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Shakespeare plays FALSTAFF on stage

A view of the stage, with a sign telling us that we are in a room in a tavern; lighted candles indicate that it is night, and there are a couple of stools and a bottle at the back. Shakespeare is centre-stage, performing as Falstaff dressed in medieval style. As Falstaff tells his tale, behind him Prince Hal tries to conceal his amusement, while other members of the cast look on

FALSTAFF I am a rogue if I were not at half-sword with a dozen of them two hours together. I have 'scaped by miracle. I am eight times thrust through the doublet, four through the hose, my buckler cut through and through, my sword hacked like a handsaw. I never dealt better since I was a man: all would not do. A plague on all cowards. Let them speak: if they speak more or less than truth, they are villains, and the sons of darkness.

Henry IV part 1, Act 2 Scene 4

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