Shal.

Sir John! Sir John Falstaff!

Bar.

Sir John, justice Shallow calls ye.

Fal.

What would the blade of spear-mint have with me? I have done with him.

Shal.

But I have not yet done with you, Sir John? I would first have my thousand pound of you again.

Fal.

You would, master Shallow! like enough! You must take me then in the humour. I am at present ill-dispos'd to your suit.

Shal.

Tut, Sir John. I have said I will not tamely put up this wrong. If I do, I shall be flouted and gib'd to death: I shall be pursued by the mockery of a whole hundred.

Fal.

Not unlikely. But, believe me, the more you bustle in this business, the more you will expose yourself. The more you stir—you know the proverb, master Shallow, it is a little homely, so let that pass. Yet, let me advise thee; rest content.

Shal.

Content! I am not content. I cannot be content. Nay, I will not be content. Give me back the money, or I will have satisfaction of thee.

Fal.

Satisfaction, sayst thou? Why thou wilt not dare me to the combat.

Shal.

Such provocation would make a coward fight, Sir John.

Fal.

If it make thee fight, I'll be sworn it would: for I have seen thee tremble at the shaking of a wheat-ear.

Shal.

To be bamboozled! cheated! laught at! I will not put it up. By heav'ns, I will not put it up.

Fal.

Well said, master Shallow. Now I see there's mettle in thee. But surely thou would'st not be the first

to break the peace? thou, whose office it is to punish the breach of it.

Shal.

Sir John, there are times and reasons for all things. If you will neither give me my money nor gentleman's satisfaction, I will have thee toss'd in a blanket for a poltroon as thou art.

Fal.

They must be stout carls, master Shallow, that toss me in a blanket.

Shal.

Well, well, we shall see, I'll parley with you no longer. Cousin Slender don't stand shill I, shall I, but give him the note.

Slen.

Ay, ay, if coz is kill'd, I shall have his estate; and so there's the challenge.