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- 1594
- THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
- by William Shakespeare
- Dramatis Personae
-
- Persons in the Induction
- A LORD
- CHRISTOPHER SLY, a tinker
- HOSTESS
- PAGE
- PLAYERS
- HUNTSMEN
- SERVANTS
-
- BAPTISTA MINOLA, a gentleman of Padua
- VINCENTIO, a Merchant of Pisa
- LUCENTIO, son to Vincentio, in love with Bianca
- PETRUCHIO, a gentleman of Verona, a suitor to Katherina
-
- Suitors to Bianca
- GREMIO
- HORTENSIO
-
- Servants to Lucentio
- TRANIO
- BIONDELLO
-
- Servants to Petruchio
- GRUMIO
- CURTIS
-
- A PEDANT
-
- Daughters to Baptista
- KATHERINA, the shrew
- BIANCA
-
- A WIDOW
-
- Tailor, Haberdasher, and Servants attending on Baptista and
- Petruchio
-
- SCENE:
- Padua, and PETRUCHIO'S house in the country
- INDUCTION. SCENE I.
- Before an alehouse on a heath
-
- Enter HOSTESS and SLY
-
- SLY. I'll pheeze you, in faith.
- HOSTESS. A pair of stocks, you rogue!
- SLY. Y'are a baggage; the Slys are no rogues. Look in the
- chronicles: we came in with Richard Conqueror. Therefore, paucas
- pallabris; let the world slide. Sessa!
- HOSTESS. You will not pay for the glasses you have burst?
- SLY. No, not a denier. Go by, Saint Jeronimy, go to thy cold bed
- and warm thee.
- HOSTESS. I know my remedy; I must go fetch the third-borough.
- Exit
- SLY. Third, or fourth, or fifth borough, I'll answer him by law.
- I'll not budge an inch, boy; let him come, and kindly.
- [Falls asleep]
-
- Wind horns. Enter a LORD from bunting, with his train
-
- LORD. Huntsman, I charge thee, tender well my hounds;
- Brach Merriman, the poor cur, is emboss'd;
- And couple Clowder with the deep-mouth'd brach.
- Saw'st thou not, boy, how Silver made it good
- At the hedge corner, in the coldest fault?
- I would not lose the dog for twenty pound.
- FIRST HUNTSMAN. Why, Belman is as good as he, my lord;
- He cried upon it at the merest loss,
- And twice to-day pick'd out the dullest scent;
- Trust me, I take him for the better dog.
- LORD. Thou art a fool; if Echo were as fleet,
- I would esteem him worth a dozen such.
- But sup them well, and look unto them all;
- To-morrow I intend to hunt again.
- FIRST HUNTSMAN. I will, my lord.
- LORD. What's here? One dead, or drunk?
- See, doth he breathe?
- SECOND HUNTSMAN. He breathes, my lord. Were he not warm'd with ale,
- This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly.
- LORD. O monstrous beast, how like a swine he lies!
- Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!
- Sirs, I will practise on this drunken man.
- What think you, if he were convey'd to bed,
- Wrapp'd in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers,
- A most delicious banquet by his bed,
- And brave attendants near him when he wakes,
- Would not the beggar then forget himself?
- FIRST HUNTSMAN. Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose.
- SECOND HUNTSMAN. It would seem strange unto him when he wak'd.
- LORD. Even as a flatt'ring dream or worthless fancy.
- Then take him up, and manage well the jest:
- Carry him gently to my fairest chamber,
- And hang it round with all my wanton pictures;
- Balm his foul head in warm distilled waters,
- And burn sweet wood to make the lodging sweet;
- Procure me music ready when he wakes,
- To make a dulcet and a heavenly sound;
- And if he chance to speak, be ready straight,
- And with a low submissive reverence
- Say 'What is it your honour will command?'
- Let one attend him with a silver basin
- Full of rose-water and bestrew'd with flowers;
- Another bear the ewer, the third a diaper,
- And say 'Will't please your lordship cool your hands?'
- Some one be ready with a costly suit,
- And ask him what apparel he will wear;
- Another tell him of his hounds and horse,
- And that his lady mourns at his disease;
- Persuade him that he hath been lunatic,
- And, when he says he is, say that he dreams,
- For he is nothing but a mighty lord.
- This do, and do it kindly, gentle sirs;
- It will be pastime passing excellent,
- If it be husbanded with modesty.
- FIRST HUNTSMAN. My lord, I warrant you we will play our part
- As he shall think by our true diligence
- He is no less than what we say he is.
- LORD. Take him up gently, and to bed with him;
- And each one to his office when he wakes.
- [SLY is carried out. A trumpet sounds]
- Sirrah, go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds-
- Exit SERVANT
- Belike some noble gentleman that means,
- Travelling some journey, to repose him here.
-
- Re-enter a SERVINGMAN
-
- How now! who is it?
- SERVANT. An't please your honour, players
- That offer service to your lordship.
- LORD. Bid them come near.
-
- Enter PLAYERS
-
- Now, fellows, you are welcome.
- PLAYERS. We thank your honour.
- LORD. Do you intend to stay with me to-night?
- PLAYER. So please your lordship to accept our duty.
- LORD. With all my heart. This fellow I remember
- Since once he play'd a farmer's eldest son;
- 'Twas where you woo'd the gentlewoman so well.
- I have forgot your name; but, sure, that part
- Was aptly fitted and naturally perform'd.
- PLAYER. I think 'twas Soto that your honour means.
- LORD. 'Tis very true; thou didst it excellent.
- Well, you are come to me in happy time,
- The rather for I have some sport in hand
- Wherein your cunning can assist me much.
- There is a lord will hear you play to-night;
- But I am doubtful of your modesties,
- Lest, over-eying of his odd behaviour,
- For yet his honour never heard a play,
- You break into some merry passion
- And so offend him; for I tell you, sirs,
- If you should smile, he grows impatient.
- PLAYER. Fear not, my lord; we can contain ourselves,
- Were he the veriest antic in the world.
- LORD. Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery,
- And give them friendly welcome every one;
- Let them want nothing that my house affords.
- Exit one with the PLAYERS
- Sirrah, go you to Bartholomew my page,
- And see him dress'd in all suits like a lady;
- That done, conduct him to the drunkard's chamber,
- And call him 'madam,' do him obeisance.
- Tell him from me- as he will win my love-
- He bear himself with honourable action,
- Such as he hath observ'd in noble ladies
- Unto their lords, by them accomplished;
- Such duty to the drunkard let him do,
- With soft low tongue and lowly courtesy,
- And say 'What is't your honour will command,
- Wherein your lady and your humble wife
- May show her duty and make known her love?'
- And then with kind embracements, tempting kisses,
- And with declining head into his bosom,
- Bid him shed tears, as being overjoyed
- To see her noble lord restor'd to health,
- Who for this seven years hath esteemed him
- No better than a poor and loathsome beggar.
- And if the boy have not a woman's gift
- To rain a shower of commanded tears,
- An onion will do well for such a shift,
- Which, in a napkin being close convey'd,
- Shall in despite enforce a watery eye.
- See this dispatch'd with all the haste thou canst;
- Anon I'll give thee more instructions. Exit a SERVINGMAN
- I know the boy will well usurp the grace,
- Voice, gait, and action, of a gentlewoman;
- I long to hear him call the drunkard 'husband';
- And how my men will stay themselves from laughter
- When they do homage to this simple peasant.
- I'll in to counsel them; haply my presence
- May well abate the over-merry spleen,
- Which otherwise would grow into extremes. Exeunt
- SCENE II.
- A bedchamber in the LORD'S house
-
- Enter aloft SLY, with ATTENDANTS; some with apparel, basin
- and ewer, and other appurtenances; and LORD
-
- SLY. For God's sake, a pot of small ale.
- FIRST SERVANT. Will't please your lordship drink a cup of sack?
- SECOND SERVANT. Will't please your honour taste of these conserves?
- THIRD SERVANT. What raiment will your honour wear to-day?
- SLY. I am Christophero Sly; call not me 'honour' nor 'lordship.' I
- ne'er drank sack in my life; and if you give me any conserves,
- give me conserves of beef. Ne'er ask me what raiment I'll wear,
- for I have no more doublets than backs, no more stockings than
- legs, nor no more shoes than feet- nay, sometime more feet than
- shoes, or such shoes as my toes look through the overleather.
- LORD. Heaven cease this idle humour in your honour!
- O, that a mighty man of such descent,
- Of such possessions, and so high esteem,
- Should be infused with so foul a spirit!
- SLY. What, would you make me mad? Am not I Christopher Sly, old
- Sly's son of Burton Heath; by birth a pedlar, by education a
- cardmaker, by transmutation a bear-herd, and now by present
- profession a tinker? Ask Marian Hacket, the fat ale-wife of
- Wincot, if she know me not; if she say I am not fourteen pence on
- the score for sheer ale, score me up for the lying'st knave in
- Christendom. What! I am not bestraught. [Taking a pot of ale]
- Here's-
- THIRD SERVANT. O, this it is that makes your lady mourn!
- SECOND SERVANT. O, this is it that makes your servants droop!
- LORD. Hence comes it that your kindred shuns your house,
- As beaten hence by your strange lunacy.
- O noble lord, bethink thee of thy birth!
- Call home thy ancient thoughts from banishment,
- And banish hence these abject lowly dreams.
- Look how thy servants do attend on thee,
- Each in his office ready at thy beck.
- Wilt thou have music? Hark! Apollo plays, [Music]
- And twenty caged nightingales do sing.
- Or wilt thou sleep? We'll have thee to a couch
- Softer and sweeter than the lustful bed
- On purpose trimm'd up for Semiramis.
- Say thou wilt walk: we will bestrew the ground.
- Or wilt thou ride? Thy horses shall be trapp'd,
- Their harness studded all with gold and pearl.
- Dost thou love hawking? Thou hast hawks will soar
- Above the morning lark. Or wilt thou hunt?
- Thy hounds shall make the welkin answer them
- And fetch shall echoes from the hollow earth.
- FIRST SERVANT. Say thou wilt course; thy greyhounds are as swift
- As breathed stags; ay, fleeter than the roe.
- SECOND SERVANT. Dost thou love pictures? We will fetch thee
- straight
- Adonis painted by a running brook,
- And Cytherea all in sedges hid,
- Which seem to move and wanton with her breath
- Even as the waving sedges play wi' th' wind.
- LORD. We'll show thee lo as she was a maid
- And how she was beguiled and surpris'd,
- As lively painted as the deed was done.
- THIRD SERVANT. Or Daphne roaming through a thorny wood,
- Scratching her legs, that one shall swear she bleeds
- And at that sight shall sad Apollo weep,
- So workmanly the blood and tears are drawn.
- LORD. Thou art a lord, and nothing but a lord.
- Thou hast a lady far more beautiful
- Than any woman in this waning age.
- FIRST SERVANT. And, till the tears that she hath shed for thee
- Like envious floods o'er-run her lovely face,
- She was the fairest creature in the world;
- And yet she is inferior to none.
- SLY. Am I a lord and have I such a lady?
- Or do I dream? Or have I dream'd till now?
- I do not sleep: I see, I hear, I speak;
- I smell sweet savours, and I feel soft things.
- Upon my life, I am a lord indeed,
- And not a tinker, nor Christopher Sly.
- Well, bring our lady hither to our sight;
- And once again, a pot o' th' smallest ale.
- SECOND SERVANT. Will't please your Mightiness to wash your hands?
- O, how we joy to see your wit restor'd!
- O, that once more you knew but what you are!
- These fifteen years you have been in a dream;
- Or, when you wak'd, so wak'd as if you slept.
- SLY. These fifteen years! by my fay, a goodly nap.
- But did I never speak of all that time?
- FIRST SERVANT. O, yes, my lord, but very idle words;
- For though you lay here in this goodly chamber,
- Yet would you say ye were beaten out of door;
- And rail upon the hostess of the house,
- And say you would present her at the leet,
- Because she brought stone jugs and no seal'd quarts.
- Sometimes you would call out for Cicely Hacket.
- SLY. Ay, the woman's maid of the house.
- THIRD SERVANT. Why, sir, you know no house nor no such maid,
- Nor no such men as you have reckon'd up,
- As Stephen Sly, and old John Naps of Greece,
- And Peter Turph, and Henry Pimpernell;
- And twenty more such names and men as these,
- Which never were, nor no man ever saw.
- SLY. Now, Lord be thanked for my good amends!
- ALL. Amen.
-
- Enter the PAGE as a lady, with ATTENDANTS
-
- SLY. I thank thee; thou shalt not lose by it.
- PAGE. How fares my noble lord?
- SLY. Marry, I fare well; for here is cheer enough.
- Where is my wife?
- PAGE. Here, noble lord; what is thy will with her?
- SLY. Are you my wife, and will not call me husband?
- My men should call me 'lord'; I am your goodman.
- PAGE. My husband and my lord, my lord and husband;
- I am your wife in all obedience.
- SLY. I know it well. What must I call her?
- LORD. Madam.
- SLY. Al'ce madam, or Joan madam?
- LORD. Madam, and nothing else; so lords call ladies.
- SLY. Madam wife, they say that I have dream'd
- And slept above some fifteen year or more.
- PAGE. Ay, and the time seems thirty unto me,
- Being all this time abandon'd from your bed.
- SLY. 'Tis much. Servants, leave me and her alone.
- Exeunt SERVANTS
- Madam, undress you, and come now to bed.
- PAGE. Thrice noble lord, let me entreat of you
- To pardon me yet for a night or two;
- Or, if not so, until the sun be set.
- For your physicians have expressly charg'd,
- In peril to incur your former malady,
- That I should yet absent me from your bed.
- I hope this reason stands for my excuse.
- SLY. Ay, it stands so that I may hardly tarry so long. But I would
- be loath to fall into my dreams again. I will therefore tarry in
- despite of the flesh and the blood.
-
- Enter a MESSENGER
-
- MESSENGER. Your honour's players, hearing your amendment,
- Are come to play a pleasant comedy;
- For so your doctors hold it very meet,
- Seeing too much sadness hath congeal'd your blood,
- And melancholy is the nurse of frenzy.
- Therefore they thought it good you hear a play
- And frame your mind to mirth and merriment,
- Which bars a thousand harms and lengthens life.
- SLY. Marry, I will; let them play it. Is not a comonty a
- Christmas gambold or a tumbling-trick?
- PAGE. No, my good lord, it is more pleasing stuff.
- SLY. What, household stuff?
- PAGE. It is a kind of history.
- SLY. Well, we'll see't. Come, madam wife, sit by my side and let
- the world slip;-we shall ne'er be younger.
- [They sit down]
-
- A flourish of trumpets announces the play
- ACT I. SCENE I.
- Padua. A public place
-
- Enter LUCENTIO and his man TRANIO
-
- LUCENTIO. Tranio, since for the great desire I had
- To see fair Padua, nursery of arts,
- I am arriv'd for fruitful Lombardy,
- The pleasant garden of great Italy,
- And by my father's love and leave am arm'd
- With his good will and thy good company,
- My trusty servant well approv'd in all,
- Here let us breathe, and haply institute
- A course of learning and ingenious studies.
- Pisa, renowned for grave citizens,
- Gave me my being and my father first,
- A merchant of great traffic through the world,
- Vincentio, come of the Bentivolii;
- Vincentio's son, brought up in Florence,
- It shall become to serve all hopes conceiv'd,
- To deck his fortune with his virtuous deeds.
- And therefore, Tranio, for the time I study,
- Virtue and that part of philosophy
- Will I apply that treats of happiness
- By virtue specially to be achiev'd.
- Tell me thy mind; for I have Pisa left
- And am to Padua come as he that leaves
- A shallow plash to plunge him in the deep,
- And with satiety seeks to quench his thirst.
- TRANIO. Mi perdonato, gentle master mine;
- I am in all affected as yourself;
- Glad that you thus continue your resolve
- To suck the sweets of sweet philosophy.
- Only, good master, while we do admire
- This virtue and this moral discipline,
- Let's be no Stoics nor no stocks, I pray,
- Or so devote to Aristotle's checks
- As Ovid be an outcast quite abjur'd.
- Balk logic with acquaintance that you have,
- And practise rhetoric in your common talk;
- Music and poesy use to quicken you;
- The mathematics and the metaphysics,
- Fall to them as you find your stomach serves you.
- No profit grows where is no pleasure ta'en;
- In brief, sir, study what you most affect.
- LUCENTIO. Gramercies, Tranio, well dost thou advise.
- If, Biondello, thou wert come ashore,
- We could at once put us in readiness,
- And take a lodging fit to entertain
- Such friends as time in Padua shall beget.
-
- Enter BAPTISTA with his two daughters, KATHERINA
- and BIANCA; GREMIO, a pantaloon; HORTENSIO,
- suitor to BIANCA. LUCENTIO and TRANIO stand by
-
- But stay awhile; what company is this?
- TRANIO. Master, some show to welcome us to town.
- BAPTISTA. Gentlemen, importune me no farther,
- For how I firmly am resolv'd you know;
- That is, not to bestow my youngest daughter
- Before I have a husband for the elder.
- If either of you both love Katherina,
- Because I know you well and love you well,
- Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure.
- GREMIO. To cart her rather. She's too rough for me.
- There, there, Hortensio, will you any wife?
- KATHERINA. [To BAPTISTA] I pray you, sir, is it your will
- To make a stale of me amongst these mates?
- HORTENSIO. Mates, maid! How mean you that? No mates for you,
- Unless you were of gentler, milder mould.
- KATHERINA. I' faith, sir, you shall never need to fear;
- Iwis it is not halfway to her heart;
- But if it were, doubt not her care should be
- To comb your noddle with a three-legg'd stool,
- And paint your face, and use you like a fool.
- HORTENSIO. From all such devils, good Lord deliver us!
- GREMIO. And me, too, good Lord!
- TRANIO. Husht, master! Here's some good pastime toward;
- That wench is stark mad or wonderful froward.
- LUCENTIO. But in the other's silence do I see
- Maid's mild behaviour and sobriety.
- Peace, Tranio!
- TRANIO. Well said, master; mum! and gaze your fill.
- BAPTISTA. Gentlemen, that I may soon make good
- What I have said- Bianca, get you in;
- And let it not displease thee, good Bianca,
- For I will love thee ne'er the less, my girl.
- KATHERINA. A pretty peat! it is best
- Put finger in the eye, an she knew why.
- BIANCA. Sister, content you in my discontent.
- Sir, to your pleasure humbly I subscribe;
- My books and instruments shall be my company,
- On them to look, and practise by myself.
- LUCENTIO. Hark, Tranio, thou mayst hear Minerva speak!
- HORTENSIO. Signior Baptista, will you be so strange?
- Sorry am I that our good will effects
- Bianca's grief.
- GREMIO. Why will you mew her up,
- Signior Baptista, for this fiend of hell,
- And make her bear the penance of her tongue?
- BAPTISTA. Gentlemen, content ye; I am resolv'd.
- Go in, Bianca. Exit BIANCA
- And for I know she taketh most delight
- In music, instruments, and poetry,
- Schoolmasters will I keep within my house
- Fit to instruct her youth. If you, Hortensio,
- Or, Signior Gremio, you, know any such,
- Prefer them hither; for to cunning men
- I will be very kind, and liberal
- To mine own children in good bringing-up;
- And so, farewell. Katherina, you may stay;
- For I have more to commune with Bianca. Exit
- KATHERINA. Why, and I trust I may go too, may I not?
- What! shall I be appointed hours, as though, belike,
- I knew not what to take and what to leave? Ha! Exit
- GREMIO. You may go to the devil's dam; your gifts are so good
- here's none will hold you. There! Love is not so great,
- Hortensio, but we may blow our nails together, and fast it fairly
- out; our cake's dough on both sides. Farewell; yet, for the love
- I bear my sweet Bianca, if I can by any means light on a fit man
- to teach her that wherein she delights, I will wish him to her
- father.
- HORTENSIO. SO Will I, Signior Gremio; but a word, I pray. Though
- the nature of our quarrel yet never brook'd parle, know now, upon
- advice, it toucheth us both- that we may yet again have access to
- our fair mistress, and be happy rivals in Bianca's love- to
- labour and effect one thing specially.
- GREMIO. What's that, I pray?
- HORTENSIO. Marry, sir, to get a husband for her sister.
- GREMIO. A husband? a devil.
- HORTENSIO. I say a husband.
- GREMIO. I say a devil. Think'st thou, Hortensio, though her father
- be very rich, any man is so very a fool to be married to hell?
- HORTENSIO. Tush, Gremio! Though it pass your patience and mine to
- endure her loud alarums, why, man, there be good fellows in the
- world, an a man could light on them, would take her with all
- faults, and money enough.
- GREMIO. I cannot tell; but I had as lief take her dowry with this
- condition: to be whipp'd at the high cross every morning.
- HORTENSIO. Faith, as you say, there's small choice in rotten
- apples. But, come; since this bar in law makes us friends, it
- shall be so far forth friendly maintain'd till by helping
- Baptista's eldest daughter to a husband we set his youngest free
- for a husband, and then have to't afresh. Sweet Bianca! Happy man
- be his dole! He that runs fastest gets the ring. How say you,
- Signior Gremio?
- GREMIO. I am agreed; and would I had given him the best horse in
- Padua to begin his wooing that would thoroughly woo her, wed her,
- and bed her, and rid the house of her! Come on.
- Exeunt GREMIO and HORTENSIO
- TRANIO. I pray, sir, tell me, is it possible
- That love should of a sudden take such hold?
- LUCENTIO. O Tranio, till I found it to be true,
- I never thought it possible or likely.
- But see! while idly I stood looking on,
- I found the effect of love in idleness;
- And now in plainness do confess to thee,
- That art to me as secret and as dear
- As Anna to the Queen of Carthage was-
- Tranio, I burn, I pine, I perish, Tranio,
- If I achieve not this young modest girl.
- Counsel me, Tranio, for I know thou canst;
- Assist me, Tranio, for I know thou wilt.
- TRANIO. Master, it is no time to chide you now;
- Affection is not rated from the heart;
- If love have touch'd you, nought remains but so:
- 'Redime te captum quam queas minimo.'
- LUCENTIO. Gramercies, lad. Go forward; this contents;
- The rest will comfort, for thy counsel's sound.
- TRANIO. Master, you look'd so longly on the maid.
- Perhaps you mark'd not what's the pith of all.
- LUCENTIO. O, yes, I saw sweet beauty in her face,
- Such as the daughter of Agenor had,
- That made great Jove to humble him to her hand,
- When with his knees he kiss'd the Cretan strand.
- TRANIO. Saw you no more? Mark'd you not how her sister
- Began to scold and raise up such a storm
- That mortal ears might hardly endure the din?
- LUCENTIO. Tranio, I saw her coral lips to move,
- And with her breath she did perfume the air;
- Sacred and sweet was all I saw in her.
- TRANIO. Nay, then 'tis time to stir him from his trance.
- I pray, awake, sir. If you love the maid,
- Bend thoughts and wits to achieve her. Thus it stands:
- Her elder sister is so curst and shrewd
- That, till the father rid his hands of her,
- Master, your love must live a maid at home;
- And therefore has he closely mew'd her up,
- Because she will not be annoy'd with suitors.
- LUCENTIO. Ah, Tranio, what a cruel father's he!
- But art thou not advis'd he took some care
- To get her cunning schoolmasters to instruct her?
- TRANIO. Ay, marry, am I, sir, and now 'tis plotted.
- LUCENTIO. I have it, Tranio.
- TRANIO. Master, for my hand,
- Both our inventions meet and jump in one.
- LUCENTIO. Tell me thine first.
- TRANIO. You will be schoolmaster,
- And undertake the teaching of the maid-
- That's your device.
- LUCENTIO. It is. May it be done?
- TRANIO. Not possible; for who shall bear your part
- And be in Padua here Vincentio's son;
- Keep house and ply his book, welcome his friends,
- Visit his countrymen, and banquet them?
- LUCENTIO. Basta, content thee, for I have it full.
- We have not yet been seen in any house,
- Nor can we be distinguish'd by our faces
- For man or master. Then it follows thus:
- Thou shalt be master, Tranio, in my stead,
- Keep house and port and servants, as I should;
- I will some other be- some Florentine,
- Some Neapolitan, or meaner man of Pisa.
- 'Tis hatch'd, and shall be so. Tranio, at once
- Uncase thee; take my colour'd hat and cloak.
- When Biondello comes, he waits on thee;
- But I will charm him first to keep his tongue.
- TRANIO. So had you need. [They exchange habits]
- In brief, sir, sith it your pleasure is,
- And I am tied to be obedient-
- For so your father charg'd me at our parting:
- 'Be serviceable to my son' quoth he,
- Although I think 'twas in another sense-
- I am content to be Lucentio,
- Because so well I love Lucentio.
- LUCENTIO. Tranio, be so because Lucentio loves;
- And let me be a slave t' achieve that maid
- Whose sudden sight hath thrall'd my wounded eye.
-
- Enter BIONDELLO.
-
- Here comes the rogue. Sirrah, where have you been?
- BIONDELLO. Where have I been! Nay, how now! where are you?
- Master, has my fellow Tranio stol'n your clothes?
- Or you stol'n his? or both? Pray, what's the news?
- LUCENTIO. Sirrah, come hither; 'tis no time to jest,
- And therefore frame your manners to the time.
- Your fellow Tranio here, to save my life,
- Puts my apparel and my count'nance on,
- And I for my escape have put on his;
- For in a quarrel since I came ashore
- I kill'd a man, and fear I was descried.
- Wait you on him, I charge you, as becomes,
- While I make way from hence to save my life.
- You understand me?
- BIONDELLO. I, sir? Ne'er a whit.
- LUCENTIO. And not a jot of Tranio in your mouth:
- Tranio is chang'd into Lucentio.
- BIONDELLO. The better for him; would I were so too!
- TRANIO. So could I, faith, boy, to have the next wish after,
- That Lucentio indeed had Baptista's youngest daughter.
- But, sirrah, not for my sake but your master's, I advise
- You use your manners discreetly in all kind of companies.
- When I am alone, why, then I am Tranio;
- But in all places else your master Lucentio.
- LUCENTIO. Tranio, let's go.
- One thing more rests, that thyself execute-
- To make one among these wooers. If thou ask me why-
- Sufficeth, my reasons are both good and weighty. Exeunt
-
- The Presenters above speak
-
- FIRST SERVANT. My lord, you nod; you do not mind the play.
- SLY. Yes, by Saint Anne do I. A good matter, surely; comes there
- any more of it?
- PAGE. My lord, 'tis but begun.
- SLY. 'Tis a very excellent piece of work, madam lady
- Would 'twere done! [They sit and mark]
- SCENE II.
- Padua. Before HORTENSIO'S house
-
- Enter PETRUCHIO and his man GRUMIO
-
- PETRUCHIO. Verona, for a while I take my leave,
- To see my friends in Padua; but of all
- My best beloved and approved friend,
- Hortensio; and I trow this is his house.
- Here, sirrah Grumio, knock, I say.
- GRUMIO. Knock, sir! Whom should I knock?
- Is there any man has rebus'd your worship?
- PETRUCHIO. Villain, I say, knock me here soundly.
- GRUMIO. Knock you here, sir? Why, sir, what am I, sir, that I
- should knock you here, sir?
- PETRUCHIO. Villain, I say, knock me at this gate,
- And rap me well, or I'll knock your knave's pate.
- GRUMIO. My master is grown quarrelsome. I should knock you first,
- And then I know after who comes by the worst.
- PETRUCHIO. Will it not be?
- Faith, sirrah, an you'll not knock I'll ring it;
- I'll try how you can sol-fa, and sing it.
- [He wrings him by the ears]
- GRUMIO. Help, masters, help! My master is mad.
- PETRUCHIO. Now knock when I bid you, sirrah villain!
-
- Enter HORTENSIO
-
- HORTENSIO. How now! what's the matter? My old friend Grumio and my
- good friend Petruchio! How do you all at Verona?
- PETRUCHIO. Signior Hortensio, come you to part the fray?
- 'Con tutto il cuore ben trovato' may I say.
- HORTENSIO. Alla nostra casa ben venuto,
- Molto honorato signor mio Petruchio.
- Rise, Grumio, rise; we will compound this quarrel.
- GRUMIO. Nay, 'tis no matter, sir, what he 'leges in Latin. If this
- be not a lawful cause for me to leave his service- look you, sir:
- he bid me knock him and rap him soundly, sir. Well, was it fit
- for a servant to use his master so; being, perhaps, for aught I
- see, two and thirty, a pip out?
- Whom would to God I had well knock'd at first,
- Then had not Grumio come by the worst.
- PETRUCHIO. A senseless villain! Good Hortensio,
- I bade the rascal knock upon your gate,
- And could not get him for my heart to do it.
- GRUMIO. Knock at the gate? O heavens! Spake you not these words
- plain: 'Sirrah knock me here, rap me here, knock me well, and
- knock me soundly'? And come you now with 'knocking at the gate'?
- PETRUCHIO. Sirrah, be gone, or talk not, I advise you.
- HORTENSIO. Petruchio, patience; I am Grumio's pledge;
- Why, this's a heavy chance 'twixt him and you,
- Your ancient, trusty, pleasant servant Grumio.
- And tell me now, sweet friend, what happy gale
- Blows you to Padua here from old Verona?
- PETRUCHIO. Such wind as scatters young men through the world
- To seek their fortunes farther than at home,
- Where small experience grows. But in a few,
- Signior Hortensio, thus it stands with me:
- Antonio, my father, is deceas'd,
- And I have thrust myself into this maze,
- Haply to wive and thrive as best I may;
- Crowns in my purse I have, and goods at home,
- And so am come abroad to see the world.
- HORTENSIO. Petruchio, shall I then come roundly to thee
- And wish thee to a shrewd ill-favour'd wife?
- Thou'dst thank me but a little for my counsel,
- And yet I'll promise thee she shall be rich,
- And very rich; but th'art too much my friend,
- And I'll not wish thee to her.
- PETRUCHIO. Signior Hortensio, 'twixt such friends as we
- Few words suffice; and therefore, if thou know
- One rich enough to be Petruchio's wife,
- As wealth is burden of my wooing dance,
- Be she as foul as was Florentius' love,
- As old as Sibyl, and as curst and shrewd
- As Socrates' Xanthippe or a worse-
- She moves me not, or not removes, at least,
- Affection's edge in me, were she as rough
- As are the swelling Adriatic seas.
- I come to wive it wealthily in Padua;
- If wealthily, then happily in Padua.
- GRUMIO. Nay, look you, sir, he tells you flatly what his mind is.
- Why, give him gold enough and marry him to a puppet or an
- aglet-baby, or an old trot with ne'er a tooth in her head, though
- she has as many diseases as two and fifty horses. Why, nothing
- comes amiss, so money comes withal.
- HORTENSIO. Petruchio, since we are stepp'd thus far in,
- I will continue that I broach'd in jest.
- I can, Petruchio, help thee to a wife
- With wealth enough, and young and beauteous;
- Brought up as best becomes a gentlewoman;
- Her only fault, and that is faults enough,
- Is- that she is intolerable curst,
- And shrewd and froward so beyond all measure
- That, were my state far worser than it is,
- I would not wed her for a mine of gold.
- PETRUCHIO. Hortensio, peace! thou know'st not gold's effect.
- Tell me her father's name, and 'tis enough;
- For I will board her though she chide as loud
- As thunder when the clouds in autumn crack.
- HORTENSIO. Her father is Baptista Minola,
- An affable and courteous gentleman;
- Her name is Katherina Minola,
- Renown'd in Padua for her scolding tongue.
- PETRUCHIO. I know her father, though I know not her;
- And he knew my deceased father well.
- I will not sleep, Hortensio, till I see her;
- And therefore let me be thus bold with you
- To give you over at this first encounter,
- Unless you will accompany me thither.
- GRUMIO. I pray you, sir, let him go while the humour lasts. O' my
- word, and she knew him as well as I do, she would think scolding
- would do little good upon him. She may perhaps call him half a
- score knaves or so. Why, that's nothing; and he begin once, he'll
- rail in his rope-tricks. I'll tell you what, sir: an she stand
- him but a little, he will throw a figure in her face, and so
- disfigure her with it that she shall have no more eyes to see
- withal than a cat. You know him not, sir.
- HORTENSIO. Tarry, Petruchio, I must go with thee,
- For in Baptista's keep my treasure is.
- He hath the jewel of my life in hold,
- His youngest daughter, beautiful Bianca;
- And her withholds from me, and other more,
- Suitors to her and rivals in my love;
- Supposing it a thing impossible-
- For those defects I have before rehears'd-
- That ever Katherina will be woo'd.
- Therefore this order hath Baptista ta'en,
- That none shall have access unto Bianca
- Till Katherine the curst have got a husband.
- GRUMIO. Katherine the curst!
- A title for a maid of all titles the worst.
- HORTENSIO. Now shall my friend Petruchio do me grace,
- And offer me disguis'd in sober robes
- To old Baptista as a schoolmaster
- Well seen in music, to instruct Bianca;
- That so I may by this device at least
- Have leave and leisure to make love to her,
- And unsuspected court her by herself.
-
- Enter GREMIO with LUCENTIO disguised as CAMBIO
-
- GRUMIO. Here's no knavery! See, to beguile the old folks, how the
- young folks lay their heads together! Master, master, look about
- you. Who goes there, ha?
- HORTENSIO. Peace, Grumio! It is the rival of my love. Petruchio,
- stand by awhile.
- GRUMIO. A proper stripling, and an amorous!
- [They stand aside]
- GREMIO. O, very well; I have perus'd the note.
- Hark you, sir; I'll have them very fairly bound-
- All books of love, see that at any hand;
- And see you read no other lectures to her.
- You understand me- over and beside
- Signior Baptista's liberality,
- I'll mend it with a largess. Take your paper too,
- And let me have them very well perfum'd;
- For she is sweeter than perfume itself
- To whom they go to. What will you read to her?
- LUCENTIO. Whate'er I read to her, I'll plead for you
- As for my patron, stand you so assur'd,
- As firmly as yourself were still in place;
- Yea, and perhaps with more successful words
- Than you, unless you were a scholar, sir.
- GREMIO. O this learning, what a thing it is!
- GRUMIO. O this woodcock, what an ass it is!
- PETRUCHIO. Peace, sirrah!
- HORTENSIO. Grumio, mum! [Coming forward]
- God save you, Signior Gremio!
- GREMIO. And you are well met, Signior Hortensio.
- Trow you whither I am going? To Baptista Minola.
- I promis'd to enquire carefully
- About a schoolmaster for the fair Bianca;
- And by good fortune I have lighted well
- On this young man; for learning and behaviour
- Fit for her turn, well read in poetry
- And other books- good ones, I warrant ye.
- HORTENSIO. 'Tis well; and I have met a gentleman
- Hath promis'd me to help me to another,
- A fine musician to instruct our mistress;
- So shall I no whit be behind in duty
- To fair Bianca, so beloved of me.
- GREMIO. Beloved of me- and that my deeds shall prove.
- GRUMIO. And that his bags shall prove.
- HORTENSIO. Gremio, 'tis now no time to vent our love.
- Listen to me, and if you speak me fair
- I'll tell you news indifferent good for either.
- Here is a gentleman whom by chance I met,
- Upon agreement from us to his liking,
- Will undertake to woo curst Katherine;
- Yea, and to marry her, if her dowry please.
- GREMIO. So said, so done, is well.
- Hortensio, have you told him all her faults?
- PETRUCHIO. I know she is an irksome brawling scold;
- If that be all, masters, I hear no harm.
- GREMIO. No, say'st me so, friend? What countryman?
- PETRUCHIO. Born in Verona, old Antonio's son.
- My father dead, my fortune lives for me;
- And I do hope good days and long to see.
- GREMIO. O Sir, such a life with such a wife were strange!
- But if you have a stomach, to't a God's name;
- You shall have me assisting you in all.
- But will you woo this wild-cat?
- PETRUCHIO. Will I live?
- GRUMIO. Will he woo her? Ay, or I'll hang her.
- PETRUCHIO. Why came I hither but to that intent?
- Think you a little din can daunt mine ears?
- Have I not in my time heard lions roar?
- Have I not heard the sea, puff'd up with winds,
- Rage like an angry boar chafed with sweat?
- Have I not heard great ordnance in the field,
- And heaven's artillery thunder in the skies?
- Have I not in a pitched battle heard
- Loud 'larums, neighing steeds, and trumpets' clang?
- And do you tell me of a woman's tongue,
- That gives not half so great a blow to hear
- As will a chestnut in a fariner's fire?
- Tush! tush! fear boys with bugs.
- GRUMIO. For he fears none.
- GREMIO. Hortensio, hark:
- This gentleman is happily arriv'd,
- My mind presumes, for his own good and ours.
- HORTENSIO. I promis'd we would be contributors
- And bear his charge of wooing, whatsoe'er.
- GREMIO. And so we will- provided that he win her.
- GRUMIO. I would I were as sure of a good dinner.
-
- Enter TRANIO, bravely apparelled as LUCENTIO, and BIONDELLO
-
- TRANIO. Gentlemen, God save you! If I may be bold,
- Tell me, I beseech you, which is the readiest way
- To the house of Signior Baptista Minola?
- BIONDELLO. He that has the two fair daughters; is't he you mean?
- TRANIO. Even he, Biondello.
- GREMIO. Hark you, sir, you mean not her to-
- TRANIO. Perhaps him and her, sir; what have you to do?
- PETRUCHIO. Not her that chides, sir, at any hand, I pray.
- TRANIO. I love no chiders, sir. Biondello, let's away.
- LUCENTIO. [Aside] Well begun, Tranio.
- HORTENSIO. Sir, a word ere you go.
- Are you a suitor to the maid you talk of, yea or no?
- TRANIO. And if I be, sir, is it any offence?
- GREMIO. No; if without more words you will get you hence.
- TRANIO. Why, sir, I pray, are not the streets as free
- For me as for you?
- GREMIO. But so is not she.
-
- TRANIO. For what reason, I beseech you?
- GREMIO. For this reason, if you'll know,
- That she's the choice love of Signior Gremio.
- HORTENSIO. That she's the chosen of Signior Hortensio.
- TRANIO. Softly, my masters! If you be gentlemen,
- Do me this right- hear me with patience.
- Baptista is a noble gentleman,
- To whom my father is not all unknown,
- And, were his daughter fairer than she is,
- She may more suitors have, and me for one.
- Fair Leda's daughter had a thousand wooers;
- Then well one more may fair Bianca have;
- And so she shall: Lucentio shall make one,
- Though Paris came in hope to speed alone.
- GREMIO. What, this gentleman will out-talk us all!
- LUCENTIO. Sir, give him head; I know he'll prove a jade.
- PETRUCHIO. Hortensio, to what end are all these words?
- HORTENSIO. Sir, let me be so bold as ask you,
- Did you yet ever see Baptista's daughter?
- TRANIO. No, sir, but hear I do that he hath two:
- The one as famous for a scolding tongue
- As is the other for beauteous modesty.
- PETRUCHIO. Sir, sir, the first's for me; let her go by.
- GREMIO. Yea, leave that labour to great Hercules,
- And let it be more than Alcides' twelve.
- PETRUCHIO. Sir, understand you this of me, in sooth:
- The youngest daughter, whom you hearken for,
- Her father keeps from all access of suitors,
- And will not promise her to any man
- Until the elder sister first be wed.
- The younger then is free, and not before.
- TRANIO. If it be so, sir, that you are the man
- Must stead us all, and me amongst the rest;
- And if you break the ice, and do this feat,
- Achieve the elder, set the younger free
- For our access- whose hap shall be to have her
- Will not so graceless be to be ingrate.
- HORTENSIO. Sir, you say well, and well you do conceive;
- And since you do profess to be a suitor,
- You must, as we do, gratify this gentleman,
- To whom we all rest generally beholding.
- TRANIO. Sir, I shall not be slack; in sign whereof,
- Please ye we may contrive this afternoon,
- And quaff carouses to our mistress' health;
- And do as adversaries do in law-
- Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
- GRUMIO, BIONDELLO. O excellent motion! Fellows, let's be gone.
- HORTENSIO. The motion's good indeed, and be it so.
- Petruchio, I shall be your ben venuto. Exeunt
- ACT Il. SCENE I.
- Padua. BAPTISTA'S house
-
- Enter KATHERINA and BIANCA
-
- BIANCA. Good sister, wrong me not, nor wrong yourself,
- To make a bondmaid and a slave of me-
- That I disdain; but for these other gawds,
- Unbind my hands, I'll pull them off myself,
- Yea, all my raiment, to my petticoat;
- Or what you will command me will I do,
- So well I know my duty to my elders.
- KATHERINA. Of all thy suitors here I charge thee tell
- Whom thou lov'st best. See thou dissemble not.
- BIANCA. Believe me, sister, of all the men alive
- I never yet beheld that special face
- Which I could fancy more than any other.
- KATHERINA. Minion, thou liest. Is't not Hortensio?
- BIANCA. If you affect him, sister, here I swear
- I'll plead for you myself but you shall have him.
- KATHERINA. O then, belike, you fancy riches more:
- You will have Gremio to keep you fair.
- BIANCA. Is it for him you do envy me so?
- Nay, then you jest; and now I well perceive
- You have but jested with me all this while.
- I prithee, sister Kate, untie my hands.
- KATHERINA. [Strikes her] If that be jest, then an the rest was so.
-
- Enter BAPTISTA
-
- BAPTISTA. Why, how now, dame! Whence grows this insolence?
- Bianca, stand aside- poor girl! she weeps.
- [He unbinds her]
- Go ply thy needle; meddle not with her.
- For shame, thou hilding of a devilish spirit,
- Why dost thou wrong her that did ne'er wrong thee?
- When did she cross thee with a bitter word?
- KATHERINA. Her silence flouts me, and I'll be reveng'd.
- [Flies after BIANCA]
- BAPTISTA. What, in my sight? Bianca, get thee in.
- Exit BIANCA
- KATHERINA. What, will you not suffer me? Nay, now I see
- She is your treasure, she must have a husband;
- I must dance bare-foot on her wedding-day,
- And for your love to her lead apes in hell.
- Talk not to me; I will go sit and weep,
- Till I can find occasion of revenge. Exit KATHERINA
- BAPTISTA. Was ever gentleman thus griev'd as I?
- But who comes here?
-
- Enter GREMIO, with LUCENTIO in the habit of a mean man;
- PETRUCHIO, with HORTENSIO as a musician; and TRANIO,
- as LUCENTIO, with his boy, BIONDELLO, bearing a lute and books
-
- GREMIO. Good morrow, neighbour Baptista.
- BAPTISTA. Good morrow, neighbour Gremio.
- God save you, gentlemen!
- PETRUCHIO. And you, good sir! Pray, have you not a daughter
- Call'd Katherina, fair and virtuous?
- BAPTISTA. I have a daughter, sir, call'd Katherina.
- GREMIO. You are too blunt; go to it orderly.
- PETRUCHIO. You wrong me, Signior Gremio; give me leave.
- I am a gentleman of Verona, sir,
- That, hearing of her beauty and her wit,
- Her affability and bashful modesty,
- Her wondrous qualities and mild behaviour,
- Am bold to show myself a forward guest
- Within your house, to make mine eye the witness
- Of that report which I so oft have heard.
- And, for an entrance to my entertainment,
- I do present you with a man of mine,
- [Presenting HORTENSIO]
- Cunning in music and the mathematics,
- To instruct her fully in those sciences,
- Whereof I know she is not ignorant.
- Accept of him, or else you do me wrong-
- His name is Licio, born in Mantua.
- BAPTISTA. Y'are welcome, sir, and he for your good sake;
- But for my daughter Katherine, this I know,
- She is not for your turn, the more my grief.
- PETRUCHIO. I see you do not mean to part with her;
- Or else you like not of my company.
- BAPTISTA. Mistake me not; I speak but as I find.
- Whence are you, sir? What may I call your name?
- PETRUCHIO. Petruchio is my name, Antonio's son,
- A man well known throughout all Italy.
- BAPTISTA. I know him well; you are welcome for his sake.
- GREMIO. Saving your tale, Petruchio, I pray,
- Let us that are poor petitioners speak too.
- Bacare! you are marvellous forward.
- PETRUCHIO. O, pardon me, Signior Gremio! I would fain be doing.
- GREMIO. I doubt it not, sir; but you will curse your wooing.
- Neighbour, this is a gift very grateful, I am sure of it. To
- express the like kindness, myself, that have been more kindly
- beholding to you than any, freely give unto you this young
- scholar [Presenting LUCENTIO] that hath been long studying at
- Rheims; as cunning in Greek, Latin, and other languages, as the
- other in music and mathematics. His name is Cambio. Pray accept
- his service.
- BAPTISTA. A thousand thanks, Signior Gremio. Welcome, good Cambio.
- [To TRANIO] But, gentle sir, methinks you walk like a stranger.
- May I be so bold to know the cause of your coming?
- TRANIO. Pardon me, sir, the boldness is mine own
- That, being a stranger in this city here,
- Do make myself a suitor to your daughter,
- Unto Bianca, fair and virtuous.
- Nor is your firm resolve unknown to me
- In the preferment of the eldest sister.
- This liberty is all that I request-
- That, upon knowledge of my parentage,
- I may have welcome 'mongst the rest that woo,
- And free access and favour as the rest.
- And toward the education of your daughters
- I here bestow a simple instrument,
- And this small packet of Greek and Latin books.
- If you accept them, then their worth is great.
- BAPTISTA. Lucentio is your name? Of whence, I pray?
- TRANIO. Of Pisa, sir; son to Vincentio.
- BAPTISTA. A mighty man of Pisa. By report
- I know him well. You are very welcome, sir.
- Take you the lute, and you the set of books;
- You shall go see your pupils presently.
- Holla, within!
-
- Enter a SERVANT
-
- Sirrah, lead these gentlemen
- To my daughters; and tell them both
- These are their tutors. Bid them use them well.
-
- Exit SERVANT leading HORTENSIO carrying the lute
- and LUCENTIO with the books
-
- We will go walk a little in the orchard,
- And then to dinner. You are passing welcome,
- And so I pray you all to think yourselves.
- PETRUCHIO. Signior Baptista, my business asketh haste,
- And every day I cannot come to woo.
- You knew my father well, and in him me,
- Left solely heir to all his lands and goods,
- Which I have bettered rather than decreas'd.
- Then tell me, if I get your daughter's love,
- What dowry shall I have with her to wife?
- BAPTISTA. After my death, the one half of my lands
- And, in possession, twenty thousand crowns.
- PETRUCHIO. And for that dowry, I'll assure her of
- Her widowhood, be it that she survive me,
- In all my lands and leases whatsoever.
- Let specialities be therefore drawn between us,
- That covenants may be kept on either hand.
- BAPTISTA. Ay, when the special thing is well obtain'd,
- That is, her love; for that is all in all.
- PETRUCHIO. Why, that is nothing; for I tell you, father,
- I am as peremptory as she proud-minded;
- And where two raging fires meet together,
- They do consume the thing that feeds their fury.
- Though little fire grows great with little wind,
- Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all.
- So I to her, and so she yields to me;
- For I am rough, and woo not like a babe.
- BAPTISTA. Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed
- But be thou arm'd for some unhappy words.
- PETRUCHIO. Ay, to the proof, as mountains are for winds,
- That shake not though they blow perpetually.
-
- Re-enter HORTENSIO, with his head broke
-
- BAPTISTA. How now, my friend! Why dost thou look so pale?
- HORTENSIO. For fear, I promise you, if I look pale.
- BAPTISTA. What, will my daughter prove a good musician?
- HORTENSIO. I think she'll sooner prove a soldier:
- Iron may hold with her, but never lutes.
- BAPTISTA. Why, then thou canst not break her to the lute?
- HORTENSIO. Why, no; for she hath broke the lute to me.
- I did but tell her she mistook her frets,
- And bow'd her hand to teach her fingering,
- When, with a most impatient devilish spirit,
- 'Frets, call you these?' quoth she 'I'll fume with them.'
- And with that word she struck me on the head,
- And through the instrument my pate made way;
- And there I stood amazed for a while,
- As on a pillory, looking through the lute,
- While she did call me rascal fiddler
- And twangling Jack, with twenty such vile terms,
- As she had studied to misuse me so.
- PETRUCHIO. Now, by the world, it is a lusty wench;
- I love her ten times more than e'er I did.
- O, how I long to have some chat with her!
- BAPTISTA. Well, go with me, and be not so discomfited;
- Proceed in practice with my younger daughter;
- She's apt to learn, and thankful for good turns.
- Signior Petruchio, will you go with us,
- Or shall I send my daughter Kate to you?
- PETRUCHIO. I pray you do. Exeunt all but PETRUCHIO
- I'll attend her here,
- And woo her with some spirit when she comes.
- Say that she rail; why, then I'll tell her plain
- She sings as sweetly as a nightingale.
- Say that she frown; I'll say she looks as clear
- As morning roses newly wash'd with dew.
- Say she be mute, and will not speak a word;
- Then I'll commend her volubility,
- And say she uttereth piercing eloquence.
- If she do bid me pack, I'll give her thanks,
- As though she bid me stay by her a week;
- If she deny to wed, I'll crave the day
- When I shall ask the banns, and when be married.
- But here she comes; :Lnd.now, Petruchio, speak.
-
- Enter KATHERINA
-
- Good morrow, Kate- for that's your name, I hear.
- KATHERINA. Well have you heard, but something hard of hearing:
- They call me Katherine that do talk of me.
- PETRUCHIO. You lie, in faith, for you are call'd plain Kate,
- And bonny Kate, and sometimes Kate the curst;
- But, Kate, the prettiest Kate in Christendom,
- Kate of Kate Hall, my super-dainty Kate,
- For dainties are all Kates, and therefore, Kate,
- Take this of me, Kate of my consolation-
- Hearing thy mildness prais'd in every town,
- Thy virtues spoke of, and thy beauty sounded,
- Yet not so deeply as to thee belongs,
- Myself am mov'd to woo thee for my wife.
- KATHERINA. Mov'd! in good time! Let him that mov'd you hither
- Remove you hence. I knew you at the first
- You were a moveable.
- PETRUCHIO. Why, what's a moveable?
- KATHERINA. A join'd-stool.
- PETRUCHIO. Thou hast hit it. Come, sit on me.
- KATHERINA. Asses are made to bear, and so are you.
- PETRUCHIO. Women are made to bear, and so are you.
- KATHERINA. No such jade as you, if me you mean.
- PETRUCHIO. Alas, good Kate, I will not burden thee!
- For, knowing thee to be but young and light-
- KATHERINA. Too light for such a swain as you to catch;
- And yet as heavy as my weight should be.
- PETRUCHIO. Should be! should- buzz!
- KATHERINA. Well ta'en, and like a buzzard.
- PETRUCHIO. O, slow-wing'd turtle, shall a buzzard take thee?
- KATHERINA. Ay, for a turtle, as he takes a buzzard.
- PETRUCHIO. Come, come, you wasp; i' faith, you are too angry.
- KATHERINA. If I be waspish, best beware my sting.
- PETRUCHIO. My remedy is then to pluck it out.
- KATHERINA. Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies.
- PETRUCHIO. Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting?
- In his tail.
- KATHERINA. In his tongue.
- PETRUCHIO. Whose tongue?
- KATHERINA. Yours, if you talk of tales; and so farewell.
- PETRUCHIO. What, with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again,
- Good Kate; I am a gentleman.
- KATHERINA. That I'll try. [She strikes him]
- PETRUCHIO. I swear I'll cuff you, if you strike again.
- KATHERINA. So may you lose your arms.
- If you strike me, you are no gentleman;
- And if no gentleman, why then no arms.
- PETRUCHIO. A herald, Kate? O, put me in thy books!
- KATHERINA. What is your crest- a coxcomb?
- PETRUCHIO. A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen.
- KATHERINA. No cock of mine: you crow too like a craven.
- PETRUCHIO. Nay, come, Kate, come; you must not look so sour.
- KATHERINA. It is my fashion, when I see a crab.
- PETRUCHIO. Why, here's no crab; and therefore look not sour.
- KATHERINA. There is, there is.
- PETRUCHIO. Then show it me.
- KATHERINA. Had I a glass I would.
- PETRUCHIO. What, you mean my face?
- KATHERINA. Well aim'd of such a young one.
- PETRUCHIO. Now, by Saint George, I am too young for you.
- KATHERINA. Yet you are wither'd.
- PETRUCHIO. 'Tis with cares.
- KATHERINA. I care not.
- PETRUCHIO. Nay, hear you, Kate- in sooth, you scape not so.
- KATHERINA. I chafe you, if I tarry; let me go.
- PETRUCHIO. No, not a whit; I find you passing gentle.
- 'Twas told me you were rough, and coy, and sullen,
- And now I find report a very liar;
- For thou art pleasant, gamesome, passing courteous,
- But slow in speech, yet sweet as springtime flowers.
- Thou canst not frown, thou canst not look askance,
- Nor bite the lip, as angry wenches will,
- Nor hast thou pleasure to be cross in talk;
- But thou with mildness entertain'st thy wooers;
- With gentle conference, soft and affable.
- Why does the world report that Kate doth limp?
- O sland'rous world! Kate like the hazel-twig
- Is straight and slender, and as brown in hue
- As hazel-nuts, and sweeter than the kernels.
- O, let me see thee walk. Thou dost not halt.
- KATHERINA. Go, fool, and whom thou keep'st command.
- PETRUCHIO. Did ever Dian so become a grove
- As Kate this chamber with her princely gait?
- O, be thou Dian, and let her be Kate;
- And then let Kate be chaste, and Dian sportful!
- KATHERINA. Where did you study all this goodly speech?
- PETRUCHIO. It is extempore, from my mother wit.
- KATHERINA. A witty mother! witless else her son.
- PETRUCHIO. Am I not wise?
- KATHERINA. Yes, keep you warm.
- PETRUCHIO. Marry, so I mean, sweet Katherine, in thy bed.
- And therefore, setting all this chat aside,
- Thus in plain terms: your father hath consented
- That you shall be my wife your dowry greed on;
- And will you, nill you, I will marry you.
- Now, Kate, I am a husband for your turn;
- For, by this light, whereby I see thy beauty,
- Thy beauty that doth make me like thee well,
- Thou must be married to no man but me;
- For I am he am born to tame you, Kate,
- And bring you from a wild Kate to a Kate
- Conformable as other household Kates.
-
- Re-enter BAPTISTA, GREMIO, and TRANIO
-
- Here comes your father. Never make denial;
- I must and will have Katherine to my wife.
- BAPTISTA. Now, Signior Petruchio, how speed you with my daughter?
- PETRUCHIO. How but well, sir? how but well?
- It were impossible I should speed amiss.
- BAPTISTA. Why, how now, daughter Katherine, in your dumps?
- KATHERINA. Call you me daughter? Now I promise you
- You have show'd a tender fatherly regard
- To wish me wed to one half lunatic,
- A mad-cap ruffian and a swearing Jack,
- That thinks with oaths to face the matter out.
- PETRUCHIO. Father, 'tis thus: yourself and all the world
- That talk'd of her have talk'd amiss of her.
- If she be curst, it is for policy,
- For,she's not froward, but modest as the dove;
- She is not hot, but temperate as the morn;
- For patience she will prove a second Grissel,
- And Roman Lucrece for her chastity.
- And, to conclude, we have 'greed so well together
- That upon Sunday is the wedding-day.
- KATHERINA. I'll see thee hang'd on Sunday first.
- GREMIO. Hark, Petruchio; she says she'll see thee hang'd first.
- TRANIO. Is this your speeding? Nay, then good-night our part!
- PETRUCHIO. Be patient, gentlemen. I choose her for myself;
- If she and I be pleas'd, what's that to you?
- 'Tis bargain'd 'twixt us twain, being alone,
- That she shall still be curst in company.
- I tell you 'tis incredible to believe.
- How much she loves me- O, the kindest Kate!
- She hung about my neck, and kiss on kiss
- She vied so fast, protesting oath on oath,
- That in a twink she won me to her love.
- O, you are novices! 'Tis a world to see,
- How tame, when men and women are alone,
- A meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew.
- Give me thy hand, Kate; I will unto Venice,
- To buy apparel 'gainst the wedding-day.
- Provide the feast, father, and bid the guests;
- I will be sure my Katherine shall be fine.
- BAPTISTA. I know not what to say; but give me your hands.
- God send you joy, Petruchio! 'Tis a match.
- GREMIO, TRANIO. Amen, say we; we will be witnesses.
- PETRUCHIO. Father, and wife, and gentlemen, adieu.
- I will to Venice; Sunday comes apace;
- We will have rings and things, and fine array;
- And kiss me, Kate; we will be married a Sunday.
- Exeunt PETRUCHIO and KATHERINA severally
- GREMIO. Was ever match clapp'd up so suddenly?
- BAPTISTA. Faith, gentlemen, now I play a merchant's part,
- And venture madly on a desperate mart.
- TRANIO. 'Twas a commodity lay fretting by you;
- 'Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas.
- BAPTISTA. The gain I seek is quiet in the match.
- GREMIO. No doubt but he hath got a quiet catch.
- But now, Baptista, to your younger daughter:
- Now is the day we long have looked for;
- I am your neighbour, and was suitor first.
- TRANIO. And I am one that love Bianca more
- Than words can witness or your thoughts can guess.
- GREMIO. Youngling, thou canst not love so dear as I.
- TRANIO. Greybeard, thy love doth freeze.
- GREMIO. But thine doth fry.
- Skipper, stand back; 'tis age that nourisheth.
- TRANIO. But youth in ladies' eyes that flourisheth.
- BAPTISTA. Content you, gentlemen; I will compound this strife.
- 'Tis deeds must win the prize, and he of both
- That can assure my daughter greatest dower
- Shall have my Bianca's love.
- Say, Signior Gremio, what can you assure her?
- GREMIO. First, as you know, my house within the city
- Is richly furnished with plate and gold,
- Basins and ewers to lave her dainty hands;
- My hangings all of Tyrian tapestry;
- In ivory coffers I have stuff'd my crowns;
- In cypress chests my arras counterpoints,
- Costly apparel, tents, and canopies,
- Fine linen, Turkey cushions boss'd with pearl,
- Valance of Venice gold in needle-work;
- Pewter and brass, and all things that belongs
- To house or housekeeping. Then at my farm
- I have a hundred milch-kine to the pail,
- Six score fat oxen standing in my stalls,
- And all things answerable to this portion.
- Myself am struck in years, I must confess;
- And if I die to-morrow this is hers,
- If whilst I live she will be only mine.
- TRANIO. That 'only' came well in. Sir, list to me:
- I am my father's heir and only son;
- If I may have your daughter to my wife,
- I'll leave her houses three or four as good
- Within rich Pisa's walls as any one
- Old Signior Gremio has in Padua;
- Besides two thousand ducats by the year
- Of fruitful land, all which shall be her jointure.
- What, have I pinch'd you, Signior Gremio?
- GREMIO. Two thousand ducats by the year of land!
- [Aside] My land amounts not to so much in all.-
- That she shall have, besides an argosy
- That now is lying in Marseilles road.
- What, have I chok'd you with an argosy?
- TRANIO. Gremio, 'tis known my father hath no less
- Than three great argosies, besides two galliasses,
- And twelve tight galleys. These I will assure her,
- And twice as much whate'er thou off'rest next.
- GREMIO. Nay, I have off'red all; I have no more;
- And she can have no more than all I have;
- If you like me, she shall have me and mine.
- TRANIO. Why, then the maid is mine from all the world
- By your firm promise; Gremio is out-vied.
- BAPTISTA. I must confess your offer is the best;
- And let your father make her the assurance,
- She is your own. Else, you must pardon me;
- If you should die before him, where's her dower?
- TRANIO. That's but a cavil; he is old, I young.
- GREMIO. And may not young men die as well as old?
- BAPTISTA. Well, gentlemen,
- I am thus resolv'd: on Sunday next you know
- My daughter Katherine is to be married;
- Now, on the Sunday following shall Bianca
- Be bride to you, if you make this assurance;
- If not, to Signior Gremio.
- And so I take my leave, and thank you both.
- GREMIO. Adieu, good neighbour. Exit BAPTISTA
- Now, I fear thee not.
- Sirrah young gamester, your father were a fool
- To give thee all, and in his waning age
- Set foot under thy table. Tut, a toy!
- An old Italian fox is not so kind, my boy. Exit
- TRANIO. A vengeance on your crafty withered hide!
- Yet I have fac'd it with a card of ten.
- 'Tis in my head to do my master good:
- I see no reason but suppos'd Lucentio
- Must get a father, call'd suppos'd Vincentio;
- And that's a wonder- fathers commonly
- Do get their children; but in this case of wooing
- A child shall get a sire, if I fail not of my cunning.
- Exit
- ACT III. SCENE I.
- Padua. BAPTISTA'S house
-
- Enter LUCENTIO as CAMBIO, HORTENSIO as LICIO, and BIANCA
-
- LUCENTIO. Fiddler, forbear; you grow too forward, sir.
- Have you so soon forgot the entertainment
- Her sister Katherine welcome'd you withal?
- HORTENSIO. But, wrangling pedant, this is
- The patroness of heavenly harmony.
- Then give me leave to have prerogative;
- And when in music we have spent an hour,
- Your lecture shall have leisure for as much.
- LUCENTIO. Preposterous ass, that never read so far
- To know the cause why music was ordain'd!
- Was it not to refresh the mind of man
- After his studies or his usual pain?
- Then give me leave to read philosophy,
- And while I pause serve in your harmony.
- HORTENSIO. Sirrah, I will not bear these braves of thine.
- BIANCA. Why, gentlemen, you do me double wrong
- To strive for that which resteth in my choice.
- I arn no breeching scholar in the schools,
- I'll not be tied to hours nor 'pointed times,
- But learn my lessons as I please myself.
- And to cut off all strife: here sit we down;
- Take you your instrument, play you the whiles!
- His lecture will be done ere you have tun'd.
- HORTENSIO. You'll leave his lecture when I am in tune?
- LUCENTIO. That will be never- tune your instrument.
- BIANCA. Where left we last?
- LUCENTIO. Here, madam:
- 'Hic ibat Simois, hic est Sigeia tellus,
- Hic steterat Priami regia celsa senis.'
- BIANCA. Construe them.
- LUCENTIO. 'Hic ibat' as I told you before- 'Simois' I am Lucentio-
- 'hic est' son unto Vincentio of Pisa- 'Sigeia tellus' disguised
- thus to get your love- 'Hic steterat' and that Lucentio that
- comes a-wooing- 'Priami' is my man Tranio- 'regia' bearing my
- port- 'celsa senis' that we might beguile the old pantaloon.
- HORTENSIO. Madam, my instrument's in tune.
- BIANCA. Let's hear. O fie! the treble jars.
- LUCENTIO. Spit in the hole, man, and tune again.
- BIANCA. Now let me see if I can construe it: 'Hic ibat Simois' I
- know you not- 'hic est Sigeia tellus' I trust you not- 'Hic
- steterat Priami' take heed he hear us not- 'regia' presume not-
- 'celsa senis' despair not.
- HORTENSIO. Madam, 'tis now in tune.
- LUCENTIO. All but the bass.
- HORTENSIO. The bass is right; 'tis the base knave that jars.
- [Aside] How fiery and forward our pedant is!
- Now, for my life, the knave doth court my love.
- Pedascule, I'll watch you better yet.
- BIANCA. In time I may believe, yet I mistrust.
- LUCENTIO. Mistrust it not- for sure, AEacides
- Was Ajax, call'd so from his grandfather.
- BIANCA. I must believe my master; else, I promise you,
- I should be arguing still upon that doubt;
- But let it rest. Now, Licio, to you.
- Good master, take it not unkindly, pray,
- That I have been thus pleasant with you both.
- HORTENSIO. [To LUCENTIO] You may go walk and give me leave
- awhile;
- My lessons make no music in three Parts.
- LUCENTIO. Are you so formal, sir? Well, I must wait,
- [Aside] And watch withal; for, but I be deceiv'd,
- Our fine musician groweth amorous.
- HORTENSIO. Madam, before you touch the instrument
- To learn the order of my fingering,
- I must begin with rudiments of art,
- To teach you gamut in a briefer sort,
- More pleasant, pithy, and effectual,
- Than hath been taught by any of my trade;
- And there it is in writing fairly drawn.
- BIANCA. Why, I am past my gamut long ago.
- HORTENSIO. Yet read the gamut of Hortensio.
- BIANCA. [Reads]
- '"Gamut" I am, the ground of all accord-
- "A re" to plead Hortensio's passion-
- "B mi" Bianca, take him for thy lord-
- "C fa ut" that loves with all affection-
- "D sol re" one clef, two notes have I-
- "E la mi" show pity or I die.'
- Call you this gamut? Tut, I like it not!
- Old fashions please me best; I am not so nice
- To change true rules for odd inventions.
-
- Enter a SERVANT
-
- SERVANT. Mistress, your father prays you leave your books
- And help to dress your sister's chamber up.
- You know to-morrow is the wedding-day.
- BIANCA. Farewell, sweet masters, both; I must be gone.
- Exeunt BIANCA and SERVANT
- LUCENTIO. Faith, mistress, then I have no cause to stay.
- Exit
- HORTENSIO. But I have cause to pry into this pedant;
- Methinks he looks as though he were in love.
- Yet if thy thoughts, Bianca, be so humble
- To cast thy wand'ring eyes on every stale-
- Seize thee that list. If once I find thee ranging,
- HORTENSIO will be quit with thee by changing. Exit
- SCENE II.
- Padua. Before BAPTISTA'So house
-
- Enter BAPTISTA, GREMIO, TRANIO as LUCENTIO, KATHERINA, BIANCA,
- LUCENTIO as CAMBIO, and ATTENDANTS
-
- BAPTISTA. [To TRANIO] Signior Lucentio, this is the 'pointed day
- That Katherine and Petruchio should be married,
- And yet we hear not of our son-in-law.
- What will be said? What mockery will it be
- To want the bridegroom when the priest attends
- To speak the ceremonial rites of marriage!
- What says Lucentio to this shame of ours?
- KATHERINA. No shame but mine; I must, forsooth, be forc'd
- To give my hand, oppos'd against my heart,
- Unto a mad-brain rudesby, full of spleen,
- Who woo'd in haste and means to wed at leisure.
- I told you, I, he was a frantic fool,
- Hiding his bitter jests in blunt behaviour;
- And, to be noted for a merry man,
- He'll woo a thousand, 'point the day of marriage,
- Make friends invited, and proclaim the banns;
- Yet never means to wed where he hath woo'd.
- Now must the world point at poor Katherine,
- And say 'Lo, there is mad Petruchio's wife,
- If it would please him come and marry her!'
- TRANIO. Patience, good Katherine, and Baptista too.
- Upon my life, Petruchio means but well,
- Whatever fortune stays him from his word.
- Though he be blunt, I know him passing wise;
- Though he be merry, yet withal he's honest.
- KATHERINA. Would Katherine had never seen him though!
- Exit, weeping, followed by BIANCA and others
- BAPTISTA. Go, girl, I cannot blame thee now to weep,
- For such an injury would vex a very saint;
- Much more a shrew of thy impatient humour.
-
- Enter BIONDELLO
-
- Master, master! News, and such old news as you never heard of!
- BAPTISTA. Is it new and old too? How may that be?
- BIONDELLO. Why, is it not news to hear of Petruchio's coming?
- BAPTISTA. Is he come?
- BIONDELLO. Why, no, sir.
- BAPTISTA. What then?
- BIONDELLO. He is coming.
- BAPTISTA. When will he be here?
- BIONDELLO. When he stands where I am and sees you there.
- TRANIO. But, say, what to thine old news?
- BIONDELLO. Why, Petruchio is coming- in a new hat and an old
- jerkin; a pair of old breeches thrice turn'd; a pair of boots
- that have been candle-cases, one buckled, another lac'd; an old
- rusty sword ta'en out of the town armoury, with a broken hilt,
- and chapeless; with two broken points; his horse hipp'd, with an
- old motley saddle and stirrups of no kindred; besides, possess'd
- with the glanders and like to mose in the chine, troubled with
- the lampass, infected with the fashions, full of windgalls, sped
- with spavins, rayed with the yellows, past cure of the fives,
- stark spoil'd with the staggers, begnawn with the bots, sway'd in
- the back and shoulder-shotten, near-legg'd before, and with a
- half-cheek'd bit, and a head-stall of sheep's leather which,
- being restrained to keep him from stumbling, hath been often
- burst, and now repaired with knots; one girth six times piec'd,
- and a woman's crupper of velure, which hath two letters for her
- name fairly set down in studs, and here and there piec'd with
- pack-thread.
- BAPTISTA. Who comes with him?
- BIONDELLO. O, sir, his lackey, for all the world caparison'd like
- the horse- with a linen stock on one leg and a kersey boot-hose
- on the other, gart'red with a red and blue list; an old hat, and
- the humour of forty fancies prick'd in't for a feather; a
- monster, a very monster in apparel, and not like a Christian
- footboy or a gentleman's lackey.
- TRANIO. 'Tis some odd humour pricks him to this fashion;
- Yet oftentimes lie goes but mean-apparell'd.
- BAPTISTA. I am glad he's come, howsoe'er he comes.
- BIONDELLO. Why, sir, he comes not.
- BAPTISTA. Didst thou not say he comes?
- BIONDELLO. Who? that Petruchio came?
- BAPTISTA. Ay, that Petruchio came.
- BIONDELLO. No, sir; I say his horse comes with him on his back.
- BAPTISTA. Why, that's all one.
- BIONDELLO. Nay, by Saint Jamy,
- I hold you a penny,
- A horse and a man
- Is more than one,
- And yet not many.
-
- Enter PETRUCHIO and GRUMIO
-
- PETRUCHIO. Come, where be these gallants? Who's at home?
- BAPTISTA. You are welcome, sir.
- PETRUCHIO. And yet I come not well.
- BAPTISTA. And yet you halt not.
- TRANIO. Not so well apparell'd
- As I wish you were.
- PETRUCHIO. Were it better, I should rush in thus.
- But where is Kate? Where is my lovely bride?
- How does my father? Gentles, methinks you frown;
- And wherefore gaze this goodly company
- As if they saw some wondrous monument,
- Some comet or unusual prodigy?
- BAPTISTA. Why, sir, you know this is your wedding-day.
- First were we sad, fearing you would not come;
- Now sadder, that you come so unprovided.
- Fie, doff this habit, shame to your estate,
- An eye-sore to our solemn festival!
- TRANIO. And tell us what occasion of import
- Hath all so long detain'd you from your wife,
- And sent you hither so unlike yourself?
- PETRUCHIO. Tedious it were to tell, and harsh to hear;
- Sufficeth I am come to keep my word,
- Though in some part enforced to digress,
- Which at more leisure I will so excuse
- As you shall well be satisfied withal.
- But where is Kate? I stay too long from her;
- The morning wears, 'tis time we were at church.
- TRANIO. See not your bride in these unreverent robes;
- Go to my chamber, put on clothes of mine.
- PETRUCHIO. Not I, believe me; thus I'll visit her.
- BAPTISTA. But thus, I trust, you will not marry her.
- PETRUCHIO. Good sooth, even thus; therefore ha' done with words;
- To me she's married, not unto my clothes.
- Could I repair what she will wear in me
- As I can change these poor accoutrements,
- 'Twere well for Kate and better for myself.
- But what a fool am I to chat with you,
- When I should bid good-morrow to my bride
- And seal the title with a lovely kiss!
- Exeunt PETRUCHIO and PETRUCHIO
- TRANIO. He hath some meaning in his mad attire.
- We will persuade him, be it possible,
- To put on better ere he go to church.
- BAPTISTA. I'll after him and see the event of this.
- Exeunt BAPTISTA, GREMIO, BIONDELLO, and ATTENDENTS
- TRANIO. But to her love concerneth us to ad
- Her father's liking; which to bring to pass,
- As I before imparted to your worship,
- I am to get a man- whate'er he be
- It skills not much; we'll fit him to our turn-
- And he shall be Vincentio of Pisa,
- And make assurance here in Padua
- Of greater sums than I have promised.
- So shall you quietly enjoy your hope
- And marry sweet Bianca with consent.
- LUCENTIO. Were it not that my fellow schoolmaster
- Doth watch Bianca's steps so narrowly,
- 'Twere good, methinks, to steal our marriage;
- Which once perform'd, let all the world say no,
- I'll keep mine own despite of all the world.
- TRANIO. That by degrees we mean to look into
- And watch our vantage in this business;
- We'll over-reach the greybeard, Gremio,
- The narrow-prying father, Minola,
- The quaint musician, amorous Licio-
- All for my master's sake, Lucentio.
-
- Re-enter GREMIO
-
- Signior Gremio, came you from the church?
- GREMIO. As willingly as e'er I came from school.
- TRANIO. And is the bride and bridegroom coming home?
- GREMIO. A bridegroom, say you? 'Tis a groom indeed,
- A grumbling groom, and that the girl shall find.
- TRANIO. Curster than she? Why, 'tis impossible.
- GREMIO. Why, he's a devil, a devil, a very fiend.
- TRANIO. Why, she's a devil, a devil, the devil's dam.
- GREMIO. Tut, she's a lamb, a dove, a fool, to him!
- I'll tell you, Sir Lucentio: when the priest
- Should ask if Katherine should be his wife,
- 'Ay, by gogs-wouns' quoth he, and swore so loud
- That, all amaz'd, the priest let fall the book;
- And as he stoop'd again to take it up,
- This mad-brain'd bridegroom took him such a cuff
- That down fell priest and book, and book and priest.
- 'Now take them up,' quoth he 'if any list.'
- TRANIO. What said the wench, when he rose again?
- GREMIO. Trembled and shook, for why he stamp'd and swore
- As if the vicar meant to cozen him.
- But after many ceremonies done
- He calls for wine: 'A health!' quoth he, as if
- He had been abroad, carousing to his mates
- After a storm; quaff'd off the muscadel,
- And threw the sops all in the sexton's face,
- Having no other reason
- But that his beard grew thin and hungerly
- And seem'd to ask him sops as he was drinking.
- This done, he took the bride about the neck,
- And kiss'd her lips with such a clamorous smack
- That at the parting all the church did echo.
- And I, seeing this, came thence for very shame;
- And after me, I know, the rout is coming.
- Such a mad marriage never was before.
- Hark, hark! I hear the minstrels play. [Music plays]
-
- Enter PETRUCHIO, KATHERINA, BIANCA, BAPTISTA, HORTENSIO,
- GRUMIO, and train
-
- PETRUCHIO. Gentlemen and friends, I thank you for your pains.
- I know you think to dine with me to-day,
- And have prepar'd great store of wedding cheer
- But so it is- my haste doth call me hence,
- And therefore here I mean to take my leave.
- BAPTISTA. Is't possible you will away to-night?
- PETRUCHIO. I must away to-day before night come.
- Make it no wonder; if you knew my business,
- You would entreat me rather go than stay.
- And, honest company, I thank you all
- That have beheld me give away myself
- To this most patient, sweet, and virtuous wife.
- Dine with my father, drink a health to me.
- For I must hence; and farewell to you all.
- TRANIO. Let us entreat you stay till after dinner.
- PETRUCHIO. It may not be.
- GREMIO. Let me entreat you.
- PETRUCHIO. It cannot be.
- KATHERINA. Let me entreat you.
- PETRUCHIO. I am content.
- KATHERINA. Are you content to stay?
- PETRUCHIO. I am content you shall entreat me stay;
- But yet not stay, entreat me how you can.
- KATHERINA. Now, if you love me, stay.
- PETRUCHIO. Grumio, my horse.
- GRUMIO. Ay, sir, they be ready; the oats have eaten the horses.
- KATHERINA. Nay, then,
- Do what thou canst, I will not go to-day;
- No, nor to-morrow, not till I please myself.
- The door is open, sir; there lies your way;
- You may be jogging whiles your boots are green;
- For me, I'll not be gone till I please myself.
- 'Tis like you'll prove a jolly surly groom
- That take it on you at the first so roundly.
- PETRUCHIO. O Kate, content thee; prithee be not angry.
- KATHERINA. I will be angry; what hast thou to do?
- Father, be quiet; he shall stay my leisure.
- GREMIO. Ay, marry, sir, now it begins to work.
- KATHERINA. Gentlemen, forward to the bridal dinner.
- I see a woman may be made a fool
- If she had not a spirit to resist.
- PETRUCHIO. They shall go forward, Kate, at thy command.
- Obey the bride, you that attend on her;
- Go to the feast, revel and domineer,
- Carouse full measure to her maidenhead;
- Be mad and merry, or go hang yourselves.
- But for my bonny Kate, she must with me.
- Nay, look not big, nor stamp, nor stare, nor fret;
- I will be master of what is mine own-
- She is my goods, my chattels, she is my house,
- My household stuff, my field, my barn,
- My horse, my ox, my ass, my any thing,
- And here she stands; touch her whoever dare;
- I'll bring mine action on the proudest he
- That stops my way in Padua. Grumio,
- Draw forth thy weapon; we are beset with thieves;
- Rescue thy mistress, if thou be a man.
- Fear not, sweet wench; they shall not touch thee, Kate;
- I'll buckler thee against a million.
- Exeunt PETRUCHIO, KATHERINA, and GRUMIO
- BAPTISTA. Nay, let them go, a couple of quiet ones.
- GREMIO. Went they not quickly, I should die with laughing.
- TRANIO. Of all mad matches, never was the like.
- LUCENTIO. Mistress, what's your opinion of your sister?
- BIANCA. That, being mad herself, she's madly mated.
- GREMIO. I warrant him, Petruchio is Kated.
- BAPTISTA. Neighbours and friends, though bride and bridegroom wants
- For to supply the places at the table,
- You know there wants no junkets at the feast.
- Lucentio, you shall supply the bridegroom's place;
- And let Bianca take her sister's room.
- TRANIO. Shall sweet Bianca practise how to bride it?
- BAPTISTA. She shall, Lucentio. Come, gentlemen, let's go.
- Exeunt
- ACT IV. SCENE I.
- PETRUCHIO'S country house
-
- Enter GRUMIO
-
- GRUMIO. Fie, fie on all tired jades, on all mad masters, and all
- foul ways! Was ever man so beaten? Was ever man so ray'd? Was
- ever man so weary? I am sent before to make a fire, and they are
- coming after to warm them. Now were not I a little pot and soon
- hot, my very lips might freeze to my teeth, my tongue to the roof
- of my mouth, my heart in my belly, ere I should come by a fire to
- thaw me. But I with blowing the fire shall warm myself; for,
- considering the weather, a taller man than I will take cold.
- Holla, ho! Curtis!
-
- Enter CURTIS
-
- CURTIS. Who is that calls so coldly?
- GRUMIO. A piece of ice. If thou doubt it, thou mayst slide from my
- shoulder to my heel with no greater a run but my head and my
- neck. A fire, good Curtis.
- CURTIS. Is my master and his wife coming, Grumio?
- GRUMIO. O, ay, Curtis, ay; and therefore fire, fire; cast on no
- water.
- CURTIS. Is she so hot a shrew as she's reported?
- GRUMIO. She was, good Curtis, before this frost; but thou know'st
- winter tames man, woman, and beast; for it hath tam'd my old
- master, and my new mistress, and myself, fellow Curtis.
- CURTIS. Away, you three-inch fool! I am no beast.
- GRUMIO. Am I but three inches? Why, thy horn is a foot, and so long
- am I at the least. But wilt thou make a fire, or shall I complain
- on thee to our mistress, whose hand- she being now at hand- thou
- shalt soon feel, to thy cold comfort, for being slow in thy hot
- office?
- CURTIS. I prithee, good Grumio, tell me how goes the world?
- GRUMIO. A cold world, Curtis, in every office but thine; and
- therefore fire. Do thy duty, and have thy duty, for my master and
- mistress are almost frozen to death.
- CURTIS. There's fire ready; and therefore, good Grumio, the news?
- GRUMIO. Why, 'Jack boy! ho, boy!' and as much news as thou wilt.
- CURTIS. Come, you are so full of cony-catching!
- GRUMIO. Why, therefore, fire; for I have caught extreme cold.
- Where's the cook? Is supper ready, the house trimm'd, rushes
- strew'd, cobwebs swept, the serving-men in their new fustian,
- their white stockings, and every officer his wedding-garment on?
- Be the jacks fair within, the jills fair without, the carpets
- laid, and everything in order?
- CURTIS. All ready; and therefore, I pray thee, news.
- GRUMIO. First know my horse is tired; my master and mistress fall'n
- out.
- CURTIS. How?
- GRUMIO. Out of their saddles into the dirt; and thereby hangs a
- tale.
- CURTIS. Let's ha't, good Grumio.
- GRUMIO. Lend thine ear.
- CURTIS. Here.
- GRUMIO. There. [Striking him]
- CURTIS. This 'tis to feel a tale, not to hear a tale.
- GRUMIO. And therefore 'tis call'd a sensible tale; and this cuff
- was but to knock at your car and beseech list'ning. Now I begin:
- Imprimis, we came down a foul hill, my master riding behind my
- mistress-
- CURTIS. Both of one horse?
- GRUMIO. What's that to thee?
- CURTIS. Why, a horse.
- GRUMIO. Tell thou the tale. But hadst thou not cross'd me, thou
- shouldst have heard how her horse fell and she under her horse;
- thou shouldst have heard in how miry a place, how she was
- bemoil'd, how he left her with the horse upon her, how he beat me
- because her horse stumbled, how she waded through the dirt to
- pluck him off me, how he swore, how she pray'd that never pray'd
- before, how I cried, how the horses ran away, how her bridle was
- burst, how I lost my crupper- with many things of worthy memory,
- which now shall die in oblivion, and thou return unexperienc'd to
- thy grave.
- CURTIS. By this reck'ning he is more shrew than she.
- GRUMIO. Ay, and that thou and the proudest of you all shall find
- when he comes home. But what talk I of this? Call forth
- Nathaniel, Joseph, Nicholas, Philip, Walter, Sugarsop, and the
- rest; let their heads be sleekly comb'd, their blue coats brush'd
- and their garters of an indifferent knit; let them curtsy with
- their left legs, and not presume to touch a hair of my mastcr's
- horse-tail till they kiss their hands. Are they all ready?
- CURTIS. They are.
- GRUMIO. Call them forth.
- CURTIS. Do you hear, ho? You must meet my master, to countenance my
- mistress.
- GRUMIO. Why, she hath a face of her own.
- CURTIS. Who knows not that?
- GRUMIO. Thou, it seems, that calls for company to countenance her.
- CURTIS. I call them forth to credit her.
- GRUMIO. Why, she comes to borrow nothing of them.
-
- Enter four or five SERVINGMEN
-
- NATHANIEL. Welcome home, Grumio!
- PHILIP. How now, Grumio!
- JOSEPH. What, Grumio!
- NICHOLAS. Fellow Grumio!
- NATHANIEL. How now, old lad!
- GRUMIO. Welcome, you!- how now, you!- what, you!- fellow, you!- and
- thus much for greeting. Now, my spruce companions, is all ready,
- and all things neat?
- NATHANIEL. All things is ready. How near is our master?
- GRUMIO. E'en at hand, alighted by this; and therefore be not-
- Cock's passion, silence! I hear my master.
-
- Enter PETRUCHIO and KATHERINA
-
- PETRUCHIO. Where be these knaves? What, no man at door
- To hold my stirrup nor to take my horse!
- Where is Nathaniel, Gregory, Philip?
- ALL SERVANTS. Here, here, sir; here, sir.
- PETRUCHIO. Here, sir! here, sir! here, sir! here, sir!
- You logger-headed and unpolish'd grooms!
- What, no attendance? no regard? no duty?
- Where is the foolish knave I sent before?
- GRUMIO. Here, sir; as foolish as I was before.
- PETRUCHIO. YOU peasant swain! you whoreson malt-horse drudge!
- Did I not bid thee meet me in the park
- And bring along these rascal knaves with thee?
- GRUMIO. Nathaniel's coat, sir, was not fully made,
- And Gabriel's pumps were all unpink'd i' th' heel;
- There was no link to colour Peter's hat,
- And Walter's dagger was not come from sheathing;
- There were none fine but Adam, Ralph, and Gregory;
- The rest were ragged, old, and beggarly;
- Yet, as they are, here are they come to meet you.
- PETRUCHIO. Go, rascals, go and fetch my supper in.
- Exeunt some of the SERVINGMEN
-
- [Sings] Where is the life that late I led?
- Where are those-
-
- Sit down, Kate, and welcome. Soud, soud, soud, soud!
-
- Re-enter SERVANTS with supper
-
- Why, when, I say? Nay, good sweet Kate, be merry.
- Off with my boots, you rogues! you villains, when?
-
- [Sings] It was the friar of orders grey,
- As he forth walked on his way-
-
- Out, you rogue! you pluck my foot awry;
- Take that, and mend the plucking off the other.
- [Strikes him]
- Be merry, Kate. Some water, here, what, ho!
-
- Enter one with water
-
- Where's my spaniel Troilus? Sirrah, get you hence,
- And bid my cousin Ferdinand come hither:
- Exit SERVINGMAN
- One, Kate, that you must kiss and be acquainted with.
- Where are my slippers? Shall I have some water?
- Come, Kate, and wash, and welcome heartily.
- You whoreson villain! will you let it fall? [Strikes him]
- KATHERINA. Patience, I pray you; 'twas a fault unwilling.
- PETRUCHIO. A whoreson, beetle-headed, flap-ear'd knave!
- Come, Kate, sit down; I know you have a stomach.
- Will you give thanks, sweet Kate, or else shall I?
- What's this? Mutton?
- FIRST SERVANT. Ay.
- PETRUCHIO. Who brought it?
- PETER. I.
- PETRUCHIO. 'Tis burnt; and so is all the meat.
- What dogs are these? Where is the rascal cook?
- How durst you villains bring it from the dresser
- And serve it thus to me that love it not?
- There, take it to you, trenchers, cups, and all;
- [Throws the meat, etc., at them]
- You heedless joltheads and unmanner'd slaves!
- What, do you grumble? I'll be with you straight.
- Exeunt SERVANTS
- KATHERINA. I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet;
- The meat was well, if you were so contented.
- PETRUCHIO. I tell thee, Kate, 'twas burnt and dried away,
- And I expressly am forbid to touch it;
- For it engenders choler, planteth anger;
- And better 'twere that both of us did fast,
- Since, of ourselves, ourselves are choleric,
- Than feed it with such over-roasted flesh.
- Be patient; to-morrow 't shall be mended.
- And for this night we'll fast for company.
- Come, I will bring thee to thy bridal chamber. Exeunt
-
- Re-enter SERVANTS severally
-
- NATHANIEL. Peter, didst ever see the like?
- PETER. He kills her in her own humour.
-
- Re-enter CURTIS
-
- GRUMIO. Where is he?
- CURTIS. In her chamber. Making a sermon of continency to her,
- And rails, and swears, and rates, that she, poor soul,
- Knows not which way to stand, to look, to speak.
- And sits as one new risen from a dream.
- Away, away! for he is coming hither. Exeunt
-
- Re-enter PETRUCHIO
-
- PETRUCHIO. Thus have I politicly begun my reign,
- And 'tis my hope to end successfully.
- My falcon now is sharp and passing empty.
- And till she stoop she must not be full-gorg'd,
- For then she never looks upon her lure.
- Another way I have to man my haggard,
- To make her come, and know her keeper's call,
- That is, to watch her, as we watch these kites
- That bate and beat, and will not be obedient.
- She eat no meat to-day, nor none shall eat;
- Last night she slept not, nor to-night she shall not;
- As with the meat, some undeserved fault
- I'll find about the making of the bed;
- And here I'll fling the pillow, there the bolster,
- This way the coverlet, another way the sheets;
- Ay, and amid this hurly I intend
- That all is done in reverend care of her-
- And, in conclusion, she shall watch all night;
- And if she chance to nod I'll rail and brawl
- And with the clamour keep her still awake.
- This is a way to kill a wife with kindness,
- And thus I'll curb her mad and headstrong humour.
- He that knows better how to tame a shrew,
- Now let him speak; 'tis charity to show. Exit
- SCENE II.
- Padua. Before BAPTISTA'S house
-
- Enter TRANIO as LUCENTIO, and HORTENSIO as LICIO
-
- TRANIO. Is 't possible, friend Licio, that Mistress Bianca
- Doth fancy any other but Lucentio?
- I tell you, sir, she bears me fair in hand.
- HORTENSIO. Sir, to satisfy you in what I have said,
- Stand by and mark the manner of his teaching.
- [They stand aside]
-
- Enter BIANCA, and LUCENTIO as CAMBIO
-
- LUCENTIO. Now, mistress, profit you in what you read?
- BIANCA. What, master, read you, First resolve me that.
- LUCENTIO. I read that I profess, 'The Art to Love.'
- BIANCA. And may you prove, sir, master of your art!
- LUCENTIO. While you, sweet dear, prove mistress of my heart.
- [They retire]
- HORTENSIO. Quick proceeders, marry! Now tell me, I pray,
- You that durst swear that your Mistress Blanca
- Lov'd none in the world so well as Lucentio.
- TRANIO. O despiteful love! unconstant womankind!
- I tell thee, Licio, this is wonderful.
- HORTENSIO. Mistake no more; I am not Licio.
- Nor a musician as I seem to be;
- But one that scorn to live in this disguise
- For such a one as leaves a gentleman
- And makes a god of such a cullion.
- Know, sir, that I am call'd Hortensio.
- TRANIO. Signior Hortensio, I have often heard
- Of your entire affection to Bianca;
- And since mine eyes are witness of her lightness,
- I will with you, if you be so contented,
- Forswear Bianca and her love for ever.
- HORTENSIO. See, how they kiss and court! Signior Lucentio,
- Here is my hand, and here I firmly vow
- Never to woo her more, but do forswear her,
- As one unworthy all the former favours
- That I have fondly flatter'd her withal.
- TRANIO. And here I take the like unfeigned oath,
- Never to marry with her though she would entreat;
- Fie on her! See how beastly she doth court him!
- HORTENSIO. Would all the world but he had quite forsworn!
- For me, that I may surely keep mine oath,
- I will be married to a wealtlly widow
- Ere three days pass, which hath as long lov'd me
- As I have lov'd this proud disdainful haggard.
- And so farewell, Signior Lucentio.
- Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks,
- Shall win my love; and so I take my leave,
- In resolution as I swore before. Exit
- TRANIO. Mistress Bianca, bless you with such grace
- As 'longeth to a lover's blessed case!
- Nay, I have ta'en you napping, gentle love,
- And have forsworn you with Hortensio.
- BIANCA. Tranio, you jest; but have you both forsworn me?
- TRANIO. Mistress, we have.
- LUCENTIO. Then we are rid of Licio.
- TRANIO. I' faith, he'll have a lusty widow now,
- That shall be woo'd and wedded in a day.
- BIANCA. God give him joy!
- TRANIO. Ay, and he'll tame her.
- BIANCA. He says so, Tranio.
- TRANIO. Faith, he is gone unto the taming-school.
- BIANCA. The taming-school! What, is there such a place?
- TRANIO. Ay, mistress; and Petruchio is the master,
- That teacheth tricks eleven and twenty long,
- To tame a shrew and charm her chattering tongue.
-
- Enter BIONDELLO
-
- BIONDELLO. O master, master, have watch'd so long
- That I am dog-weary; but at last I spied
- An ancient angel coming down the hill
- Will serve the turn.
- TRANIO. What is he, Biondello?
- BIONDELLO. Master, a mercatante or a pedant,
- I know not what; but formal in apparel,
- In gait and countenance surely like a father.
- LUCENTIO. And what of him, Tranio?
- TRANIO. If he be credulous and trust my tale,
- I'll make him glad to seem Vincentio,
- And give assurance to Baptista Minola
- As if he were the right Vincentio.
- Take in your love, and then let me alone.
- Exeunt LUCENTIO and BIANCA
-
- Enter a PEDANT
-
- PEDANT. God save you, sir!
- TRANIO. And you, sir; you are welcome.
- Travel you far on, or are you at the farthest?
- PEDANT. Sir, at the farthest for a week or two;
- But then up farther, and as far as Rome;
- And so to Tripoli, if God lend me life.
- TRANIO. What countryman, I pray?
- PEDANT. Of Mantua.
- TRANIO. Of Mantua, sir? Marry, God forbid,
- And come to Padua, careless of your life!
- PEDANT. My life, sir! How, I pray? For that goes hard.
- TRANIO. 'Tis death for any one in Mantua
- To come to Padua. Know you not the cause?
- Your ships are stay'd at Venice; and the Duke,
- For private quarrel 'twixt your Duke and him,
- Hath publish'd and proclaim'd it openly.
- 'Tis marvel- but that you are but newly come,
- You might have heard it else proclaim'd about.
- PEDANT. Alas, sir, it is worse for me than so!
- For I have bills for money by exchange
- From Florence, and must here deliver them.
- TRANIO. Well, sir, to do you courtesy,
- This will I do, and this I will advise you-
- First, tell me, have you ever been at Pisa?
- PEDANT. Ay, sir, in Pisa have I often been,
- Pisa renowned for grave citizens.
- TRANIO. Among them know you one Vincentio?
- PEDANT. I know him not, but I have heard of him,
- A merchant of incomparable wealth.
- TRANIO. He is my father, sir; and, sooth to say,
- In count'nance somewhat doth resemble you.
- BIONDELLO. [Aside] As much as an apple doth an oyster, and all
- one.
- TRANIO. To save your life in this extremity,
- This favour will I do you for his sake;
- And think it not the worst of all your fortunes
- That you are like to Sir Vincentio.
- His name and credit shall you undertake,
- And in my house you shall be friendly lodg'd;
- Look that you take upon you as you should.
- You understand me, sir. So shall you stay
- Till you have done your business in the city.
- If this be court'sy, sir, accept of it.
- PEDANT. O, sir, I do; and will repute you ever
- The patron of my life and liberty.
- TRANIO. Then go with me to make the matter good.
- This, by the way, I let you understand:
- My father is here look'd for every day
- To pass assurance of a dow'r in marriage
- 'Twixt me and one Baptista's daughter here.
- In all these circumstances I'll instruct you.
- Go with me to clothe you as becomes you. Exeunt
- SCENE III.
- PETRUCHIO'S house
-
- Enter KATHERINA and GRUMIO
-
- GRUMIO. No, no, forsooth; I dare not for my life.
- KATHERINA. The more my wrong, the more his spite appears.
- What, did he marry me to famish me?
- Beggars that come unto my father's door
- Upon entreaty have a present alms;
- If not, elsewhere they meet with charity;
- But I, who never knew how to entreat,
- Nor never needed that I should entreat,
- Am starv'd for meat, giddy for lack of sleep;
- With oaths kept waking, and with brawling fed;
- And that which spites me more than all these wants-
- He does it under name of perfect love;
- As who should say, if I should sleep or eat,
- 'Twere deadly sickness or else present death.
- I prithee go and get me some repast;
- I care not what, so it be wholesome food.
- GRUMIO. What say you to a neat's foot?
- KATHERINA. 'Tis passing good; I prithee let me have it.
- GRUMIO. I fear it is too choleric a meat.
- How say you to a fat tripe finely broil'd?
- KATHERINA. I like it well; good Grumio, fetch it me.
- GRUMIO. I cannot tell; I fear 'tis choleric.
- What say you to a piece of beef and mustard?
- KATHERINA. A dish that I do love to feed upon.
- GRUMIO. Ay, but the mustard is too hot a little.
- KATHERINA. Why then the beef, and let the mustard rest.
- GRUMIO. Nay, then I will not; you shall have the mustard,
- Or else you get no beef of Grumio.
- KATHERINA. Then both, or one, or anything thou wilt.
- GRUMIO. Why then the mustard without the beef.
- KATHERINA. Go, get thee gone, thou false deluding slave,
- [Beats him]
- That feed'st me with the very name of meat.
- Sorrow on thee and all the pack of you
- That triumph thus upon my misery!
- Go, get thee gone, I say.
-
- Enter PETRUCHIO, and HORTENSIO with meat
-
- PETRUCHIO. How fares my Kate? What, sweeting, all amort?
- HORTENSIO. Mistress, what cheer?
- KATHERINA. Faith, as cold as can be.
- PETRUCHIO. Pluck up thy spirits, look cheerfully upon me.
- Here, love, thou seest how diligent I am,
- To dress thy meat myself, and bring it thee.
- I am sure, sweet Kate, this kindness merits thanks.
- What, not a word? Nay, then thou lov'st it not,
- And all my pains is sorted to no proof.
- Here, take away this dish.
- KATHERINA. I pray you, let it stand.
- PETRUCHIO. The poorest service is repaid with thanks;
- And so shall mine, before you touch the meat.
- KATHERINA. I thank you, sir.
- HORTENSIO. Signior Petruchio, fie! you are to blame.
- Come, Mistress Kate, I'll bear you company.
- PETRUCHIO. [Aside] Eat it up all, Hortensio, if thou lovest me.-
- Much good do it unto thy gentle heart!
- Kate, eat apace. And now, my honey love,
- Will we return unto thy father's house
- And revel it as bravely as the best,
- With silken coats and caps, and golden rings,
- With ruffs and cuffs and farthingales and things,
- With scarfs and fans and double change of brav'ry.
- With amber bracelets, beads, and all this knav'ry.
- What, hast thou din'd? The tailor stays thy leisure,
- To deck thy body with his ruffling treasure.
-
- Enter TAILOR
-
- Come, tailor, let us see these ornaments;
- Lay forth the gown.
-
- Enter HABERDASHER
-
- What news with you, sir?
- HABERDASHER. Here is the cap your worship did bespeak.
- PETRUCHIO. Why, this was moulded on a porringer;
- A velvet dish. Fie, fie! 'tis lewd and filthy;
- Why, 'tis a cockle or a walnut-shell,
- A knack, a toy, a trick, a baby's cap.
- Away with it. Come, let me have a bigger.
- KATHERINA. I'll have no bigger; this doth fit the time,
- And gentlewomen wear such caps as these.
- PETRUCHIO. When you are gentle, you shall have one too,
- And not till then.
- HORTENSIO. [Aside] That will not be in haste.
- KATHERINA. Why, sir, I trust I may have leave to speak;
- And speak I will. I am no child, no babe.
- Your betters have endur'd me say my mind,
- And if you cannot, best you stop your ears.
- My tongue will tell the anger of my heart,
- Or else my heart, concealing it, will break;
- And rather than it shall, I will be free
- Even to the uttermost, as I please, in words.
- PETRUCHIO. Why, thou say'st true; it is a paltry cap,
- A custard-coffin, a bauble, a silken pie;
- I love thee well in that thou lik'st it not.
- KATHERINA. Love me or love me not, I like the cap;
- And it I will have, or I will have none. Exit HABERDASHER
- PETRUCHIO. Thy gown? Why, ay. Come, tailor, let us see't.
- O mercy, God! what masquing stuff is here?
- What's this? A sleeve? 'Tis like a demi-cannon.
- What, up and down, carv'd like an appletart?
- Here's snip and nip and cut and slish and slash,
- Like to a censer in a barber's shop.
- Why, what a devil's name, tailor, call'st thou this?
- HORTENSIO. [Aside] I see she's like to have neither cap nor gown.
- TAILOR. You bid me make it orderly and well,
- According to the fashion and the time.
- PETRUCHIO. Marry, and did; but if you be rememb'red,
- I did not bid you mar it to the time.
- Go, hop me over every kennel home,
- For you shall hop without my custom, sir.
- I'll none of it; hence! make your best of it.
- KATHERINA. I never saw a better fashion'd gown,
- More quaint, more pleasing, nor more commendable;
- Belike you mean to make a puppet of me.
- PETRUCHIO. Why, true; he means to make a puppet of thee.
- TAILOR. She says your worship means to make a puppet of her.
- PETRUCHIO. O monstrous arrogance! Thou liest, thou thread, thou
- thimble,
- Thou yard, three-quarters, half-yard, quarter, nail,
- Thou flea, thou nit, thou winter-cricket thou-
- Brav'd in mine own house with a skein of thread!
- Away, thou rag, thou quantity, thou remnant;
- Or I shall so bemete thee with thy yard
- As thou shalt think on prating whilst thou liv'st!
- I tell thee, I, that thou hast marr'd her gown.
- TAILOR. Your worship is deceiv'd; the gown is made
- Just as my master had direction.
- Grumio gave order how it should be done.
- GRUMIO. I gave him no order; I gave him the stuff.
- TAILOR. But how did you desire it should be made?
- GRUMIO. Marry, sir, with needle and thread.
- TAILOR. But did you not request to have it cut?
- GRUMIO. Thou hast fac'd many things.
- TAILOR. I have.
- GRUMIO. Face not me. Thou hast brav'd many men; brave not me. I
- will neither be fac'd nor brav'd. I say unto thee, I bid thy
- master cut out the gown; but I did not bid him cut it to pieces.
- Ergo, thou liest.
- TAILOR. Why, here is the note of the fashion to testify.
- PETRUCHIO. Read it.
- GRUMIO. The note lies in's throat, if he say I said so.
- TAILOR. [Reads] 'Imprimis, a loose-bodied gown'-
- GRUMIO. Master, if ever I said loose-bodied gown, sew me in the
- skirts of it and beat me to death with a bottom of brown bread; I
- said a gown.
- PETRUCHIO. Proceed.
- TAILOR. [Reads] 'With a small compass'd cape'-
- GRUMIO. I confess the cape.
- TAILOR. [Reads] 'With a trunk sleeve'-
- GRUMIO. I confess two sleeves.
- TAILOR. [Reads] 'The sleeves curiously cut.'
- PETRUCHIO. Ay, there's the villainy.
- GRUMIO. Error i' th' bill, sir; error i' th' bill! I commanded the
- sleeves should be cut out, and sew'd up again; and that I'll
- prove upon thee, though thy little finger be armed in a thimble.
- TAILOR. This is true that I say; an I had thee in place where, thou
- shouldst know it.
- GRUMIO. I am for thee straight; take thou the bill, give me thy
- meteyard, and spare not me.
- HORTENSIO. God-a-mercy, Grumio! Then he shall have no odds.
- PETRUCHIO. Well, sir, in brief, the gown is not for me.
- GRUMIO. You are i' th' right, sir; 'tis for my mistress.
- PETRUCHIO. Go, take it up unto thy master's use.
- GRUMIO. Villain, not for thy life! Take up my mistress' gown for
- thy master's use!
- PETRUCHIO. Why, sir, what's your conceit in that?
- GRUMIO. O, sir, the conceit is deeper than you think for.
- Take up my mistress' gown to his master's use!
- O fie, fie, fie!
- PETRUCHIO. [Aside] Hortensio, say thou wilt see the tailor paid.-
- Go take it hence; be gone, and say no more.
- HORTENSIO. Tailor, I'll pay thee for thy gown to-morrow;
- Take no unkindness of his hasty words.
- Away, I say; commend me to thy master. Exit TAILOR
- PETRUCHIO. Well, come, my Kate; we will unto your father's
- Even in these honest mean habiliments;
- Our purses shall be proud, our garments poor;
- For 'tis the mind that makes the body rich;
- And as the sun breaks through the darkest clouds,
- So honour peereth in the meanest habit.
- What, is the jay more precious than the lark
- Because his feathers are more beautiful?
- Or is the adder better than the eel
- Because his painted skin contents the eye?
- O no, good Kate; neither art thou the worse
- For this poor furniture and mean array.
- If thou account'st it shame, lay it on me;
- And therefore frolic; we will hence forthwith
- To feast and sport us at thy father's house.
- Go call my men, and let us straight to him;
- And bring our horses unto Long-lane end;
- There will we mount, and thither walk on foot.
- Let's see; I think 'tis now some seven o'clock,
- And well we may come there by dinner-time.
- KATHERINA. I dare assure you, sir, 'tis almost two,
- And 'twill be supper-time ere you come there.
- PETRUCHIO. It shall be seven ere I go to horse.
- Look what I speak, or do, or think to do,
- You are still crossing it. Sirs, let 't alone;
- I will not go to-day; and ere I do,
- It shall be what o'clock I say it is.
- HORTENSIO. Why, so this gallant will command the sun.
- Exeunt
- SCENE IV.
- Padua. Before BAPTISTA'S house
-
- Enter TRANIO as LUCENTIO, and the PEDANT dressed
- like VINCENTIO
-
- TRANIO. Sir, this is the house; please it you that I call?
- PEDANT. Ay, what else? And, but I be deceived,
- Signior Baptista may remember me
- Near twenty years ago in Genoa,
- Where we were lodgers at the Pegasus.
- TRANIO. 'Tis well; and hold your own, in any case,
- With such austerity as longeth to a father.
-
- Enter BIONDELLO
-
- PEDANT. I warrant you. But, sir, here comes your boy;
- 'Twere good he were school'd.
- TRANIO. Fear you not him. Sirrah Biondello,
- Now do your duty throughly, I advise you.
- Imagine 'twere the right Vincentio.
- BIONDELLO. Tut, fear not me.
- TRANIO. But hast thou done thy errand to Baptista?
- BIONDELLO. I told him that your father was at Venice,
- And that you look'd for him this day in Padua.
- TRANIO. Th'art a tall fellow; hold thee that to drink.
- Here comes Baptista. Set your countenance, sir.
-
- Enter BAPTISTA, and LUCENTIO as CAMBIO
-
- Signior Baptista, you are happily met.
- [To To the PEDANT] Sir, this is the gentleman I told you of;
- I pray you stand good father to me now;
- Give me Bianca for my patrimony.
- PEDANT. Soft, son!
- Sir, by your leave: having come to Padua
- To gather in some debts, my son Lucentio
- Made me acquainted with a weighty cause
- Of love between your daughter and himself;
- And- for the good report I hear of you,
- And for the love he beareth to your daughter,
- And she to him- to stay him not too long,
- I am content, in a good father's care,
- To have him match'd; and, if you please to like
- No worse than I, upon some agreement
- Me shall you find ready and willing
- With one consent to have her so bestow'd;
- For curious I cannot be with you,
- Signior Baptista, of whom I hear so well.
- BAPTISTA. Sir, pardon me in what I have to say.
- Your plainness and your shortness please me well.
- Right true it is your son Lucentio here
- Doth love my daughter, and she loveth him,
- Or both dissemble deeply their affections;
- And therefore, if you say no more than this,
- That like a father you will deal with him,
- And pass my daughter a sufficient dower,
- The match is made, and all is done-
- Your son shall have my daughter with consent.
- TRANIO. I thank you, sir. Where then do you know best
- We be affied, and such assurance ta'en
- As shall with either part's agreement stand?
- BAPTISTA. Not in my house, Lucentio, for you know
- Pitchers have ears, and I have many servants;
- Besides, old Gremio is heark'ning still,
- And happily we might be interrupted.
- TRANIO. Then at my lodging, an it like you.
- There doth my father lie; and there this night
- We'll pass the business privately and well.
- Send for your daughter by your servant here;
- My boy shall fetch the scrivener presently.
- The worst is this, that at so slender warning
- You are like to have a thin and slender pittance.
- BAPTISTA. It likes me well. Cambio, hie you home,
- And bid Bianca make her ready straight;
- And, if you will, tell what hath happened-
- Lucentio's father is arriv'd in Padua,
- And how she's like to be Lucentio's wife. Exit LUCENTIO
- BIONDELLO. I pray the gods she may, with all my heart.
- TRANIO. Dally not with the gods, but get thee gone.
- Exit BIONDELLO
- Signior Baptista, shall I lead the way?
- Welcome! One mess is like to be your cheer;
- Come, sir; we will better it in Pisa.
- BAPTISTA. I follow you. Exeunt
-
- Re-enter LUCENTIO as CAMBIO, and BIONDELLO
-
- BIONDELLO. Cambio.
- LUCENTIO. What say'st thou, Biondello?
- BIONDELLO. You saw my master wink and laugh upon you?
- LUCENTIO. Biondello, what of that?
- BIONDELLO. Faith, nothing; but has left me here behind to expound
- the meaning or moral of his signs and tokens.
- LUCENTIO. I pray thee moralize them.
- BIONDELLO. Then thus: Baptista is safe, talking with the deceiving
- father of a deceitful son.
- LUCENTIO. And what of him?
- BIONDELLO. His daughter is to be brought by you to the supper.
- LUCENTIO. And then?
- BIONDELLO. The old priest at Saint Luke's church is at your command
- at all hours.
- LUCENTIO. And what of all this?
- BIONDELLO. I cannot tell, except they are busied about a
- counterfeit assurance. Take your assurance of her, cum privilegio
- ad imprimendum solum; to th' church take the priest, clerk, and
- some sufficient honest witnesses.
- If this be not that you look for, I have more to say,
- But bid Bianca farewell for ever and a day.
- LUCENTIO. Hear'st thou, Biondello?
- BIONDELLO. I cannot tarry. I knew a wench married in an afternoon
- as she went to the garden for parsley to stuff a rabbit; and so
- may you, sir; and so adieu, sir. My master hath appointed me to
- go to Saint Luke's to bid the priest be ready to come against you
- come with your appendix.
- Exit
- LUCENTIO. I may and will, if she be so contented.
- She will be pleas'd; then wherefore should I doubt?
- Hap what hap may, I'll roundly go about her;
- It shall go hard if Cambio go without her. Exit
- SCENE V.
- A public road
-
- Enter PETRUCHIO, KATHERINA, HORTENSIO, and SERVANTS
-
- PETRUCHIO. Come on, a God's name; once more toward our father's.
- Good Lord, how bright and goodly shines the moon!
- KATHERINA. The moon? The sun! It is not moonlight now.
- PETRUCHIO. I say it is the moon that shines so bright.
- KATHERINA. I know it is the sun that shines so bright.
- PETRUCHIO. Now by my mother's son, and that's myself,
- It shall be moon, or star, or what I list,
- Or ere I journey to your father's house.
- Go on and fetch our horses back again.
- Evermore cross'd and cross'd; nothing but cross'd!
- HORTENSIO. Say as he says, or we shall never go.
- KATHERINA. Forward, I pray, since we have come so far,
- And be it moon, or sun, or what you please;
- And if you please to call it a rush-candle,
- Henceforth I vow it shall be so for me.
- PETRUCHIO. I say it is the moon.
- KATHERINA. I know it is the moon.
- PETRUCHIO. Nay, then you lie; it is the blessed sun.
- KATHERINA. Then, God be bless'd, it is the blessed sun;
- But sun it is not, when you say it is not;
- And the moon changes even as your mind.
- What you will have it nam'd, even that it is,
- And so it shall be so for Katherine.
- HORTENSIO. Petruchio, go thy ways, the field is won.
- PETRUCHIO. Well, forward, forward! thus the bowl should run,
- And not unluckily against the bias.
- But, soft! Company is coming here.
-
- Enter VINCENTIO
-
- [To VINCENTIO] Good-morrow, gentle mistress; where away?-
- Tell me, sweet Kate, and tell me truly too,
- Hast thou beheld a fresher gentlewoman?
- Such war of white and red within her cheeks!
- What stars do spangle heaven with such beauty
- As those two eyes become that heavenly face?
- Fair lovely maid, once more good day to thee.
- Sweet Kate, embrace her for her beauty's sake.
- HORTENSIO. 'A will make the man mad, to make a woman of him.
- KATHERINA. Young budding virgin, fair and fresh and sweet,
- Whither away, or where is thy abode?
- Happy the parents of so fair a child;
- Happier the man whom favourable stars
- Allots thee for his lovely bed-fellow.
- PETRUCHIO. Why, how now, Kate, I hope thou art not mad!
- This is a man, old, wrinkled, faded, withered,
- And not a maiden, as thou sayst he is.
- KATHERINA. Pardon, old father, my mistaking eyes,
- That have been so bedazzled with the sun
- That everything I look on seemeth green;
- Now I perceive thou art a reverend father.
- Pardon, I pray thee, for my mad mistaking.
- PETRUCHIO. Do, good old grandsire, and withal make known
- Which way thou travellest- if along with us,
- We shall be joyful of thy company.
- VINCENTIO. Fair sir, and you my merry mistress,
- That with your strange encounter much amaz'd me,
- My name is call'd Vincentio, my dwelling Pisa,
- And bound I am to Padua, there to visit
- A son of mine, which long I have not seen.
- PETRUCHIO. What is his name?
- VINCENTIO. Lucentio, gentle sir.
- PETRUCHIO. Happily met; the happier for thy son.
- And now by law, as well as reverend age,
- I may entitle thee my loving father:
- The sister to my wife, this gentlewoman,
- Thy son by this hath married. Wonder not,
- Nor be not grieved- she is of good esteem,
- Her dowry wealthy, and of worthy birth;
- Beside, so qualified as may beseem
- The spouse of any noble gentleman.
- Let me embrace with old Vincentio;
- And wander we to see thy honest son,
- Who will of thy arrival be full joyous.
- VINCENTIO. But is this true; or is it else your pleasure,
- Like pleasant travellers, to break a jest
- Upon the company you overtake?
- HORTENSIO. I do assure thee, father, so it is.
- PETRUCHIO. Come, go along, and see the truth hereof;
- For our first merriment hath made thee jealous.
- Exeunt all but HORTENSIO
- HORTENSIO. Well, Petruchio, this has put me in heart.
- Have to my widow; and if she be froward,
- Then hast thou taught Hortensio to be untoward. Exit
- ACT V. SCENE I.
- Padua. Before LUCENTIO'S house
-
- Enter BIONDELLO, LUCENTIO, and BIANCA; GREMIO
- is out before
-
- BIONDELLO. Softly and swiftly, sir, for the priest is ready.
- LUCENTIO. I fly, Biondello; but they may chance to need the at
- home, therefore leave us.
- BIONDELLO. Nay, faith, I'll see the church a your back, and then
- come back to my master's as soon as I can.
- Exeunt LUCENTIO, BIANCA, and BIONDELLO
- GREMIO. I marvel Cambio comes not all this while.
-
- Enter PETRUCHIO, KATHERINA, VINCENTIO, GRUMIO,
- and ATTENDANTS
-
- PETRUCHIO. Sir, here's the door; this is Lucentio's house;
- My father's bears more toward the market-place;
- Thither must I, and here I leave you, sir.
- VINCENTIO. You shall not choose but drink before you go;
- I think I shall command your welcome here,
- And by all likelihood some cheer is toward. [Knocks]
- GREMIO. They're busy within; you were best knock louder.
- [PEDANT looks out of the window]
- PEDANT. What's he that knocks as he would beat down the gate?
- VINCENTIO. Is Signior Lucentio within, sir?
- PEDANT. He's within, sir, but not to be spoken withal.
- VINCENTIO. What if a man bring him a hundred pound or two to make
- merry withal?
- PEDANT. Keep your hundred pounds to yourself; he shall need none so
- long as I live.
- PETRUCHIO. Nay, I told you your son was well beloved in Padua. Do
- you hear, sir? To leave frivolous circumstances, I pray you tell
- Signior Lucentio that his father is come from Pisa, and is here
- at the door to speak with him.
- PEDANT. Thou liest: his father is come from Padua, and here looking
- out at the window.
- VINCENTIO. Art thou his father?
- PEDANT. Ay, sir; so his mother says, if I may believe her.
- PETRUCHIO. [To VINCENTIO] Why, how now, gentleman!
- Why, this is flat knavery to take upon you another man's name.
- PEDANT. Lay hands on the villain; I believe 'a means to cozen
- somebody in this city under my countenance.
-
- Re-enter BIONDELLO
-
- BIONDELLO. I have seen them in the church together. God send 'em
- good shipping! But who is here? Mine old master, Vicentio! Now we
- are undone and brought to nothing.
- VINCENTIO. [Seeing BIONDELLO] Come hither, crack-hemp.
- BIONDELLO. I hope I may choose, sir.
- VINCENTIO. Come hither, you rogue. What, have you forgot me?
- BIONDELLO. Forgot you! No, sir. I could not forget you, for I never
- saw you before in all my life.
- VINCENTIO. What, you notorious villain, didst thou never see thy
- master's father, Vincentio?
- BIONDELLO. What, my old worshipful old master? Yes, marry, sir; see
- where he looks out of the window.
- VINCENTIO. Is't so, indeed? [He beats BIONDELLO]
- BIONDELLO. Help, help, help! Here's a madman will murder me.
- Exit
- PEDANT. Help, son! help, Signior Baptista! Exit from above
- PETRUCHIO. Prithee, Kate, let's stand aside and see the end of this
- controversy. [They stand aside]
-
- Re-enter PEDANT below; BAPTISTA, TRANIO, and SERVANTS
-
- TRANIO. Sir, what are you that offer to beat my servant?
- VINCENTIO. What am I, sir? Nay, what are you, sir? O immortal gods!
- O fine villain! A silken doublet, a velvet hose, a scarlet cloak,
- and a copatain hat! O, I am undone! I am undone! While I play the
- good husband at home, my son and my servant spend all at the
- university.
- TRANIO. How now! what's the matter?
- BAPTISTA. What, is the man lunatic?
- TRANIO. Sir, you seem a sober ancient gentleman by your habit, but
- your words show you a madman. Why, sir, what 'cerns it you if I
- wear pearl and gold? I thank my good father, I am able to
- maintain it.
- VINCENTIO. Thy father! O villain! he is a sailmaker in Bergamo.
- BAPTISTA. You mistake, sir; you mistake, sir. Pray, what do you
- think is his name?
- VINCENTIO. His name! As if I knew not his name! I have brought him
- up ever since he was three years old, and his name is Tranio.
- PEDANT. Away, away, mad ass! His name is Lucentio; and he is mine
- only son, and heir to the lands of me, Signior Vicentio.
- VINCENTIO. Lucentio! O, he hath murd'red his master! Lay hold on
- him, I charge you, in the Duke's name. O, my son, my son! Tell
- me, thou villain, where is my son, Lucentio?
- TRANIO. Call forth an officer.
-
- Enter one with an OFFICER
-
- Carry this mad knave to the gaol. Father Baptista, I charge you
- see that he be forthcoming.
- VINCENTIO. Carry me to the gaol!
- GREMIO. Stay, Officer; he shall not go to prison.
- BAPTISTA. Talk not, Signior Gremio; I say he shall go to prison.
- GREMIO. Take heed, Signior Baptista, lest you be cony-catch'd in
- this business; I dare swear this is the right Vincentio.
- PEDANT. Swear if thou dar'st.
- GREMIO. Nay, I dare not swear it.
- TRANIO. Then thou wert best say that I am not Lucentio.
- GREMIO. Yes, I know thee to be Signior Lucentio.
- BAPTISTA. Away with the dotard; to the gaol with him!
- VINCENTIO. Thus strangers may be hal'd and abus'd. O monstrous
- villain!
-
- Re-enter BIONDELLO, with LUCENTIO and BIANCA
-
- BIONDELLO. O, we are spoil'd; and yonder he is! Deny him, forswear
- him, or else we are all undone.
- Exeunt BIONDELLO, TRANIO, and PEDANT, as fast as may be
- LUCENTIO. [Kneeling] Pardon, sweet father.
- VINCENTIO. Lives my sweet son?
- BIANCA. Pardon, dear father.
- BAPTISTA. How hast thou offended?
- Where is Lucentio?
- LUCENTIO. Here's Lucentio,
- Right son to the right Vincentio,
- That have by marriage made thy daughter mine,
- While counterfeit supposes blear'd thine eyne.
- GREMIO. Here's packing, with a witness, to deceive us all!
- VINCENTIO. Where is that damned villain, Tranio,
- That fac'd and brav'd me in this matter so?
- BAPTISTA. Why, tell me, is not this my Cambio?
- BIANCA. Cambio is chang'd into Lucentio.
- LUCENTIO. Love wrought these miracles. Bianca's love
- Made me exchange my state with Tranio,
- While he did bear my countenance in the town;
- And happily I have arrived at the last
- Unto the wished haven of my bliss.
- What Tranio did, myself enforc'd him to;
- Then pardon him, sweet father, for my sake.
- VINCENTIO. I'll slit the villain's nose that would have sent me to
- the gaol.
- BAPTISTA. [To LUCENTIO] But do you hear, sir? Have you married my
- daughter without asking my good will?
- VINCENTIO. Fear not, Baptista; we will content you, go to; but I
- will in to be revenged for this villainy. Exit
- BAPTISTA. And I to sound the depth of this knavery. Exit
- LUCENTIO. Look not pale, Bianca; thy father will not frown.
- Exeunt LUCENTIO and BIANCA
- GREMIO. My cake is dough, but I'll in among the rest;
- Out of hope of all but my share of the feast. Exit
- KATHERINA. Husband, let's follow to see the end of this ado.
- PETRUCHIO. First kiss me, Kate, and we will.
- KATHERINA. What, in the midst of the street?
- PETRUCHIO. What, art thou asham'd of me?
- KATHERINA. No, sir; God forbid; but asham'd to kiss.
- PETRUCHIO. Why, then, let's home again. Come, sirrah, let's away.
- KATHERINA. Nay, I will give thee a kiss; now pray thee, love, stay.
- PETRUCHIO. Is not this well? Come, my sweet Kate:
- Better once than never, for never too late. Exeunt
- SCENE II.
- LUCENTIO'S house
-
- Enter BAPTISTA, VINCENTIO, GREMIO, the PEDANT,
- LUCENTIO, BIANCA, PETRUCHIO, KATHERINA, HORTENSIO,
- and WIDOW. The SERVINGMEN with TRANIO, BIONDELLO, and GRUMIO,
- bringing in a banquet
-
- LUCENTIO. At last, though long, our jarring notes agree;
- And time it is when raging war is done
- To smile at scapes and perils overblown.
- My fair Bianca, bid my father welcome,
- While I with self-same kindness welcome thine.
- Brother Petruchio, sister Katherina,
- And thou, Hortensio, with thy loving widow,
- Feast with the best, and welcome to my house.
- My banquet is to close our stomachs up
- After our great good cheer. Pray you, sit down;
- For now we sit to chat as well as eat. [They sit]
- PETRUCHIO. Nothing but sit and sit, and eat and eat!
- BAPTISTA. Padua affords this kindness, son Petruchio.
- PETRUCHIO. Padua affords nothing but what is kind.
- HORTENSIO. For both our sakes I would that word were true.
- PETRUCHIO. Now, for my life, Hortensio fears his widow.
- WIDOW. Then never trust me if I be afeard.
- PETRUCHIO. YOU are very sensible, and yet you miss my sense:
- I mean Hortensio is afeard of you.
- WIDOW. He that is giddy thinks the world turns round.
- PETRUCHIO. Roundly replied.
- KATHERINA. Mistress, how mean you that?
- WIDOW. Thus I conceive by him.
- PETRUCHIO. Conceives by me! How likes Hortensio that?
- HORTENSIO. My widow says thus she conceives her tale.
- PETRUCHIO. Very well mended. Kiss him for that, good widow.
- KATHERINA. 'He that is giddy thinks the world turns round.'
- I pray you tell me what you meant by that.
- WIDOW. Your husband, being troubled with a shrew,
- Measures my husband's sorrow by his woe;
- And now you know my meaning.
- KATHERINA. A very mean meaning.
- WIDOW. Right, I mean you.
- KATHERINA. And I am mean, indeed, respecting you.
- PETRUCHIO. To her, Kate!
- HORTENSIO. To her, widow!
- PETRUCHIO. A hundred marks, my Kate does put her down.
- HORTENSIO. That's my office.
- PETRUCHIO. Spoke like an officer- ha' to thee, lad.
- [Drinks to HORTENSIO]
- BAPTISTA. How likes Gremio these quick-witted folks?
- GREMIO. Believe me, sir, they butt together well.
- BIANCA. Head and butt! An hasty-witted body
- Would say your head and butt were head and horn.
- VINCENTIO. Ay, mistress bride, hath that awakened you?
- BIANCA. Ay, but not frighted me; therefore I'll sleep again.
- PETRUCHIO. Nay, that you shall not; since you have begun,
- Have at you for a bitter jest or two.
- BIANCA. Am I your bird? I mean to shift my bush,
- And then pursue me as you draw your bow.
- You are welcome all.
- Exeunt BIANCA, KATHERINA, and WIDOW
- PETRUCHIO. She hath prevented me. Here, Signior Tranio,
- This bird you aim'd at, though you hit her not;
- Therefore a health to all that shot and miss'd.
- TRANIO. O, sir, Lucentio slipp'd me like his greyhound,
- Which runs himself, and catches for his master.
- PETRUCHIO. A good swift simile, but something currish.
- TRANIO. 'Tis well, sir, that you hunted for yourself;
- 'Tis thought your deer does hold you at a bay.
- BAPTISTA. O, O, Petruchio! Tranio hits you now.
- LUCENTIO. I thank thee for that gird, good Tranio.
- HORTENSIO. Confess, confess; hath he not hit you here?
- PETRUCHIO. 'A has a little gall'd me, I confess;
- And, as the jest did glance away from me,
- 'Tis ten to one it maim'd you two outright.
- BAPTISTA. Now, in good sadness, son Petruchio,
- I think thou hast the veriest shrew of all.
- PETRUCHIO. Well, I say no; and therefore, for assurance,
- Let's each one send unto his wife,
- And he whose wife is most obedient,
- To come at first when he doth send for her,
- Shall win the wager which we will propose.
- HORTENSIO. Content. What's the wager?
- LUCENTIO. Twenty crowns.
- PETRUCHIO. Twenty crowns?
- I'll venture so much of my hawk or hound,
- But twenty times so much upon my wife.
- LUCENTIO. A hundred then.
- HORTENSIO. Content.
- PETRUCHIO. A match! 'tis done.
- HORTENSIO. Who shall begin?
- LUCENTIO. That will I.
- Go, Biondello, bid your mistress come to me.
- BIONDELLO. I go. Exit
- BAPTISTA. Son, I'll be your half Bianca comes.
- LUCENTIO. I'll have no halves; I'll bear it all myself.
-
- Re-enter BIONDELLO
-
- How now! what news?
- BIONDELLO. Sir, my mistress sends you word
- That she is busy and she cannot come.
- PETRUCHIO. How! She's busy, and she cannot come!
- Is that an answer?
- GREMIO. Ay, and a kind one too.
- Pray God, sir, your wife send you not a worse.
- PETRUCHIO. I hope better.
- HORTENSIO. Sirrah Biondello, go and entreat my wife
- To come to me forthwith. Exit BIONDELLO
- PETRUCHIO. O, ho! entreat her!
- Nay, then she must needs come.
- HORTENSIO. I am afraid, sir,
- Do what you can, yours will not be entreated.
-
- Re-enter BIONDELLO
-
- Now, where's my wife?
- BIONDELLO. She says you have some goodly jest in hand:
- She will not come; she bids you come to her.
- PETRUCHIO. Worse and worse; she will not come! O vile,
- Intolerable, not to be endur'd!
- Sirrah Grumio, go to your mistress;
- Say I command her come to me. Exit GRUMIO
- HORTENSIO. I know her answer.
- PETRUCHIO. What?
- HORTENSIO. She will not.
- PETRUCHIO. The fouler fortune mine, and there an end.
-
- Re-enter KATHERINA
-
- BAPTISTA. Now, by my holidame, here comes Katherina!
- KATHERINA. What is your sir, that you send for me?
- PETRUCHIO. Where is your sister, and Hortensio's wife?
- KATHERINA. They sit conferring by the parlour fire.
- PETRUCHIO. Go, fetch them hither; if they deny to come.
- Swinge me them soundly forth unto their husbands.
- Away, I say, and bring them hither straight.
- Exit KATHERINA
- LUCENTIO. Here is a wonder, if you talk of a wonder.
- HORTENSIO. And so it is. I wonder what it bodes.
- PETRUCHIO. Marry, peace it bodes, and love, and quiet life,
- An awful rule, and right supremacy;
- And, to be short, what not that's sweet and happy.
- BAPTISTA. Now fair befall thee, good Petruchio!
- The wager thou hast won; and I will ad
- Unto their losses twenty thousand crowns;
- Another dowry to another daughter,
- For she is chang'd, as she had never been.
- PETRUCHIO. Nay, I will win my wager better yet,
- And show more sign of her obedience,
- Her new-built virtue and obedience.
-
- Re-enter KATHERINA with BIANCA and WIDOW
-
- See where she comes, and brings your froward wives
- As prisoners to her womanly persuasion.
- Katherine, that cap of yours becomes you not:
- Off with that bauble, throw it underfoot.
- [KATHERINA complies]
- WIDOW. Lord, let me never have a cause to sigh
- Till I be brought to such a silly pass!
- BIANCA. Fie! what a foolish duty call you this?
- LUCENTIO. I would your duty were as foolish too;
- The wisdom of your duty, fair Bianca,
- Hath cost me a hundred crowns since supper-time!
- BIANCA. The more fool you for laying on my duty.
- PETRUCHIO. Katherine, I charge thee, tell these headstrong women
- What duty they do owe their lords and husbands.
- WIDOW. Come, come, you're mocking; we will have no telling.
- PETRUCHIO. Come on, I say; and first begin with her.
- WIDOW. She shall not.
- PETRUCHIO. I say she shall. And first begin with her.
- KATHERINA. Fie, fie! unknit that threatening unkind brow,
- And dart not scornful glances from those eyes
- To wound thy lord, thy king, thy governor.
- It blots thy beauty as frosts do bite the meads,
- Confounds thy fame as whirlwinds shake fair buds,
- And in no sense is meet or amiable.
- A woman mov'd is like a fountain troubled-
- Muddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty;
- And while it is so, none so dry or thirsty
- Will deign to sip or touch one drop of it.
- Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper,
- Thy head, thy sovereign; one that cares for thee,
- And for thy maintenance commits his body
- To painful labour both by sea and land,
- To watch the night in storms, the day in cold,
- Whilst thou liest warm at home, secure and safe;
- And craves no other tribute at thy hands
- But love, fair looks, and true obedience-
- Too little payment for so great a debt.
- Such duty as the subject owes the prince,
- Even such a woman oweth to her husband;
- And when she is froward, peevish, sullen, sour,
- And not obedient to his honest will,
- What is she but a foul contending rebel
- And graceless traitor to her loving lord?
- I am asham'd that women are so simple
- To offer war where they should kneel for peace;
- Or seek for rule, supremacy, and sway,
- When they are bound to serve, love, and obey.
- Why are our bodies soft and weak and smooth,
- Unapt to toll and trouble in the world,
- But that our soft conditions and our hearts
- Should well agree with our external parts?
- Come, come, you froward and unable worins!
- My mind hath been as big as one of yours,
- My heart as great, my reason haply more,
- To bandy word for word and frown for frown;
- But now I see our lances are but straws,
- Our strength as weak, our weakness past compare,
- That seeming to be most which we indeed least are.
- Then vail your stomachs, for it is no boot,
- And place your hands below your husband's foot;
- In token of which duty, if he please,
- My hand is ready, may it do him ease.
- PETRUCHIO. Why, there's a wench! Come on, and kiss me, Kate.
- LUCENTIO. Well, go thy ways, old lad, for thou shalt ha't.
- VINCENTIO. 'Tis a good hearing when children are toward.
- LUCENTIO. But a harsh hearing when women are froward.
- PETRUCHIO. Come, Kate, we'll to bed.
- We three are married, but you two are sped.
- [To LUCENTIO] 'Twas I won the wager, though you hit the white;
- And being a winner, God give you good night!
- Exeunt PETRUCHIO and KATHERINA
- HORTENSIO. Now go thy ways; thou hast tam'd a curst shrow.
- LUCENTIO. 'Tis a wonder, by your leave, she will be tam'd so.
- Exeunt
- -THE END-
-