If he do, i' faith, and find anybody in the house, here will be an old abusing of God's patience and the King's English

If he do, i' faith, and find anybody in the house, here will be an old abusing of God's patience and the King's English

The quote “If he do, i' faith, and find anybody in the house, here will be an old abusing of God's patience and the King's English” is from William Shakespeare's play, The Merry Wives of Windsor. This line is spoken by the character Mistress Quickly in Act 2, Scene 2. In this scene, Mistress Quickly is discussing the mischievous plans of Sir John Falstaff, who is attempting to seduce two married women, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page.

The quote reflects Mistress Quickly's exasperation with Falstaff's deceitful and disrespectful behavior. She is warning that if Falstaff is caught in the act of trying to seduce the two women, it will be a blatant disregard for both God's patience and the King's English. This line is a clever play on words, as it suggests that Falstaff's actions are not only morally wrong but also a violation of the proper use of language.

Shakespeare often used language as a tool to convey deeper meanings and themes in his plays. In this case, the quote highlights the importance of honesty and respect in relationships, as well as the consequences of deceit and manipulation. Mistress Quickly's words serve as a warning to Falstaff that his actions will not go unnoticed or unpunished.

Furthermore, the reference to “the King's English” in the quote is significant, as it suggests that Falstaff's behavior is not only morally wrong but also a betrayal of his loyalty to the King. In Shakespeare's time, the King's English was considered the standard form of the language, and to abuse it was seen as a serious offense.

Overall, this quote from The Merry Wives of Windsor showcases Shakespeare's skill in using language to convey complex themes and ideas. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty, respect, and loyalty in relationships, as well as the consequences of deceit and manipulation.