This scene introduces several comedic characters that were first introduced in Henry IV. Corporal Nym and Lieutenant Bardolph meet. Bardolph tells Nym of Nell Quickly and Pistol's marriage. Nell was once betrothed to Nym, but she broke off the engagement.
After entering the pub, Nym and Pistol draw swords and engage in a tête-à-tête of insults. Bardolph comes in between the two and threatens to kill them both if they do not put their swords away. Just as the argument dies down, the houseboy enters to tell Nell that Jack Falstaff is getting more ill and needs tending to.
She leaves to check on Falstaff and the fight between Nym and Pistol resumes. Just as Bardolph calms them down again, Nell enters to tell the men that Falstaff is fading fast. All very.....
