pair, couple, brace
for swearing to Gentlemen my friends, you were goodfor swearing to gentlemen my friends you were good MW II.ii.10
Souldiers, and tall-fellowes. And when Mistresse Briget soldiers and tall fellows. And when Mistress Bridgettall (adj.)
brave, valiant, bold
MW II.ii.11
lost the handle of her Fan, I took't vpon mine honour thoulost the handle of her fan, I took't upon mine honour thoutake it
affirm, swear, take an oath
MW II.ii.12
hadst it not.hadst it not. MW II.ii.13
Pist. PISTOL 
Didst not thou share? hadst thou not fifteene pence?Didst thou not share? Hadst thou not fifteen pence? MW II.ii.14
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Reason, you roague, reason: thinkst thouReason, you rogue, reason. Thinkest thou MW II.ii.15
Ile endanger my soule, gratis? at a word, hang no moreI'll endanger my soul gratis? At a word, hang no moregratis (adv.)
for nothing, without payment
MW II.ii.16
about mee, I am no gibbet for you: goe, a short knife,about me – I am no gibbet for you. Go – a short knife MW II.ii.17
and a throng, to your Mannor of Pickt-hatch: goe, you'lland a throng – to your manor of Pickt-hatch, go. You'llpicked-hatch, pickt-hatch (n.)
spiked half-door; house of ill-repute, brothel
MW II.ii.18
not beare a Letter for mee you roague? you stand vponnot bear a letter for me, you rogue? You stand uponstand upon (v.)

old form: vpon
make an issue of, insist upon, bother about
MW II.ii.19
your honor: why, (thou vnconfinable basenesse) it isyour honour! Why, thou unconfinable baseness, it isunconfinable (adj.)

old form: vnconfinable
limitless, boundless, infinite
MW II.ii.20
baseness (n.)

old form: basenesse
cowardice, degenerateness, degradation
as much as I can doe to keepe the termes of my honoras much as I can do to keep the terms of my honour MW II.ii.21
precise: I, I, I my selfe sometimes, leauing the feare ofprecise. I, I, I myself sometimes, leaving the fear ofprecise (adj.)
scrupulously pure, strictly observed, unstained
MW II.ii.22
leave (v.)

old form: leauing
abandon, forsake, relinquish
heauen on the left hand, and hiding mine honor in myGod on the left hand and hiding mine honour in my MW II.ii.23
necessity, am faine to shufflle: to hedge, and to lurch, andnecessity, am fain to shuffle, to hedge, and to lurch; andshuffle (v.)

old form: shufflle
behave evasively, act shiftily
MW II.ii.24
hedge (v.)
evade, be devious, prevaricate
lurch (v.)
rob, cheat
fain (adj.)

old form: faine
obliged, forced, compelled
yet, you Rogue, will en-sconce your raggs; youryet you, you rogue, will ensconce your rags, yourensconce, insconce (v.)

old form: en-sconce
protect, conceal, shelter
MW II.ii.25
Cat-a-Mountaine-lookes, your red-lattice phrases, and yourcat-a-mountain looks, your red-lattice phrases, and yourred-lattice (adj.)
[sign of a] tavern, ale-house
MW II.ii.26
cat-a-mountain, cat o'mountain (adj./n.)

old form: Cat-a-Mountaine
mountain-cat, wildcat, panther
bold-beating-oathes, vnder the shelter of your honor?bold-beating oaths, under the shelter of your honour!beating (adj.)
battering, thumping, blow-by-blow
MW II.ii.27
you will not doe it? you?You will not do it? You! MW II.ii.28
Pist. PISTOL 
I doe relent: what would thou more of man?I do relent. What wouldst thou more of man?relent (v.)
yield, give way, give up
MW II.ii.29
Enter Robin MW II.ii.30
Robin. ROBIN 
Sir, here's a woman would speake with you.Sir, here's a woman would speak with you. MW II.ii.30
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Let her approach.Let her approach. MW II.ii.31
Enter Mistress Quickly MW II.ii.32.1
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
Giue your worship good morrow.Give your worship good morrow.morrow (n.)
morning
MW II.ii.32
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Good-morrow, good-wife.Good morrow, good wife.goodwife (n.)

old form: good-wife
mistress of a household, Mrs
MW II.ii.33
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
Not so and't please your worship.Not so, an't please your worship. MW II.ii.34
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Good maid then.Good maid, then. MW II.ii.35
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
Ile be sworne,I'll be sworn, MW II.ii.36
As my mother was the first houre I was borne.As my mother was the first hour I was born. MW II.ii.37
Fal. FALSTAFF 
I doe beleeue the swearer; what with me?I do believe the swearer. What with me? MW II.ii.38
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
Shall I vouch-safe your worship aShall I vouchsafe your worship avouchsafe (v.)

old form: vouch-safe
allow, permit, grant
MW II.ii.39
word, or two?word or two? MW II.ii.40
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Two thousand (faire woman) and ile vouchsafeTwo thousand, fair woman, and I'll vouchsafe MW II.ii.41
thee the hearing.thee the hearing. MW II.ii.42
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
There is one Mistresse Ford, (Sir)There is one Mistress Ford – Sir, MW II.ii.43
I pray come a little neerer this waies: I my selfe dwellI pray, come a little nearer this ways – I myself dwell MW II.ii.44
with M. Doctor Caius:with Master Doctor Caius. MW II.ii.45
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Well, on; Mistresse Ford, you say.Well, on. Mistress Ford, you say – MW II.ii.46
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
Your worship saies very true: IYour worship says very true – I MW II.ii.47
pray your worship come a little neerer this waies.pray your worship, come a little nearer this ways. MW II.ii.48
Fal. FALSTAFF 
I warrant thee, no-bodie heares:I warrant thee nobody hears – (indicatingwarrant (v.)
assure, promise, guarantee, confirm
MW II.ii.49
mine owne people, mine owne people.Pistol and Robin) mine own people, mine own people. MW II.ii.50
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
Are they so? heauen-blesse them, andAre they so? God bless them and MW II.ii.51
make them his Seruants.make them his servants! MW II.ii.52
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Well; Mistresse Ford, what of her?Well, Mistress Ford – what of her? MW II.ii.53
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
Why, Sir; shee's a good-creature;Why, sir, she's a good creature. MW II.ii.54
Lord, Lord, your Worship's a wanton: well: heauen forgiueLord, Lord, your worship's a wanton! Well, God forgivewanton (n.)
libertine, seducer
MW II.ii.55
you, and all of vs, I pray ---.you, and all of us, I pray – MW II.ii.56
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Mistresse Ford: come, Mistresse Ford.Mistress Ford – come, Mistress Ford. MW II.ii.57
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
Marry this is the short, and the longMarry, this is the short and the longmarry (int.)
[exclamation] by Mary
MW II.ii.58
of it: you haue brought her into such a Canaries, as 'tisof it: you have brought her into such a canaries as 'tiscanary, canaries (n.)
malapropism, probably for 'quandary'
MW II.ii.59
wonderfull: the best Courtier of them all (when thewonderful. The best courtier of them all, when the MW II.ii.60
Court lay at Windsor) could neuer haue brought her to court lay at Windsor, could never have brought her to MW II.ii.61
such a Canarie: yet there has beene Knights, and Lords,such a canary; yet there has been knights, and lords, MW II.ii.62
and Gentlemen, with their Coaches; I warrant you Coachand gentlemen, with their coaches, I warrant you, coachwarrant (v.)
assure, promise, guarantee, confirm
MW II.ii.63
after Coach, letter after letter, gift after gift, smelling so after coach, letter after letter, gift after gift, smelling so MW II.ii.64
sweetly; all Muske, and so rushling, I warrant you, in sweetly – all musk – and so rushling, I warrant you, inrushling (adj.)
rustling, swishing
MW II.ii.65
silke and golde, and in such alligant termes, and in suchsilk and gold, and in such alligant terms, and in suchalligant (adj.)
malapropism for ‘elegant’ or ‘eloquent’
MW II.ii.66
wine and suger of the best, and the fairest, that wouldwine and sugar of the best and the fairest, that would MW II.ii.67
haue wonne any womans heart: and I warrant you, theyhave won any woman's heart, and, I warrant you, they MW II.ii.68
could neuer get an eye-winke of her: I had my selfe twentiecould never get an eye-wink of her – I had myself twenty MW II.ii.69
Angels giuen me this morning, but I defie all Angels (inangels given me this morning, but I defy all angels inangel (n.)
gold coin [with the angel Michael depicted], value between a third and half of a pound
MW II.ii.70
defy (v.)

old form: defie
reject, despise, disdain, renounce
any such sort, as they say) but in the way of honesty:any such sort, as they say, but in the way of honesty –sort (n.)
way, manner
MW II.ii.71
and I warrant you, they could neuer get her so muchand, I warrant you, they could never get her so much MW II.ii.72
as sippe on a cup with the prowdest of them all, and yetas sip on a cup with the proudest of them all, and yetproudest (n./adj.)

old form: prowdest
eminent, notable, grand
MW II.ii.73
there has beene Earles: nay, (which is more) Pentioners,there has been earls – nay, which is more, pensionerspensioner (n.)

old form: Pentioners
gentleman of the royal bodyguard
MW II.ii.74
but I warrant you all is one with her.but, I warrant you, all is one with her. MW II.ii.75
Fal. FALSTAFF 
But what saies shee to mee? be briefe my goodBut what says she to me? Be brief, my good MW II.ii.76
shee-Mercurie.she-Mercury.she-Mercury (n.)

old form: shee-Mercurie
woman messenger
MW II.ii.77
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
Marry, she hath receiu'd yourMarry, she hath received your MW II.ii.78
Letter: for the which she thankes you a thousand times;letter, for the which she thanks you a thousand times, MW II.ii.79
and she giues you to notifie, that her husband will beand she gives you to notify that her husband will benotify (v.)

old form: notifie
notice, take note, observe
MW II.ii.80
absence from his house, betweene ten and eleuen.absence from his house between ten and eleven. MW II.ii.81
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Ten, and eleuen.Ten and eleven. MW II.ii.82
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
I, forsooth: and then you mayAy, forsooth; and then you mayforsooth (adv.)
in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
MW II.ii.83
come and see the picture (she sayes) that you wot of:come and see the picture, she says, that you wot of.wot (v.)
learn, know, be told
MW II.ii.84
Master Ford her husband will be from home: alas,Master Ford, her husband, will be from home. Alas, MW II.ii.85
the sweet woman leades an ill life with him: hee's a verythe sweet woman leads an ill life with him – he's a veryill (adj.)
poor, inadequate, miserable
MW II.ii.86
iealousie-man; she leads a very frampold life with him,jealousy man – she leads a very frampold life with him,frampold (adj.)
disagreeable, bad-tempered, moody
MW II.ii.87
(good hart.)good heart. MW II.ii.88
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Ten, and eleuen. Woman, commend me to her,Ten and eleven. Woman, commend me to her.commend (v.)
convey greetings, present kind regards
MW II.ii.89
I will not faile her.I will not fail her. MW II.ii.90
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
Why, you say well: But I haueWhy, you say well. But I have MW II.ii.91
another messenger to your worship: Mistresse Page another messenger to your worship. Mistress Pagemessenger (n.)
malapropism for ‘message’
MW II.ii.92
hath her heartie commendations to you to: and let meehath her hearty commendations to you too; and, let me MW II.ii.93
tell you in your eare, shee's as fartuous a ciuill modest tell you in your ear, she's as fartuous a civil modestfartuous (adj.)
malapropism for ‘virtuous’
MW II.ii.94
wife, and one (I tell you) that will not misse you morningwife, and one, I tell you, that will not miss you morning MW II.ii.95
nor euening prayer, as any is in Windsor, who ere beenor evening prayer, as any is in Windsor, whoe'er be MW II.ii.96
the other: and shee bade me tell your worship, that herthe other. And she bade me tell your worship that her MW II.ii.97
husband is seldome from home, but she hopes there willhusband is seldom from home, but she hopes there will MW II.ii.98
come a time. I neuer knew a woman so doate vpon acome a time. I never knew a woman so dote upon a MW II.ii.99
man; surely I thinke you haue charmes, la: yes inman. Surely, I think you have charms, la! Yes, incharm (n.)

old form: charmes
magic spell, enchantment
MW II.ii.100
la (int.)
indeed
truth.truth. MW II.ii.101
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Not I, I assure thee; setting the attraction ofNot I, I assure thee. Setting the attractions of MW II.ii.102
my good parts aside, I haue no other charmes.my good parts aside, I have no other charms.part (n.)
quality, attribute, gift, accomplishment [of mind or body]
MW II.ii.103
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
Blessing on your heart for't.Blessing on your heart for't! MW II.ii.104
Fal. FALSTAFF 
But I pray thee tell me this: has Fords wife,But I pray thee tell me this: has Ford's wife MW II.ii.105
and Pages wife acquainted each other, how they loueand Page's wife acquainted each other how they love MW II.ii.106
me?me? MW II.ii.107
Qui. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
That were a iest indeed: they haueThat were a jest indeed! They have MW II.ii.108
not so little grace I hope, that were a tricke indeed:not so little grace, I hope – that were a trick indeed!grace (n.)
personal duty, sense of propriety
MW II.ii.109
But Mistris Page would desire you to send her yourBut Mistress Page would desire you to send her your MW II.ii.110
little Page of al loues: her husband has a maruellouslittle page, of all loves. Her husband has a marvellousloves, of all

old form: al loues
for love's sake
MW II.ii.111
infectiõ to the little Page: and truely Master Page is aninfection to the little page; and, truly, Master Page is aninfection (n.)

old form: infectiō
malapropism for ‘affection’
MW II.ii.112
honest man: neuer a wife in Windsor leades a betterhonest man. Never a wife in Windsor leads a better MW II.ii.113
life then she do's: doe what shee will, say what she will,life than she does. Do what she will, say what she will, MW II.ii.114
take all, pay all, goe to bed when she list, rise when shetake all, pay all, go to bed when she list, rise when shelist (v.)
wish, like, please
MW II.ii.115
list, all is as she will: and truly she deserues it; for iflist, all is as she will. And, truly, she deserves it; for if MW II.ii.116
there be a kinde woman in Windsor, she is one: you must there be a kind woman in Windsor, she is one. You must MW II.ii.117
send her your Page, no remedie.send her your page – no remedy.remedy, no

old form: remedie
no question, no alternative
MW II.ii.118
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Why, I will.Why, I will. MW II.ii.119
Qu. MISTRESS QUICKLY 
Nay, but doe so then, and lookeNay, but do so, then – and, look MW II.ii.120
you, hee may come and goe betweene you both: and in anyyou, he may come and go between you both. And in any MW II.ii.121
case haue a nay-word, that you may know one anotherscase have a nay-word, that you may know one another'snayword, nay-word (n.)

old form: nay-word
password, watchword
MW II.ii.122
minde, and the Boy neuer neede to vnderstand any thing;mind, and the boy never need to understand anything; MW II.ii.123
for 'tis not good that children should know any wickednes:for 'tis not good that children should know any wickedness. MW II.ii.124
olde folkes you know, haue discretion, as they say,Old folks, you know, have discretion, as they say, MW II.ii.125
and know the world.and know the world. MW II.ii.126
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Farethee-well, commend mee to them both:Fare thee well; commend me to them both.fare ... well (int.)

old form: Farethee-well
goodbye [to an individual]
MW II.ii.127
commend (v.)
convey greetings, present kind regards
there's my purse, I am yet thy debter: Boy, goe alongThere's my purse – I am yet thy debtor. Boy, go along MW II.ii.128
with this woman,with this woman. MW II.ii.129
Exeunt Mistress Quickly and Robin MW II.ii.129
this newes distracts me.This news distracts me.distract (v.)
[unclear meaning] perplex, bewilder
MW II.ii.130
Pist. PISTOL  
(aside) MW II.ii.131.1
This Puncke is one of Cupids Carriers,This punk is one of Cupid's carriers.Cupid (n.)
[pron: 'kyoopid] Roman god of love, son of Venus and Mercury; a winged, blindfolded boy with curved bow and arrows
MW II.ii.131
punk (n.)

old form: Puncke
harlot, strumpet, whore
carrier (n.)
messenger, courier, go-between
Clap on more sailes, pursue: vp with your sights:Clap on more sails; pursue; up with your fights;fight (n.)
screen raised for protecting the crew during a sea-battle
MW II.ii.132
clap on (v.)
activate promptly, put on smartly
Giue fire: she is my prize, or Ocean whelme them all.Give fire! She is my prize, or ocean whelm them all!whelm (v.)

old form: whelme
overwhelm, drown, sink
MW II.ii.133
Exit MW II.ii.133
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Saist thou so (old Iacke) go thy waies: IleSayest thou so, old Jack? Go thy ways. I'llways, go thy / your

old form: waies
get along, be off
MW II.ii.134
make more of thy olde body then I haue done: will theymake more of thy old body than I have done. Will they MW II.ii.135
yet looke after thee? wilt thou after the expence of soyet look after thee? Wilt thou, after the expense of soexpense (n.)

old form: expence
extravagance, expenditure, spending
MW II.ii.136
look after (v.)
follow with the eye, look with favour on
yet, as yet (adv.)
still
much money, be now a gainer? good Body, I thankemuch money, be now a gainer? Good body, I thank MW II.ii.137
thee: let them say 'tis grossely done, so it bee fairely done,thee. Let them say 'tis grossly done – so it be fairly done,grossly (adv.)

old form: grossely
openly, blatantly, brazenly
MW II.ii.138
no matter.no matter. MW II.ii.139
Enter Bardolph MW II.ii.140
Bar. BARDOLPH 
Sir Iohn, there's one Master Broome belowSir John, there's one Master Brook below MW II.ii.140
would faine speake with you, and be acquainted withwould fain speak with you, and be acquainted withfain (adv.)

old form: faine
gladly, willingly
MW II.ii.141
you; and hath sent your worship a mornings draughtyou; and hath sent your worship a morning's draught MW II.ii.142
of Sacke.of sack.sack (n.)

old form: Sacke
[type of] white wine
MW II.ii.143
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Broome is his name?Brook is his name? MW II.ii.144
Bar. BARDOLPH 
I Sir.Ay, sir. MW II.ii.145
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Call him in: Call him in. MW II.ii.146
Exit Bardolph MW II.ii.146
such Broomes are welcome to mee, that ore'flowes suchSuch Brooks are welcome to me, that o'erflows suchoverflow (v.)

old form: ore'flowes
pour out, overflow with
MW II.ii.147
liquor: ah ha, Mistresse Ford and Mistresse Page, haue Iliquor. Aha! Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, have I MW II.ii.148
encompass'd you? goe to, via.encompassed you? Go to; via!encompass (v.)

old form: encompass'd
outwit, catch out, get round
MW II.ii.149
via, fia (int.)
come / go on, hurry up
Enter Bardolph, with Ford disguised as Brook MW II.ii.150
Ford. FORD 
'Blesse you sir.Bless you, sir. MW II.ii.150
Fal. FALSTAFF 
And you sir: would you speake with me?And you, sir. Would you speak with me? MW II.ii.151
Ford. FORD 
I make bold, to presse, with so little preparation vponI make bold to press with so little preparation uponpreparation (n.)
forewarning, prior ceremony
MW II.ii.152
bold, be / make
presume, venture, take the liberty
you.you. MW II.ii.153
Fal. FALSTAFF 
You'r welcome, what's your will?You're welcome. What's your will? (Towill (n.)
desire, wish, liking, inclination
MW II.ii.154
giue vs leaue Drawer.Bardolph) Give us leave, drawer.drawer (n.)
one who draws drink from a cask, tapster, barman
MW II.ii.155
Exit Bardolph MW II.ii.155.1
Ford. FORD 
Sir, I am a Gentleman that haue spent much, mySir, I am a gentleman that have spent much. My MW II.ii.156
name is Broome.name is Brook. MW II.ii.157
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Good Master Broome, I desire more acquaintanceGood Master Brook, I desire more acquaintance MW II.ii.158
of you.of you. MW II.ii.159
Ford. FORD 
Good Sir Iohn, I sue for yours: not to chargeGood Sir John, I sue for yours – not to chargecharge (v.)
cause expense, burden with a cost
MW II.ii.160
sue (v.)
beg, plead, beseech
you, for I must let you vnderstand, I thinke my selfe inyou – for I must let you understand I think myself in MW II.ii.161
better plight for a Lender, then you are: the which hathbetter plight for a lender than you are, the which hath MW II.ii.162
something emboldned me to this vnseason'd intrusion:something emboldened me to this unseasoned intrusion;something (adv.)
somewhat, rather
MW II.ii.163
unseasoned (adj.)

old form: vnseason'd
unseasonable, inopportune, badly timed
for they say, if money goe before, all waies doe lye open.for they say if money go before, all ways do lie open. MW II.ii.164
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Money is a good Souldier (Sir) and will on.Money is a good soldier, sir, and will on. MW II.ii.165
Ford. FORD 
Troth, and I haue a bag of money heere troubles me:Troth, and I have a bag of money here troubles me.troth, good troth (n.)
exclamations, emphasizing an assertion - truly, indeed
MW II.ii.166
if you will helpe to beare it (Sir Iohn) take all, or halfe, forIf you will help to bear it, Sir John, take all, or half, for MW II.ii.167
easing me of the carriage.easing me of the carriage.carriage (n.)
burden, load
MW II.ii.168
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Sir, I know not how I may deserue to bee yourSir, I know not how I may deserve to be your MW II.ii.169
Porter.porter. MW II.ii.170
Ford. FORD 
I will tell you sir, if you will giue mee the hearing. I will tell you, sir, if you will give me the hearing. MW II.ii.171
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Speake (good Master Broome) I shall be glad toSpeak, good Master Brook. I shall be glad to MW II.ii.172
be your Seruant.be your servant. MW II.ii.173
Ford. FORD 
Sir, I heare you are a Scholler: (I will be briefe withSir, I hear you are a scholar – I will be brief with MW II.ii.174
you) and you haue been a man long knowne to me,you – and you have been a man long known to me, MW II.ii.175
though I had neuer so good means as desire, to makethough I had never so good means as desire to make MW II.ii.176
my selfe acquainted with you. I shall discouer a thing tomyself acquainted with you. I shall discover a thing todiscover (v.)

old form: discouer
reveal, show, make known
MW II.ii.177
you, wherein I must very much lay open mine owneyou wherein I must very much lay open mine own MW II.ii.178
imperfection: but (good Sir Iohn) as you haue oneimperfection. But, good Sir John, as you have one MW II.ii.179
eye vpon my follies, as you heare them vnfolded, turneeye upon my follies, as you hear them unfolded, turn MW II.ii.180
another into the Register of your owne, that I may passeanother into the register of your own, that I may passregister (n.)
record, catalogue, inventory
MW II.ii.181
with a reproofe the easier, sith you your selfe know howwith a reproof the easier, sith you yourself know how MW II.ii.182
easie it is to be such an offender.easy it is to be such an offender. MW II.ii.183
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Very well Sir, proceed.Very well, sir. Proceed. MW II.ii.184
Ford. FORD 
There is a Gentlewoman in this Towne, her husbandsThere is a gentlewoman in this town – her husband's MW II.ii.185
name is Ford.name is Ford. MW II.ii.186
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Well Sir.Well, sir. MW II.ii.187
Ford. FORD 
I haue long lou'd her, and I protest to you,I have long loved her, and, I protest to you, MW II.ii.188
bestowed much on her: followed her with a doatingbestowed much on her, followed her with a doting MW II.ii.189
obseruance: Ingross'd opportunities to meete her: fee'dobservance, engrossed opportunities to meet her, fee'dengross (v.)

old form: Ingross'd
get together, collect, gather, seize
MW II.ii.190
observance (n.)

old form: obseruance
proper attention, attentiveness, heed
fee (v.)

old form: fee'd
purchase, procure, secure
euery slight occasion that could but nigardly giue meeevery slight occasion that could but niggardly give meniggardly (adv.)

old form: nigardly
sparingly, grudgingly, slightly
MW II.ii.191
sight of her: not only bought many presents to giue her,sight of her, not only bought many presents to give her MW II.ii.192
but haue giuen largely to many, to know what shee wouldbut have given largely to many to know what she would MW II.ii.193
haue giuen: briefly, I haue pursu'd her, as Loue hathhave given. Briefly, I have pursued her as love hath MW II.ii.194
pursued mee, which hath beene on the wing of allpursued me, which hath been on the wing of all MW II.ii.195
occasions: but whatsoeuer I haue merited, either in myoccasions. But whatsoever I have merited – either in my MW II.ii.196
minde, or in my meanes, meede I am sure I haue receiuedmind or in my means – meed, I am sure, I have receivedmeed (n.)

old form: meede
reward, prize, recompense
MW II.ii.197
none, vnlesse Experience be a Iewell, that I hauenone, unless experience be a jewel. That I have MW II.ii.198
purchased at an infinite rate, and that hath taught mee to purchased at an infinite rate, and that hath taught me to MW II.ii.199
say this,say this: MW II.ii.200
"Loue like a shadow flies, when substance Loue pursues,‘ Love like a shadow flies when substance love pursues,substance (n.)
real thing, genuine article
MW II.ii.201
"Pursuing that that flies, and flying what pursues.Pursuing that that flies, and flying what pursues.’ MW II.ii.202
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Haue you receiu'd no promise of satisfactionHave you received no promise of satisfaction MW II.ii.203
at her hands?at her hands? MW II.ii.204
Ford. FORD 
Neuer.Never. MW II.ii.205
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Haue you importun'd her to such a purpose?Have you importuned her to such a purpose?importune (v.)

old form: importun'd
urge, press
MW II.ii.206
purpose (n.)
outcome, result, end
Ford. FORD 
Neuer.Never. MW II.ii.207
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Of what qualitie was your loue then?Of what quality was your love, then?quality (n.)

old form: qualitie
nature, disposition, character
MW II.ii.208
Ford. FORD 
Like a fair house, built on another mans ground, soLike a fair house built on another man's ground, so MW II.ii.209
that I haue lost my edifice, by mistaking the place, wherethat I have lost my edifice by mistaking the place where MW II.ii.210
I erected it.I erected it. MW II.ii.211
Fal. FALSTAFF 
To what purpose haue you vnfolded this to me?To what purpose have you unfolded this to me?unfold (v.)

old form: vnfolded
relate, recount, narrate
MW II.ii.212
For. FORD 
When I haue told you that, I haue told you all:When I have told you that, I have told you all. MW II.ii.213
Some say, that though she appeare honest to mee, yetSome say that though she appear honest to me, yethonest (adj.)
chaste, pure, virtuous
MW II.ii.214
in other places shee enlargeth her mirth so farre, that therein other places she enlargeth her mirth so far that thereenlarge (v.)
release, set at large, discharge
MW II.ii.215
mirth (n.)
merry-making, pleasure-seeking
is shrewd construction made of her. Now (Sir Iohn)is shrewd construction made of her. Now, Sir John,shrewd (adj.)
malicious, nasty, vicious
MW II.ii.216
construction (n.)
interpretation, reading, explanation
here is the heart of my purpose: you are a gentleman ofhere is the heart of my purpose: you are a gentleman ofpurpose (n.)
intention, aim, plan
MW II.ii.217
excellent breeding, admirable discourse, of greatexcellent breeding, admirable discourse, of greatdiscourse (n.)
conversation, talk, chat
MW II.ii.218
admirable (adj.)
wondrous, marvellous, extraordinary
admittance, authenticke in your place and person, generallyadmittance, authentic in your place and person, generallyplace (n.)
position, post, office, rank
MW II.ii.219
admittance (n.)
entry into society, social presence, admissibility
authentic (adj.)

old form: authenticke
respectable, entitled to esteem
allow'd for your many war-like, court-like, and learnedallowed for your many warlike, courtlike, and learnedcourtlike (adj.)

old form: court-like
courtly, elegant, well-mannered
MW II.ii.220
allow (v.)

old form: allow'd
acknowledge, grant, admit
preparations.preparations.preparation (n.)
accomplishment, capacity, achievement
MW II.ii.221
Fal. FALSTAFF 
O Sir.O, sir! MW II.ii.222
Ford. FORD 
Beleeue it, for you know it: there is money, spendBelieve it, for you know it. There is money. Spend MW II.ii.223
it, spend it, spend more; spend all I haue, onely giue me it, spend it; spend more; spend all I have. Only give me MW II.ii.224
so much of your time in enchange of it, as to lay anso much of your time in exchange of it as to lay an MW II.ii.225
amiable siege to the honesty of this Fords wife: vseamiable siege to the honesty of this Ford's wife. Usehonesty (n.)
virtue, chastity
MW II.ii.226
amiable (adj.)
amorous, loving, tender
your Art of wooing; win her to consent to you: if anyyour art of wooing, win her to consent to you. If any MW II.ii.227
man may, you may as soone as any.man may, you may as soon as any. MW II.ii.228
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Would it apply well to the vehemency of yourWould it apply well to the vehemency of yourapply (v.)
conform, bend, adapt
MW II.ii.229
affection that I should win what you would enioy?affection that I should win what you would enjoy? MW II.ii.230
Methinkes you prescribe to your selfe very preposterously.Methinks you prescribe to yourself very preposterously.preposterously (adv.)
out of the normal course of events, unnaturally, perversely
MW II.ii.231
Ford. FORD 
O, vnderstand my drift: she dwells so securely onO, understand my drift. She dwells so securely onsecurely (adv.)
confidently, without misgiving, fearlessly
MW II.ii.232
dwell on / upon
preserve, maintain, pay attention to
the excellency of her honor, that the folly of my soulethe excellency of her honour that the folly of my soulfolly (n.)
wantonness, lewdness
MW II.ii.233
dares not present it selfe: shee is too bright to be look'ddares not present itself. She is too bright to be lookedlook against (v.)

old form: look'd
look at directly
MW II.ii.234
against. Now, could I come to her with any detection inagainst. Now, could I come to her with any detection indetection (n.)
exposure, revelation, evidence of unfaithfulness
MW II.ii.235
my hand; my desires had instance and argument tomy hand, my desires had instance and argument toinstance (n.)
sign, evidence, proof
MW II.ii.236
argument (n.)
proof, evidence, demonstration
commend themselues, I could driue her then from thecommend themselves. I could drive her then from thecommend (v.)
present, introduce, bring [for favourable acceptance]
MW II.ii.237
ward of her purity, her reputation, her marriage-vow,ward of her purity, her reputation, her marriage-vow,ward (n.)
guard, protection, defence
MW II.ii.238
and a thousand other her defences, which now are too-and a thousand other her defences, which now are too MW II.ii.239
too strongly embattaild against me: what say you too't,too strongly embattled against me. What say you to't,embattle (v.)

old form: embattaild
deploy, draw up, marshal
MW II.ii.240
Sir Iohn?Sir John? MW II.ii.241
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Master Broome, I will first make bold with yourMaster Brook, I will first make bold with your MW II.ii.242
money: next, giue mee your hand: and last, as I am amoney; next, give me your hand; and last, as I am a MW II.ii.243
gentleman, you shall, if you will, enioy Fords wife.gentleman, you shall, if you will, enjoy Ford's wife. MW II.ii.244
Ford. FORD 
O good Sir.O good sir! MW II.ii.245
Fal. FALSTAFF 
I say you shall.I say you shall. MW II.ii.246
Ford. FORD 
Want no money (Sir Iohn) you shall want none.Want no money, Sir John; you shall want none.want (v.)
lack, need, be without
MW II.ii.247
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Want no Mistresse Ford (Master Broome) you Want no Mistress Ford, Master Brook; you MW II.ii.248
shall want none: I shall be with her (I may tell you) byshall want none. I shall be with her, I may tell you, by MW II.ii.249
her owne appointment, euen as you came in to me, herher own appointment. Even as you came in to me, her MW II.ii.250
assistant, or goe-betweene, parted from me: I say I shallassistant, or go-between, parted from me. I say I shall MW II.ii.251
be with her betweene ten and eleuen: for at that timebe with her between ten and eleven, for at that time MW II.ii.252
the iealious-rascally-knaue her husband will be forth:the jealous rascally knave her husband will be forth.knave (n.)

old form: knaue
scoundrel, rascal, rogue
MW II.ii.253
come you to me at night, you shall know how I speed.Come you to me at night, you shall know how I speed.speed (v.)
fare, manage, get on
MW II.ii.254
Ford. FORD 
I am blest in your acquaintance: do you knowI am blest in your acquaintance. Do you know MW II.ii.255
Ford Sir?Ford, sir? MW II.ii.256
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Hang him (poore Cuckoldly knaue) I know himHang him, poor cuckoldy knave! I know himknave (n.)

old form: knaue
scoundrel, rascal, rogue
MW II.ii.257
cuckoldy (adj.)

old form: Cuckoldly
cuckolded
not: yet I wrong him to call him poore: They say thenot. Yet I wrong him to call him poor. They say the MW II.ii.258
iealous wittolly-knaue hath masses of money, for thejealous wittolly knave hath masses of money, for thewittolly (adj.)
cuckoldy; also: half-witted
MW II.ii.259
which his wife seemes to me well-fauourd: I will vsewhich his wife seems to me well-favoured. I will usewell-favoured (adj.)

old form: well-fauourd
good-looking, attractive in appearance
MW II.ii.260
her as the key of the Cuckoldly-rogues Coffer, &her as the key of the cuckoldy rogue's coffer – and MW II.ii.261
ther's my haruest-home.there's my harvest-home.harvest-home (n.)

old form: haruest-home
gathering-in, moment of success
MW II.ii.262
Ford. FORD 
I would you knew Ford, sir, that you might auoidI would you knew Ford, sir, that you might avoid MW II.ii.263
him, if you saw him.him if you saw him. MW II.ii.264
Fal. FALSTAFF 
Hang him, mechanicall-salt-butter rogue; I wilHang him, mechanical salt-butter rogue! I willmechanical (adj.)

old form: mechanicall
common, servile, menial
MW II.ii.265
salt-butter (adj.)
cheap-living, mean, avaricious
stare him out of his wits: I will awe-him with my cudgell:stare him out of his wits. I will awe him with my cudgel; MW II.ii.266
it shall hang like a Meteor ore the Cuckolds horns:it shall hang like a meteor o'er the cuckold's horns.cuckold (n.)
[mocking name] man with an unfaithful wife
MW II.ii.267
Master Broome, thou shalt know, I will predominate ouerMaster Brook, thou shalt know I will predominate overpredominate (v.)
[astrology] be in the ascendancy, exert a controlling influence
MW II.ii.268
the pezant, and thou shalt lye with his wife. Come tothe peasant, and thou shalt lie with his wife. Come to MW II.ii.269
me soone at night: Ford's a knaue, and I will aggrauateme soon at night. Ford's a knave, and I will aggravatenight, at
at nightfall, this evening
MW II.ii.270
knave (n.)

old form: knaue
scoundrel, rascal, rogue
aggravate (v.)

old form: aggrauate
add weight to, magnify, increase
his stile: thou (Master Broome) shalt know him forhis style. Thou, Master Brook, shalt know him forstyle (n.)

old form: stile
mode of address, formal title
MW II.ii.271
knaue, and Cuckold. Come to me soone at night.knave and cuckold. Come to me soon at night. MW II.ii.272
Exit MW II.ii.272
Ford. FORD 
What a damn'd Epicurian-Rascall is this? my heartWhat a damned Epicurean rascal is this! My heartEpicurean (adj.)

old form: Epicurian
sensual, lecherous, pleasure-seeking
MW II.ii.273
is ready to cracke with impatience: who saies this isis ready to crack with impatience. Who says this is MW II.ii.274
improuident iealousie? my wife hath sent to him, theimprovident jealousy? My wife hath sent to him, theimprovident (adj.)

old form: improuident
shortsighted, lacking foresight, careless
MW II.ii.275
howre is fixt, the match is made: would any man hauehour is fixed, the match is made. Would any man have MW II.ii.276
thought this? see the hell of hauing a false woman: mythought this? See the hell of having a false woman! Myfalse (adj.)
disloyal, faithless, inconstant, unfaithful
MW II.ii.277
bed shall be abus'd, my Coffers ransack'd, my reputationbed shall be abused, my coffers ransacked, my reputationabuse (v.)

old form: abus'd
misuse, maltreat, treat badly, wrong
MW II.ii.278
gnawne at, and I shall not onely receiue this villanousgnawn at; and I shall not only receive this villainous MW II.ii.279
wrong, but stand vnder the adoption of abhominablewrong, but stand under the adoption of abominablestand under (v.)

old form: vnder
suffer, endure, bear the weight of
MW II.ii.280
termes, and by him that does mee this wrong:terms, and by him that does me this wrong.term (n.)

old form: Termes
names, labels
MW II.ii.281
Termes, names: Amaimon sounds well: Lucifer, well: Terms! Names! Amaimon sounds well; Lucifer, well;Amaimon, Amamon (n.)
[pron: a'miymon, a'mamon] in Christian tradition, the name of a devil
MW II.ii.282
Lucifer (n.)
in the Bible, the name of a principal devil; or, the Devil
Barbason, well: yet they are Diuels additions, the namesBarbason, well. Yet they are devils' additions, the namesBarbason (n.)
[pron: 'bahrbason] in Christian tradition, the name of a devil
MW II.ii.283
addition (n.)
title, name
of fiends: But Cuckold, Wittoll, Cuckold? the Diuellof fiends. But Cuckold! Wittol!Cuckold! The devilwittol (n.)

old form: Wittoll
compliant cuckold, man who accepts his wife's infidelity
MW II.ii.284
cuckold (n.)
[mocking name] man with an unfaithful wife
himselfe hath not such a name. Page is an Asse, a securehimself hath not such a name. Page is an ass, a securesecure (adj.)
over-confident, unsuspecting, too self-confident
MW II.ii.285
Asse; hee will trust his wife, hee will not be iealous: I willass. He will trust his wife, he will not be jealous. I will MW II.ii.286
rather trust a Fleming with my butter, Parson Hugh the rather trust a Fleming with my butter, Parson Hugh the MW II.ii.287
Welsh-man with my Cheese, an Irish-man with myWelshman with my cheese, an Irishman with my MW II.ii.288
Aqua-vitae-bottle, or a Theefe to walke my ambling gelding,aqua-vitae bottle, or a thief to walk my ambling gelding,walk (v.)

old form: walke
exercise, take out walking
MW II.ii.289
gelding (n.)
castrated horse; horse that is placid in temperament
aqua-vitae (n.)
spirits, alcohol, strong drink, brandy
then my wife with her selfe. Then she plots, then sheethan my wife with herself. Then she plots, then she MW II.ii.290
ruminates, then shee deuises: and what they thinke inruminates, then she devises. And what they think in MW II.ii.291
their hearts they may effect; they will breake theirtheir hearts they may effect, they will break their MW II.ii.292
hearts but they will effect. Heauen bee prais'd for myhearts but they will effect. God be praised for my MW II.ii.293
iealousie: eleuen o'clocke the howre, I will preuent this,jealousy! Eleven o'clock the hour. I will prevent this,prevent (v.)
take steps to thwart, avoid by prompt action
MW II.ii.294
detect my wife, bee reueng'd on Falstaffe, and laugh at detect my wife, be revenged on Falstaff, and laugh atdetect (v.)
expose, unmask, uncover
MW II.ii.295
Page. I will about it, better three houres too soone, then aPage. I will about it. Better three hours too soon than a MW II.ii.296
mynute too late: fie, fie, fie: Cuckold, Cuckold, Cuckold.minute too late. Fie, fie, fie! Cuckold, cuckold, cuckold! MW II.ii.297
Exti.Exit MW II.ii.297
 Previous Act II, Scene II Next  
x

Jump directly to