Shal.

And so, master Pleadwell, that is your opinion. —If it be so, my money's gone.

Law.

Indeed, I am of that opinion, justice Shallow.

Shal.

What! how! that my money's gone?

Law.

Nay, I know not that. I say, I am of opinion you should have taken a bond, or obligation, at the time of lending it, friend Shallow. A thousand pound on the bare word of a courtier; and that courtier Sir John Falstaff! ne'er an alderman in the city of London would have lent a thousand pence on such security.

Slen.

Oh that ever a country 'squire should have less wit than a city alderman!

Law.

A thousand pound, Mr. Shallow, is—

Shal.

A thousand pound. I know it is, master Pleadwell, I know it well. But pray now, is there no method in the law to recover it? He cannot have spent it yet: cannot we compel him to restitution? Arrest him—arrest him, Mr. Pleadwell.

Law.

But, should he deny the debt, how will you prove it? and who knows, on such an emergency, what Sir John Falstaff will not do?

Shal.

Nay, he will lye: that's the truth on't.

Slen.

Ay, coz, and that most consumedly too.

Shal.

I can prove his receipt of the money.

Law.

But the conditions, justice Shallow.—What have you to shew that he is engag'd to return it? and when?

Shal.

Nothing, I was weak enough to lend it him on his bare word.

Slen.

Nay, cousin Shallow, not so neither. I'll be sworn he borrow'd it upon his oath. I'll take my Bible sacrament of that. Didn't I hear Sir John swear?—Yes, Mr. Pleadwell, I myself, in propria persona, heard Sir John, alias John Falstaff, knight, viva voce, viva voce,

Mr. Pleadwell—Go to—I know a little of the law.—I say, I heard the aforesaid Falstaff swear and protest to my cousin Shallow (videlicet Robert Shallow of Gloucestershire, esq; justice of the peace, and of the quorum) upon the honour of a true knight, to give him a thousand pound again; and besides that, the comings-in of a better thing, in his majesty's court at London.

Law.

Ah, Master Slender, these knights have just honour enough to swear by; but, for any thing further, I am apprehensive we shall find him one of those honourable knights, whose word is as good as their oath. But see, if I mistake not, yonder he comes; this encounter may perhaps save us the trouble of attending him at home. Let us speak him fair, and perswade him, if possible, to sign an obligation for the money. If we can do that, we may trounce him. Let me alone with him.

Slen.

O would you could Mr. Pleadwell! what would I give methinks to see him well trounc'd! if it was only for giving me once a bloody coxcomb.