TAMING OF THE SHREW. INTRODUCTION. 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! 3 3 Host. You will not pay for the glasses you havè burst? Sly. No, not a denier: Go by, says Jeronimy ;Go to thy cold bed, and warm thee. 4 3 Be quiet. 4 This line and the scrap of Spanish is used in burlesque from an old play called Hieronymo, or the Spanish Tragedy. 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, I would esteem him worth a dozen such. 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, s An officer whose authority equals that of a constable. 7 Strained. • Bitch. Wrapp'd in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers, 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. Then take him up, and manage well the jest: And hang it round with all my wanton pictures: Say, What is it your honour will command? Full of rose-water, and bestrew'd with flowers; And say, Will't please your lordship cool your hands? Some one be ready with a costly suit, 8 Moderation. we'll play our As he shall think, by our true diligence, 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. 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 remem ber, Since once he play'd a farmer's eldest son; 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; 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, |