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BOOK OF WORDS 
 
 THE 
 
 MERRY WIVES OF 
 WINDSOR 
 
 COMIC OPERA IN THREE ACTS 
 
 ADAPTED FROM SHAKESPEARE'S COMEDY 
 
 BY 
 
 H. S. MOSENTHAL 
 
 THE MUSIC BY OTTO JilCOL/II 
 
 Translated and Adapted for Performance in English hy 
 
 H. E. Krehbiel 
 
 BOSTON 
 
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 NEW YORK CHICAGO PHILADELPHIA 
 
 CHAS. H. DITSON & CO LYON & HEALY J. E. DITSON <t CO 
 
MUSIC LIBRARY 
 
 University of California 
 Berkeley 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The plot of Nicolai's opera follows closely that of Shakespeare's comedy, though the 
 action is confined entirely to the adventures of Falstaff with the merry wives, with the 
 love of Fenton and Anne as an incident. Falstaff'hsL^ lost his roystering followers, Bar- 
 dolph^ Pistol^ and Nym-^ and we are also deprived of the unctuous Welsh parson. Sir 
 Hugh Evan%^ while, in return, the milksop character of Slender has been happily 
 accentuated in the music. The action begins with the receipt by Mrs. Ford and Mrs. 
 Page of Sir John's love-letters, and proceeds thereafter in close imitation of the original 
 comedy, with the omission of the scenes which have no direct connection with the fat 
 Knight's amatory adventures. Sir John is inveigled into two visits to the house of Mrs. 
 Ford., with the familiar results. First he is carried out in a basket, covered with foul 
 linen, and " thrown into the Thames, and cooled, glowing hot, in that surge, like a horse- 
 shoe." The second time he encounters Ford' s cm^^qS.. A third meeting is then arranged 
 for Windsor Park, where Sir John^ after suffering much in his amiable dignity by 
 reason of his absurd attitude (for which, to keep in countenance, he must needs find a 
 parallel in classic mythology), is held up to ridicule after being tormented by the mock 
 fairies, and then forgiven for the sake of the lesson learned by all, and the severity of the 
 punishment suffered at the hands of the keen, witty, and light-hearted women. 
 
 The opera had its first production in Berlin, in May, 1849. ^'^ May, 1864, it was 
 brought out in Italian (the title changed to " Falstaff") at Her Majesty's in London, and 
 two years later Parisians made its acquaintance at the Theatre Lyrique as " Les Joyeuses 
 Commeres de Windsor." In the version prepared for the American Opera the translator 
 has taken a few liberties with the text in 01 Jer to make as much use as possible of Shake- 
 sperean phraseology, and has also filled out the dialogue in a degree with drafts from 
 the comedy. 
 
 PERSONS REPRESENTED, 
 
 Sir John Falstaff. 
 
 Mr. Ford. ) Two gentlemen dwelling at 
 
 Mr. Page, j Windsor. 
 
 Fenton. 
 
 Slender. 
 
 Dr. Caius, a French Physician. 
 
 Mistress Ford. 
 
 Mistress Page. 
 
 Anne Page, her daughter, in love with 
 
 Fenton. 
 Host of the Garter Inn. 
 
 Citizens. 
 
 A Waiter. 
 
 First 
 
 Second 
 
 Third 
 
 Fourth 
 
 Chorus and Ballet. 
 
 Citizens and Wives of Windsor. 
 
 Masks of Fairies, elves and other sprites, 
 
 gnats, flies, etc. 
 Two servants of Mr. Ford. 
 Waiter. 
 
 (2) 
 
 Scene — Windsor and the farts adjacent* 
 
M 
 
 T]IE 
 
 Merry Wives of Windsor. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I.— Yard. On the right side, the house of 
 Mr. Page — on the left, Mr. Ford^s house. {Enter 
 Mistress Ford with a letter.) 
 
 Mistress Pord, 
 
 Now this is really quite too bad, 
 
 How dares he thus to vex me ? 
 The drunken sot is surely mad 
 
 With love vows to perplex me ! 
 Ah ! If he were a gallant knight, 
 
 Young, handsome, proud in bearing — 
 But of all lovers such as this. 
 
 May heav'n be kindly sparing ! 
 Can I the note have read correctly? 
 
 \Reads:\ 
 '' The kindly fates, fair lady, 
 
 Us for each other made ; 
 Your eyes gleam like the starlight. 
 
 Your blood is far from staid — " 
 Now is it strange one's wrath should rise, 
 When such a beast extols one's eyes ? 
 
 ^Continuing to read.] 
 
 *' You love good sack, and so do I ; 
 
 Here, then, is sympathy — " 
 What means the coarse and scurvy knave, 
 I, sack? I never drink ! 
 
 [J^eads.] 
 *^ Read me aright. 
 
 Thine own true knight, 
 By day or night. 
 Or any light. 
 With all his might, 
 For thee to fight. 
 
 John Falstaff." 
 
 Ha ! wait a while, my foolish fellow. 
 For these bold words I'll make you bellow ! 
 With my fair neighbor, Mistress Page, 
 I'll hatch a plot will make you rage ! 
 
 [Fnter Mistress Page, also with an open letter in her 
 hand. She does not at once perceive Mistress Ford.\ 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 To Mistress Ford I'll quickly run, 
 O'er this queer note to ponder ; 
 
 Such folly ne'er before was done. 
 Where are his wits, I wonder? 
 
 {Observing Mrs. Ford."] 
 
 Upon my word. 
 
 Here's Mistress Ford ! 
 
 Can I, my dear, your thoughts engage — 
 
 Afrs. Pord. 
 And can I yours, fair Mistress Page ? 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 See this amusing billet-doux — 
 
 Mrs. Pord. 
 A note, my dear ? Why, I've one too ! 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 A silly fool has writ to me ! 
 
 Mrs. Pord. 
 Oh, read it out ! 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 Yes, I agree ! 
 
 '' The kindly fates, fair lady, 
 Us for each other made — 
 
 [Peads.] 
 
 Mrs. Pord. 
 
 [Astounded, reading her own letter \ 
 '* Us for each other made — " 
 
 549 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OE WINDSOR, 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 ** Your eyes gleam like the starlight, 
 Your blood is far from staid — " 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 ^* Your blood is far from staid — '* 
 
 Go on ! 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 *' You love good sack, and so do I ; 
 Here, then, is sympathy — " 
 
 Mrs. Ford, 
 
 ^* Here, then, is sympathy — " 
 Proceed, dear ! proceed, dear ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 S 
 
 :5zjt 
 
 Both. 
 
 " Read me aright, 
 Thine own true knight, 
 By day or night. 
 Or any light. 
 With all his might. 
 For thee to fight. 
 
 John Falstaff/ 
 
 What an outrage ! Past redeeming ! 
 
 Dares he thus true wives pursue ? 
 Fie upon his lustful scheming, 
 
 His vile daring he shall rue ! 
 To protect our wifely dower 
 
 We must cunningly contrive ; 
 Woman's craft and subtle power, 
 
 Must at our revenge connive ! 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 P-- 
 
 ^ 
 
 Allegretto. 
 
 Now tell me your in - ten - tion. 
 
 I'll straight to Mis - ter 
 
 'tA- 
 
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 You're an - y - thing but 
 
 :i=^t: 
 
 
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THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
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 Mrs. Page. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 
 do ! No, no, that will not do ! 
 
 "Well, as you please. Then lis - ten to my plan. 
 
 f=sS=* 
 
 g 
 
 
 P 
 
 
 We'll offer comfort in his suit, 
 And e'en appoint a meeting ; 
 
 Then, having trapped the greasy brute, 
 Provide for him a beating ! 
 
 Both, pp 
 
 :i25r:^-|:g _ l4#_gjLz:^i 
 
 Mrs Page, 
 
 The plan w^ill ser\'e ! 
 
 
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 s 
 
 Our heads we'll now to-geth - er lay, To trick the knave this ve - ry day Knight,your best de- 
 
 •^9* 4 — *-* — gir — ^ ^ 
 
 Allegretto vivo. 
 
 p^^^^^M^^ 
 
 :d=: 
 
 r r ^ 
 
 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
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 fence now fash - ion, We prepare to play a part ; Soon we'll cool your guilty pas -sion, 
 
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 Soon we'll cure your ach - ing heart ! 
 
 
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 art - ful springes, 
 
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 Soon we'll cure your ach -ing heart ! Craft and cun-ning, 
 
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 Craft and cunning. 
 
 art -ful springes, Will your pond'rous hulk ensnare. 
 
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THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
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 \They hurry into the house of Mrs, Ford-I 
 
 w^- 
 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR. 
 
 Scene II. — Mr. Ford, Mr. Page^ Slender and Cuius. 
 Enter in conversation. 
 
 Ford, 
 
 Gentlemen, I desire your company within. 
 We have a hot venison pasty to dinner and 
 I hope you w^ill discuss it with me. 
 
 Page, 
 
 Excuse me, neighbor Ford. My wife 
 awaits me. 
 
 Slender, 
 
 Thank you also, forsooth heartily, but I 
 have accepted an invitation from Master 
 Page, and I would not for a sum lose the 
 chance to dine with sweet Anne. 
 
 Caius, 
 
 [Aside.] 
 Ce Jack'nape ! 
 
 Page, 
 
 You have my good will, Master Slender, 
 in your suit for my fair daughter, though 
 Mistress Page looks favoringly upon the doc- 
 tor here. 
 
 Caius, 
 
 Ouz^ fardieu ! And the lady loves me 
 too. I have read it in her lovely eyes ! 
 
 , Slender, 
 
 [Aside.] 
 O, 5weet Anne ! 
 
 Ford, 
 
 [ To Caius.] 
 
 *Tis deceptive literature, good doctor ! 
 
 The women love to scatter it broadcast. 
 
 That I know from my own wife, whom I 
 
 cannot watch closely enough. 
 
 [Growing vehement.] 
 But if ever I catch a lover with her, I'll — 
 
 Page. 
 
 Keep your peace, neighbor Ford. Your 
 /eternal jealousy but wrongs a virtuous wo- 
 anan and makes of you a butt. 
 
 Ford, 
 
 And you will trust your wife — you will 
 lie* be jealous, till your pate supports a 
 branching ornament ! Trust a Fleming with 
 your butter, a Welchman with your cheese, 
 an Irishman with your aqua-vitae bottle, or a 
 thief with your ambling gelding, but not a 
 wife with herself. O these women, these 
 women I 
 
 Page, 
 And yet we will not quarrel. I know you 
 are incorrigible. Let us in. 
 
 Ford. 
 Good day, gentlemen. I would not leave 
 my wife too long alone ! 
 
 Scene III. — Page, Slender, and Dr, Caius. After- 
 ward Fenton, 
 
 Page. 
 
 [ To Slender :\ 
 Enter the house, meanwhile my worthy 
 
 son-in-law. 
 There soon again I'll join you. 
 
 Slender, 
 
 [Entering Page's housed 
 O sweetest Anne ! 
 
 Caius, 
 
 [Furiously^ 
 Son-in-law J Mort de ma vie ! We're 
 not so far advance ! Myself sail kill-a him, 
 ce Monsieur Slender, and take possession 
 of la belle Anna I Be gar ! I will by all ze 
 diablcs ! 
 
 [Exit.] 
 Page, 
 
 Ugh ! That ugly parlez-vous I 
 
 Ah! whatdoes Master Fenton here.? 
 
 Your pleasure ! 
 
 Fenton, 
 Your sweet daughter. 
 
 Page, 
 What, my daughter ! 
 
 Fenton, 
 Her to whom my heart belongs. 
 
 Page, 
 
 Was the like e*er seen before ? 
 
 Such a paltry, piddling beggar 
 Dares my daughter's hand implore ! 
 
 Fenton, 
 Wealth, indeed, I cannot offer — 
 
 Page, 
 That full well I understand. 
 Fenton, 
 Love requited still I proffer. 
 And a stout and willing hand ! 
 
 [Aside.\ 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR. 
 
 Page. 
 Very good ; but one great flaw — 
 
 Fenton. 
 O trust my love ; it's true and tender I 
 
 Page. 
 
 Mars your claim. 
 Now Master Slender 
 
 Is a worthier son-in-law. 
 
 lAside:\ 
 
 Eenton. 
 Recall the days of youth and pleasure, 
 
 When o'er your bosom love held sway ; 
 Refuse me not my life's fond treasure, 
 
 Nor send me coldly thus away ! 
 Deny me not this greatest blessing. 
 
 Avoid what you would later rue. 
 Though neither wealth nor lands possessing, 
 
 I'm rich in love that's fond and true. 
 
 Page. 
 
 [Aside.] 
 Who to me no wealth can render 
 Stands no chance 'gainst Master Slender. 
 Better suitor, to my mind, 
 My fair daughter can not find. 
 His vast wealth I view with zest, 
 Safely placed at interest. 
 Yielding, (to believe I've grounds,) 
 Annually six hundred pounds, 
 With an ever-growing trade ! 
 Anne's fortune's surely made ! 
 
 Fenton, 
 Do you consent ? Have I your voice .^ 
 
 Page. 
 No, no ; I've made a better choice ! 
 
 Fenton. 
 Ah, none so truly will defend her I 
 
 Page. 
 Indeed ! How's our young Master Slender.? 
 
 Fenton. 
 
 What ! He ! And for this parrakeet 
 Am I denied? 
 
 Page. 
 You're not discreet ! 
 Do not insult my son-in-law ; 
 Anne's not for you ; so, sir, withdraw ! 
 
 Fenton. 
 And this is all you have to say } 
 
 Page. 
 Excuse me, sir, I must away ! 
 
 Fenton. 
 
 Good neighbor Page, be on your guard ; 
 I love your daughter, will labor hard 
 To put to naught your cruel scheming ; 
 True love ne'er yet was idle seeming ! 
 Though greed and tyranny combine 
 I swear your daughter shall be mine ! 
 
 Page. . 
 
 Good sir, your threat'ning tongue retard ! 
 Anne Page your love can ne'er regard. 
 Vain are the plots with which you're teeming, 
 Vain all the hopes that fill your dreaming. 
 Forget your love, cease to repine. 
 To you her hand I'll ne'er consign ! 
 
 \Exit both^ Page into his house.] 
 
 Scene IV. — A room in Ford^s House. Mrs. Ford. 
 
 [Entering from the side door at the /e/t.] 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Now to my aid, fun, wit and humor. 
 The maddest mischief, trick and artifice ! 
 Naught's too severe that sei-ves my purpose 
 To give our self-elected lords a drubbing. 
 Ah, what a tribe ! So profligate. 
 Too great a punishment does not exist ! 
 And first of all, yon watery pumpion 
 Who fain my love would seek, shall rue his 
 
 conduct ! 
 But when he comes, how might I best extend 
 
 him greeting.? 
 How best address him ? Ah, I have it now ! 
 Deceiver ! Why do you thus 
 A woman's wifely honor assail ? 
 The outrage I should ne'er condone. 
 My rage should punishment demand. — 
 But ah ! A woman's heart is soft ! — 
 Your suit, so eloquently urged. 
 Your sighs — make me relent — 
 No longer can I cruel be ! 
 And I confess it, blushing. Sir John, 
 My gallant knight, I love you ! 
 Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! He will believe me ! 
 My part, indeed, I play quite well 
 Though venturesome beyond a doubt 
 The little joke escapes harsh condemnation. 
 
lO 
 
 THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR. 
 
 Mrs Eord. 
 
 Toco meno mosso. 
 
 :n 
 
 /^- ^ 
 
 
 Fro - lie and laugh - ter Give zest to liv - ing, All find for - giv - ^ing 
 
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 Ly - ing . . sans 
 
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 Is sure - ly ve - ni - al, Love be - ing true. 
 
 fe^^^^gS 
 
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 -m- 
 
 ^ 
 
 P 
 
 col canto. 
 
 
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 M 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 II 
 
 a tempo. 
 
 raU, 
 
 Cadenza a piacere. 
 
 '■f=^^:^^^^^m^^Sm 
 
 Trust - - ing our pa - Irons, On with the game ! Ah 
 
 t^^i^=^ 
 
 IimL 
 
 
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 col caiito. 
 
 Cadenza. 
 
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12 
 
 THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR. 
 
 Scene V. — Mistress Ford, Mistress Page. 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 {Entering cautiously. '\ 
 Well, Gossip Ford — is all prepared ? 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Everything is in readiness. Behold the 
 basket I 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 [Laughing.] 
 Capital ! Ha, ha, ha ! And the servants? 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Will answer my call. And have you dis- 
 charged your commissions ^ 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 In all things as we had agreed. To your 
 husband I have sent a letter wherefrom he 
 learned, that this evening he may find a 
 lover with his wife. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Glorious ! Then both wiU be punished ; 
 my husband for his senseless jealousy — 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 And the fat knight for his impudence. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Then to your post ! I hear him coming ! 
 Remember your cue. 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 Now play your part well ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 We'll teach him to know turtles from 
 jays ! 
 
 Scene W.^' Mrs. Ford, Mrs. Page, Falstaff, Slender, 
 Ford, Cuius, Page, and Chorus. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Have I at last then caught thee, 
 
 My heavenly jewel rare ? 
 This eager heart that sought thee 
 
 Shall make thee lady fair ! 
 
 [ Tries to emhrace her.] 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 [Pising, and affecting modesty^ 
 Ah, sweet Sir John, my blushes spare ! 
 
 Falstaff. Wk 
 
 How now, my love, abandon care ; 
 Come, sweet, discard all sorrow ! 
 Your fears I'll all disprove ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 I fear that on the morrow 
 You will forget your love ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 As I am chaste and free from error — 
 
 Mrs. Ford, 
 Not quickly I'll engage — 
 
 Falstaff. 
 Come, sweetheart, cast aside all terror ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 You love, too, Mistress Page ! 
 
 [Mistress Page appears listening at the door, le/t.] 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 What ! That ill-favored beldame ! 
 
 Whence got you that conceit? 
 She limps like any cripple ! 
 
 I'm not a fool complete ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Well, heaven knows I love you, 
 My brave and gallant knight ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 By yon bright sun above you, 
 You are my soul's delight ! 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 [Knocking at the door from without^ 
 Mistress Ford ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 [Feigning alarm.] 
 Some one knocks ! 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 Mistress Ford, be quick, unlock I 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 Alas! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 [In an undertone, frightened^ 
 What's this? Speak, Mistress Ford I 
 
 Mrs, Page, 
 
 Mistress Ford ! 
 
 [Knocking^ 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 n 
 
 Falstaff, 
 Heav'n help me ! 
 
 Mrs, Ford, 
 
 [A/oud.] 
 Yes, at once ! 
 
 [To Falstaff:\ 
 Conceal yourself, my sweet one ! 
 
 \Falstaff' goes behind the arras. Mrs. Page knocks 
 again^ Mrs. Ford opens the door.} 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 Alas ! I am exhausted quite ; 
 Forever you are shamed, undone ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 How so, how so, fairGrOssip Page? 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 Your husband's in a furious rage ! 
 O save yourself! His wrath assuage ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Speak louder I — [Aside.] 
 
 Ah ! How unfortunate ! — [Aloud.] 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 He storms, and swears he's certain quite 
 A mans' concealed within the house ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 What shall I do ? I sink with fright ! 
 
 r Mrs. Page. 
 
 Unhappy one ! then it is true ? 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 Alas, it is ! 
 Speak louder, do ! — [Aside.] 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 You both are lost ! My blood congeals ! 
 Half Windsor follows at his heels ; 
 And if he finds your lover here, 
 He'll kill him sure ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 I'll die with fear ! 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 A basket, see ! Though 'tis not deep, 
 Within it let your lover creep ; 
 If not, his life's not worth a fig ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 In there ? Alas, he's much too big ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 Let's see the thing, I'll in ! Be quick ! 
 
 Mrs. Page, 
 What's this? Sir John? 
 
 Falstaff, 
 Yes, pretty chick ! 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 'Tis you that wrote my billet-doux f 
 
 Falstaff. 
 Yes, yes, 'tis I ! I love you too ! 
 And gladly I will be your knight 
 If I escape this sorry plight ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford, 
 Be quick ! Be quick ! 
 
 Falstaff, 
 Sweet Mistress Ford ! 
 
 Mrs. Page, 
 Be quick ! Be quick ! 
 
 Falstaff, 
 Sweet Mistress Page ! 
 
 Both Women, 
 Get in ! Get in ! 
 
 I love you both ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Both Women. 
 Now, greasy pudding, bon voyage ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 Ho, servants ! Now, give careful heed. 
 This basket take to Datchet mead. [Aside.] 
 Unload it in the muddy ditch ! 
 
 [Enter Ford, Page, Caius, Slender, and Citizens.] 
 
 Ford. 
 Come in ! Come in ! Come all and see ! 
 Each one of you shall witness be. 
 
 [ To the servants^ 
 
 Ho, rascals, stop! What have you there? 
 
 Mrs, Ford, 
 Away the washing quickly bear ! 
 What ails you, meddling, jealous fool? 
 Would you the household laundry rule ? 
 
 Ford, 
 Ha ! false one, you are caught at last ; 
 The time for simulation's past ! 
 
14 1HI£ MUKHI WIV 
 
 ^ j> ur yyjixjJCi uk. 
 
 Mrs, JFord, 
 
 Mrs. Ford, 
 
 Ah, dearest husband ! 
 
 Yet this alone will not suffice ; 
 
 
 We must contrive again to trick him. 
 
 Ford. 
 
 
 Viper! Go! 
 
 Mrs. Page, 
 
 Page, 
 
 Let us again the knight entice, 
 
 {To Ford. y 
 
 And with our wit to-morrow prick him. 
 
 Come, be content. 
 
 
 
 Both. 
 
 Catus, 
 
 
 Horreur I 
 
 'Tis thus a wife can play a game. 
 
 
 And yet preserve an honest name. 
 
 Page, 
 
 Not so. 
 
 [Enter the men.} 
 
 Here are the keys ; now come with me, 
 
 Mrs. Ford, 
 
 [Aside.} 
 They're from the hunt returning. 
 
 Within tliis house the man must be ! 
 
 
 Caius, 
 
 Though nothing have they caught. 
 
 P est jaloux furieusement I 
 
 Mrs, Page, 
 
 Slender, 
 
 All consolation spurning. 
 
 Sit down with grief distraught ! 
 
 O sweetest Anna ! 
 
 
 
 Ford, 
 
 Mrs, Pord, 
 
 Nil ? 
 
 Husband mine — 
 
 The Men. 
 
 
 mil 
 
 The Others, 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 [To Mrs. Ford:} 
 
 Good neighbor Ford, now be content ! 
 
 Pray tell me, what has grieved you ? 
 
 y Chorus, 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 His heart with jealousy is rent. 
 
 With grief and shame I'll die ! 
 
 Ford, 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 
 [To For d^ 
 
 In intrigues woman's time is spent, 
 
 How dare, who ne'er deceived you. 
 
 Her lord's dishonor to augment ! 
 
 You shamelessly belie. 
 
 
 Her innocence defame ? 
 
 \Exit all but Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Page^ 
 
 
 
 All. 
 
 Mrs. Ford and Mrs, Page. 
 
 Oh shame ! Oh shame ! Oh shame I 
 
 Ha, ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 
 This is, indeed, a royal joke ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford, 
 
 Go, peep into each crack and cranny ! 
 
 J, WM ¥ tj • -*. \^ r i** • 
 
 
 Alas I those days are faded. 
 
 ' 
 
 Since first my love he won ! 
 
 Mrs, Ford. 
 
 No grief my joy then shaded. 
 
 Our gallant knight is put to soak I 
 
 His heart was mine alone. 
 
 
 Now blinded by his fury 
 
 Mrs. Page, 
 
 There's naught but pain and grief, 
 
 His jealous rage will surely 
 
 And neighbor Ford must feel uncanny ? 
 
 Torment his wife to death ! 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 15 
 
 Maggiore. 
 
 Ford. 
 
 i^: 
 
 ¥=^=^?^^K- 
 
 K V- 
 
 i 
 
 All search ... is un - a - vail 
 
 ^i 
 
 ing, No 
 
 5^ 
 
 ag 
 
 -=1 =1- 
 
 Ped. a tempo. 
 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 • — n 
 
 ^^^E^^m 
 
 iiEi 
 
 ^E?=^_^E3 
 
 - ^ ^- 
 
 ^J 
 
 ^ 
 
 -t- 
 
 trace . . of him I find; 
 
 The dev - - il, still pre - vail 
 
 i 
 
 ing, Dis- 
 
 * Ped, 
 
 % -^- ^ -- 
 
 Ford. 
 
 :d: 
 
 ?-£r^ 
 
 # 
 
 =1^^^ 
 
 d: 
 
 1^ 
 
 isaFgE?; 
 
 r 
 
 i 
 
 stroys my peace of mind 1 Now full . . of jealous f u 
 
 ry There's naught but pain and 
 
 w 
 
 -q — S ^- 
 
 Ped. 
 
 * Ped. 
 
 
i6 
 
 THE MERRT WIVES OE WINDSOR. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 -S4-*- 
 
 ^^^^t =t^^ 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 Drive hus - bands down to death. 
 
 
 1^ 
 
 m: 
 
 -v—^- 
 
 ^t. 
 
 3= 
 
 ly, Drive hus - bands down to death ! 
 
 11 I 
 
 These faith - less wo-men sure 
 
 Ford. 
 
 ^^lE 
 
 I 
 
 grief ! 
 
 ti: 
 
 :^=C 
 
 -r 
 
 -^=.^ 
 
 t 
 
 -=;-«- 
 
 11 
 
 « Fed. # P«d. j(. 
 
 ^ 
 
 T^e Others, 
 
 All search is unavailing, 
 
 No trace of him we find ; 
 His jealousy prevailing 
 
 Destroys his peace of mind ! 
 Observe, his idle fury 
 
 Brings only pain and grief, 
 His jealous rage will surely 
 Torment his wife to death ! 
 
 Foi'd. 
 
 Forgive. A letter told me, dear, 
 I'd surely find John Falstaff here ! 
 
 Mrs. Eord. 
 
 Ungrateful man ! The die. is cast. 
 
 No time for reparation. 
 All Windsor town shall know at last 
 My sufferinge here, my sorrows vast; 
 
 I '11 seek a separation ! 
 
 Eord, 
 
 'Twas that confounded letter cast 
 
 Us into desolation ; 
 But cease your cries or else, at last 
 All Windsor town will stand aghast, 
 
 At your vituperation ! 
 
 All Others. 
 
 O shame ! O shame ! such blame to cast, 
 
 Such wicked condemnation ! 
 All Windsor town shall know at last. 
 Her sufterings here, her sorrows vast, 
 
 Her righteous separation ! 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scene I. — A Room in the Garter Iiin. Falstaff, 
 Waiter. 
 
 Ealstaff. 
 Waiter ! Here waiter, I say. Is no one in ? 
 
 Waiter. 
 What is your worship's wish ? 
 
 Ealstaff. 
 
 How can you ask.'' Quick, fetch me a 
 quart of sack ! 
 
 Waiter. 
 At once, Sir John ! 
 
 \_Hurries off and returns in a moment with a jug of 
 sack. Then exit.} 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 n 
 
 Ealstaff. 
 
 Have I lived to be carried in a basket, 
 like a barrow of butcher's offal, and to be 
 thrown into the Thames? Well, if I be 
 served such another trick, I'll have my 
 brains ta'en out and buttered and give them 
 to a dog for a New-Year's gift. The 
 rogues slighted me into the river with as 
 little remorse as they would have drowned 
 a bitch's blind puppies, fifteen in the litter. 
 And you may know by my size that I have 
 a kind of alacrity in sinking — if the bottom 
 were as deep as hell I should down. I 
 had been drowned, but that the shore was 
 shelvy and shallow — a death that I abhor ; 
 for the water swells a man, and what a 
 thing should I have been, when I had 
 been swelled ! I should have been a moun- 
 tain of mummy ! 
 
 [Reaching for the jug^ 
 
 Come, old friend, bring me surcease of the 
 terrible recollection ! 
 
 \Drink5:\ 
 
 But what now? I must invent, plot, plan. 
 My fortune must be bettered ! It might 
 have gone well with yon dainty women. 
 Their husbands are rich, and I would have 
 used them as the keys to the cuckoldy 
 knaves' coffers. But now? — 
 
 Waiter. 
 
 [Bringing a letter.l 
 
 A letter, Sir John, but this moment left 
 here by a woman. 
 
 Give it here. 
 
 Falstaff, 
 
 [Opens the letter ; the waiter filled with curiosity 
 stands by until driven away.} 
 
 Ah ! from Mistress Ford ! 
 
 [Angrily.] 
 
 I'll have no more Ford. I have had ford 
 enough, I was thrown into the ford ; I 
 have my belly full of ford! But let us 
 see: — 
 
 [Reads.] 
 
 '' I am inconsolable over yesterday's mis- 
 adventures. But hold your peace and come 
 again to-day ! At nine of the clock my 
 husband goes a-birding, and then — " 
 
 [In ecstacy.] 
 
 How now ! Sayest thou so, old Jack? Go 
 thy ways ! Will they yet look after thee? 
 I'll make more of thy old body than I have 
 done. The women shall yet fill my purse ! 
 
 Scene II. — Falstaff^ Citizens^ Waiters^ Musicians. 
 
 Citizens. 
 What ho ! Sack ! Robert ! 
 
 [Without.] 
 
 [Enter Citizens, some carrying cross-bows^ bird 
 nets, and other hunting apparatus.] 
 
 First Citizen. 
 Bestir yourself; bring me a cup of sack I 
 
 Waiter. 
 At once, gentlemen ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 Ho, Robert, a fresh pottle for me ! 
 
 First Citizen. 
 
 [To the other:] 
 
 Ah, yonder sits fat Sir John Falstaff, for 
 whose sake Ford yesterday made such un- 
 necessary alarum. Let us speak to him. 
 
 [Stepping up to Falstaff.] 
 
 Ah, Sir knight, I'm pleased to see you well ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 The pleasure is mutual ! Ecod, but ye 
 are generously accoutred. Whither away 
 so early? 
 
 First Citizen. 
 We go a-birding. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Indeed ! Then imprimis clear your eyes 
 with a cup of good sack. Right, brave 
 hearts, 'tis drinking makes the world go 
 round ! Success attend you ! 
 
 [Lifting his ;ug.\ 
 
 First and Second Citizens. 
 
 [Grasping their (ups.l 
 
 Your good health, Sir John ! 
 
i8 
 
 THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR. 
 
 Falstaff, 
 Bravo ! Well emptied cockchafers ! 
 
 [ Contemptuously !\ 
 Why you've nut-shells for drinking cups ! 
 
 First Citizen, 
 Indeed ! I'll drink as much as he ! 
 
 Second Citizen, 
 And I, I'll vv^ager, 
 
 Falstaff, 
 Say you so ? 
 
 \Arising^ 
 Come, a tilt ; vs^ho drinks the most is acquit 
 of the account. 
 
 The Citizens, 
 Agreed. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 [Aside.] 
 Rash fools ! How^ they'll regret it ! 
 
 [A/oud.] 
 Fall to't: Take the jug as I do, and empty 
 it at a draught ! Long live good sack ! 
 
 Andante comodo. 
 Falstaff.^ 
 
 All. 
 
 Live sack ! 
 
 [The two Citizens drink from the Jugs ^ the others 
 from cups. Falstaff and the two empty their 
 jugs in a single long draughty and then tap 
 their thumbnails with the rim to show that the 
 vessels are empty. Waiters stand ready with 
 fresh jugs.] '^ 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Bravo ! A right tolerable draught, if 
 'twill but endure. We shall see. You w^ill 
 try't again ? 
 
 First Citizen. 
 
 [Aside to the Second."] 
 
 Can you ? 
 
 I will try. 
 
 Second Citizen. 
 
 First Citizen. 
 
 Yes, yes, we'll try't again. 
 
 [Dubiously^ 
 
 [ To Falstaff:] 
 
 Falstaf. 
 
 Then to the second trial ! 
 
 [Exchanging the empty jugs for freshly filed ones.] 
 
 But now a merry song to give us the metre 
 for drinking. 
 
 p^^i^^^B^^ 
 
 
 Se^ 
 
 SJ 
 
 ii 
 
 While yet a child on my moth - er's breast, With heigh ho, the wind and the 
 
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 -Jt=z-ii 
 
 ^=a^3EE?E^f^?^EE^^^ 
 
 ^ wm 
 
 n^-^ 
 
 -wr '4- 
 
 ^^- 
 
 mfp 
 
 ^^> 
 
 i 4= • # 1- 
 
 „^ 
 
 Andantino, 
 
 : Ki?^ 
 
 V V >^ — 
 
 rail, o 
 
 
 l^l^^^^g^^^S 
 
 rain, I drank e'en then good sack with zest. For the rain it rain-eth ev - e - ry day, Come, 
 
 1 , . a tempo. 
 
 col canto. 
 
 a 3 p^ a ^ -0- 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 19 
 
 rail. 
 
 a tempo. 
 
 ^g ^^E^^^^gilElEgEM^ig^ 
 
 it 
 
 taw-ny Ann, come here, Bring me the pitcher, dear, Fi 11 up this tank 1 Come, flood this 
 
 ■^ — V-:— N 
 
 ^S^i^=iEia^S^^ 
 
 :«it 
 
 P^ f ^ P ^ rail 
 
 fetSi^i 
 
 a tempo. 
 
 P^^^ 
 
 :^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 rail. 
 
 ^^, Adagio. 
 
 m 
 
 throat's fierce flame, Drink-ing can ne'er bring 8hame,God Bac - chus drank, God Bac-chus drank! 
 
 f Fai 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 
 ^? — ^^ — n — n — ^ 
 
 sempre a tempo. ^ Jl 
 
 F=t 
 
 E 
 
 :t!rrtt 
 
 * 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 Rea - dy, stand al - lied ? 
 Tenor. ff 
 
 Throats dis - tend-ed wide 
 
 One — two — and three. 
 
 5f^2=s: 
 
 -^^^-^--1& 
 
 rtf 
 
 Chorus of Burghers. Al-lied, 
 
 Bass. ff 
 
 ^S- 
 
 Wide! 
 
 (22 
 
 i 
 
 'mSz^ 
 
 -=)-«- 
 
 t^: 
 
 i 
 
 Allegro confuoco. 
 
 
 s 
 
 Si 
 
 33:2: 
 
 •-j»^-='--* 
 
 -n-" 
 
 *^ 
 
 i^ 
 
 ^g: 
 
 
 =!--*■ 
 
 / «/ 
 
 £ 
 
 •♦-^ 
 
 
 ^ 
 
20 
 
 THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Three ! Bravo ! 
 They bore one from the revel's height, 
 Good w^ine had overthrow^!! him quite. 
 God Bacchus granted him sweet rest. 
 Sleep, toper, none will you molest ! 
 
 \_After the first verse is sung they all drink, reverse 
 their jugs, and hand them to the waiters. The 
 second citizen cannot finish the draught; he reelsy 
 drops the Jug, and calls out ;] 
 
 No more — for me ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 What 's this ? Vanquished so soon ? 
 Alas, poor varlet, thy stomach lacks the 
 valor of thy will. Come, bear him out, and 
 put him to rest upon the green lap of our 
 common mothei". 
 
 \_They carry him out while singing. To the first 
 Citizen : ] 
 
 And how goes the bout with you ? Me- 
 thinks there is an Unsteadiness also in your 
 gait. Art with me again, brave toper .f* 
 
 First Citizen. 
 
 {Hilariously?^ 
 
 Have at you 1 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Spoken like a Trojan. Come, another 
 jug! I hope you will stand up long, for 
 hark you, within here 
 
 {Slapping his paunch^ 
 lies room for many jugs. 
 
 {Both have taken fresh jugs. Falstafif sings. 1 
 
 And when I 'd cast off all my childish ways. 
 
 With heigh-ho the wind and the rain ! 
 The maidens all coyly withdrew from my 
 
 Ch 
 
 orus. 
 
 Wide! 
 
 For the rain it raineth every day. 
 Have you an empty purse, 
 Or is the tap perverse — 
 
 Out with the dice ! 
 Fortune 's a fickle jade. 
 Be bold and seize the maid, 
 
 Quick ! In a trice ! 
 Ready, stand allied — 
 
 gaze 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 Throats distended wide — 
 
 Allied ! 
 
 Keep still ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 One — two — and — 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Three! Bravo! 
 
 {At the end of the second verse the first citizen joins , 
 in the singing.'i 
 
 Fourth Citizen. 
 
 {Restraining his companion^ 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Fellow, you sing as unmelodiously as a 
 raven. Try at least to keep ;n time. 
 
 {After they have drunk Falstaff" takes dice -out of his 
 pocket, and making a throw cries out : ] 
 
 A royal throw. Look lads, who will 
 match it for six pence ? 
 
 First Citizen. 
 
 {Reeling, but still merry ^ 
 I— I — I'll— match — 
 
 {Seizing the dice-box.] 
 now — see — there — are — 
 
 {Falls across the table.] 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 {Laughing.] 
 Aye, there you are ! Remove from my 
 sight these monuments of intemperance and 
 debauchery I 
 
 {The first citizen is carried out.] 
 
 But do not forget that he owes me fifteen 
 pence — gambling debts are debts of honor. 
 
 Fourth Citizen. 
 Long live Sir John ! 
 
 All. 
 Long live Sir John. 
 
 Fourth Citizen. 
 
 But now we must away, or we'll be too 
 late for the hunt. 
 
 All. 
 Yes, yes, away to the hunt. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Scurvy knaves ! Penny-throated pigmies 
 drinking with Polyphemus Jack ! Would 
 it were time to go to Mistress Ford ! 
 
 I 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 21 
 
 Scene hi. — Falstaff, Waiter. 
 
 Waiter. 
 
 Sir John, there's a gentleman would speak 
 with you, and hath sent your worship a 
 morning's draught of sack. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 His name, fellow ! 
 
 Waiter. 
 
 He says he is one Master Brook, and 
 would be acquainted with you. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Call him in. Such Brooks are welcome 
 to me that o'erflow such liquor. 
 
 Scene IV. — Ford disguised as Brook. Falstaff. 
 
 Ford. 
 God bless you, sir! 
 A privilege most rare, the valiant, 
 The world-renowned soldier, John Falstaff, 
 
 Falstaff. 
 'Ah, Sir, you flatter ! (A delightful fellow !) 
 
 Ford. 
 
 ^i 
 
 Your pardon first I beg you'll grant. 
 And in a morning draught of sack then 
 
 join me. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 ! By your leave we'll to the tipple 
 
 straight. 
 
 Ford. 
 With all my heart ! 
 
 Both. 
 Here's to your good health ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Superb, Sir ! But your name I now must 
 
 ask, 
 And what brings you to me ! 
 
 Ford. 
 
 My name is Brook, and I'm a man 
 Who's spent much of his wealth. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 In this, good Master Brook, you've done 
 
 as I have done. 
 
 ^ Ford. 
 
 Yet, brave Sir John, I've still a handsome 
 
 income 
 Of which I'd spend a share to advance an 
 
 undertaking. 
 Concerning which I'd humbly ask your 
 
 counsel. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 And can I serve you } 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Yes, indeed. On you, who've been famous 
 
 As a gallant cavalier, who is 
 
 Adored by all the fair, I venture to in- 
 trude. 
 
 Now to the point : Know that I am in love 
 
 With a certain Mistress Ford, and I must 
 
 have the lady. 
 
 Though the attempt should cost my life. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 [Aside.] 
 
 Ha ! By my valor ! My interest grows 
 
 apace. 
 
 On my preserves he's poaching ! 
 
 [To Ford.] 
 
 I know her well ; a sweet and charming 
 
 lady. 
 
 Ford. 
 
 You imp of hell ! 
 
 [Aside?i 
 [To Falstaff:] 
 
 But she is closely watched 
 
 By a most jealous rascal, her husband. 
 
 Know you this Ford } 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 In sooth I know him not. 
 
 But from all sides I hear that he's a jealous, 
 
 scurvy knave, 
 Though rich in this world's goods. 
 
 Ford. 
 A plague upon this wretch ! 
 
 [Aside:] 
 [To Falstaff \ 
 
 My good Sir John, 
 
 Now since the lady fair my love declines. 
 Do you lay siege to her heart in my stead. 
 You are a gallant with puissant graces 
 'Gainst whom no woman can steel her heart. 
 
22 
 
 THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 Falstaff, 
 You praise me past my due ! 
 
 Ford, [Aside.] 
 
 Not for your knavery ! 
 
 [ToFahtaf.] 
 I have a bag of money here that troubles me, 
 
 It may serve a good turn, so kindly 
 Relieve me of the w^hole or a portion of it. 
 
 Falstaff. [Aside.] 
 
 Ye gods ! What arrant ass is this ! 
 
 [to Ford] 
 Good Brook, you are most hap'ly met, 
 Fair Mistress Ford for you I'll surely 
 
 conquer. 
 
 Ford. 
 Ah, indeed ! That would be simply glorious ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 But tell me how 'twould profit you, 
 If I should win your suit.'' 
 
 Ford. 
 
 That's very simple — Thus : 
 
 She dwells securely ever on her honor ; 
 Now could I once confront her. 
 With evidence of some sort compromising, 
 I'd win her ear, and then my wishes urge. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Is this all that you ask? 
 I'll help you to it straight. 
 
 Ford. 
 I shall go mad with rage ! 
 
 How so } Your plan unfold. 
 
 [Aside.] 
 [To Falstaff.] 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Ha, ha, ha, ha ! To you I may confess it. 
 Now list : With her I've had, for quite a 
 
 period, 
 A most enjoyable flirtation ! 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Cursed hell-hound ! 
 
 [Aside.] 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 What say you, sir? 
 
 Ford. 
 
 I said — I said your story holds me spell- 
 bound ; 
 With joy I am beside myself — 
 But pray continue. 
 
 Falstaff, 
 
 It v/as but yesterday I'd an appointment 
 
 with her. 
 But in the instant of our encounter 
 Her spouse, this Master Ford, the fool. 
 Comes me in in a furious rage. 
 And at his heels a motley rabble — 
 How the devil he had got wind of our design 
 I know not. Enough he came and fumed. 
 And raged and tore about like mad. 
 
 Ford. 
 While you were present? 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Most truly. But luckily 
 A neighbor, Mistress Page, comes in. 
 And gives intelligence of Ford's approach. 
 Ingenious women ! They're quick in theif 
 
 devices. 
 And they conveyed me into — 
 
 Ford. 
 
 What? 
 
 Falstaff. 
 — into a great buck basket ! 
 
 Ford, 
 In a buck basket? 
 
 Falstaff, 
 
 Master Brook, just think of that ! 
 This great hulking mass of fat. 
 Crowded down, the basket creaking, 
 Under dirty linen reeking. 
 And then thrown, while hissing hot, 
 Into Thames's vilest spot ! 
 
 Ford, 
 
 Really, that was quite too bad, 
 Your recital makes me sad ; 
 You deserve commiseration 
 For such suffering and privation. 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 23 
 
 Met, Instead of love's reward, 
 In your quest of Mistress Ford. 
 Then I fancy that the drenching 
 Tended to your ardor's quenching? 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Somewhat ; yet if I'd a mind 
 I to-day might surcease find. 
 
 Ford, 
 
 (Lecher! Villain! Patience! Wait!) 
 What ? So quickly you could mate ? 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Yes ! One never fears a scorning 
 
 When he's popular as I, 
 I've a summons for this morning 
 
 If my luck I wish to try. 
 Master Ford then for his pleasure 
 
 Hunting goes in quest of game ; 
 Women stick at no half measure. 
 
 Once they feel love's ardent flame. 
 
 Allegro moderato assia, 
 Falstaff. sempre. p 
 
 g^ 
 
 Itzfzzil?— 
 
 I^f: 
 
 1^: 
 
 Ford. 
 Well, of course you'll go. Sir John } 
 
 Falstaff. 
 For your sake I'll try it on. 
 
 Ford. 
 
 (Many thanks, my worthy knight, 
 You shall this to me requite !) 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 The appointed hour is come 
 
 Which she's filled with expectation. 
 
 Ford. 
 
 You will meet with approbation, 
 Promised pleasures make me dumb ! 
 
 Both. 
 
 Blissful promise ! O what rapture ! 
 Haste now to the rendezvous ! 
 
 -^-^ 
 
 :U=U: 
 
 ^— f 
 
 :tz=^ 
 
 7 ^^=^ — v- zji=:z jit==^ 
 
 a 
 
 t=^ 
 
 What joy is this 1 What joy is this! My bo-som swells with rap - ture ! Our plan is sure - ly 
 
 I? 
 
 ^=4: 
 
 sempre, p - 
 
 ^ 
 
 rg; 
 
 I I I-J-. 
 
 3^3 
 
 t=i=±\ 
 
 Fed. 
 
 Fed. * 
 
 *^=t 
 
 J=f 
 
 ^^=i=r=i 
 
 
 i^=^ 
 
 s 
 
 ^- 
 
 W^^- 
 
 ^- 
 
 :^^ 
 
 v=^ 
 
 not a - miss, The fair one we will cap - ture, And her poor hus - band, stu - pid brute, We'll 
 
 :*=ji. 
 
 ^m 
 
 Fed, 
 
 hJt 
 
 
 fe^ 
 
 j-^ 
 
 '■^^=i=t=t 
 
 f=t 
 
 V 
 
 Ll-i 
 
24 
 
 THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 Ford. ^T^^P 
 
 ^, 
 
 rail. 
 
 %-^ 
 
 :«» 
 
 a tempo. 
 
 Ah! What 
 
 ■ ^_ 
 
 ^ ^— k- 
 
 fl-fl 
 
 V— V — k — V — ^- 
 
 -=^-=1- 
 
 most in - ge-nious - ly cor-nute ! 
 
 Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, 
 
 i^ali^ili^i^^i 
 
 i»=:^zzi^z 
 
 |i=^N=P=N: 
 
 -t 
 
 -f:! 
 
 Perf. . * 
 
 rail. 
 Fed. . 
 
 K=igEiEE-;^sl 
 
 rw/* a tempo. 
 
 * 
 
 P 
 
 -QZ^ 
 
 ^SpaeiiSai^ 
 
 e^t^ 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 feE^ 
 
 PedJ 
 
 sempre 
 
 9; 
 
 •— • -fv 
 
 ^=F= 
 
 -t^ — ti^- 
 
 Mziji — ^ — \^ s 
 
 :.=fe^ 
 
 joy is this ! What joy is this ! My bo-som swells with rap - ture, The plan is sure - ly 
 
 -S- , -•- -. 
 
 senipre. p 
 
 9i 
 
 9==*- 
 
 m- -0- 
 
 P=zz:pz=t=E=3 
 
 Fed. * 
 
 Fed. 
 
 -^- 
 
 S 
 
 t-i^ 
 
 tJr=«=p=«:=t 
 
 ?^f=E3; 
 
 i=:t=t: 
 
 :f:-# 
 
 -f=FP: 
 
 :ftt 
 
 g.s-:^^=e: 
 
 *^U: 
 
 Viztv: 
 
 not a - miss, To - day the wretch I'll cap - ture, My vengeance I'll then ex - e - cute, And 
 
 ^_J ^-r-P^ 
 
 .,^±. 
 
 *z±t 
 
 ^ii 
 
 m 
 
 i=^ 
 
 S^ 
 
 -^^Mm^ 
 
 Fed. 
 
 :t^r 
 
 m 
 
 riiHaHrti 
 
 tJ 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 35 
 
 dolce^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 :Sr 
 
 a temjw. 
 
 rail. 5--""^ ^ 
 
 -p 1 1 — 
 
 ±——m V •^- 
 
 V ^ y ^- ^- 
 
 flog the vil - lain dis - so - lute 
 
 Ah, ah, ah, ah ah, 
 -•- -•- -•- -•- -•- 
 
 V '^ >> '^ — 
 
 Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, 
 
 i 
 
 w- 
 
 3: 
 
 293jiS: 
 
 9t 
 
 Fed. * 
 
 — r— 
 
 ^ PetZ. ra//. ^ * p 
 
 f: 
 
 gi^ 
 
 -N— •- 
 
 »z=i::*^.>^ 
 
 :i^;^^ 
 
 
 ah. What joy is this ! What joy is this ! My bo - som swells with rap - ture ! Our 
 
 ■M^iL 
 
 -M^^ 
 
 
 
 ah, What joy is this ! What joy is this ! My bo - som swells with rap - ture ! Our 
 
 ^, 
 
 plan is sure - ly not a - miss, 
 
 day the wretch I'll cap - ture, Our 
 — iv — f • s fif- 
 
 i 
 
 plan is sure - ly not a - miss, 
 a tempo. 
 
 X -k- X ^. ' 
 
 -4= — * 1- — k- 
 
 The fair one we will 
 affretto e cresc. 
 
 cap 
 
 tt^- 
 
 ture, Our 
 
 pPed. rail. 
 7—^- 
 
 
 Fed. 
 
 r 
 
 
 =^=i- 
 
 f=^ 
 
 r 
 
 Fed. 
 
 % Ji Fed.. ft. .-. V 
 
26 
 
 THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 f Allegro. 
 
 ^- -#- 
 
 S?i 
 
 I 
 
 plan is sure - ly not a - miss, To - day the wretch I'll cap - ture. 
 
 -^ ^ 
 
 95 
 
 :f^ tr^: 
 
 plan is 
 
 sure - ly 
 
 -A— tr ^ V k r^—A 
 
 not a - miss, The fair one we will cap - ture. 
 
 ^^P^H^i 
 
 Pec^, 
 
 . * Pe<i. 
 
 Ford. 
 
 (What joy Is this ! What joy is this ! 
 
 My bosom swells with rapture, 
 The plan is surely not amiss, 
 
 To-day the wretch I'll capture, 
 My vengeance I'll then execute. 
 And fldg the villain dissolute !) 
 Farewell, Sir ! (I'll flog the villain well !) 
 
 Falstaff, 
 Farewell, Sir ! (The arrant imbecile !) 
 
 Scene V. 
 Page, 
 
 A Garden. Slender, CaiuSy Fenton, Anne, 
 
 Slender, 
 
 This is the hour she often spares 
 
 To walk among the flowers ; 
 Perhaps I'll take her unawares 
 
 By waiting in the bowers — 
 O sweetest Anna ! 
 
 No ; in sooth I'll wait no longer, 
 To-day I will her heart invest. 
 
 Now, courage, Slender, cogitate, 
 Oh, beat not thus, my heart ! 
 
 She'll not remain long obdurate, 
 Nor long such pain impart. 
 
 Some one is coming — 
 Perhaps 'tis she ! 
 
 Now courage ! Oh heavens ! He ! 
 Be quick, hush, hush! 
 
 I'll hide behind this shelt'ring bush ! 
 
 Calus. 
 Zis ees ze hour ven belle Mees Page 
 
 Walk out parmi les Jleurs, 
 It may be zat I sail manage 
 
 To see here sans rumeur. 
 Zen sail I till her de fua fropre bouche — 
 
 Slender, 
 
 What's that ? ' ' The bush ! " Alas ! I am 
 
 found out ! 
 
 Cuius. 
 
 Zen sail I till her : Belle Mees Page, 
 
 I love you vary much ; 
 Vare's my rival, I'll heem engage, 
 
 I'll keel heem par honneur ! 
 Par example ce mi^rable Slendare ! 
 
 Vare ees he hide.'* 
 I vant to speet him, ce old offendare I 
 
 Et ce gaillard de Fenton, 
 I'll keel him too ! 
 
 Fen ton. 
 
 {Behind the scenes.] 
 
 Hark ! The lark sings in the grove — 
 
 Calus. 
 
 Ciell qu'entends-je f 
 Monsieur Fenton ees at hand. 
 So aside I'll quickly stand. 
 
 Fenton, 
 
 ark ! The lark sings in the grove, 
 Listen, listen, sweet! 
 
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 27 
 
 Throw thy casement open, love, 
 
 Hear his notes entreat ! 
 Clear the meaning that his lay 
 Doth to loving hearts betray ! 
 
 Listen to his dulcet air 
 
 As it upward to thee steals, 
 
 Ask not what his notes declare, 
 What his melody reveals, 
 
 Clear the meaning that his lay, 
 
 Doth to loving hearts betray ! 
 
 Slender. 
 
 Spare your idle roundelay, 
 Anna '11 never say me nay ! 
 
 Caius. 
 
 Tiens I I almost had my prey, 
 Zis young man I surely slay ! 
 
 Fenton, Anne, Page- 
 
 Fenton, 
 My dearest ! Yet what mean these tears ? 
 
 Ah ! cruel fate ! I'm broken-hearted, 
 My father's pledge, my mother's wish, 
 Will keep us ever parted ! 
 
 Fenton. 
 
 And you? 
 
 Anne, 
 Alas, I have no option ! 
 
 Fenton, 
 
 Ah, can you discard me thus? 
 
 Alas, you love me not I 
 
 How shall I bear such sorrow ! 
 
 Anne, 
 
 Can you doubt me ? Can you question ? 
 
 Know you not this heart of mine? 
 Must I ever keep repeating 
 
 That forever I am thine? 
 Mother's prayers can move me never, 
 
 Father's threats away are thrown, 
 Yours will I remain forever 
 
 Only you my heart shall own ! 
 
 Fenton. 
 
 Oh, forgive my heart's despairing, 
 
 Hence all doubt and idle fear I 
 Oh, what bliss, what joy in hearing. 
 
 That to you I am so dear ! 
 God nor man shall part us ever. 
 
 This my arm, shall set you free. 
 Mine your heart remains forever. 
 
 Mine alone henceforth you'll be ! 
 
 Anne, Page, Fenton, Slender, Caius. 
 
 Fenton. 
 
 Are you still subject to intrusion 
 
 From those who'd you in marriage own ? 
 
 •Alas ! Ah, yes 
 
 Anne. 
 
 Fenton. 
 
 The stupid Slender, with his eternalfO 
 sweetest Anna ! " 
 
 Slender. 
 
 O confusion ! 
 What is it that he says of me ? 
 
 Fenton. 
 And then that idiotic Frenchman? 
 
 Anne. 
 He 'tis who is my mother's choice ! 
 
 Cuius. 
 
 Je crois entendre quelque chose — 
 Mafoi^ I certainly must keel ce traitre ! 
 
 Fenton. 
 
 Against two rivals such as these 
 The lists I'll enter quite at ease ! 
 
 Anne and Fenton. 
 
 Patience, wait ! All is well ! 
 Till the hour of blissful waking. 
 Faithful love will never us be quite forsaking. 
 Sorrow now dispel I 
 
 Slender. 
 
 Ah, what grief! Hear the knell ! 
 
 My sad heart is nearly breaking ; 
 
 Sweetest Anna, are you thus your love 
 
 forsaking ? 
 Gone is hope's fond spell ! 
 
38 
 
 THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR. 
 
 Caius. 
 
 Sacre Dieu I 'Tis not well ! 
 
 Ce Monsieur I'll give a shaking, 
 
 Sans pardo7z I sail hees neck be breaking, 
 
 All hees breath expel ! 
 
 Caius. 
 
 I will overtake heem and knog a shallenge 
 about his knave's ears ! 
 
 Slender. 
 
 [Creeping out from his place of concealment and 
 running against Caius ^ 
 
 Caius. 
 Ah ! Vat ce devil ! Vat you do here. 
 Monsieur Slendare ? Ce herring is no dead 
 so as I vill kill you. 
 
 Slender. 
 
 O sweetest Anna 
 
 [Running awajy.] 
 
 Caius. 
 
 [Running after Aim.] 
 If I catch you once more in the gardin 
 of Mees Page, mort de ma vie ! I vill cut-a 
 off your ears — par tous les diablesl 
 
 Scene VI . — A Room in Forcfs House. 
 and Mistress Ford. 
 
 EnterFalstaff 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Mistress Ford, your sorrow has eaten up 
 my sufferance ; I see you are obsequious in 
 your love, and I profess requital to a hair's 
 breadth, not only. Mistress Ford, in the 
 simple office of love, but in all the accoutre- 
 ment, complement, and ceremony of it. 
 But are you sure of your husband now? 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 He's a-birding, sweet Sir John 
 
 Falstaff. 
 Then is this the period of my ambition ! 
 
 [He is about to embrace heri\ 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 [mtAin.] 
 What, hoa, gossip Ford ! What, hoa ' 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 Step into the chamber, Sir John. 
 
 [Exit Falstaff.l 
 
 [Enter Mistress Rage.] 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 How now, sweetheart? who's at home 
 beside yourself? 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 Why, none but mine own people. 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 Indeed ? 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 No, certainly. , 
 
 Speak louder. [Aside:\ 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 Truly, I am glad the fat knight is not 
 here. Your husband is in his old lunes 
 again. He swears the knight was carried 
 out, the last time he searched for him, in a 
 basket ; protests to my husband he is now 
 here ; and hath drawn him and the rest of 
 their company from their sport, to make 
 another experiment of his suspicion. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 I am undone ! — the knight is here. 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 Why, then you are utterly shamed, and 
 he's but a dead man. What a woman are 
 you ! Away with him ; better shame than 
 murder. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 Which way should he go? how should I 
 bestow him? Shall I put him into the 
 basket again ? 
 
 Re-enter Falstaff. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 No, I'll come no more i' the basket ; may 
 I not go out ere he come ? 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 Impossible. He'd meet you at the door 
 and murder you. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 How might we disguise him? 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 Alas the day, I know not. There is no 
 woman's gown big enough for him ; other- 
 wise he might put on a hat, a muffler, and 
 a kerchief, and so escape. 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR. 
 
 29 
 
 Ealstaff. 
 Good hearts, devise something; any ex- 
 tremity rather than a mischief. 
 
 Mrs. Ford, 
 My maid's aunt, the fat woman of Brent- 
 ford, has a gown above. 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 On my word, it will serve him ; she's as 
 big as he is. Run up, Sir John. 
 
 Airs. Ford. 
 Go, go, sweet Sir John. 
 
 iExit Mrs. Page and Falstaff.l 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 I-nvould my husband would meet him in 
 this shape ; he cannot abide the old woman 
 of Brentford ; he swears she's a witch ; for- 
 bade her my house, and hath threatened to 
 beat her. 
 
 Enter Ford. 
 
 [He enters cautiously, wearing a rapier; locks the 
 door behind him and puts the key in his pocket. 1 
 
 Ford. 
 Ha ! A clever plan I've shaped me, 
 
 In the trap he'll surely fall. 
 Though he yesterday escaped me. 
 
 Through this net he cannot crawl ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Has 111 humor 'gain possessed you.? 
 
 Falls again a thunder-bolt? 
 What new lunacies infest you.? 
 
 Silly, jealous-minded dolt 1 
 
 Ford. 
 I shall see if woman's scheming — 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 No more scenes I'll have unseeming. 
 No more searching in this place ! 
 
 Ford. 
 Dare you say this to my face? 
 
 Faithless woman I Ah, how dare you ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Bedlam can no longer spare you, 
 Foolish madman I 
 
 Ford, 
 
 Silence, wife ! 
 Cease, or I will have your life ! 
 Wait a while, you base deceiver, 
 
 Wait awhile, 'twill not be long. 
 Once an innocent believer, 
 
 Now shall I avenge a wrong ! 
 You shall see, and you shall rue. 
 What a righteous rage can do ! 
 Tremble, nor my oath revile — 
 
 Wait awhile ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 • 
 Storm awhile ! 'Tis a reliever. 
 
 This fine scene, pray do prolong ! 
 Ha, ha, ha I the mild believer. 
 
 Master Ford, no one should wrong! 
 (How suspicion's jealous view 
 Can in folly man imbrew !) 
 Thus do I your oath revile 
 
 With a smile ! 
 
 [Enter the servants with the basket^ 
 
 Bravo ! They come most opportunely ! 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Stop, you rascals, where you are ! 
 I'll look into yonder basket. 
 There's a plot and I'll unmask it ! 
 
 Why, my dear, look so beseeching? 
 
 Send you clothes again to bleaching? 
 
 Most surely 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Ha ! A pretty state ! 
 
 Wait, I'll bleach them for you straight ! 
 
 [To the ser7,'ants.\ 
 What, stand you still gaping there ? Idiots ! 
 Ah, yes ! The door I've stoutly bolted ; 
 There ! get out of here ! 
 Now your honesty impeaching, 
 I'll give your knight a little bleaching, 
 Yes, I'll whiten your foul linen ! 
 Come forth ! come forth I come forth ! You 
 wretch 1 
 
 Mrs. Ford, 
 
 Ha, ha, ha ! The silly fool. 
 How can he thus be folly's tool? 
 
30 
 
 THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Ford. 
 
 I know that he is hidden here ! 
 
 On yesterday you laughed at me, 
 
 Your dying breath prepare to fetch, 
 
 To-day you shall be witnesses 
 
 Vile pander, come, appear ! 
 
 Of my most awful, bloody vengeance I 
 
 Mrs, Ford, 
 
 Airs. Ford. 
 
 Bravo ! Quite right ! Drive jiome your 
 
 Well, then, in heaven's name ! 
 
 blade ; 
 
 I will withdraw my opposition. 
 
 And make of him a ghostly shade I 
 
 Go, search the house, pry wheresoe'er you 
 
 will 
 
 Ford. 
 
 W 111 . 
 
 Come you down, good Mistress Page, 
 
 
 And bring the old woman with you. 
 My husband would the chamber search. 
 
 And yet I know this is no freak, 
 
 Here yesterday the knight was hiding. 
 
 He's in the'house ! Where is he ? Speak ! 
 
 Ford., 
 What old woman's that.? 
 
 I beg of you, cease your deriding. 
 I'll find him yet, the greasy brute ; 
 
 I'll turn the house quite upside down. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 My maid's old aunt of Brentford. 
 
 I'm mistress here, I'll not submit I 
 
 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Ford. 
 
 A cozening quean, a vile witch ! 
 
 I'll have your life ! 
 
 Have I not forbid her my house ? 
 
 You shall see and you shall rue, 
 
 
 What a righteous rage can do, etc. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 
 I beg of you, now good my dear. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Good gentlemen, I pray you, 
 
 •XT • • > • 1 • 
 
 Let him not beat the poor old woman ! 
 
 How suspicion s jealous view 
 
 
 Can in folly man imbrew, etc. 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Give me. Mother Prat, your hand, 
 
 Who knocks.? 
 
 I'll support you to the door. 
 
 Slender.^ Caius^ Page* 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Unlock, good Ford, 
 
 Prat's her name, I understand. 
 
 We come at your behest ! 
 
 Prats she shall have by the score. 
 
 
 Hang her, witch, what wants she here? 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Is she up at fortune-telling? 
 
 Come in, come in ! O friends, behold what 
 
 
 I endure 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 From this most shameless, wicked woman ! 
 
 What say you, Sir? I'm hard of hearing. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Then you've already found him, neighbor .? 
 
 I'll bewitch you, fortune-tell you. 
 
 
 Teach you good men to deceive ! 
 
 Ford. 
 
 
 Not vet. She ventures to oppose my 
 
 J 1. L J 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 search. 
 
 W^hat you mean, I can't perceive I 
 
 Yet all in vain! The hunt we'll push 
 
 with vigor ! 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Caius, 
 
 Out, you baggage, out, begone I 
 
 del I quelle chose cpouvantable I 
 
 
 He has prepare for him of fish a pretty 
 
 The two Women. 
 
 kettle ! 
 
 (Pretty aches h^'U feel anon !) 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR. 
 
 31 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Ah ! That hag I've given a birching, 
 Now, good Sirs, begin the searching, 
 If I cry out upon no trail, 
 Then never trust me when I hail ! 
 
 Ford^ Page^ and Slender. 
 
 Eyes wide open ! ears attending. 
 Whoe'er finds him hold him fast ! 
 
 He will pay for his offending. 
 If to-day he's caught at last. 
 
 \ ^7 > malice gauge ! 
 
 No one can 
 
 The two Women, 
 
 Eyes wide open ! Ears attending ! 
 Whoe'er finds him hold him fast ! 
 Merry is the joke impending, 
 O'er these men of folly vast. 
 Ha ! he burns with jealous rage, 
 No one can his malice gauge ! 
 
 Caius. 
 
 Out^ my ears I am attending, 
 Attention ! I 'old heem fast. 
 
 He must pay for hees offending. 
 
 If I do heem catch at last ! 
 Jalousie makes me to rage, 
 My malice I can not gauge ! 
 
 Allegro. 
 
 ■^^,*s^- 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Scene I. — A room in Pagers house. Ford and Wife^ 
 Page and Wife and Anne Page seated at a table. 
 
 Ford. 
 [Kneeling at the feet of Mrs. Ford.l 
 
 Sweetheart, will you ever forgive me } 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 Arise, my dear ; all is forgiven and for- 
 gotten, so you cast aside your foolish jealousy. 
 
 Ford. 
 Henceforth do what thou wilt ; I rather 
 suspect the sun with cold than thee with 
 wantonness. 
 
 Page. 
 
 By heaven ! You women are fertile of in- 
 vention. But once again, to make as public 
 sport, do you appoint a meeting with this 
 old fat fellow, where we may take him and 
 disgrace him for it. 
 
 Ford. 
 There is no better plan than that they 
 spoke of. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 He shall come to us as Heme the Hunter 
 in the park at midnight. 
 
 Mrs. Page, 
 Listen to our plan : ^ 
 
 ^'- 
 
 f 
 
 f^ 
 
 -■^■^^- 
 
 i^feS: 
 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 
 Of Heme the Hunt - er, a le - gend old 
 
 ^ 
 
 -^-=^^- 
 
 A — 
 
 Tells 
 
 JE3; 
 
 
 -=; — ?v- 
 
 -=!—•—: 
 
32 
 
 THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 m 
 
 m. 
 
 -^-=^^ N- 
 
 how he ranged in Wind - sor's wold, 
 
 Day out, 
 
 day 
 
 
 
 
 f^F 
 
 
 
 
 -A-"=l — =1- 
 
 i^— -iv 
 
 In - to night, I ween, 
 
 Day in, 
 
 day 
 
 -t^ 
 
 iiiiiii Mi i H » « |-|^-H F-#- 
 
 .-Jl 
 
 EtE'S=?=E 
 
 S 
 
 giEgE ^jij^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 ii: 
 
 
 A 1 1 
 
 «*tl 
 
 :S-+rj=^— =1— n- 
 
 i=;^=r: 
 
 ^?r5: 
 
 J L^ 1 _ff_ 
 
 i-^ 
 
 :i=P: 
 
 •-■--»i -*-»i - 
 
 i=d: 
 
 out, 
 
 . With shout and rout 
 
 He hunt - ed a 
 
 hart with 
 
 lisiii^^srf 
 
 ^^ 
 
 =f=gg 
 
 
 5^: 
 
 
 :i^=J=t 
 
 -ir 
 
 -i^-ilr^ 
 
 -• — » 
 
 In^^ -U - I q- ^i^n^iziT 
 
 e^^^ifr 
 
 ^*= 
 
 e=t: 
 
 m 
 
 
 -\- 
 
 ■:X 
 
 -4-fr. 
 
 v^z 
 
 :1= 
 
 m 
 
 mur - der - ous bow, .... With 
 
 huz 
 
 i 
 
 t^ 
 
 S=^^^ 
 
 
 and with 
 
 J^. 
 
 »/• / 
 
 s/ ^ 
 
 ' . 8=1— JT— 4-* ^ 
 
 g^l^^^EgEg- 
 
 ? 
 
 
 
 -^^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 *1- 
 
7 HE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 33 
 
 PEI^^ 
 
 gay 
 
 hal - loo, . . . That fled with haste to the oak 
 
 tree, a shield 'gainst 
 
 
 5/ / ^/ P 
 
 pS^Jl 
 
 -#-1— 
 
 « 
 
 iz?- 
 
 i^z: 
 
 :=t: 
 
 ;»iE^ 
 
 :g i^»-^- 
 
 
 The hunter, eager, fierce and wild, 
 Recked not a whit the omen mild. 
 O, Hunter ! that shaft from thy quiver 
 Hath made thee hunt there forever ! 
 
 Of Heme, the Hunter, a legend old 
 Tells how he ranged in Windsor's wold, 
 
 Night out, night in, 
 
 Till the sun was seen ; 
 
 Night in, night out. 
 
 With shout and rout ! 
 He wears on his head the deer's antlers high, 
 And fearful rings his tally-ho cry : 
 '^ O fly the holy oak-tree, 
 Lest death resistless invoke thee ! " 
 When strikes the bell the sunless noon, 
 And highest rides the radiant moon, 
 Doth Heme forever there tarry. 
 And seizes ail for quarry ! 
 
 Page and Eord, 
 Bravo ! bravo ! 
 
 Mrs. Eord. 
 Nan Page, my daughter, and my little son. 
 And three or four of their growth, will dress 
 Like urchins, ouphies, and fairies green and 
 
 white. 
 With rounds of waxen tapers on their heads, 
 
 And rattles in their hands. Upon a sudden, 
 As Falstaff, she and I are newly met. 
 Let them from forth a sawpit rush at once. 
 With some diffused song ; upon their siglit, 
 We two in great amazedness will fly. 
 Then let them all encircle him about, 
 And, fairy-like, to pinch the unclean knight, 
 And ask him why that hour of fairy revel. 
 In their so secret paths he dares to tread, 
 In shape profane. 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 My Nan shall distribute the parts. 
 
 Ford. 
 
 And I'll again to the knight ; he confides 
 all to his friend Brook. 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 Come then us for the sport prepare. 
 
 Scene II. — Mistress Page. Anne Page. 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 And now, sweet child, a word of weight 
 with you. Thou know'st the doctor's love 
 and that he would take thee to wife. 
 
34 
 
 THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 Anne. 
 I know. 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 The mummery which we have planned 
 shall see the consummation of my wish. 
 You shall dress in red, and by that token 
 Dr. Caius will know you, fly with you 
 in the height ©f the burly, and wed you in 
 Eton Chapel. 
 
 Anne. 
 Ah heaven ! If it but succeed ! 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 Fear not ; all will go well. I give you 
 good-day, Mistress Doctor ! 
 
 \_Exit Mrs. Ford.] 
 
 Anne. 
 
 My dear mother, ne'er can your Nan be- 
 come the consort of yon Frenchman ; her 
 heart belongs to Fenton. Qiiick to warn 
 my love of the plot, that he may reap its 
 benefits. 
 
 \Prepares to wrtte.l 
 
 Page. 
 
 [Entering.] 
 
 What matter do you write, my child .'* 
 
 Anne. 
 
 I — I was but distributing the parts in our 
 masquerade. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Ha ! then my device will come in play. 
 My Nan to-night must appear as a fairy in 
 green, that Slender may recognize her. 
 He'll escape with you in the midst of the 
 rout and you will be wedded in the chapel 
 at Eton. 
 
 Anne. 
 So spon, dear father? 
 
 Page. 
 
 [Sternly.] 
 You'll not longer put fortune aside. Do 
 not vex me. 
 
 Anne. 
 No, father mine, I'll be obedient. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Bravely spoken, and like a dutiful 
 daughter. And so farewell until to-night, 
 Mistress Slender. 
 
 [Exit:] 
 
 Anne. 
 
 {Laughing.] 
 Ha, ha ! My plan is perfected. To Caius 
 I'll send a green gown, to Slender a red. 
 Each will think 'tis I within the garment. 
 As for Fenton — take whatever shape thou 
 wilt, my love, thy Anne will recognize thee ! 
 
 Anne Page. 
 
 'Tis well ! completed is our plan ; 
 
 It but remains to move to execution. Thou, 
 
 Of love the patron sprite, O lovely fay, 
 
 Titania, to me protection give. 
 
 And lend to me your robe of purest white. 
 
 That airy-light towards the goal will waft me ! 
 
 Within no verdant dress will I enwrap me, 
 
 Nor e'en a rosy vesture choose. 
 
 No ! white shall be my robe. 
 
 All white my veil, and white the wreath. 
 
 With fragrant lilies twining in my ringlets. 
 
 Thus clad I'll thee, beloved, meet, 
 Thoult know me thus, and fondly greet. 
 And pledge thyself forever mine, 
 I myself thine, all thine ! 
 
 Deep in the forest's leafy shade, 
 Invites a cool, sequester'd glade. 
 The moon's bright face in radiance shin- 
 ing, 
 Will light our path 'mid boughs entwining. 
 
 And art thou then, beloved, mine, 
 And I unalterably thine, 
 Then every forgiveness will not wait. 
 To seal our happy fate ! 
 
 O dream of enchantment, 
 
 ^ O blissful joy ! 
 
 Your smile is so golden. 
 
 Without alloy ! 
 The clouds are dissolved 
 
 In oceans of blue, 
 And moonbeams bespangle 
 
 The meadows anew ! 
 Fulfilment advances 
 
 With roseate hue, 
 Our pure love to render 
 
 The honor that's due ! 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 35 
 
 Scene III. — Windsor Park. Ford^ Pcig^y Slender. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Remember, son Slender, my daughter's 
 dress is green. 
 
 Slender. 
 
 Ay, forsooth ; I have spoken with her, 
 and we have a nay-word how to know one 
 another. I come to her and cry '^mum," 
 she cries " budget," and by that we know 
 one another. 
 
 Page. 
 
 That's good too. Mistress Page will be 
 amazed when I present my daughter Mis- 
 tress Slender ! 
 
 Ford. 
 
 Let us away. Our friends must be al- 
 ready gathered. 
 
 Page. 
 Yes, we'll away — Farewell, my son-in- 
 law. 
 
 Slender. 
 
 O sweetest Anna ! 
 
 \Exit all.] 
 
 Scene IV. — Mistress Page, Mistress Ford, Caius. 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 Master Doctor, my daughter is in red ; 
 by that you'll know her. 
 
 Caius. 
 Ah, mtlle remerciments I By gar, I am 
 vary happy — I know vat I have to do — 
 Au revoir., Alesdames. 
 
 \Exit:\ 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 How Page will stare ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Let us in. Falstaff may come at any 
 moment. 
 
 lExit:\ 
 Scene V. — Voices in the forest. 
 
 O silvery moon ! 
 
 O lovely night ! 
 When quiet reigns 
 
 Love's watch is bright ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 The Windsor bell hath midnight rung, 
 
 The hour all sorrow scorns ; 
 Remember, Jove, thou wert a bull, 
 
 'Twas love sat on thy horns. 
 
 If love could thus a god translate 
 I'll be forgiv'n my antlered pate. 
 
 But, hist ! a moving to and fro, — 
 
 Ah, who comes here.? My graceful doe.'' 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 Pst! Pst! Sir John! 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 Pst! Pst! Sir John! 
 
 Baa! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 nearer. 
 
 Mrs. Ford, [spoken.] 
 He does not trust us yet. I must go 
 
 Mrs. Ford, 
 My gallant deer, 'tis only 1 1 
 
 Falstaff. 
 My doe, approach me, be not shy ! 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 Pst! Pst! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Hush ! hush ! there's some one coming near I 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 'Tis only Mistress Page, my dear ! 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 
 Who could resist your pleading, knight, 
 Or fail your sweet love to requite ? 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Let the sky now lighten and thunder, 
 Rain or snow hot sulphur and pitch I 
 
 Naught shall tear us three asunder, 
 Make us feel affliction's stitch ! 
 
 Pot/i Women. 
 But tell us first, you naughty knight, 
 Whether we dare trust you quite ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Divide me like a bribe-buck ! 
 
 To dally Falstaff scorns ; 
 We'll send to both your husbands 
 
 This ample pair of horns ! 
 Come, come ! 
 
 Both Women, 
 
 Ah! 
 
36 
 
 THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 Andante lento, 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 sempre. p 
 
 i^ 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 sempre, p 
 
 Falstaff. _ _ ^ 
 
 t=b 
 
 m 
 
 You sweetheart, precious treas - ure, If we should be disturbed, 
 
 A nook I know where 
 
 i 
 
 M 
 
 ^-^=^ 
 
 ::1^ 
 
 — ^-=5 h~f^— 
 
 -A— ^ 
 
 9^1 
 
 =±-± 
 
 
 ilkzL^J 
 
 i 
 
 J=±=i=5: 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 V — V — ~ 
 
 i 
 
 You sweetheart, precious treas - ure, If 
 Mrs. Page. ^:^ p :> 
 
 ^ -»- 
 
 You sweetheart, precious treas - ure, If 
 
 9i^fc 
 
 =f^ 
 
 :?=i: 
 
 pleas - ure has nev - er yet been curbed. 
 
 You sweetheart, pre-cious treas - ure. If 
 
 fefe=J^^j Ezz= jg 
 
 rail. 
 
 we should be dis-turbed. 
 
 £=P^ 
 
 A nook i know where pleas • ure has nev - er yet been 
 
 
 ■-^ 
 
 5 
 
 -S-Cj — ^ — « .-3 
 
 ^^ 
 
 :t?t 
 
 gfe 
 
 we should be dis-turbed, 
 
 -Z Z > •-r#-- 
 
 A nook I know where pleas - ure has nev - er yet been 
 
 -ttT — t- 
 
 t=&=-^--i=^l 
 
 we should be dis-turbed, 
 
 1^=5: 
 
 P^^=S^ 
 
 A nook I know where pleas - ure has nev - er yet been 
 
 Fed. t' ^ t*Ped. . ♦ • T ^ . • ^J^ 
 
 te^ 
 
 
 raZ?. 
 
THE MERRY WIVES OP WINDSOR, 
 
 37 
 
 a tempo. 
 
 P 
 
 =F 
 
 curbed. 
 
 :i2= 
 
 Oh, 
 P 
 
 -Jtzt^ 
 
 Oh come ! 
 
 :»t 
 
 Ah, 
 
 t 
 
 Sir 
 
 curbed. 
 
 fcfezt: 
 
 Oh, 
 
 s. 
 
 :i=ti^ 
 
 Oh come ! 
 
 •-r^ 
 
 Ah, 
 
 Sir 
 
 curbed. 
 
 Oh come ! 
 
 Come, 
 
 Oh 
 
 
 Ped. a temjyo. 
 
 ^ 
 
 P 
 
 
 ^-# 
 
 -s^^ 
 
38 
 
 THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR. 
 
 ^-Sf 
 
 -^w- 
 
 j)oco rail. 
 
 a tempo. 
 
 -:^~ 
 
 t=r 
 
 plead - ing, "Who could re - sist your plead 
 
 ing, You sweetheart, precious treas - ure, If 
 
 --N — ^ — c^ 
 
 ^=Jzz5tz.-i=:t^ 
 
 i^^ 
 
 1^-=^: 
 
 ^< 
 
 A-A- 
 
 -•— •- 
 
 plead 
 
 ing, Who could re - sist your plead 
 
 g^, 
 
 i^ 
 
 ing. You sweetheart, precious treas - ure, If 
 
 ^^mm 
 
 -f=w^ 
 
 V— h 
 
 seek, 
 
 The hid - den nook we'll seek, 
 poco rail. 
 
 You sweetheart, precious 
 a tempo. 
 
 4 
 
 treas - ure, If 
 
 
 p=^ 
 
 pp 
 
 Bt 
 
 g^^zfe?; 
 
 ^— u 
 
 -• — •- 
 
 Fed. pp 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 p Fed. 
 
 Fed. 
 
 s^^ ^m 
 
 r— r 
 
 '&^^t 
 
 fe 
 
 r- 
 
 <r rall.^ 
 
 s 
 
 ^ 
 
 :t=:-; 
 
 ^ 
 
 :er-^ 
 
 13E 
 
 •-^ 
 
 we should be disturbed, A nook I know where pleas - ure Has nev - er yet been curbed. 
 
 ^ — 4 — « — ,i r ^ — m-^g-])^-^ — «-,_Cj^ II 
 
 '-=U- 
 
 -i=i- 
 
 -*-^ 
 
 we should be disturbed, A nook I know where pleas - ure Has nev - er yet been curbed. 
 
 gizfc 
 
 rr=f^ 
 
 ■*-r*- 
 
 -C-M 
 
 P 
 
 tw. 
 
 ^^B 
 
 we should be disturbed, 
 
 A nook I know where pleas - ure Has nev - er yet been curbed. 
 
THE MERRT WIVES OF WINDSOR, 
 
 39 
 
 Both Women. 
 
 Oh, heaven ! What strange noise is this ? 
 Fly, fly! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Heaven help me, they are fays, 
 'Tis death to see their plays ! 
 
 Scene VI. — Anne Page {as Titania), Fenton {as 
 Oder on) J Page {as Heme), Fairies. 
 
 Fairies, 
 
 Ye fairies v^hite, and red, and green, 
 In merry revel be now seen. 
 Search Windsor castle in and out 
 And let it ring with joyous shout 1 
 
 Anne Page. 
 
 All mankind sleeps. No eye at us is peeping, 
 And midst the flowers our happy tryst we're 
 
 keeping ; 
 From nightingale our sweetest words we'll 
 
 con. 
 Oh, haste to me, my dearest Oberon ! 
 
 Fenton.^ 
 
 Gone is the gloom that us so long affrighted. 
 
 And love at last, has firmly us united. 
 
 We are reconciled. How sweet the moment. 
 
 Ah! 
 Again is mine the fair Titania ! 
 
 Both. 
 We're reconciled, etc. 
 
 Fairies. 
 TheyVe reconciled, etc. 
 
 Fairies. 
 
 Now once again let all advance. 
 And join the gladsome fairy dance I 
 Through bush and brier, through flower 
 
 and thorn, 
 Come Hunter Heme, come blow your horn ! 
 What's this .'* Come blow your horn ! 
 
 Page. 
 
 Observe, the music's dearth. 
 Here is a man of middle earth I 
 
 Fairies. 
 
 A man.? A man? Oh, villainy ! 
 Up, seek him ! Drag him o'er the ground. 
 We have him here ! He's quickly found ! 
 See, Heme, behold his treachery ! 
 
 Page. 
 
 What drove thee, daring child of man, 
 To follow thus the mummer's plan.? 
 The fairies' council thou hast heard. 
 And death should be thy quick reward I 
 Pinch him, fairies, mutually. 
 Pinch him for his villainy ! 
 Pinch him till he hath confessed 
 All his treason manifest ! 
 
 Caiusy Slender y Page, and Chorus. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Pinch him fairies mutually. 
 Pinch him for his villainy ! 
 Pinch him, burn him, turn about! 
 Till the moon and stars are out ! 
 
 Caius, 
 
 Ah, ze fairie there in red. 
 Is Mees Anna as she said ! 
 
 Slender, 
 
 Yonder beck'ning fay in gre.en, 
 Is sweet Anna, all serene ! 
 
 Page. 
 
 Still he's not the crime confessed. 
 That's contained within his breast. 
 Up, ye fairies, one and all, 
 On him now in myriads fall ! 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Pinch him, fairies mutually, 
 Pinch him for his villainy ! 
 Pinch him, burn him, turn about, 
 Till the moon and stars are out ! 
 Who sets pitfalls for the unwary 
 
 Oft himself falls in the snare, 
 Of your wits you must be more chary. 
 If you'd deceive wives good and fair ! 
 Unbeliever ! 
 Arch deceiver ! 
 Vengeance has you now o'ertaken ! 
 Vile inventions, 
 Base intentions, 
 Henceforth be they all forsaken ! 
 Assignations ! 
 Profligations ! 
 Thy gross fat we've soundly shaken ! 
 Your persistence 
 In existence 
 Stops, else you repent ! 
 
 [Falstaff tries to escape unseen.] 
 
40 
 
 THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 
 
 
 AIL 
 
 Stop, deceiver ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Mercy 
 
 Page. 
 
 [ Spoken^ 
 [On his knees.] 
 
 Nay, do not fly. I think we have watched 
 
 you now ; 
 Will none but Heme the Hunter serve your 
 
 turn? 
 Ford. 
 Sir John, here is Master Brook, and here 
 is the wife of Master Brook, and Master 
 Brook is Master Ford, Sir John, and who's 
 a cuckoldy knave now. Sir John? 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 
 Sir John, we have had ill-luck ; we could 
 never meet. I will never take you for my 
 love again, but I will always count you my 
 deer! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 I do perceive that I am made an ass. 
 
 Mrs. Page. 
 Such a hodge-pudding ! 
 
 Mrs. Ford. 
 A bag of flax ! 
 
 Page. 
 Old, cold, withered, and of intolerable 
 entrails ! 
 
 Ford. 
 And one that is as slanderous as Satan ! 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 Well, I am your theme ; you have the 
 start of me ; I am dejected ; use me as you 
 will. 
 
 Enter Slender and Cuius, hand in hand. 
 
 Slender. 
 Whoo, ho ! ho ! father Page ! 
 
 Catus. 
 
 Vare is Madame Page? By gar, I am 
 
 cozened. I ha' married un gargon^ a boy ; 
 
 un paisan^ by gar, a boy ; it is not Anne 
 
 Page. I am cozened ; I'll raise all Windsor ! 
 
 Page. 
 My heart misgives me ! here comes Mas- 
 ter Fenton. 
 
 Enter Fenton and Anne Page. \i 
 
 Anne. 
 
 Pardon, good father, good my mother, 
 pardon ! 
 
 Fenton, 
 
 She and I, long since contracted, are now 
 so sure that nothing can dissolve us. 
 
 Page and Mrs. Page, 
 
 Here is no remedy, and therefore take 
 our blessing ! 
 
 Page. 
 Be comforted, good Master Slender ! 
 
 Slender, 
 O sweetest Anna ! - 
 
 Mrs. Ford, 
 
 And you, Sir John, come with us. All 
 is forgiven. We will establish peace, and 
 at Anne's wedding sports you shall drown 
 your sorrows in brooks of sack. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 I am glad, though you have ta'en a special 
 stand to strike at me, that your arrow hath 
 glanced. 
 
 Page, 
 
 What cannot be eschew'd must be em- 
 braced. 
 
 Falstaff. 
 
 When night-dogs run all sorts of deer are 
 chased. 
 
 Anne Page., Mrs, Ford^ Mrs. Page, 
 
 'Tis thus that our sport in the beautiful night. 
 The hearts and the hands of loving ones 
 plighted. 
 Now haste to the wedding ! All happy and 
 light. 
 By none be the gladness and merriment 
 slighted ! 
 Sir John — we are with mercy fraught. 
 We will pardon ! And to all gratulations. 
 
 \To the Public :\ 
 
 Your pardon we crave. We've only taught 
 That wives may be merry, yet honest! 
 
 END OF THE OPERA. 
 
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