Act IV, Scene 2

Falstaff and Mrs. Ford are sitting in a room in Ford's house. Again, as planned, Mrs. Page interrupts Falstaff by reporting Ford's arrival, in a fit of rage. This time, since the basket cannot be used again, the women decide to disguise Falstaff as an old woman of unsavory reputation, "the witch of Brainford." Falstaff then exits.

When Ford arrives with his friends, he examines the laundry basket and is surprised that Falstaff is not in it. When he sees the old woman, he strikes her in his anger and frustration and sends her out of the house. Though Mrs. Page and Mrs. Ford show outward sympathy towards the "woman," they are glad that Falstaff has received the beating he deserves. The two wives of Windsor then resolve to tell their respective husbands the entire story about Falstaff and let them decide how to further shame the rascal.

The wives are victorious again, as Falstaff is humiliated once more. When Ford enters in a rage, he is certain he will find Falstaff hidden in the basket. When he finds the basket containing only clothes, he does not know how to react. Unknowingly, he manages to strike Falstaff in the guise of the witch of Brainford. Falstaff, without disclosing his identity, gets a sound beating. Mrs. Page and Mrs. Ford are glad that the rascal has received his due; they also decide it is time that their husbands were made aware of their secret plan.

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