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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.

Luc. 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.
But stay awhile: What company is this?

Tra. Master, some show, to welcome us to town.
Enter Baptista, Katharina, Bianca, Gremio, and
Hortensio. Lucentio and Tranio stand aside.
Bap. Gentlemen, importune me no further,
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 Katharina,
Because I know you well, and love you well,
Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure.
Gre. To cart her rather: She's too rough for me:
There, there Hortensio, will you any wife?

Kath. I pray you, sir, [To Bap.] is it your will To make a stale of me amongst these mates?

Hor. Mates, maid! how mean you that? no mates Unless you were of gentler, milder mould. [for you, Kath I'faith, sir, you shall never need to fear; I wis, it is not half way 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. Hor. From all such devils, good Lord, deliver us! Gre. And me too, good Lord! [ward; Tra. Hush, master! here is some good pastime toThat wench is stark mad, or wonderial froward. Luc. But in the other's silence 1 do see Maids' mild behaviour and sobriety. Peace, Tranio.

Tra. Well said, master; mum! and gaze your fill. Bap. 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. Kath. A pretty peat! 'tis best

Put finger in the eye,-an she knew why.

Bian. 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.

Luc. Hark, Tranio! thou mayst hear Minerva speak. [Aside. Hor. Signior Baptista, will you be so strange? Sorry am I, that our good will effects

Bianca's grief.

Gre.

Why, will you mew her up,

Signior Baptista, for this fiend of hell,

And make her hear the penance of her tongue?
Bap. 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. Katharina, you may stay;
For I have more to commune with Bianca. [Exit.
Kath. 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.
Gre. You may go to the devil's dam; your gifts
are so good, here is none will hold you. Their 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.

Hor. 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. Gre. What's that, I pray

Hor. Marry, sir, to get a husband for her sister.
Gre. A husband! a devil,
Hor. I say, a husband.

Gre. 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?

Hor. 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.

Gre. I cannot tell; but I had as lief take her dowry with this condition,-to be whipped at the high-cross every morning.

Hor. '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 maintained,-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 ?

Gre. 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. Tra. [Advancing] I pray, sir, tell me,-Is it possible That love should of a sudden take such hold? Luc. O Tranio, till I found it to be true, I never thought 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.

Tra. 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.

Luc. Gramercies, lad; go forward: this contents; The rest will comfort, for thy counsel's sound. Tra. Master, you look'd so longly on the maid, Perhaps you mark 'd not what's the pith of all. Luc. 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.

[sister

Tra. Saw you no more? mark'd you not, how her Began to scold; and raise up such a storm, That mortal ears might hardly endure the din? Luc. 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.

Tra. 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
Her elder sister is so curst and shrewd, [stands :--
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 shall not be annoy'd with suitors.
Luc. 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?
Tra. Ay, marry, am I, sir; and now 'tis plotted.
Luc. I have it, Tranio.
Tra.

Master for my hand,
Both our inventions meet and jump in one.
Luc. Tell me thine first.
Tra.

You will be schoolmaster,
And undertake the teaching of the maid :
That's your device.

Luc.

It is May it be done?
Tra. 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?

Luc. 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 mean man of Pisa.
'Tis batch'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.

Tra. 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.

Luc. Tranio, be so, because Lucentio loves:
And let me be a slave, to achieve that maid
Whose sudden sight hath thrall'd my wounded eye.
Enter Biondello.

Here comes the rogue.-Sirrah, where have you been?
Bion. 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?
Luc. 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 countenance 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?

Bion.

I, sir? ne'er a whit.
Luc. And not a jot of Tranio in your mouth;
Tranio is chang'd into Lucentio.

Bion. The better for him; 'Would I were so too!
Tra. So would I, 'faith, boy, to have the next wish
after,-
[ter.
That Lucentio indeed had Baptista's youngest daugh-
But, sirrah, not for my sake, but your master's,-I
advise
[panies

You use your manners discreetly in all kind of com-
When I am alone, why, then I am Tranio;
But in all places else, your master Lucentio.
Luc. 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.
1 Ser. My lord, you nod; you do not mind the play.
Sly. Yes, by saint Anne, do I. A good matter,
Comes there any more of it?
[surely

Page. My lord, 'tis but begun.

Sly. 'Tis a very excellent piece of work, madam 'Would't were done!

SCENE II. The same. Before Hortensio's
Enter Petruchio and Gramio.

Pet. Verona, for awhile 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.

[lady;

House.

Gru. Knock, sir! whom should I knock? is there any man has rebused your worship?

Pet. Villain, I say, knock me here soundly.
Gru. Knock you here, sir? why, sir, what am I
sir, that I should knock you here, sir?

Pet. Villain, I say, knock me at this gate,
And rap me well, or Pll knock your knave's pate.
Gru. My master is grown quarrelsome: I should
knock you first,

And then I know after who comes by the worst.
Pet. Will it not be?

'Faith, sirrab, an you'll not knock, I'll wring it;
I'll try how you can sol, fa, and sing it.

[He wrings Grumio by the Ears. Gru. Help, masters, help! my master is mad. Pet. Now, knock when I bid you: sirrah! villain!

Enter Hortensio.

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.
Pet. A senseless villain !-Good Hortensio,

[here,

I bade the rascal knock upon your gate,
And could not get him for my heart to do it.
Gru. Knock at the gate?-O heavens !
Spake you not these words plain,-Sirrah, knock me
Rap me here, knock me well, and knock me soundly?
And come you now with-knocking at the gate ?
Pet. Sirrah, be gone, or talk not, I advise you.
Hor. Petruchio, patience; I am Grumio's pledge:
Why, this a heavy chauce 'twixt him and you;
Your ancient, trusty, pleasant servant Gramio.
And tell me now, sweet friend,-what happy gale
Blows you to Padua here, from old Verona? [world,
Pet. Such wind as scatters young men through the
To seek their fortunes further 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.

Hor. Petruchio, shall I then come roundly to thee,
And wish thee to a shrewd ill-favour'd wife?
Thoud'st thank me but a little for my counsel:
And yet I'll promise thee she shall be rich,
And very rich but thou'rt too much my friend,
And I'll not wish thee to her.

Pet. 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 burthen of my wooing dance),
Be she as foul as was Florentius' love,
As old as Sybil, and as curst and shrewd
As Socrates' Xantippe, 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.

Gru. 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 have as many diseases as two and fifty horses: why, nothing comes amiss, so money comes withal.

Hor. Petruchio, since we have 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 intolerably curst,

And shrewd, and froward; so beyond all measure,
That, were my state far worser than it is,

[effect:

I would not wed her for a mine of gold.
Pet. Hortensio, peace; thou know'st not gold's
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.
Hor. Her father is Baptista Minola,
An affable and courteous gentleman:
Her name is Katharina Minola,
Renown'd in Padua for her scolding tongue.
Pet. I know her father, though I know not her;
And he knew my deceased father well:-
I will not sleep, Hortensio, till 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.

Gru. I pray you, sir, let him go while the humour lasts. O'my word an 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; an he begin once, he'll Hor. How now? what's the matter?-My old rail in his rope-tricks. I'll tell you what, sir,-an friend Grumio! and my good friend Petruchio!-she stand him but a little, he will throw a figure in How do you all at Verona? her face, and so disfiggre her with it, that she shall Pet. Signior Hortensio, come you to part the fray have no more eyes to see withal than a cat: You Con tutto il core bene trovato, may I say. Hor. Alla nostra casa bene venuto, Molto honorato signor mio Petruchio. Rise, Grumio, rise; we will compound this quarrel. Gru. Nay, 'tis no matter, what he 'leges in Latin. If this be not a lawful cause for me to leave his service,-Look yon sir,-he bid me knock him, and rap him soundly, sir: Well, was it fit for a servant to

know him not, sir.

Hor. 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 Katharina will be woo'd,

Therefore this order hath Baptista ta'en ;That none shall have access unto Bianca,

Till Katharine, the curst, have got a husband. Gru. Katharine, the curst!

A title for a maid, of all titles the worst.

That gives not half so great a blow to the ear,
As will a chesnut in a farmer's fire ?
Tush! tush! fear boys with bugs.
Gru.

Gre. Hortensio, hark!

This gentleman is happily arriv'd,

For he fears none.

[Aside.

Hor. Now shall my friend, Petruchio, de me grace; My mind presumes, for his own good and yours.

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 him Lucentio disguised, with
Books under his Arm.

Gru. 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!

Hor. Peace, Grumio; 'tis the rival of my love :Petruchio, stand by awhile.

Gru. A proper stripling, and an amorous ! [They retire. Gre. 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,

Hor. I promis'd, we would be contributors, And bear his charge of wooing, whatsoe❜er. Gre. And so we will; provided, that he win her. Gru. I would, I were as sure of a good dinner.

[Asile. Enter Tranio, bravely apparelled; and Biondello. Tra. 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?

Gre. He that has the two fair daughters :-is't [Aside to Tranio] he you mean?

Tra. Even he. Biondello !

to do?

Gre. Hark you, sir; You mean not her to-
Tra. Perhaps, him and her, sir; What have you
Pet. Not her that chides, sir, at any hand, I pray.
Tra. I love no chiders, sir :-Biondello, let's away.
Luc. Well begun, Tranio.
[Aside.
Hor. Sir, a word ere you go;

Are you a suitor to the maid you talk of, yea, or no?
Tra. An if I be, sir, is it any offence? [hence.
Gre. No; if, without more words, you will get you
Tra. Why, sir, I pray, are not the streets as free
Gre.

I'll mend it with a largess :-Take your papers too, For me, as for you?
And let me have them very well perfum'd;

For she is sweeter than perfume itself,

To whom they go. What will you read to her?
Luc. Whate'er I read to her, I'll plead for you,

As for my patron (stand you so assurd),
As firmly as yourself were still in place:
Yea, and (perhaps) with more successful words
Than you, unless you were a scholar, sir.

Gre. O this learning! what a thing it is!
Gru. O this woodcock! what an ass it is!
Pet. Peace, sirrah,

But so is not she.
Tra. For what reason, I beseech you ?
Gre. For this reason, if you'll know,
That she's the choice love of signior Gremio.
Hor. That she's the chosen of signior Hortensio.
Tra. 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;

[mio! And, were his daughter fairer than she is, Gre-She may more suitors have, and me for one. Trow Then well one more may fair Bianca have: Fair Leda's daughter had a thousand wooers; [you, And so she shall; Lucentio shall make one, Though Paris came, in hope to speed alone.

Hor. Grumio, mum !-God save you, signior
Gre. And you're well met, signior Hortensio.
Whither I am going?-To Baptista Minola.
I promis'd to inquire carefully
About a schoolmaster for 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 you.
Hor. '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 belov'd of me.

Gre. Belov'd of me,-and that my deeds shall prove.
Gru. And that his bags shall prove.

[Aside.

Hor. 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 Katharine; Yea, and to marry her, if her dowry please. Gre. So said, so done, is wellHortensio, have you told him all her faults? Pet. I know, she is an irksome brawling scold; If that be all, masters, I hear no harm.

Gre. No, say'st me so, friend? What countryman?
Pet. 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.
Gre. O, sir, such a life, with such a wife, were
strange :

But, if you have a stomach, to't o'God's name;
You shall have me assisting you in all.
But will you woo this wild cat?

Will I live?

Pet.
Gru. Will be woo her? ay, or I'll hang her. [ Aside.
Pet. 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 not I heard great ordnance in the field,
And heaven's artillery thunder in the skies?
Have I not in a pitched battle beard

Loud 'larams, neighing steeds, and trumpets' clang?
And do you tell me of a woman's tongue;

Gre. What! this gentleman will out-talk us all.
Luc. Sir, give him head; I know, he'll prove a jade.
Pet. Hortensio, to what end are all these words?
Hor. Sir, let me be so bold as to ask you,
Did you yet ever see Baptista's daughter?
Tra. No, sir; but hear I do, that he hath two,
The one as famous for scolding tongue,
As is the other for beauteous modesty.

Pet. Sir, sir, the first's for me; let her go by.
And let it be more than Alcides' twelve.
Gre. Yea, leave that labour to great Hercules;

Pet. Sir, understand you this of me, insooth ;-
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.

Tra. If it be so, sir, that you are the man
Must stead us all, and me among the rest;
An 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.

Hor. 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 beholden

Tra. Sir, I shall not be slack in sign whereof,
Please ye we may contrive this afternoon,
And quaff caronses to our mistress' health;
And do as adversaries do in law,-

Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
Gru. Bion. O excellent motion! Fellows, let's

[blocks in formation]

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.

Kath. Of all thy snitors, here I charge thee, tell
Whom thou lov'st best: see thou dissemble not.
Bian. Believe me, sister, of all the men alive,
I never yet beheld that special face
Which I could fancy more than any other.

Kath. Minion, thou liest; Is't not Hortensio ? Bian. If you affect him, sister, here I swear, I'll plead for you myself, but you shall have him. Kath. O then, belike, you fancy riches more; You will have Gremio to keep you fair.

Bian. 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 pr'ythee, sister, Kate, untie my hands. Kath. If that be jest, then all the rest was so. [Strikes her.

Enter Baptista.

Bap. Why, how now, dame! whence grows this insolence?

Bianca, stand aside;-poor girl! she weeps:-
Go, ply thy needle; meddle not with her.
For shame, thou bilding of a devilish spirit,
Why dost thou wrong her that did ne'er wrong thee?

When did she cross thee with a bitter word?

Kath. Her silence flouts me, and I'll be reveng'd. [Flies after Bianca. Bap. What, in my sight?-Bianca, get thee in. [Exit Bianca. Kath. 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.

Bap. Was ever gentleman thus griev❜d as I? But who come here?

Enter Gremio, with Lucentio in the Habit of a mean Man; Petruchio, with Hortensio as a Musician; and Tranio, with Biondello bearing a Lute and

Books.

Gre. Good morrow, neighbour Baptista.

Bap. Good morrow, neighbour Gremio: God save you, gentlemen!

Pet. And you, good sir! Pray, have you not a Call'd Katharina, fair and virtuous ? [daughter

Bap. I have a daughter, sir, call'd Katharina.
Gre. You are too blunt, go to it orderly.
Pet. You wrong me, signior Gremio; give me
I am a gentleman of Verona, sir,
[leave,
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.

Bap. You're welcome, sir; and he, for your good But for my daughter Katharina,-this I know, [sake: She is not for your turn, the more my grief.

Pet. I see, you do not mean to part with her; Or else you like not of my company.

Bap. Mistake me not, I speak but as I find. Whence are you, sir? what may I call your name? Pet. Petruchio is my name; Antonio's son, A man well known throughout all Italy. Bap. I know him well, you are welcome for his Gre. Saving your tale, Petruchio, I pray, [sake. Let us, that are poor petitioners, speak too: Baccare you are marvellous forward. Pet. O, pardon me, signior Gremio; I would fain be doing. [wooing.

Gre. I doubt it not, sir; but you will curse your Neighbour, this is a gift very grateful, I am sure of it. To express the like kindness myself, that have been more kindly beholden to you than any, I freely give unto you this young scholar [Presenting Lucentio] that hath been long studying at Rheims; as canning in Greek, Latin, and other languages, as

the other in music and mathematics: his name is Cambio; pray, accept his service.

Bap. A thousand thanks, signior Gremio: welcome, good Cambio.-But, gentle sir, [To Tranio], methinks you walk like a stranger; May I be so bold to know the cause of your coming?

Tra. 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.
Bap. Lucentio is your name? of whence, I pray?
Tra. Of Pisa, sir; son to Vincentio.
Bap. A mighty man of Pisa; by report

I know him well: you are very welcome, sir.-
Take you [To Hortensio] the lute, and you [To Lu-
centio] the set of books,
You shall go see your pupils presently.
Holla, within!
Sirrah, lead

Enter a Servant.

These gentlemen to my daughters; and tell them both,
These are their tutors; bid them use them well.
[Exit Serv. with Hor. Luc. and Bion.
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.
Pet. 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 better'd rather than decreas'd:
Then tell me,-if I get your daughter's love,
What dowry shall I have with her to wife?

And, in possession, twenty thousand crowns.
Bap. After my death, the one half of my lands.

Pet. And, for that dowry, I'll assure her of
Her widowhood,-he it that she survive me,-
In all my lands and leases whatsoever :
Let specialties be therefore drawn between us,
That covenants may be kept on either hand.

Bap. Ay, when the special thing is well obtain'd, This is, her love; for that is all in all.

Pet. 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. [speed! Bap. Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy But be thou arm'd for some unhappy words. Pet. Ay, to the proof; as mountains are for winds, That shake not, though they blow perpetually.

Re-enter Hortensio, with his Head broken. Bap. How now, my friend? why dost thou look so pale?

Hor. For fear, I promise you, if I look pale.
Bap. What, will my daughter prove a good musi-
Hor. I think she'll sooner prove a soldier; [cian!
Iron may hold with her, but never lutes. Clute ?
Bap. Why, then thou canst not break her to the
Hor. 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 awhile,
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.

Pet. 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!

Bap. 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?
Pet. I pray you do; I will attend her here,-
[Exeunt Bap. Gre. Tra. and Hor.
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; and now, Petruchio, speak.

Enter Katharina."

Good morrow, Kate; for that's your name, I hear. Kath. Well bave you heard, but something hard of hearing;

They call me-Katharine, that do talk of me.

Pet. 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 supper-dainty Kate,
For dainties are all cates 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.
Kath. 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.
Pet.

Why, what's a moveable?

Kath. A joint-stool. Pet. Thou hast hit it: come, sit on me. Kath. Asses are made to bear, and so are you. Pet. Women are made to bear, and so are you. Kath. No such jade, sir, as you, if me you mean. Pet. Alas, good Kate! I will not burden thee: For, knowing thee to be but young and light,Kath. Too light for such a swain as you to catch; And yet as heavy as my weight should be. Pet. Should be? should buz. Kath. Well ta'en, and like a buzzard. Pet. O slow-wing'd turtle! shall a buzzard take thee!

Kath. Ay, for a turtle; as he takes a buzzard. Pet. Come, come, you wasp; i'faith, you are too angry.

Kath. If I be waspish, best heware my sting. Pet. My remedy is then to pluck it out. Kath. Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies. Pet. Who knows not where a wasp doth wear his In his tail. [sting?

Kath. In his tongue. Pet. Whose tongue? Kath. Yours, if you talk of tails; and so farewell. Pet. What, with my tongue in your tail? nay, come Good Kate; I am a gentleman. [again, That I'll try. [Striking him. Pet. I swear I'll cuff you, if you strike again. Kath. So may you lose your arms:

Kath.

If you strike me, you are no gentleman:
And if no gentleman, why, then no arms.

Pet. A herald, Kate? O, put me in thy books.
Kath. What is your crest? a coxcomb?
Pet. A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen.
Kath. No cock of mine, you crow too like a craven.
Pet. Nay, come, Kate, come; you must not look so
Kath. It is my fashion, when I see a crab. [sour.
Pet. Why, here's no crab, and therefore look not
Kath. There is, there is.
[sour.
Pet. Then show it me.
Kath.

Had I a glass, I would.
Pet. What, you mean my face?
Kath.

Well aim'd of such a young one.

For thou art pleasant, gamesome, passing courteous;
But slow in speech, yet sweet as spring-time 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 slanderous world! Kate, like the hazle-twig,
Is straight and slender; and as brown in hue
As hazle-nuts, and sweeter than the kernels.

O, let me see thee walk: thou dost not halt.

Kath. Go, fool, and whom thou keep'st command.
Pet 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!
Kath. Where did you study all this goodly speech?
Pet. It is extempore, from my mother-wit.
Kath. A witty mother! witless else her son.
Pet. Am I not wise?
Kath.

Yes; keep you warm.

Pet. Marry, so I mean, sweet Katharine, 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 cat to a Kate
Conformable, as other household Kates.
Here comes your father; never make denial,
I must and will have Katharine to my wife.
Re-enter Baptista, Gremio, and Tranio.
Bap. Now,

Signior Petruchio: How speed you with
My daughter?
Pet.

How but well, sir? how but well?
It were impossible, I should speed amiss.
Bap. Why, how now, daughter Katharine? in your
dumps?

Kath. 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.

Pet. 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.

Kath. I'll see thee hang'd on Sunday first.
Gre. Hark, Petruchio! she says, she'll see thee
hang'd first.

Tra. Is this your speeding? nay, then, good night our part!

Pet. Be patient, gentlemen; I choose her for my

self';

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 cursest 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 Katharine shall be fine. [hands;
Bap. I know not what to say: but give me your

Pet. Now, by saint George, I am too young for you. God send you joy, Petruchio! 'tis a match.

Kath. Yet you are wither'd.

"Tis with cares.

Pet. Kath. I care not. Pet. Nay, hear you, Kate: in sooth, you 'scape Kath. I chafe yon, if I tarry; let me go. [not so. Pet. 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;

Gre. Tra. Amen, say we; we will be witnesses. Pet. 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 o'Sunday.

[Exeunt Petruchio and Katharina, severally. Gre. Was ever match clapp'd up so suddenly ?

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