"As Cold As Any Stone"

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Context: The rogues and long-time companions of Falstaff are gathered before the Boar's Head Tavern, East-cheap, London. Pistol announces that Falstaff is dead. Bardolph says that he wishes he were with him, "in heaven, or in hell." Mistress Quickly immediately assures them that Falstaff is in heaven, not hell. She then recounts how Falstaff died, just between twelve and one, at the turning of the tide. Falstaff played with his sheets and with flowers and "smiled upon his finger's end." And he "babbled of green fields." Falstaff asked Mistress Quickly to give him more covers. She then recounts the end:

HOSTESS
. . . I put my hand into the bed, and felt them [his feet], and they were as cold as any stone; then I felt to his knees, and so up'ard, and upward, and all was as cold as any stone.

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"As Full Of Valor As Of Kindness"

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