FALSTAFF
. . .
What said Master Dommelton about the satin for my short cloak and my
slops?
PAGE
He said sir, you should procure him better assurance than Bardolph, he would
not take his bond and yours, he liked not the security.
FALSTAFF
Let him be damned like the glutton, pray God his tongue be hotter. A whoreson
Achitophel! A rascally yea-forsooth knave, to bear a gentleman in hand, and
then stand upon security! The whoreson smooth-pates do now wear nothing but
high shoes, and bunches of keys at their girdles, and if a man is through with
them in honest taking-up, then they must stand upon security.
. . .
I looked 'a should have sent me two and twenty yards of satin, as I am a true
knight, and he send me security.
. . .
In this passage, Falstaff's bluster and sense of entitlement are on full
display. He is affronted when Master Dommelton refuses to extend him credit for
satin fabric, questioning the need for "security" despite his dubious past.
Falstaff's indignation is laced with humor as he curses Dommelton with colorful
epithets like "yea-forsooth knave," underscoring his refusal to take
responsibility for his own lack of creditworthiness. The reference to
"Achitophel," a biblical counselor known for betrayal, adds weight to his
exaggerated grievance, suggesting that Falstaff sees himself as a wronged
nobleman. His demand for satin emphasizes his pretensions to knighthood, which
are at odds with his true character. This scene highlights Shakespeare's
mastery of irony, as Falstaff, despite his grandiose self-image, is
transparently foolish and self-serving.