ds _Falstaff_ debauching in a tavern; where _Peto_
presently brings an account of ill news from the North; and adds, "_that
as he came along he met or overtook a dozen Captains, bare-headed,
sweating, knocking at the taverns, and asking every one for __SIR JOHN
FALSTAFF__._" He is followed by _Bardolph_, who informs _Falstaff_ that
"_He must away to the Court immediately; a dozen Captains stay at door for
him._" Here is Military evidence in abundance, and _Court evidence_ too;
for what are we to infer from _Falstaff_'s being sent for to Court on this
ill news, but that his opinion was to be asked, as a Military man of skill
and experience, concerning the defences necessary to be taken. Nor is
_Shakespeare_ content, here, with leaving us to gather up _Falstaff_'s
_better character_ from inference and deduction: He comments on the fact
by making _Falstaff_ observe that "_Men of merit are sought after: The
undeserver may sleep when the man of action is called on._" I do not wish
to draw _Falstaff_'s character out of his own mouth; but this observation
refers to the fact, and is founded in reason. Nor ought we to reject what
in another place he says to the Chief Justice, as it is in the nature of
an appeal to his knowledge. "_There is not a dangerous action_," says he,
"_can peep out his head but I am thrust upon it._" The Chief Justice seems
by his answer to admit the fact. "_Well, be honest, be honest, and heaven
bless your expedition._" But the whole passage may deserve transcribing.

Ch. Just. "_Well, the King has served you and Prince Henry. I hear
you are going with Lord John of Lancaster against the Archbishop
and the Earl of Northumberland._"

Fals. "_Yes, I thank your pretty sweet wit for it; but look you
pray, all you that kiss my lady peace at home, that our armies
join not in a hot day; for I take but two shirts out with me, and
I mean not to sweat extraordinarily: If it be a hot day, if I
brandish any thing but a bottle, would I might never spit white
again. There is not a dangerous action can peep out his head but I
am thrust upon it. Well I cannot last for ever.--But it was always
the trick of our English nation, if they have a good thing to make
it too common. If you will needs say I am an old man you should
give me rest: I would to God my name were not so terrible to the
enemy as it is. I were better to be eaten to death with a rust
than to be sc