Sly. Ay, the woman's maid of the house. With his good will, and thy good company, 3 Sere. Why, sir, you know no house, nor no Most trusty servant, well approv'd in all; Nor no such men, as you have reckon'd up,-- Sty. Now, Lord be thanked for my good amends! Sly. I thank thee; thou shalt not lose by it. Sly. Marry, I fare well; for here is cheer enough. Page. Here, noble lord; What is thy will with her? Sly. Are you my wife, and will not call mehusband? 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 ? Sly. Alee 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 and more. Page. Ay, and the time seems thirty unto me; alone. Madam, undress you, and come now to bed. Page. Thrice noble lord, let me entreat of you, 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 Servant. Here let us breathe, and happily institute Vincentio his son, brought up in Florence, Tra. Mi perdonate, gentle master mine, Luc. Gramercies, Tranio, well dost thou advise. Serv. Your honour's players, hearing your amend- Because I know you well, and love you well, ment, Are come to play a pleasant comedy, Page. No, my good lord: it is more pleasing stuff. Sly. What, household stuff? Sly. Well, we'll see't: Come, madam wife, sit ACT I. SCENE I-Padua. A publick Place. Enter Lucentio and Tranio. Luc. Tranio, since for the great desire I had Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure. me: There, there Hortensio, will you any wife? Kath. I pray you, sir, [to Bap.] is it your will Unless you were of gentler, milder mould. Kath. I'faith, sir, you shall never need to fear; Hor. From all such devils, good Lord, deliver us! Tra. Hush, master! here is some good pastime toward; That wench is stark mad, or wonderful froward. Tra. Well said, master; mum ! and gaze your fill. 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 may'st 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, To mine own children in good bringing-up; 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. 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 conditi n,-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? I never thought it possible, or likely; If I achieve not this young modest girls Tra. Master, it is no time to chide you now; 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. Tra. Saw you no more? maik'd you not, how her sister 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, Her eldest sister is so curst and shrewd, Luc. Ah, Tranio, what a cruel father's he! Tra. Master, for my hand, Both our inventions meet and jump in one. You will be schoolmaster, And undertake the teaching of the maid. Luc. It is: May it be done? Tra. Not possible; For who shall bear your part, And be in l'adua 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 distinguished 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 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. Tra. So had you need. [They exchange habits. In brief then, 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, › Bion. 11 I, sir? ne'er a whit. Luc. And not a jot of Tranio in your mouth; Tranio is chang'd into Lucentio. 2 Gru. Knock at the gate ?-O heavens ! Rap me here, knock me well, and knock me soundly Bion. The better for him; 'Would I were so too! To seek their fortunes further than at home, [panies: One thing more rests, that thyself execute; Sufficeth, my reasons are both good and weighty. Haply to wive, and thrive, as best I may : Hor. Petruchio, shall I then come roundly to And wish thee to a shrewd ill-favour'd wife? Few words suffice: and, therefore, if thou know Sly. Yes, by saint Anne, do I. A good matter, sure-As wealth is burden of my wooing dance,) ly: Comes there any more of it ? Page. My lord, 'tis but b gun. Sly. Tis a very excellent piece of work, madam lady; 'Would 'twere done! 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, SCENE II The same. Before Hortensio's House. Affection's edge in me; were she as rough Enter Petruchio and Grumio. Pet. Verona, for a while I take my leave, Hortensio ; and, I trow, this is his house :- Gru. Knock, sir! whom should I knock? there any man has rebused your worship? Pet. Villain, I say, knock me here soundly.. As are the swelling Adriatick seas: I come to wive it wealthily in Padua ; Gru. Nay, look you, sir, he tells you flatly what Gru. Knock you here, sir? why, sir, what am I, I will continue that I broach'd in jest. And then I know after who comes by the worst. 'Faith, sirrah, an you'll not knock, I'll wring it; Hor. How now ? what's the matter ?-My old friend Grumio! and my good friend Petruchio! How do you all at Verona ? Pet. Signior Hortensio, come you to part the fray? [in, I can, Petruchio, help thee to a wife And shrewd, and froward: so beyond all measure, I would not wed her for a mine of gold. Pet. Hortensio, peace; thou knows't not gold's Tell me her father's name, and 'tis enough; 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 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. Hor. Tarry, Petruchio, I must go with thee; Р For in Baptista's keep my treasure is: (For those defects I have before rehears'd,) Therefore this order hath Baptista ta'en; Till Katharine the curst have got a husband. Gru. Katharine the curst! A title for a maid, of all titles the worst. Pet. Why came I hither, but to that intent? Think you, a little din can daunt mine ears; Hor. Now shall my friend Petruchio do me Have I not in my time heard lions roar? grace; And offer me, disguis'd in sober robes, To old Baptista as a schoolmaster Enter Gremio; with him Lucentio disguised, nuth 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 a while. 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, Have I not heard the sea, puff'd up with winds, For he fears none. [Aside. Gré, Hortensio, hark! This gentleman is happily arriv'd, My mind presumes, for his own good, and yours, 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. [Aside. Enter Tranio, bravely apparell'd; and Biondello. Tra. Gentlemen, God save you! If I may be bold, I'll mend it with a largess :-Take your papers too, Tell me, I beseech you, which is the readiest way 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? Gre. O this learning! what a thing it is! Hor. Grumio, mum!-God save you, signior Gre. And you're well met, signior Hortensio. Trow you, Whither am I going ?-To Baptista Minola. About a schoolmaster for fair Bianca: And, by good fortune, I have lighted well On this young man; for learning, and behaviour, 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 well : Hortensio, 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. To the house of Signior Baptista Minola? Gre. He that has the two fair daughters -ist [aside to Tranio.] he you mean? Tra. Even he. Biondello! Gre. Hark you, sir; You mean not her to Tra. Perhaps, him and her, sir; What have you to do? Pet. Not her that chides, sir, at any hand, I Tra. Why, sir, I pray, are not the streets as free For me, as for you? Gre. To whom my father is not all unknown; jade. Pet. Hortensio, to what end are all these words? Did you yet ever see Baptista's daughter Gre. No, say'st me so, friend? What country-As is the other for beauteous modesty. man? Pet. Sir, sir, the first's for me; let her go by. Gre. Yea, leave that labour to great Hercules; And let it be more than Alcides twelve. tudi 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, Tra. Sir, I shall not be slack: in sign whereof, Hor. The motion's good indeed, and be it so; Petruchio, I shall be your ben venuto. [Exeunt. Enter Katharina and Bianca. Bian. Good sister, wrong me not, nor wrong yourself, To make a bondmaid and a slave of me: Kath. Of all thy suitors, here I charge thee, tell 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. Bap. Why, how now, dame! whence grows this insolence?. Bianca, stand aside ;-poor girl! she weeps: When did she cross thee with a bitter word ? [Exit Katharina. Bap. 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, 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 daughter Call'd Katharina, fair, and virtuous ? 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 mé leave... I am a gentleman of Verona, sir, That, hearing of her beauty, and her wit, Her wondrous qualities, and mild behaviour, [Presenting Hortensio. Bap. You're welcome, sir; and he for your good sake: But for my daughter Katharine, this I know, Pet. I see you do not mean to part with her; 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 sake.. Gre, Saving your tale, Petruchio, I pray, Let us, that are poor petitioners, speak too: Baccare! you are marvellous forward, Pet. O, pardon me, signior Gremio; I would fain be doing. Gre. 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 beholden to you than any, I 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 musick and mathematicks: his name is Cambio; pray, accept his service. Bap. A thousand thanks, signior Gremio: wel come, 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. |