One of Shakespeare's most delightful comedies, this play concerns the lovable rogue Sir John Falstaff and his attempts to seduce two married ladies who control the purse strings in their households. In a hilarious series of events, the women uncover his plans and resolve to make a fool of him. After many madcap adventures, all ends well and the chastised old lecher is pardoned. The romantic affairs of a young couple and a subplot developed around the theme of "love conquers all" help make this entertaining play an enduring favorite with readers and theater-goers alike.