Falstaff Says What? Part II

The first 50 lines of Henry IV, Act II Scene 2 are saddled with horse-related puns and wordplay. I was tempted to include phrases with double-meanings in the accompanying BYKI list, but that would have overwhelmed the rest of the content. Rather, have some fun exploring the dialogue yourself when you have a moment to relax. It’s good for a chuckle… and more than a few groans.

(In general I find that lots of Shakespeare’s puns are horribly far-fetched. Yet, strangely, when delivered by a skilled actor, they’re quite hilarious. Usually. Try to hear it all spoken aloud in your head while you read… you may do more chuckling and less groaning.)

“If sack and sugar be a fault, God help the wicked! If to be old and merry be a sin, then many an old host that I know is damned. If to be fat be to be hated, then Pharaoh’s lean kine are to be loved. No, my good lord: banish Peto, banish Bardolph, banish Poins; but for sweet Jack Falstaff, kind Jack Falstaff, true Jack Falstaff, valiant Jack Falstaff, and therefore most valiant being, as he is, old Jack Falstaff, banish not him thy Harry’s company, banish not him thy Harry’s company. Banish plump Jack, and banish all the world!”
(HIV.II.4.455-464)