I bruised my shin th’ other day, with playing at sword and dagger with a master of fence – three veneys for a dish of stewed prunes – and by my troth, I cannot abide the smell of hot meat since. (237-40)
The word veney refers to a fencing bout. Slender engaged in three bouts or rounds with a fencing master. Slender is attempting to explain why he is not hungry. But what he does not realize is that both expressions – “stewed prunes” and “hot meat” – were slang for prostitutes. Thus Slender is also declaring that he is not hungry because some prostitutes have worn him out. Renaissance audiences were always ready for double entendres and would realize Slender’s blunder immediately. Anne Page would also look upon Slender with more than just a slightly puzzled expression.
Slender’s boast of once holding the chain of Sackerson the bear also has little effect on Anne. Bearbaiting – which involved tormenting animals – was a popular blood sport in England. The topic is hardly a fit one for wooing.
Slender is prevented from making any further blunders when Master Page comes out and insists that he come inside for dinner.