And here I'll fling the pillow, there the bolster, That all is done in reverend care of her; [Exit. SCENE II. Padua. Before Baptista's House. Enter TRANIO and HORTENSIO. Tra. Is't possible, friend Licio, that Bianca Doth fancy any other but Lucentio ? I tell you, sir, she bears me fair in hand. Hor. Sir, to satisfy you in what I have said, Stand by, and mark the manner of his teaching. [They stand aside. Enter BIANCA and LUCENTIO. Luc. Now, mistress, profit you in what you read? Bian. What, master, read you? first resolve me that. Luc. I read that I profess, the art to love. Bian. And may you prove, sir, master of your art! ■ Pretend. Luc. While you, sweet dear, prove mistress of my heart. [They retire. Hor. Quick proceeders, marry! Now, tell me, I pray, You that durst swear that your mistress Bianca Hor. Mistake no more: I am not Licio, Nor a musician, as I seem to be; But one that scorn to live in this disguise, And makes a god of such a cullion:2 And since mine eyes are witness of her lightness, Hor. See, how they kiss and court!Signior Here is my hand, and here I firmly vow→ Tra. And here I take the like unfeigned oath,— Ne'er to marry with her though she would entreat: Fye on her! see, how beastly she doth court him. Hor. 'Would, all the world, but he, had quite for◄ sworn! For me, that I may surely keep mine oath, 2 Despicable fellow. I will be married to a wealthy widow, Ere three days pass; which hath as long lov'd me, Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, [Exit HORTENSIO.-LUCENTIO and BIANCA advance. Tra. Mistress Bianca, bless you with such grace As 'longeth to a lover's blessed case! Nay, I have ta'en you napping, gentle love; Bian. Tranio, you jest; But have you both for- Tra. Mistress, we have. Luc. Then we are rid of Licio. Tra. I'faith, he'll have a lusty widow now, That shall be woo'd and wedded in a day. Bian. God give him joy! Tra. Ay, and he'll tame her. Bian. He says so, Tranio. Tra. 'Faith, he is gone unto the taming-school. place? Tra. Ay, mistress, and Petruchio is the master; That teacheth tricks eleven and twenty long,To tame a shrew, and charm her chattering tongue. Enter BIONDELLO, running. Bion. O master, master, I have watch'd so long That I'm dog-weary; but at last I spied An ancient angel 3 coming down the hill, Tra. What is he, Biondello? Bion. Master, a mercatantè, or a pedant, Tra. If he be credulous, and trust my tale, Take in your love, and then let me alone. [Exeunt LUCENTIO and BIANCA, Enter a Pedant. Ped. God save you, sir! Tra. And you, sir! you are welcome. Travel you far on, or are you at the furthest? And so to Tripoly, if God lend me life. Tra. What countryman, I pray? Ped. Of Mantua.. Tra. Of Mantua, sir?-marry, God forbid! And come to Padua, careless of your life? Ped. My life, sir! how, .I pray? for that goes hard. Tra. 'Tis death for any one in Mantua To come to Padua; Know you not the cause? 3 Messenger. 4 A merchant or a schoolmaster. Hath publish'd and proclaim'd it openly:\ Ped. Alas, sir, it is worse for me than so; Tra. Among them, know you one Vincentio ? Ped. I know him not, but I have heard of him; A merchant of incomparable wealth. Tra. He is my father, sir; and, sooth to say, In countenance somewhat doth resemble you. Bion. As much as an apple doth an oyster, and all one. [Aside. Tra. To save your life in this extremity, His name and credit shall you undertake, Ped. O, sir, I do; and will repute you ever Tra. Then go with me, to make the matter good. This, by the way, I let you understand; |