Host.
Master Fenton, talk not to me; my mind is heavy, I will give over all.

Fent.
Yet hear me speak: Assist me in my purpose,
And, as I am a gentleman, I'll give thee
A hundred pound in gold, more than your loss.

Host.

I will hear you, master Fenton; and I will, at the least, keep your counsel.

Fent.
From time to time I have acquainted you
With the dear love I bear to fair Anne Page;
Who, mutually, hath answer'd my affection
(So far forth as herself might be her chuser)

Even to my wish: I have a letter from her
Of such contents as you will wonder at;
The mirth whereof's so larded with my matter,
That neither, singly, can be manifested,
Without the shew of both: Fat sir John Falstaff
Hath a great scene; the image of the jest^{8 note}
[Shewing a letter.
I'll shew you here at large.9Q0149 Hark, good mine host:
To-night at Herne's oak, just 'twixt twelve and one,
Must my sweet Nan present the fairy queen;
The purpose why, is here^{9 note}; in which disguise,
While other jests are something rank on foot^{1 note},
Her father hath commanded her to slip
Away with Slender, and with him at Eaton
Immediately to marry: she hath consented: now, sir,
Her mother, even strong against that match^{2 note},
And firm for doctor Caius, hath appointed
That he shall likewise shuffle her away,
While other sports are tasking of their minds^{3 note}

,
And at the deanery, where a priest attends,
Straight marry her: to this her mother's plot
She, seemingly obedient, likewise hath
Made promise to the doctor:—Now, thus it rests;
Her father means she shall be all in white;
And in that habit, when Slender sees his time

To take her by the hand, and bid her go,
She shall go with him:—her mother hath intended,
The better to devote^{4 note}
her to the doctor,9Q0150
(For they must all be mask'd and vizarded)
That, quaint in green^{5 note}

Host.
Which means she to deceive? father or mother?

Fent.
Both, my good host, to go along with me:
And here it rests,—that you'll procure the vicar
To stay for me at church, 'twixt twelve and one,
And, in the lawful name of marrying,
To give our hearts united ceremony.

Host.
Well, husband your device; I'll to the vicar:
Bring you the maid, you shall not lack a priest.

Fent.
So shall I evermore be bound to thee;
Besides, I'll make a present recompence. [Exeunt.

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