Tra. But to her love concerneth us to add
Her father's liking: which to bring to pass, 131
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.

141

Luc. Were it not that my fellow-schoolmaster Doth watch Bianca's steps so narrowly, 'T were 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.

Tra. 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.

150

Signior Gremio, came you from the church? Gre. As willingly as e'er I came from school. Tra. And is the bride and bridegroom coming home?

Gre. A bridegroom say you? 't is a groom indeed,

A grumbling groom, and that the girl shall find.

Tra. Curster than she? why, 't is impossible. Gre. Why, he's a devil, a devil, a very fiend. Tra. Why, she's a devil, a devil, the devil's dam.

Gre. Tut, she's a lamb, a dove, a fool to him!

I'll tell you, Sir Lucentio: when the priest 160 Should ask, if Katharine should be his wife, "Ay, by gogs-wouns,' quoth he; and swore so loud,

"1

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.

Re-enter PETRUCHIO, KATHARINA, BIANCA, BAPTISTA, HORTENSIO, GRUMIO, and Train. Pet. 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. 190
Bap. Is 't possible you will away to-night?
Pet. 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.
Tra. Let us entreat you stay till after dinner.
Pet. It may not be.

Kath. I will be angry: what hast thou to do?

Father, be quiet: he shall stay my leisure. 219 Gre. Ay, marry, sir, now it begins to work. Kath. Gentlemen, forward to the bridal dinner:

I see a woman may be made a fool,

If she had not a spirit to resist.

Pet. 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;

230

231

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're beset with
thieves;

Rescue thy mistress, if thou be a man.—
Fear not, sweet wench, they shall not touch
thee, Kate:

I'll buckler1 thee against a million.

240

[Exeunt Petruchio, Katharina, and Grumio. Bap. Nay, let them go, a couple of quiet

ones.

Gre. Went they not quickly, I should die with laughing.

Tra. Of all mad matches never was the like. [Luc. Mistress, what's your opinion of your' sister?

Bian. That, being mad herself, she's madly mated.

Gre. I warrant him, Petruchio is Kated. Bap. Neighbours and friends, though bride and bridegroom wants

249

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.

Tra. Shall sweet Bianca practise how to bride it?

Bap. She shall, Lucentio. Come, gentlemen, let's go.] [Exeunt.