Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

At an inn yard in Rochester, a carrier enters with a lantern. He calls to the ostler to bring his horse. A second carrier enters, and the pair banters. Gadshill arrives and asks the time. It is two o'clock, and he wishes to see his gelding in the stable. The carriers exit, planning to get some rest before they leave for London.

The Chamberlain enters and tells Gadshill about a company of men, who will be leaving the inn shortly with three hundred marks in gold. The Chamberlain hints that Gadshill may one day hang, but Gadshill reminds him that Falstaff will hang with him. Gadshill promises the chamberlain a share in the night's takings and calls for his horse.

Act 2, Scene 1 Analysis

This scene is part of the build-up before Poins springs his joke on Falstaff. It also re-emphasizes the...