PERSONS REPRESENTED. A Lord. CHRISTOPHER SLY, a drunken tinker. Persons in the Hostess, Page, Players, Huntsmen, and other Servants, attending on the Lord. BAPTISTA, a rich gentleman of Padua. Induction. LUCENTIO, son to Vincentio, in love with Bianca. PETRUCHIO, a gentleman of Verona, a suitor to PEDANT, an old fellow set up to personate Vincentio. KATHARINA, the shrew, daughters to Baptista. Widow. Tailor, Haberdasher, and Servants attending on Baptista and Petruchio. SCENE, sometimes in Padua; and sometimes in Petruchio's house in the country. TAMING OF THE SHREW. INDUCTION. SCENE I.-Before an alehouse on a heath. Enter Hostess and SLY. Sly. I'll pheese you, in faith. Host. A pair of stocks, you rogue! Sly. Y'are a baggage; the Slies are no rogues : Look in the chronicles, we came in with Richard Conqueror. Therefore, paucas pallabris; let the world slide: Sessa ' Host. You will not pay for the glasses you have burst? Sly. No, not a denier: Go by, says Jeronimy;-Go to thy cold bed, and warm thee. Host. I know my remedy, I must go fetch the thirdborough. [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. [Lies down on the ground, and falls asleep. Wind horns. Enter a Lord from hunting, with Huntsmen and Servants. Lord. Huntsman, I charge thee, tender well my hounds: Brach Merriman,—the poor cur is emboss'd, 1 Hun. 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: Lord. Thou art a fool; if Echo were as fleet, 1 Hun. I will, my lord. Lord. What's here? one dead, or drunk? See, doth he breathe? 2 Hun. 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, And brave attendants near him when he wakes, 1 Hun. Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose. 2 Hun. It would seem strange unto him when he wak'd. Lord. Even as a flattering dream, or worthless fancy. And hang it round with all my wanton pictures : And say,-Will't please your lordship cool your hands? r; And ask him what apparel he will wear This do, and do it kindly, gentle sirs ; It will be pastime passing excellent, If it be husbanded with modesty. 1 Hun. My lord, I warrant you, we'll 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.— [Some bear out SLY. A trumpet sounds. VOL. IV Sirrah, go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds : [Exit Servant. Belike, some noble gentleman; that means, Re-enter a Servant. How now? who is it? Serv. An it please your honour, Players that offer service to your lordship. Enter Players. Now, fellows, you are welcome. 1 Play. We thank your honour. Lord. Do you intend to stay with me to-night? 2 Play. 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. 1 Play. 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; |