THE CHISWICK SHAKESPEARE ILLUSTRATED BY BYAM SHAW

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

Printed from the Cambridge text (Globe Edition] by the kind permission of Messrs. Macmillan and Co.

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CHISWICK PRESS: CHARLES WHITTINGHAM AND co.

TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE, LONDON.

INTRODUCTION.

AN old play was published in 1594 under the title of "A Pleasant Conceited Historic, called The Taming of a Shrew, as it was sundry times acted by the Earl of Pembrook his servants." In this comedy there is no mark of Shakespeare's hand, but there can be little doubt it suggested the subject to him, and that his "Taming of the Shrew" is based upon it. How far it is the work of his pen can only be conjectured by in- ternal evidence, and it need scarcely be said that such evidence is never wholly satisfactory. The best critics are liable to form opposing judgements and to forget that Shakespeare, so far from being always great, is content sometimes with the level attained by his con- temporaries. Moreover, in the earliest efforts of his genius, it would be idle to look for tokens of its maturity.

The play was not published during Shakespeare's life, but appeared for the first time in the Folio of 1623. It is among the least attractive of the comedies, and yet the rough-and-ready methods of courtship adopted by Petruchio in order to tame Katharine have proved very popular on the stage, for there, and per- haps not there alone, the discomfiture of others is wit- nessed with singular content. Like "The Comedy of Errors," the drama owes its best scenes to farce. The vii

835

INTRODUCTION

incidents are amusing, but the characters are slightly sketched and comparatively insignificant. In England the version chiefly known on the stage is one compiled by Garrick, whose sense of veneration for Shakespeare was seldom strong enough to hinder him from mutilat- ing his work. Garrick was not the first compiler to adopt the play, and it was not the drama we possess that Pepys described in 1667 as "a mean and silly play." Of late years more reverence has been shown for one of the least significant of the poet's works, but it is still a play which managers are not unwilling to deform for the delectation of the public.

Hazlitt, whose criticism is always worthy of respect, formed a rather high estimate of " The Taming of the Shrew," and as his judgement differs from that of most competent critics, it may be interesting to transcribe a passage from it. After observing that it is almost the only one of Shakespeare's comedies with a regular plot, the writer adds: "It is full of bustle, animation, and rapidity of action. It shows admirably how self-will is only to be got the better of by stronger will, and how one degree of ridiculous perversity is only to be driven out by another still greater. Petruchio is a madman in his senses ; a very honest fellow, who hardly speaks a word of truth, and succeeds in all his tricks and impostures. He acts his assumed character to the life, with the most fantastical extravagance, with com- plete presence of mind, with untired animal spirits, and without a particle of ill-humour from beginning to end. . . . There is no contending with a person on whom nothing makes any impression but his own purposes, and who is bent on his own whims just in proportion as they seem to want common sense." And then, after viii

INTRODUCTION

observing that Petruchio's extravagance reaches its most pleasant and poetical height when he addresses old Vincentio as a young lady, the critic adds, " The whole is carried off with equal spirit, as if the poet's comic Muse had wings of fire."

The humour that Hazlitt praises is the humour, as we have said already, of farce rather than of comedy ; but most readers will agree with him that Sly's char- acter and the remarks with which he accompanies the play, are as good as the play itself. Schlegel does not praise it too highly when he says that, " In the Induc- tion, as everywhere else, Shakespeare has proved him- self a great poet."

It has been pointed out that the manners represented in this play are thoroughly Italian, and that the drama- tist's description of Italian scenes and customs, not here only but also in "Othello" and u The Merchant of Venice," are more minute and accurate than if he had derived his information wholly from books.

" In Shakespeare's ' Taming of the Shrew,' " says Dr. Brandes, " we notice with surprise not only the correctness of the Italian names, but the remarkable way in which, at the very beginning of the play, several Italian cities and districts are characterized in a single phrase. Lombardy is 4 the pleasant garden of great Italy,' Pisa is renowned for grave citizens, and here the epithet ' grave ' is especially noteworthy, since many testimonies concur to show that it was particularly characteristic of the inhabitants of Pisa."

Dr. Brandes quotes also many passages which might

make it difficult to believe that Shakespeare had not

seen what he so exactly describes, but he admits that

" it is impossible to arrive at any certainty on the

ix 6

INTRODUCTION

point/' Mr. Sidney Lee, on the contrary, declares that it is almost impossible Shakespeare " could have gathered his knowledge of Northern Italy from per- sonal observation," and that " he doubtless owed all to the verbal reports of travelled friends or to books." Whether the poet ever visited the land he describes so vividly, we shall probably never know ; but this, at least, we know, that a poet sees further and more truly with the mind's eye than an ordinary spectator, and it is not easy to fix limits to the vision of a poet like Shakespeare.

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW.

DRAMATIS PERSONS.

A Lord. ^

CHRISTOPHER SLY, a tinker I p . the Induction.

Hostess, .Page, Players, Huntsmen, |

and Servants. J

BAPTISTA, a rich gentleman of Padua. VINCENTIO, an old gentleman of Pisa. LUCENTIO, son to Vincentio, in love with Bianca. PETRUCHIO, a gentleman of Verona, a suitor to Katharina.

to Lucentio-

HORTENS.O, } suitors to Bianca.

GRUMIO, 1 , .

CURTIS I servants to Petruchio.

A Pedant.

daughters to Baptista.

Widow.

Tailor, Haberdasher, and Servants attending on Baptista and Petruchio.

SCENE : Padua^ and Petnichicfs country house.

TAMING OF THE SHREW

SCENE I.

Before an alehouse on a heath. Enter Hostess and Sly.

Sly. I'll pheeze you, in faith.

Host. A pair of stocks, you rogue !

Sly. Ye are a baggage : the Slys are no rogues ;

look in the chronicles ; we came in with

Richard Conqueror. Therefore paucas pal-

labris ; let the world slide : sessa ! Host. You will not pay for the glasses you have

burst ? Sly. No, not a denier. Go by, Jeronimy : go to

thy cold bed, and warm thee. 10

Host. I know my remedy ; I must go fetch the

third-borough. [Exit.

Sly. Third, or fourth, or fifth borough, I'll 3

INDUCTION THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

answer him by law : I'll not budge an inch, boy : let him come, and kindly. [Falls asleep.

Horns winded. Enter a Lord from bunting, with bis train.

Lord. Huntsman,! charge thee, tender well my hounds: Brach Merriman, the poor cur is emboss'd ; And couple Clowder with the deep-mouth'd brach. Saw'st thou not, boy, how Silver made it good At the hedge-corner, in the coldest fault? 20

I would not lose the dog for twenty pound.

First 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 : Trust me, I take him for the better dog.

Lord. Thou art a fool : if Echo were as fleet, I would esteem him worth a dozen such. But sup them well and look unto them all : To-morrow I intend to hunt again.

First Hun. I will, my lord. 30

Lord. What's here? one dead, or drunk? See, doth he breathe ?

Sec. 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, Wrapp'd in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers, A most delicious banquet by his bed, And brave attendants near him when he wakes, 40 Would not the beggar then forget himself? 4

INDUCTION THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

First Hun. Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose.

Sec. Hun. It would seem strange unto him when he waked.

Lord. Even as a flattering dream or worthless fancy. Then take him up and manage well the jest: Carry him gently to my fairest chamber And hang it round with all my wanton pictures : Balm his foul head in warm distilled waters And burn sweet wood to make the lodging sweet : Procure me music ready when he wakes, 50

To make a dulcet and a heavenly sound ; And if he chance to speak, be ready straight And with a low submissive reverence Say " What is it your honour will command ? " Let one attend him with a silver basin Full of rose-water and bestrew'd with flowers ; Another bear the ewer, the third a diaper, And say " Will't please your lordship cool your

hands?"

Some one be ready with a costly suit And ask him what apparel he will wear ; 60

Another tell him of his hounds and horse, And that his lady mourns at his disease : Persuade him that he hath been lunatic ; And when he says he is, say that he dreams, For he is nothing but a mighty lord. This do and do it kindly, gentle sirs : It will be pastime passing excellent, If it be husbanded with modesty.

First Hun. My lord, I warrant you we will play our

part,

As he shall think by our true diligence 70

He is no less than what we say he is.

INDUCTION THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

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 Servingman.

Belike, some noble gentleman that means, Travelling some journey, to repose him here.

Re-enter Servingman.

How now ! who is it? Serv. An't please your honour, players

That offer service to your lordship. Lord. Bid them come near.

Enter Players.

Now, fellows, you are welcome.

Players. We thank your honour. 80

Lord. Do you intend to stay with me to-night ?

A Player. So please your lordship to accept our duty.

Lord. With all my heart. This fellow I remember, Since once he play'd a farmer's eldest son : 'Tvvas where you woo'd the gentlewoman so well : I have forgot your name ; but, sure, that part Was aptly fitted and naturally perform'd.

A Player. 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 ; 90

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-eyeing of his odd behaviour, — For yet his honour never heard a play — 6

INDUCTION THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

You break into some merry passion And so offend him ; for I tell you, sirs, If you should smile he grows impatient.

A Player. Fear not, my lord : we can contain ourselves, Were he the veriest antic in the world. 101

Lord. Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery,

And give them friendly welcome every one : Let them want nothing that my house affords.

[Exit one with the Players. Sirrah, go you to BarthoPmew my page, And see him dress'd in all suits like a lady : That done, conduct him to the drunkard's chamber; And call him " madam," do him obeisance. Tell him from me, as he will win my love, He bear himself with honourable action, no

Such as he hath observed in noble ladies Unto their lords, by them accomplished : Such duty to the drunkard let him do With soft low tongue and lowly courtesy, And say " What is't your honour will command, Wherein your lady and your humble wife May show her duty and make known her love ? " And then with kind embracements, tempting

kisses,

And with declining head into his bosom, Bid him shed tears, as being overjoy'd 120

To see her noble lord restored to health, Who for this seven years hath esteemed him No better than a poor and loathsome beggar : And if the boy have not a woman's gift To rain a shower of commanded tears, An onion will do well for such a shift, Which in a napkin being close convey 'd 7

INDUCTION THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Shall in despite enforce a watery eye. See this dispatch'd with all the haste thou canst : Anon I'll give thee more instructions. 130

[Exit a Servingman.

I know the boy will well usurp the grace, Voice, gait and action of a gentlewoman : I long to hear him call the drunkard husband, And how my men will stay themselves from

laughter

When they do homage to this simple peasant. I'll in to counsel them ; haply my presence May well abate the over-merry spleen Which otherwise would grow into extremes.

[Exeunt.

SCENE II.

A bedchamber in the Lord's bouse.

Enter alojt Sly, witb Attendants; some witb apparel, others with basin and ewer and other appurtenances ; and Lord.

Sly. For God's sake, a pot of small ale.

First Serv. Will't please your lordship drink a cup of

sack?

Sec. Serv. Will't please your honour taste of these con- serves ?

Third Serv. What raiment will your honour wear to-day ? Sly. I am Christophero Sly ; call not me " honour " nor " lordship : " I ne'er drank sack in my life ; and if you give me any conserves, give me con- serves of beef: ne'er ask me what raiment I'll 8

APOT- OF -SMALL

/\JLlL IND- so n- v

INDUCTION THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

wear ; for I have no more doublets than backs, no more stockings than legs, nor no more shoes than feet; nay, sometime more feet than shoes, 10 or such shoes as my toes look through the over- leather.

Lord. Heaven cease this idle humour in your honour ! O, that a mighty man of such descent, Of such possessions and so high esteem, Should be infused with so foul a spirit !

Sly. What, would you make me mad? Am not I Christopher Sly, old Sly's son of Burton-heath, by birth a pedlar, by education a card-maker, 20 by transmutation a bear-herd, and now by pre- sent profession a tinker ? Ask Marian Hacket, the fat ale-wife of Wincot, if she know me not : if she say I am not fourteen pence on the score for sheer ale, score me up for the ly ingest knave in Christendom. What! I am not bestraught : here 's —

Third Serv. O, this it is that makes your lady mourn !

Sec. Serv. O, this is it that makes your servants droop !

Lord. Hence comes it that your kindred shuns your house, 30

As beaten hence by your strange lunacy. O noble lord, bethink thee of thy birth, Call home thy ancient thoughts from banishment And banish hence these abject lowly dreams. Look how thy servants do attend on thee, Each in his office ready at thy beck. Wilt thou have music ? hark ! Apollo plays

[Music.

And twenty caged nightingales do sing : Or wilt thou sleep? we'll have thee to a couch 11

INDUCTION THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Softer and sweeter than the lustful bed 40

On purpose trimm'd up for Semiramis. Say thou wilt walk ; we will bestrew the ground : Or wilt thou ride? thy horses shall be trapp'd, Their harness studded all with gold and pearl. Dost thou love hawking? thou hast hawks will soar Above the morning lark: or wilt thou hunt? Thy hounds shall make the welkin answer them And fetch shrill echoes from the hollow earth.

First Serv. Say thou wilt course ; thy greyhounds are

as swift As breathed stags, ay, fleeter than the roe. 50

Sec. Serv. Dost thou love pictures ? we will fetch thee

straight

Adonis painted by a running brook, And Cytherea all in sedges hid, Which seem to move and wanton with her breath, Even as the waving sedges play with wind.

Lord. We'll show thee lo as she was a maid, And how she was beguiled and surprised, As lively painted as the deed was done.

Third Serv. Or Daphne roaming through a thorny wood, Scratching her legs that one shall swear she bleeds, And at that sight shall sad Apollo weep, 61

So workmanly the blood and tears are drawn.

Lord. Thou art a lord and nothing but a lord : Thou hast a lady far more beautiful Than any woman in this waning age.

First Serv. And till the tears that she hath shed for thee Like envious floods o'er-run her lovely face, She was the fairest creature in the world ; And yet she is inferior to none.

Sly. Am I a lord ? and have I such a lady ? 70

12

INDUCTION THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Or do I dream ? or have I dream'd till now ?

I do not sleep : I see, I hear, I speak ;

I smell sweet savours and I feel soft things :

Upon my life, I am a lord indeed

And not a tinker nor Christophero Sly.

Well, bring our lady hither to our sight ;

And once again, a pot o' the smallest ale.

Sec. Serv. Will't please your mightiness to wash your

hands ?

O, how we joy to see your wit restored ! O, that once more you knew but what you are ! 80 These fifteen years you have been in a dream ; Or when you waked, so waked as if you slept.

Sly. These fifteen years ! by my fay, a goodly nap. But did I never speak of all that time ?

First Serv. O, yes, my lord, but very idle words :

For though you lay here in this goodly chamber, Yet would you say ye were beaten out of door ; And rail upon the hostess of the house ; And say you would present her at the leet, Because she brought stone jugs and no seal'd quarts : 90

Sometimes you would call out for Cicely Hacket.

Sly. Ay, the woman's maid of the house.

Third Serv. Why, sir, you know no house nor no such

maid,

Nor no such men as you have reckon'd up, As Stephen Sly and old John Naps of Greece And Peter Turph and Henry Pimpernell And twenty more such names and men as these Which never were nor no man ever saw.

Sly. Now Lord be thanked for my good amends !

All. Amen. 100

13

INDUCTION THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n Sly. I thank thee : thou shalt not lose by it.

Enter the Page as a lady, with attendants.

Page. How fares my noble lord ?

Sly. Marry, I fare well ; for here is cheer enough. Where is my wife ?

Page. Here, noble lord : what is thy will with her ?

Sly. Are you my wife and will not call me husband? 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? no

Lord. Madam.

Sly. Al'ce 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 or more.

Page. Ay, and the time seems thirty unto me, Being all this time abandon'd from your bed.

Sly. 'Tis much. Servants, leave me and her alone. Madam, undress you and come now to bed.

Page. Thrice-noble lord, let me entreat of you 120 To pardon me yet for a night or two, Or, if not so, until the sun be set : For your physicians have expressly charged, In peril to incur your former malady, That I should yet absent me from your bed : I hope this reason stands for my excuse.

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. 130

14

INDUCTION THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Enter a Messenger.

Mess. Your honour's players, hearing your amendment, Are come to play a pleasant comedy ; For so your doctors hold it very meet, Seeing too much sadness hath congeal'd your blood, And melancholy is the nurse of frenzy : Therefore they thought it good you hear a play And frame your mind to mirth and merriment, Which bars a thousand harms and lengthens life.

Sly. Marry, I will, let them play it. Is not a

comonty a Christmas gambold or a tumbling- 140 trick?

Page. No, my good lord ; it is more pleasing stuff.

Sly. What, household stuff?

Page. It is a kind of history.

Sly. Well, we'll see 't. Come, madam wife, sit by my side and let the world slip : we shall ne'er be younger.

Flourish.

SCENE I.

Padua. A public place. Enter Lucentio and bis man Tranio.

Luc. Tranio, since for the great desire I had To see fair Padua, nursery of arts, I am arrived for fruitful Lombardy, The pleasant garden of great Italy ; And by my father's love and leave am arm'd With his good will and thy good company, My trusty servant, well approved in all, Here let us breathe and haply institute A course of learning and ingenious studies. Pisa renown'd for grave citizens Gave me my being and my father first, A merchant of great traffic through the world, Vincentio, come of the Bentivolii. 16

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Vincentio's son brought up in Florence

It shall become to serve all hopes conceived,

To deck his fortune with his virtuous deeds :

And therefore, Tranio, for the time I study,

Virtue and that part of philosophy

Will I apply that treats of happiness

By virtue specially to be achieved. 20

Tell me thy mind ; for I have Pisa left

And am to Padua come, as he that leaves

A shallow plash to plunge him in the deep

And with satiety seeks to quench his thirst.

Tra. Mi perdonato, gentle master mine, I am in all affecled as yourself; Glad that you thus continue your resolve To suck the sweets of sweet philosophy. Only, good master, while we do admire This virtue and this moral discipline 30

Let's be no stoics nor no stocks, I pray; Or so devote to Aristotle's checks As Ovid be an outcast quite abjured: Balk logic with acquaintance that you have And practise rhetoric in your common talk ; Music and poesy use to quicken you ; The mathematics and the metaphysics, 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. 40

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 ?

17 c

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Tra. Master, some show to welcome us to town.

Enter Baptista, Katharina, Bianca, Gremio, and

Hortensio. Lucentio and Tranio stand by. Bap. Gentlemen, importune me no farther,

For how I firmly am resolved you know ;

That is, not to bestow my youngest daughter 50

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. \_Aside.~] To cart her rather : she 's too rough for me.

There, there, Hortensio, will you any wife ? Katb. I pray you, sir, is it your will

To make a stale of me amongst these mates? Hor. Mates, maid! how mean you that ? no mates for you,

Unless you were of gentler, milder mould. 60

Katb. r 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 !

Tra. Hush, master ! here 's some good pastime to- ward :

That wench is stark mad or wonderful froward. Luc. But in the other's silence do I see 70

Maid's mild behaviour and sobriety.

Peace, Tranio !

Tra. Well said, master ; mum ! and gaze your fill. Bap. Gentlemen, that I may soon make good 18

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

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.

Katb. A pretty peat ! it is best

Put finger in the eye, an she knew why.

Bian. Sister, content you in my discontent. 80

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.

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 bear the penance of her tongue ?

Bap. Gentlemen, content ye ; I am resolved : 90

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 ; ico For I have more to commune with Bianca. [Exit.

Katb. 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 19

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

are so good, here 's 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 : no 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 brooked 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 120 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. Thinkest 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 130 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

20

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

law makes us friends, it shall be so far forth 140 friendly maintained till by helping Baptista's eldest daughter to a husband we set hisyoungest 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. 150 [Exeunt Gremio and Hortensio.

Tra. 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 it 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, 160

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, 170

Perhaps you mark'd not what 's the pith of all.

21

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

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 ? mark'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. 181

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

stands :

Her elder sister is so curst and shrewd 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 will not be annoy'd with suitors.

Luc. Ah, Tranio, what a cruel father's he ! 190

But art thou not advised, 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, 22

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

And be in Padua here Vincentio's son, 200

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 meaner man of Pisa. 210

'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.

In brief, sir, sith it your pleasure is,

And I am tied to be obedient ;

For so your father charged me at our parting,

"Be serviceable to my son," quoth he,

Although I think 'twas in another sense ; 220

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. Here comes the rogue.

Enter Biondello.

Sirrah, where have you been? Bion. Where have I been ! Nay, how now ! where are you ? Master, has my fellow Tranio stolen 23

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

your clothes? Or you stolen his? or both? pray, what 's the news ? 230

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, 240

Luc. And not a jot of Tranio in your mouth : Tranio is changed into Lucentio.

Bion. The better for him : would I were so toe !

Tra. So could I, faith, boy, to have the next wish after, That Lucentio indeed had Baptista's youngest

daughter. But, sirrah, not for my sake, but your master's,

I advise You use your manners discreetly in all kind of

companies :

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 250 thyself execute, to make one among these wooers : if thou ask me why, sufficeth, my reasons are both good and weighty. [Exeunt.

The presenters above speak.

First Serv. My lord, you nod ; you do not mind the play.

24

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Sly. Yes, by Saint Anne, do I. A good matter, surely : comes there any more of it ?

Page. My lord, 'tis but begun.

Sly. Tis a very excellent piece of work, madam

lady : would 'twere done ! [They sit and mark.

SCENE II.

Padua. Before Hortensio's house. Enter Petrucbio and bis man Grumio.

Pet. Verona, for a while 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. 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? 10

Pet. Villain, I say, knock me at this gate

And rap me well, or I'll 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, sirrah, an you'll not knock, I'll ring it ;

I'll try how you can sol, fa, and sing it.

[He wrings bim by the ears. 25

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Gru. Help, masters, help ! my master is mad. Pet. Now, knock when I bid you, sirrah villain !

Enter Hortensio.

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 ? " Con tutto il cuore, ben trovato," may I say.

Hor. u Alia nostra casa ben venuto, molto hon- orato signor mio Petruchio." Rise, Grumio, rise : we will compound this quarrel.

Gru. Nay, 'tis no matter, sir, what he 'leges in Latin. If this be not a lawful cause for me to leave his service, look you, sir, he bid me knock him and rap him soundly, sir : well, was it fit for a servant to use his master so, being per- haps, 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, 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 here, rap me here, knock me well, and knock me soundly" ? And come you now with, " knock- ing at the gate " ?

Pet. Sirrah, be gone, or talk not, I advise you.

Hor. Petruchio, patience ; I am Grumio's pledge : Why, this 's a heavy chance 'twixt him and you, Your ancient, trusty, pleasant servant Grumio. And tell me now, sweet friend, what happy gale 26

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Blows you to Padua here from old Verona ?

Pet. Such wind as scatters young men through the world 50

To seek their fortunes farther than at home Where small experience grows. But in a few, Signior Hortensio, thus it stands with me : Antonio, my father, is deceased ; 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 ? 60 Thou'ldst 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 burden of my wooing dance, Be she as foul as was Florentius' love, As old as Sibyl and as curst and shrewd 70

As Socrates' Xanthippe, 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 80 27

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

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

Hor. Petruchio, since we are 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 intolerable curst And shrewd and froward, so beyond ail measure 90 That, were my state far worser than it is, I would not wed her for a mine of gold.

Pet. Hortensio, peace ! thou know'st not gold's effect : 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. 100

Pet. I know her father, though I know not her ; And he knew my deceased father well. I will not sleep, Hortensio, till I 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 scoldingwould do little good upon him: she may perhaps call him half a no 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 28

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

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, For in Baptista's keep my treasure is : He hath the jewel of my life in hold, His youngest daughter, beautiful Bianca, 120

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 rehearsed, 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. 130

Hor. Now shall my friend Petruchio do me grace, And offer me disguised 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.

Gru. Here 's no knavery ! See, to beguile the old folks, how the young folks lay their heads together ! 140

Enter Gremio, and Lucentio disguised. Master, master, look about you : who goes there,

ha?

Hor. Peace, Grumio ! it is the rival of my love. Petruchio, stand by a while. 29

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Gru. A proper stripling and an amorous !

Gre. O, very well ; I have perused 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 leclures to her :

You understand me : over and beside

Signior Baptista's liberality, 150

I'll mend it with a largess. Take your paper too,

And let me have them very well perfumed :

For she is sweeter than perfume itself

To whom they go to. 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 assured, 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 ! 160

Gru. O this woodcock, what an ass it is !

Pet. Peace, sirrah !

Hor. Grumio, mum ! God save you, Signior Gremio.

Gre. And you are well met, Signior Hortensio.

Trow you whither I am going? To Baptista Minola.

I promised to inquire carefully

About a schoolmaster for the 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 170

And other books, good ones, I warrant ye.

Hor. ;Tis well ; and I have met a gentleman Hath promised 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 beloved of me. 30

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Gre. Beloved of me ; and that my deeds shall prove.

Gru. And that his bags shall prove.

Hor. Gremio, 'tis now no time to vent our love :

Listen to me, and if you speak me fair, 180

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.

Gre. No, say'st me so, friend? What countryman? 190

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 i' God's name: You shall have me assisting you in all. But will you woo this wild-cat?

Pet. Wrillllive?

Gru. Will he woo her? ay, or I'll hang her.

Pet. Why came I hither but to that intent ?

Think you a little din can daunt mine ears ? 200 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 I not heard great ordnance in the field, And heaven's artillery thunder in the skies? Have I not in a pitched battle heard Loud 'larums, neighing steeds, and trumpets' • clang?

31

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

And do you tell me of a woman's tongue,

That gives not half so great a blow to hear

As will a chestnut in a farmer's fire? 210

Tush, tush ! fear boys with bugs.

Gru. For he fears none.

Gre. Hortensio, hark :

This gentleman is happily arrived,

My mind presumes, for his own good and ours.

Hor. I promised 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.

Enter Tranio brave, 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? 221

Bion. He that has the two fair daughters : is't 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 pray. Tra. I love no chiders, sir. Biondello, let's away. Luc. Well begun, Tranio. Hor. Sir, a word ere you go ;

Are you a suitor to the maid you talk of, yea or no ? Tra. And if I be, sir, is it any offence? 231

Gre. No ; if without more words you will get you

hence. Tra. Why, sir, I pray, are not the streets as free

For me as for you ?

Gre. But so is not she.

32

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

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, 240

To whom my father is not all unknown ; And were his daughter fairer than she is, She may more suitors have and me for one. Fair Leda's daughter had a thousand wooers ; Then well one more may fair Bianca have : And so she shall ; Lucentio shall make one, Though Paris came in hope to speed alone.

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? 250

Hor. Sir, let me be so bold as 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 a scolding tongue As is the other for beauteous modesty.

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.

Pet. Sir, understand you this of me in sooth :

The youngest daughter whom you hearken for

Her father keeps from all access of suitors, 261

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 amongst the rest,

33 D

ACT i THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

And 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. 270

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 beholding.

Tra. Sir, I shall not be slack : in sign whereof, Please ye we may contrive this afternoon, And quaff carouses 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 be gone. 280

Hor. The motion 's good indeed and be it so,

Petruchio, I shall be your ben venuto. [Exeunt.

34

)ACT H

SCENE I.

Padua. A room in Baptista's bouse. Enter Katbarina and Bianca.

Bian. Good sister, wrong me not, nor wrong yourself, To make a bondmaid and a slave of me ; 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.

Katb. Of all thy suitors, here I charge thee, tell

Whom thou lovest best : see thou dissemble not.

Bian. Believe me, sister, of all the men alive 10

I never yet beheld that special face Which I could fancy more than any other.

Katb. Minion, thou liest. Is't not Hortensio ?

Bian. If you aflTecl: him, sister, here I swear

I'll plead for you myself, but you shall have him.

Katb. 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 ? 35

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Nay then you jest, and now I well perceive You have but jested with me all this while : 20 I prithee, sister Kate, untie my hands. Katb. 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 hilding of a devilish spirit,

Why dost thou wrong her that did ne'er wrong thee?

When did she cross thee with a bitter word? Katb. Her silence flouts jne, and I'll be revenged.

[Flies after Bianca.

Bap. What, in my sight? Bianca, get thee in. 30

[Exit Bianca. Katb. What, 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 grieved as I ?

But who comes here ?

Enter Gremio, Lucentio in tbe babit of a mean man ; Petrucbio, witb Hortensio as a musician ; and Tranio, witb Biondello bearing a lute and books.

Ore. Good morrow, neighbour Baptista.

36

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Bap. Good morrow, neighbour Gremio. God 40 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, called Katharina.

Ore. You are too blunt : go to it orderly.

Pet. You wrong me, Signior Gremio : give me leave. I am a gentleman of Verona, sir, That, hearing of her beauty and her wit, Her affability and bashful modesty, Her wondrous qualities and mild behaviour, 50 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 in 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. 60

Bap. You're welcome, sir ; and he, for your good sake. But for my daughter Katharine, this I know, 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 sake. 37

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Gre. Saving your tale, Petruchio, I pray, 71

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 beholding to you than any, freely give unto you this young scholar [presenting Lucentio], that hath been long 80 studying at Rheims ; as cunning 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. Wel- come, good Cambio. [To Tranio.] But, gentle sir, 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, 90

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, 100

And this small packet of Greek and Latin books :

38

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

If you accept them, then their worth is great. Bap. Lucentio is your name ; of whence, I pray ? Tret. 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 the lute, and you the set of books ;

You shall go see your pupils presently.

Holla, within !

Enter a Servant. Sirrah, lead these gentlemen

To my daughters ; and tell them both, no

These are their tutors : bid them use them well. [Exit Servant, with Lucentio and Hortensio,

Biondello following.

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 decreased : Then tell me, if I get your daughter's love, 120 What dowry shall I have with her to wife ?

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

Pet. And, for that dowry, I'll assure her of Her widowhood, be 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, 39

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

That is, her love ; for that is all in all. 130

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. Bap. Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed !

But be thou arm'd for some unhappy words. 140 Pet. Ay, to the proof; as mountains are for winds,

That shake not, though they blow perpetually.

Re-enter Hortensio, with bis head broke.

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 musician?

Hor. I think she'll sooner prove a soldier : Iron may hold with her, but never lutes.

Bap. Why, then thou canst not break her to the lute?

Hor. Why, no ; for she hath broke the lute to me.

I did but tell her she mistook her frets, 150

And bow'd her hand to teach her fingering ; When, with a most impatient devilish spirit, " Frets, call you these ? " quoth she ; " Til 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 a while, As on a pillory, looking through the lute ; While she did call me rascal fiddler 40

MY PATE MADE

WAY

ACT II-

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

And twangling Jack ; with twenty such vile terms, As had she studied to misuse me so. 160

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. [Exeunt all but PetrucbioJ] I will

attend her here,

And woo her with some spirit when she comes. Say that she rail ; why then I'll tell her plain 171 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 180

When I shall ask the banns and when be married. But here she comes ; and now, Petruchio, speak.

Enter Katbarina.

Good morrow, Kate ; for that ;s your name, I hear. Kath. Well have 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, 43

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

And bonny Kate and sometimes Kate the curst ; But Kate, the prettiest Kate in Christendom, Kate of Kate Hall, my super-dainty Kate, 189

For dainties are all Kates, and therefore, Kate, Take this of me, Kate of my consolation ; Hearing thy mildness praised in every town, Thy virtues spoke of, and thy beauty sounded, Yet not so deeply as to thee belongs, Myself am moved to woo thee for my wife.

Katb. Moved ! in good time : let him that moved you

hither

Remove you hence : I knew you at the first You were a moveable.

Pet. Why, what 's a moveable ?

Katb. A join'd-stool.

Pet. Thou hast hit it: come, sit on me.

Katb. Asses are made to bear, and so are you. 200

Pet. Women are made to bear, and so are you.

Katb. No such jade as you, if me you mean.

Pet. Alas ! good Kate, I will not burden thee ;

For, knowing thee to be but young and light —

Katb. Too light for such a swain as you to catch ; And yet as heavy as my weight should be.

Pet. Should be ! should— buzz !

Katb. Well ta'en, and like a buzzard.

Pet. O slow-wing'd turtle ! shall a buzzard take thee?

Katb. Ay, for a turtle, as he takes a buzzard.

Pet. Come, come, you wasp ; i' faith, you are too angry. 210

Katb. If I be waspish, best beware my sting.

Pet. My remedy is then, to pluck it out.

Katb. Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies. 44

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Pet. Who knows not where a wasp does wear

his sting? In his tail. Katb. In his tongue. Pet. Whose tongue ?

Katb. Yours, if you talk of tails : and so farewell. Pet. What, with my tongue in your tail ? nay, come

again,

Good Kate ; I am a gentleman.

Katb. That I'll try. [She strikes him.

Pet. I swear I'll cuflfyou, if you strike again. 221 Katb. So may you lose your arms :

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 ! Katb. What is your crest ? a coxcomb ? Pet. A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen. Katb. No cock of mine; you crow too like a craven. Pet. Nay, come, Kate, come ; you must not look so

sour.

Katb. It is my fashion, when I see a crab. 230

Pet. Why, here 's no crab ; and therefore look not

sour.

Katb. There is, there is. Pet. Then show it me. Katb. Had I a glass, I would. Pet. What, you mean my face ? Katb. Well aim'd of such a young one. Pet. Now, by Saint George, I am too young for you. Katb. Yet you are withered.

Pet. 'Tis with cares. 240

Katb. I care not.

Pet. Nay, hear you, Kate : in sooth you scape not so. Katb. I chafe you, if I tarry : let me go. 45

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

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 ;

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, 250

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 hazel-twig

Is straight and slender and as brown in hue

As hazel nuts and sweeter than the kernels.

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

Katb. Go, fool, and whom thou keep'st command.

Pet. Did ever Dian so become a grove 260

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 !

Katb. Where did you study all this goodly speech?

Pet. It is extempore, from my mother-wit.

Katb. A witty mother ! witless else her son.

Pet. Am I not wise ?

Katb. Yes ; keep you warm.

Pet. Marry, so I mean, sweet Katharine, in thy bed : And therefore, setting all this chat aside, 270

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, 46

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

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 Kate to a Kate Conformable as other household Kates. 280

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, 290

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. 300

Katb. 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 !

47

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Pet. Be patient, gentlemen ; I choose her for myself: If she and I be pleased, 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 310 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 curstest 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.

Bap. I know not what to say : but give me your hands ; 320

God send you joy, Petruchio ! 'tis a match.

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 Petrucbio and Katbarina severally.

Gre. Was ever match clapp'd up so suddenly?

Bap. Faith, gentlemen, now I play a merchant's part, And venture madly on a desperate mart.

Tra. 'Twas a commodity lay fretting by you : 330

'Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas.

Bap. The gain I seek is, quiet in the match.

Gre. No doubt but he hath got a quiet catch.

But now, Baptista, to your younger daughter :

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Now is the day we long have looked for : I am your neighbour, and was suitor first.

Tra. And I am one that love Bianca more

Than words can witness, or your thoughts can guess.

Gre. Youngling, thou canst not love so dear as I.

Tra. Greybeard, thy love doth freeze.

Gre. But thine doth fiy. 340

Skipper, stand back : 'tis age that nourisheth.

Tra. But youth in ladies' eyes that flourisheth.

Bap. Content you, gentlemen : I will compound this

strife :

'Tis deeds must win the prize ; and he of both That can assure my daughter greatest dower Shall have my Bianca's love. Say, Signior Gremio, what can you assure her?

Gre. First, as you know, my house within the city Is richly furnished with plate and gold ; Basins and ewers to lave her dainty hands ; 350 My hangings all of Tyrian tapestry; In ivory coffers I have stuff' d my crowns ; In cypress chests my arras counterpoints, Costly apparel, tents, and canopies, Fine linen, Turkey cushions boss'd with pearl, Valance of Venice gold in needlework, Pewter and brass and all things that belong To house and housekeeping : then, at my farm I have a hundred milch-kine to the pail, Sixscore fat oxen standing in my stalls, 360

And all things answerable to this portion. Myself am struck in years, I must confess ; And if I die to-morrow, this is hers, If whilst I live she will be only mine.

49 E

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Tra. That " only " came well in. Sir, list to me : I am my father's heir and only son : If I may have your daughter to my wife, I'll leave her houses three or four as good, Within rich Pisa walls, as any one Old Signior Gremio has in Padua ; 370

Besides two thousand ducats by the year Of fruitful land, all which shall be her jointure. What, have I pinch'd you, Signior Gremio?

Ore. Two thousand ducats by the year of land ! My land amounts not to so much in all : That she' shall have ; besides an argosy That now is lying in Marseilles' road. What, have I choked you with an argosy ?

Tra. Gremio, 'tis known my father hath no less 379 Than three great argosies ; besides two galliases, And twelve tight galleys : these I will assure her, And twice as much, whate'er thou oflfer'st next.

Gre. Nay, I have ofFer'd all, I have no more ; And she can have no more than all I have : If you like me, she shall have me and mine.

Tra. Why, then the maid is mine from all the world, By your firm promise : Gremio is out-vied.

Bap. I must confess your offer is the best ;

And, let your father make her the assurance, She is your own ; else, you must pardon me, 390 If you should die before him, where 's her dower?

Tra. That 's but a cavil : he is old, I young.

Gre. And may not young men die, as well as old ?

Bap. Well, gentlemen,

I am thus resolved : on Sunday next you know My daughter Katharine is to be married : Now, on the Sunday following, shall Bianca 50

ACT ii THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Be bride to you, if you make this assurance ;

If not, to Signior Gremio :

And so, I take my leave, and thank you both.

Gre. Adieu, good neighbour. {Exit Baptista.

Now I fear thee not: 401

Sirrah young gamester, your father were a fool To give thee all, and in his waning age Set foot under thy table : tut, a toy ! An old Italian fox is not so kind, my boy. [Exit.

Tra. A vengeance on your crafty wither'd hide ! Yet I have faced it with a card of ten. 'Tis in my head to do my master good : I see no reason but supposed Lucentio Must get a father, call'd " supposed Vincentio ;" And that 's a wonder: fathers commonly 411

Do get their children ; but in this case of wooing, A child shall get a sire, if I fail not of my cunning.

\_Exit.

SCENE I.

Padua. Baptista's bouse. Enter Lucentio, Horlensio, and Bianca.

Luc. Fiddler, forbear ; you grow too forward, sir : Have you so soon forgot the entertainment Her sister Katharine welcomed you withal ?

HOT. But, wrangling pedant, this is

The patroness of heavenly harmony: Then give me leave to have prerogative ; And when in music we have spent an hour, Your leclure shall have leisure for as much.

Luc. Preposterous ass, that never read so far To know the cause why music was ordain'd ! Was it not to refresh the mind of man After his studies or his usual pain ? Then give me leave to read philosophy, And while I pause, serve in your harmony.

Hor. Sirrah, I will not bear these braves of thine.

Bian. Why, gentlemen, you do me double wrong, To strive for that which resteth in my choice : 52

TIS NO\V IN

ACT 111-56- 1-

ACT in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

I am no breeching scholar in the schools ;

I'll not be tied to hours nor 'pointed times,

But learn my lessons as I please myself. 20

And, to cut off all strife, here sit we down :

Take you your instrument, play you the whiles ;

His leclure will be done ere you have tuned.

Hor. You'll leave his lecture when I am in tune ?

Luc. That will be never : tune your instrument.

Bian. Where left we last ?

Luc. Here, madam :

" Hie ibat Simois ; hie est Sigeia tellus ; Hie steterat Priami regia celsa senis."

Bian. Construe them. 30

Luc. " Hie ibat," as I told you before, " Simois," I am Lucentio, " hie est," son unto Vincentio of Pisa, "Sigeia tellus," disguised thus to get your love ; " Hie steterat," and that Lucentio that comes a-wooing, " Priami," is my man Tranio, " regia/' bearing my port, " celsa senis," that we might beguile the old pantaloon.

Hor. Madam, my instrument's in tune.

Bian. Let 's hear. O fie ! the treble jars.

Luc. Spit in the hole, man, and tune again. 40

Bian. Now let me see if I can construe it :

ik Hie ibat Simois," I know you not, " hie est Sigeia tellus," I trust you not; " Hie steterat Priami," take heed he hear us not, " regia," presume not, " celsa senis," despair not.

Hor. Madam, 'tis now in tune.

Luc. All but the base.

Hor. The base is right; 'tis the base knave that jars. [^4sic/e.] How fiery and forward our pedant is ! Now, for my life, the knave doth court my love : 55

ACT in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Pedascule, I'll watch you better yet. 50

Bian. In time I may believe, yet I mistrust. Luc. Mistrust it not ; for, sure ^acides

Was Ajax, calPd so from his grandfather. Bian. I must believe my master ; else, I promise you,

I should be arguing still upon that doubt :

But let it rest. Now, Licio, to you :

Good masters, take it not unkindly, pray,

That I have been thus pleasant with you both. Hor. You may go walk, and give me leave a while :

My lessons make no music in three parts. 60

Luc. Are you so formal, sir? well, I must wait,

[Aside.] And watch withal ; for, but I be deceived,

Our fine musician groweth amorous. Hor. Madam, before you touch the instrument.

To learn the order of my fingering,

I must begin with rudiments of art ;

To teach you gamut in a briefer sort,

More pleasant, pithy and effectual,

Than hath been taught by any of my trade :

And there it is in writing, fairly drawn. 70

Bian. Why, I am past my gamut long ago. Hor. Yet read the gamut of Hortensio. Bian. [Reads.] " ' Gamut7 I am, the ground of all

accord,

4 A re/ to plead Hortensio's passion ; 4 B mi/ Bianca, take him for thy lord,

4 C fa ut/ that loves with all affection : 4 D sol re/ one clef, two notes have I : 4 E la mi/ show pity, or I die."

Call you this gamut? tut, I like it not:

Old fashions please me best ; I am not so nice, 80

56

ACT in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n To change true rules for old inventions.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. Mistress, your father prays you leave your books And help to dress your sister's chamber up: You know to-morrow is the wedding-day. Bian. Farewell, sweet masters both ; I must be gone. [Exeunt Bianca and Servant. Luc. Faith, mistress, then I have no cause to stay

[Exit.

Hor. But I have cause to pry into this pedant : Methinks he looks as though he were in love : Yet if thy thoughts, Bianca, be so humble To cast thy wandering eyes on every stale, 90

Seize thee that list : if once I find thee ranging, Hortensio will be quit with thee by changing.

[Exit.

SCENE II. Padua. Before Baptista's bouse.

Enter Baptista, Gremio, Tranio, Katbarina, Bianca, Lucentio, and others, attendants.

Bap. \_To Tranio.~] Signior Lucentio, this is the 'pointed

day.

That Katharine and Petruchio should be married, And yet we hear not of our son-in-law. What will be said ? what mockery will it be, To want the bridegroom when the priest attends To speak the ceremonial rites of marriage ! What says Lucentio to this shame of ours 57

ACT in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Katb. No shame but mine : I must, forsooth, be forced To give my hand opposed against my heart Unto a mad-brain rudesby full of spleen ; 10

Who woo'd in haste and means to wed at leisure. I told you, I, he was a frantic fool, Hiding his bitter jests in blunt behaviour: And, to be noted for a merry man, He'll woo a thousand, 'point the day of marriage, Make feasts, invite friends, and proclaim the banns ; Yet never means to wed where he hath woo'd. Now must the world point at poor Katharine, And say, " Lo, there is mad Petruchio's wife, If it would please him come and marry her ! " 20

Tra. Patience, good Katharine, and Baptista too. Upon my life, Petruchio means but well, Whatever fortune stays him from his word : Though he be blunt, I know him passing wise ; Though he be merry, yet withal he's honest.

Katb. Would Katharine had never seen him though ! [Exit weeping, followed by Bianca and others.

Bap. Go, girl ; I cannot blame thee now to weep ; For such an injury would vex a very saint, Much more a shrew of thy impatient humour.

Enter Biondello. Bion. Master, master ! news, old news, and such 30

news as you never heard of !

Bap. Is it new and old too ? how may that be ? Bion. Why, is it not news, to hear of Petruchio's

coming?

Bap. Is he come? Bion. Why, no, sir. Bap. What then?

58

ACT in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Bion. He is coming.

Bap. When will he be here ?

Bion. When he stands where I am and sees you 40 there.

Tra. But say, what to thine old news ?

Bion. Why, Petruchio is coming in a new hat and an old jerkin, a pair of old breeches thrice turned, a pair of boots that have been candle- cases, one buckled, another laced, an old rusty sword ta'en out of the town-armoury, with a broken hilt, and chapeless ; with two broken points : his horse hipped with an old mothy saddle and stirrups of no kindred; besides, pos- 50 sessed with the glanders and like to mose in the chine ; troubled with the lampass, infected with the fashions, full of windgalls, sped with spavins, rayed with the yellows, past cure of the fives, stark spoiled with the staggers, be- gnawn with the bots, swayed in the back and shoulder-shotten ; near-legged before and with a half-checked bit and a head-stall of sheep's leather which, being restrained to keep him from stumbling, hath been often burst and now 60 repaired with knots; one girth six times pieced and a woman's crupper of velure, which hath two letters for her name fairly set down in studs, and here and there pieced with packthread,

Bap. Who comes with him?

Bion. O, sir, his lackey, for all the world capa- risoned like the horse ; with a linen stock on one leg and a kersey boot-hose on the other, gartered with a red and blue list ; an old hat and " the humour of forty fancies " prick'd in't 70 59

ACT in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

for a feather : a monster, a very monster in apparel, and not like a Christian footboy or a gentleman's lackey. Tra. 'Tis some odd humour pricks him to this fashion ;

Yet oftentimes he goes but mean-apparell'd. Bap. I am glad he's colne, howsoe'er he comes. Bion. Why, sir, he comes not. Bap. Didst thou not say he comes ? Bion. Who ? that Petruchio came ? Bap. Ay, that Petruchio came. 80

Bion. No, sir ; I say his horse comes, with him

on his back.

Bap. Why, that's all one. Bion. Nay, by Saint Jamy, I hold you a penny, A horse and a man Is more than one, And yet not many.

Enter Petruchio and Grumio.

Pet. Come, where be these gallants ? who 's at home ?

Bap. You are welcome, sir.

Pet. And yet I come not well. 90

Bap. And yet you halt not.

Tra. Not so well apparell'd

As I wish you were.

Pet. Were it better, I should rush in thus.

But where is Kate ? where is my lovely bride ? How does my father? Gentles, methinks you frown: And wherefore gaze this goodly company, As if they saw some wondrous monument, Some comet or unusual prodigy?

Bap. Why, sir, you know this is your wedding-day : 60

ACT in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

First were we sad, fearing you would not come ; Now sadder, that you come so unprovided, 101

Fie, doff this habit, shame to your estate, An eye-sore to our solemn festival !

Tra. And tell us, what occasion of import

Hath all so long detain'd you from your wife, And sent you hither so unlike yourself?

Pet. Tedious it were to tell, and harsh to hear: Sufficeth, I am come to keep my word, Though in some part enforced to digress ; Which, at more leisure, I will so excuse no

As you shall well be satisfied withal. But where is Kate ? I stay too long from her : The morning wears, 'tis time we were at church.

Tra. See not your bride in these unreverent robes : Go to my chamber ; put on clothes of mine.

Pet. Not I, believe me : thus I'll visit her.

Bap. But thus, I trust, you will not marry her.

Pet. Good sooth, even thus ; therefore ha' done with

words :

To me she 's married, not unto my clothes : Could I repair what she will wear in me, 120

As I can change these poor accoutrements, 'Twere well for Kate and better for myself. But what a fool am I to chat with you, When I should bid good morrow to my bride, And seal the title with a lovely kiss !

[Exit Petrucbio and Grumio.

Tra. He hath some meaning in his mad attire : We will persuade him, be it possible, To put on better ere he go to church.

Bap. I'll after him, and see the event of this.

[Exeunt Baptista, Gremio, and attendants. 61

ACT in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Tra. But to her love concerneth us to add 130

Her father's liking : which to bring to pass, 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, — Arid 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.

Luc. Were it not that my fellow-schoolmaster 140 Doth watch Bianca's steps so narrowly, 'Twere 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. 150

Re-enter Gremio.

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 ? 'tis a groom indeed,

A grumbling groom, and that the girl shall find. Tra. Curster than she? why, 'tis 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 62

ACT in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Should ask, if Katharine should be his wife,

" Ay, by gogs-wouns," quoth he ; and swore so loud,

That, all-amazed, the priest let fall the book ;

And, as he stoop'd again to take it up,

This mad-brain'd bridegroom took him such a cuff

That down fell priest and book and book and priest :

" Now take them up," quoth he, " if any list."

Tra. What said the wench when he rose again ?

Gre. Trembled and shook ; for why, he stamp'd and

swore,

As if the vicar meant to cozen him. 170

But after many ceremonies done, He calls for wine : " A health ! " quoth he, as if He had been aboard, carousing to his mates After a storm ; quafPd off the muscadel And threw the sops all in the sexton's face ; Having no other reason But that his beard grew thin and hungerly And seem'd to ask him sops as he was drinking. This done, he took the bride about the neck And kiss'd her lips with such a clamorous smack That at the parting all the church did echo : 181 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 prepared great store of wedding cheer ;

ACT in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

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. 200

Pet. It may not be.

Gre. Let me entreat you.

Pet. It cannot be.

Katb. Let me entreat you.

Pet. I am content.

Katb. Are you content to stay ?

Pet. I am content you shall entreat me stay ; But yet not stay, entreat me how you can.

Katb. Now, if you love me, stay.

Pet. Grumio, my horse.

Grit. Ay, sir, they be ready : the oats have eaten the horses.

Katb. Nay, then,

Do what thou canst, I will not go to-day ; 210

No, nor to-morrow, not till I please myself. The door is open, sir ; there lies your way : You may be jogging whiles your boots are green ; For me, I'll not be gone till I please myself: 'Tis like you'll prove a jolly surly groom, That take it on you at the first so roundly.

Pet. O Kate, content thee ; prithee, be not angry.

ACT in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Katb. I will be angry : what hast thou to do ? Father, be quiet : he shall stay my leisure.

Gre. Ay, marry, sir, now it begins to work. 220

Katb. 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 ; I will be master of what is mine own: 231

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 are beset with thieves ; Rescue thy mistress, if thou be a man. Fear not, sweet wench, they shall not touch thee, Kate : 240

I'll buckler thee against a million.

[Exeunt Petrucbio, Katbarina, 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.

ACT in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Bap. Neighbours and friends, though bride and bride- groom wants

For to supply the places at the table, You know there wants no junkets at the feast. 250 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.

66

CT IV

SCENE.-!

Petrucbio's country bouse. Enter Grumio.

Gru. Fie, fie on all tired jades, on all mad mas- ters, and all foul ways ! Was ever man so beaten? was ever man so rayed? was ever man so weary? I am sent before to make a fire, and they are coming after to warm them. Now, were not I a little pot and soon hot, my very lips might freeze to my teeth, my tongue to the roof of my mouth, my heart in my belly, ere I should come by a fire, to thaw me : but I, with blowing the fire, shall warm myself; for, considering the weather, a taller man than I will take cold. Holla, ho ! Curtis.

Enter Curtis.

Curt. Who is that calls so coldly? 67

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Gru. A piece of ice : if thou doubt it, thou mayst slide from my shoulder to my heel with no greater a run but my head and my neck. A fire, good Curtis.

Curt. Is my master and his wife coming, Grumio ?

Gru. O, ay, Curtis, ay : and therefore fire, fire ; 20 cast on no water.

Curt. Is she so hot a shrew as she 's reported ?

Gru. She was, good Curtis, before this frost : but, thou knowest, winter tames man, woman and beast ; for it hath tamed my old master and my new mistress and myself, fellow Curtis.

Curt. Away, you three-inch fool ! I am no beast.

Gru. Am I but three inches ? why, thy horn is a

foot ; and so long am I at the least. But wilt 30 thou make a fire, or shall I complain on thee to our mistress, whose hand, she being now at hand, thou shalt soon feel, to thy cold comfort, for being slow in thy hot office ?

Curt. I prithee, good Grumio, tell me, how goes the world?

Gru. A cold world, Curtis, in every office but thine ; and therefore fire : do thy duty, and have thy duty ; for my master and mistress are almost frozen to death. 40

Curt. There 's fire ready ; and therefore, good Grumio, the news.

Gru. Why, u Jack, boy ! ho! boy!" and as much news as will thaw.

Curt. Come, you are so full of cony-catching !

Gru. Why, therefore fire ; for I have caught ex- 68

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

treme cold. Where's the cook? is supper ready, the house trimmed, rushes strewed, cobwebs swept ; the serving-men in their new fustian, their white stockings, and every officer 50 his wedding-garment on? Be the jacks fair within, the jills fair without, the carpets laid, and every thing in order?

Curt. All ready ; and therefore, I pray thee, news.

Gru. First, know, my horse is tired ; my master and mistress fallen out.

Curt. How?

Gru. Out of their saddles into the dirt ; and

thereby hangs a tale. 60

Curt. Let 's ha 't, good Grumio.

Gru. Lend thine ear.

Curt. Here.

Gru. There. [Strikes him.

Curt. This is to feel a tale, not to hear a tale.

Gru. And therefore 'tis called a sensible tale ; and this cuff was but to knock at your ear, and beseech listening. Now I begin : Imprimis, we came down a foul hill, my master riding be- hind my mistress, — 70

Curt. Both of one horse ?

Gru. What ;s that to thee ?

Curt. Why, a horse.

Gru. Tell thou the tale : but hadst thou not crossed me, thou shouldst have heard how her horse fell and she under her horse ; thou shouldst have heard in how miry a place, how she was bemoiled, how he left her with the horse upon her,how he beatme because her horse stumbled,

69

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

how she waded through the dirt to pluck him 80 off me, how he swore, how she prayed, that never prayed before, howlcried, how the horses ran away, how her bridle was burst, how I lost my crupper, with many things of worthy memory, which now shall die in oblivion and thou return unexperienced to thy grave.

Curt. By this reckoning he is more shrew than she.

Gru. Ay ; and that thou and the proudest of you

all shall find when he comes home. But what 90 talk I of this? Call forth Nathaniel, Joseph, Nicholas, Philip, Walter, Sugarsop and the rest: let their heads be sleekly combed, their blue coats brushed and their garters of an indifferent knit: let them curtsy with their left legs and not pre- sume to touch a hair of my master's horse-tail till they kiss their hands. Are they all ready?

Curt. They are.

Gru. Call them forth.

Curt. Do you hear, ho? you must meet my 100 master to countenance my mistress.

Gru. Why, she hath a face of her own.

Curt. Who knows not that ?

Gru. Thou, it seems, that calls for company to countenance her.

Curt. I call them forth to credit her.

Gru. Why, she comes to borrow nothing of them.

Enter four or five Serving-men. Natb. Welcome home, Grumio ! Phil. How now, Grumio ! no

70

HOWTHEHORSES

RAN AWAY

ACMV-SOl

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Jos. What, Grumio !

Nicb. Fellow Grumio !

Natb. How now, old lad ?

Gru. Welcome, you ; — how now, you ; — what, you ; — fellow, you ; — and thus much for greet- ing. Now, my spruce companions, is all ready, and all things neat ?

Natb. All things is ready. How near is our master?

Gru. E'en at hand, alighted by this; and there- 120 fore be not — Cock's passion, silence ! I hear my master.

Enter Petrucbio and Katbarina.

Pet. Where be these knaves ? What, no man at door

To hold my stirrup nor to take my horse !

Where is Nathaniel, Gregory, Philip ? All Serv. Here, here, sir ; here, sir. Pet. Here, sir ! here, sir ! here, sir ! here, sir !

You logger-headed and unpolish'd grooms !

What, no attendance ? no regard ? no duty ?

Where is the foolish knave I sent before? 130

Gru. Here, sir ; as foolish as I was before. Pet. You peasant swain ! you whoreson malt-horse drudge !

Did I not bid thee meet me in the park,

And bring along these rascal knaves with thee ? Gru. Nathaniel's coat, sir, was not fully made,

And Gabriel's pumps were all unpink'd i' the heel ;

There was no link to colour Peter's hat,

And Walter's dagger was not come from sheathing : 73

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

There were none fine but Adam, Ralph, and

Gregory ;

The rest were ragged, old, and beggarly ; 140

Yet, as they are, here are they come to meet you. Pet. Go, rascals, go, and fetch my supper in.

[Exeunt Servants.

[Singing.] Where is the life that late I led — Where are those — Sit down, Kate, and welcome. — Soud, soud, soud, soud !

Re-enter Servants with supper.

Why, when, I say ? Nay, good sweet Kate, be

merry. Off with my boots, you rogues! you villains, when?

[Siwgs.] It was the friar of orders grey,

As he forth walked on his way : —

Out, you rogue ! you pluck my foot awry: 150 Take that, and mend the plucking off the other.

[Strikes him.

Be merry, Kate. Some water, here ; what, ho ! Where 's my spaniel Troilus ? Sirrah, get you

hence,

And bid my cousin Ferdinand come hither : One, Kate, that you must kiss, and be acquainted

with. Where are my slippers? Shall I have some water?

Enter one with water.

Come, Kate, and wash, and welcome heartily. You whoreson villain ! will you let it fall ?

[Strikes him.

Kath. Patience, I pray you ; 'twas a fault unwilling. 74

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Pet. A whoreson beetle-headed, flap-ear'd knave ! 160 Come, Kate, sit down ; I know you have a sto- mach.

Will you give thanks, sweet Kate ; or else shall I? What 's this ? mutton ?

First Serv. Ay.

Pet. Who brought it?

Peter. I.

Pet. 'Tis burnt ; and so is all the meat.

What dogs are these ! Where is the rascal cook? How durst you, villains, bring it from the dresser, And serve it thus to me that love it not ? There, take it to you, trenchers, cups, and all :

[Throws the meat, etc., about the stage. You heedless joltheads and unmanner'd slaves ! What,, do you grumble ? I'll be with you straight.

Kath. I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet : 171 The meat was well, if you were so contented.

Pet. I tell thee, Kate, 'twas burnt and dried away ; And I expressly am forbid to touch it, For it engenders choler, planteth anger ; And better 'twere that both of us did fast, Since, of ourselves, ourselves are choleric, Than feed it with such over-roasted flesh. Be patient ; to-morrow 't shall be mended, And, for this night, we'll fast for company : 180 Come, I will bring thee to thy bridal chamber.

[Exeunt.

Re-enter Servants severally.

Nath. Peter, didst ever see the like? Peter. He kills her in her own humour.

75

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Re-enter Curtis.

Gru. Where is he ?

Curt. In her chamber, making a sermon of con- tinency to her ; And rails, and swears, and rates, that she, poor

soul,

Knows not which way to stand, to look, to speak, And sits as one new-risen from a dream. 189

Away, away ! for he is coming hither. [Exeunt.

Re-enter Petruchio.

Pet. Thus have I politicly begun my reign, And 'tis my hope to end successfully. My falcon now is sharp and passing empty ; And till she stoop she must not be full-gorged, For then she never looks upon her lure. Another way I have to man my haggard, • To make her come and know her keeper's call, That is, to watch her, as we watch these kites That bate and beat and will not be obedient. She eat no meat to-day, nor none shall eat ; 200 Last night she slept not, nor to-night she shall

not ;

As with the meat, some undeserved fault I'll find about the making of the bed ; And here I'll fling the pillow, there the bolster, This way the coverlet, another way the sheets : Ay, and amid this hurly I intend That all is done in reverend care of her ; And in conclusion she shall watch all night : And if she chance to nod I'll rail and brawl And with the clamour keep her still awake. 210

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

This is a way to kill a wife with kindness ;

And thus I'll curb her mad and headstrong humour.

He that knows better how to tame a shrew,

Now let him speak : 'tis charity to show. [Exit.

SCENE II.

Padua. Before Baptista's house. Enter Tranio and Hortensio.

Tra. Is 't possible, friend Licio, that Mistress 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.

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 !

Luc. While you, sweet dear, prove mistress of my heart! 10

Hor. Quick proceeders, marry ! Now, tell me, I pray, You that durst swear that your mistress Bianca Loved none in the world so well as Lucentio.

Tra. O despiteful love ! unconstant womankind ! I tell thee, Licio, this is wonderful.

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, For such a one as leaves a gentleman, 77

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

And makes a god of such a cullion : 20

Know, sir, that I am call'd Hortensio.

Tret. Signior Hortensio, I have often heard Of your entire affection to Bianca ; And since mine eyes are witness of her lightness, I will with you, if you be so contented, Forswear Bianca and her love for ever.

Hor. See, how they kiss and court ! Signior Lucentio. Here is my hand, and here I firmly vow Never to woo her more, but do forswear her, As one unworthy all the former favours 30

That I have fondly flatter'd her withal.

Tra. And here I take the like unfeigned oath,

Never to marry with her though she would en- treat : Fie on her ! see, how beastly she doth court him !

Hor. Would all the world but he had quite forsworn ! For me, that I may surely keep mine oath, I will be married to a wealthy widow, Ere three days pass, which hath as long loved me As I have loved this proud disdainful haggard. And so farewell, Signior Lucentio. 40

Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, Shall win my love : and so I take my leave, In resolution as I swore before. [Exit.

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, And have forsworn you with Hortensio.

Bian. Tranio, you jest: but have you both forsworn me?

Tra. Mistress, we have.

Luc. Then we are rid of Licio.

78

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Tra. V faith, he'll have a lusty widow now, 50

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.

Bian. The taming-school ! what, is there such a 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.

Bion. O master, master, I have watch'd so long

That I am dog-weary : but at last I spied 60

An ancient angel coming down the hill, Will serve the turn.

Tra. What is he, Biondello ?

Bion. Master, a mercatante, or a pedant,

I know not what ; but formal in apparel,

In gait and countenance surely like a father.

Luc. And what of him, Tranio?

Tra. If he be credulous and trust my tale, I'll make him glad to seem Vincentio, And give assurance to Baptista Minola, As if he were the right Vincentio. 70

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 farthest ? Ped. Sir, at the farthest for a week or two : 79

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

But then up farther, and as far as Rome ;

And so to Tripoli, if God lend me life. Tra. What countryman, I pray? Fed. 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 81

To come to Padua. Know you not the cause?

Your ships are stay'd at Venice, and the duke,

For private quarrel 'twixt your duke and him,

Hath published and proclaim'd it openly :

'Tis marvel, but that you are but newly come,

You might have heard it else proclaim'd about. Ped. Alas ! sir, it is worse for me than so ;

For I have bills for money by exchange

From Florence and must here deliver them. 90 Tra. Well, sir, to do you courtesy,

This will I do, and this I will advise you:

First, tell me, have you ever been at Pisa ? Ped. Ay, sir, in Pisa have I often been,

Pisa renowned for grave citizens. 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. 100 Bion. [Aside.] As much as an apple doth an oyster,

and all one. Tra. To save your life in this extremity,

This favour will I do you for his sake ;

And think it not the worst of all your fortunes

That you are like to Sir Vincentio. 80

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. m

His name and credit shall you undertake,

And in my house you shall be friendly lodged :

Look that you take upon you as you should ;

You understand me, sir : so shall you stay

Till you have done your business in the city: 110

It' this be courtesy, sir, accept of it.

Fed. O sir, I do ; and will repute you ever The patron of my life and liberty.

Tra. Then go with me to make the matter good. This, by the way, I let you understand ; My father is here look'd for every day, To pass assurance of a dower in marriage 'Twixt me and one Baptista's daughter here : In all these circumstances I'll instruct you : Go with me to clothe you as becomes you. 120

[Exeunt.

SCENE III.

A room in Petrucbio's bouse. Enter Katbarina and Grumio.

Gru. No, no, forsooth ; I dare not for my life.

Katb. The more my wrong, the more his spite appears: What, did he marry me to famish me ? Beggars, that come unto my father's door, Upon entreaty have a present alms ; If not, elsewhere they meet with charity : But I, who never knew how to entreat, Nor never needed that I should entreat, Am starved for meat, giddy for lack of sleep,

8l G

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. in

With oaths kept waking and with brawling fed : 10

And that which spites me more than all these wants,

He does it under name of perfect love ;

As who should say, if I should sleep or eat,

'Twere deadly sickness or else present death.

I prithee go and get me some repast ;

I care not what, so it be wholesome food. Gru. What say you to a neat's foot ? Katb. 'Tis passing good : I prithee let me have it. Gru. I fear it is too choleric a meat.

How say you to a fat tripe finely broil'd? 20

Katb. I like it well : good Grumio, fetch it me. Gru. I cannot tell ; I fear 'tis choleric.

What say you to a piece of beef and mustard ? Katb. A dish that I do love to feed upon. Gru. Ay, but the mustard is too hot a little. Katb. Why then, the beef, and let the mustard rest. Gru. Nay then, I will not : you shall have the mus- tard,

Or else you get no beef of Grumio. Katb. Then both, or one, or any thing thou wilt. Gru. Why then, the mustard without the beef. 30 Katb. Go, get thee gone, thou false deluding slave,

[Beats him.

That feed'st me with the very name of meat :

Sorrow on thee and all the pack of you,

That triumph thus upon my misery !

Go, get thee gone, I say.

Enter Petrucbio and Hortensio with meat. Pet. How fares my Kate ? What, sweeting, all amort ?

82

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. m

Hor. Mistress, what cheer?

Katb. Faith, as cold as can be.

Pet. Pluck up thy spirits ; look cheerfully upon me. Here, love; thou see'st how diligent I am To dress thy meat myself and bring it thee : 40 I am sure, sweet Kate, this kindness merits thanks. What, not a word ? Nay, then thou lovest it not ; And all my pains is sorted to no proof. Here, take away this dish.

Katb. I pray you, let it stand.

Pet. The poorest service is repaid with thanks ; And so shall mine, before you touch the meat.

Katb. I thank you, sir.

Hor. Signior Petruchio, fie ! you are to blame. Come, Mistress Kate, I'll bear you company.

Pet. [Aside.] Eat it up all, Hortensio, if thou lovest me. 50

Much good do it unto thy gentle heart ! Kate, eat apace : and now, my honey love, Will we return unto thy father's house And revel it as bravely as the best, With silken coats and caps and golden rings, With ruffs and cuffs and fardingales and things ; With scarfs and fans and double change of bravery. With amber bracelets, beads and all this knavery. What, hast thou dined? The tailor stays thy

leisure, To deck thy body with his ruffling treasure. 60

Enter Tailor.

Come, tailor, let us see these ornaments ; Lay forth the gown.

83

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. m

Enter Haberdasher.

What news with you, sir?

Hab. Here is the cap your worship did bespeak.

Pet. Why, this was moulded on a porringer ; A velvet dish : fie, fie ! 'tis lewd and filthy : Why, 'tis a cockle or a walnut-shell, A knack, a toy, a trick, a baby's cap: Away with it ! come, let me have a bigger.

Kath. I'll have no bigger : this doth fit the time,

And gentlewomen wear such caps as these. 70

Pet. When you are gentle, you shall have one too, And not till then.

Hor. [Aside.] That will not be in haste.

Katb. Why, sir, I trust I may have leave to speak ; And speak I will ; I am no child, no babe : Your betters have endured me say my mind, And if you cannot, best you stop your ears. My tongue will tell the anger of my heart, Or else my heart concealing it will break, And rather than it shall, I will be free Even to the uttermost, as I please, in words. 80

Pet. Why, thou say'st true ; it is a paltry cap, A custard-coffin, a bauble, a silken pie : I love thee well, in that thou likest it not.

Katb. Love me or love me not, I like the cap ; And it I will have, or I will have none.

[Exit Haberdasher.

Pet. Thy gown ? why, ay : come, tailor, let us see't. O mercy, God! what masquing stuff is here? What's this? a sleeve? 'tis like a demi-cannon : What, up and down, carved like an apple-tart ? Here 's snip and nip and cut and slish and slash,

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. in

Like to a censer in a barber's shop : 91

Why, what, i' devil's name, tailor, call'st thou this? Hor. [Aside. ~\ I see she 's like to have neither cap nor

gown. Tai. You bid me make it orderly and well,

According to the fashion and the time. Pet. Marry, and did ; but if you be remembered,

I did not bid you mar it to the time.

Go, hop me over every kennel home,

For you shall hop without my custom, sir :

I'll none of it : hence ! make your best of it. 100 Katb. I never saw a better-fashion'd gown,

More quaint, more pleasing, nor more commend- able :

Belike you mean to make a puppet of me. Pet. Why, true ; he means to make a puppet of thee. Tai. She says your worship means to make a

puppet of her. Pet. O monstrous arrogance ! Thou liest, thou

thread, thou thimble,

Thou yard, three-quarters, half-yard, quarter, nail ! no

Thou flea, thou nit, thou winter-cricket thou !

Braved in mine own house with a skein of thread?

Away, thou rag, thou quantity, thou remnant ;

Or 1 shall so be-mete thee with thy yard

As thou shalt think on prating whilst thou livest !

I tell thee, I, that thou hast marr'd her gown. Tai. Your worship is deceived ; the gown is made

Just as my master had direction :

Grumio gave order how it should be done. Gru. I gave him no order ; I gave him the stuff. Tai. But how did you desire it should be made? 120 85

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. in

Gru. Marry, sir, with needle and thread.

Tai. But did you not request to have it cut ?

Gru. Thou hast faced many things.

Tai. I have.

Gru. Face not me : thou hast braved many men ; brave not me ; I will neither be faced nor braved. I say unto thee, I bid thy master cut out the gown ; but I did not bid him cut it to pieces : ergo, thou liest.

Tai. Why, here is the note of the fashion to 130 testify.

Pet. Read it.

Gru. The note lies in 's throat, if he say I said so.

Tai. [Reads.] " Imprimis, a loose -bodied gown :'

Gru. Master, if ever I said loose-bodied gown, sew me in the skirts of it, and beat me to death with a bottom of brown thread: I said a gown.

Pet. Proceed.

Tai. [Reads.] "With a small compassed cape : " 140

Gru. I confess the cape.

Tai. [Reads.] " With a trunk sleeve : "

Gru. I confess two sleeves.

Tai. [Reads.] "The sleeves curiously cut."

Pet. Ay, there ?s the villany.

Gru. Error i' the bill, sir ; error i' the bill. I com- manded the sleevesshould be cutout and sewed up again ; and that I'll prove upon thee, though thy little finger be armed in a thimble.

Tai. This is true that I say: an I had thee in 150 place where, thou shouldst know it.

Gru. I am for thee straight: take thou the bill, give me thy mete-yard, and spare not me. 86

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. in

Hor. God-a-mercy, Grumio ! then he shall have

no odds.

Pet. Well, sir, in brief, the gown is not for me. Gru. You are i' the right, sir: 'tis for my

mistress.

Pet. Go, take it up unto thy master's use. Gru. Villain, not for thy life: take up my mis- 160

tress' gown for thy master's use ! Pet. Why, sir, what's your conceit in that? Gru. O, sir, the conceit is deeper than you think for :

Take up my mistress' gown to his master's use !

O, fie, fie, fie ! Pet. [AsideJ] Hortensio, say thou wilt see the tailor paid.

Go take it hence ; be gone, and say no more. Hor. Tailor, I'll pay thee for thy gown to-morrow :

Take no unkindness of his hasty words :

Away ! I say ; commend me to thy master. 170

\_Exit Tailor. Pet. Well, come, my Kate ; we will unto your father's

Even in these honest mean habiliments :

Our purses shall be proud, our garments poor ;

For 'tis the mind that makes the body rich ;

And as the sun breaks through the darkest clouds,

So honour peereth in the meanest habit.

What is the jay more precious than the lark,

Because his feathers are more beautiful ?

Or is the adder better than the eel,

Because his painted skin contents the eye? 180

O, no, good Kate ; neither art thou the worse

For this poor furniture and mean array.

If thou account'st it shame, lay it on me ;

And therefore frolic : we will hence forthwith,

To feast and sport us at thy father's house.

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. in

Go, call my men, and let us straight to him ;

And bring our horses unto Long-lane end ;

There will we mount, and thither walk on foot.

Let's see ; I think 'tis now some seven o'clock,

And well we may come there by dinner-time. 190 Katb. I dare assure you, sir, 'tis almost two ;

And 'twill be supper-time ere you come there. Pet. It shall be seven ere I go to horse :

Look, what I speak, or do, or think to do,

You are still crossing it. Sirs, let 't alone :

I will not go to-day ; and ere I do,

It shall be what o'clock I say it is.

Hor. [Aside.] Why, so this gallant will command the sun. [Exeunt.

SCENE IV.

Padua. Before Baptista's house. Enter Tranio, and the Pedant dressed like Vincentio.

Tea. Sir, this is the house : please it you that I call? Pel. Ay, what else ? and but I be deceived

Signior Baptista may remember me,

Near twenty years ago, in Genoa,

Where we were lodgers at the Pegasus. Tra. 'Tis well ; and hold your own, in any case,

With such austerity as 'longeth to a father. Ped. I warrant you.

Enter Biondello.

But, sir, here comes your boy ; Twere good he were school'd.

88

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. iv

Tra. Fear you not him. Sirrah Biondello,

Now do your duty throughly, I advise you : 1 1

Imagine 'twere the right Vincentio. Bion. Tut, fear not me.

Tra. But hast thou done thy errand to Baptista ? Bion. I told him that your father was at Venice,

And that you look'd for him this day in Padua. Tra. Thou'rt a tall fellow : hold thee that to drink.

Here comes Baptista : set your countenance, sir.

Enter Baptista and Lucentio. Signior Baptista, you are happily met. [To the Pedant.] Sir, this is the gentleman I told you of: 20

I pray you, stand good father to me now, Give me Bianca for my patrimony.

Fed. Soft, son !

Sir, by your leave : having come to Padua

To gather in some debts, my son Lucentio

Made me acquainted with a weighty cause

Of love between your daughter and himself:

And, for the good report I hear of you

And for the love he beareth to your daughter

And she to him, to stay him not too long, 30

I am content, in a good father's care,

To have him match'd ; and if you please to like

No worse than I, upon some agreement

Me shall you find ready and willing

With one consent to have her so bestow'd ;

For curious I cannot be with you,

Signior Baptista, of whom I hear so well.

Bap. Sir, pardon me in what I have to say :

Your plainness and your shortness please me well.

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. iv

Right true it is, your son Lucentio here 40

Doth love my daughter and she loveth him,

Or both dissemble deeply their affections :

And therefore, if you say no more than this,

That like a father you will deal with him

And pass my daughter a sufficient dower,

The match is made, and all is done :

Your son shall have my daughter with consent.

Tra. I thank you, sir. Where then do you know best We be affied and such assurance ta'en As shall with either part's agreement stand ? 50

Bap. Not in my house, Lucentio ; for, you know, Pitchers have ears, and I have many servants : Besides, old Gremio is hearkening still ; And happily we might be interrupted.

Tra. Then at my lodging, an it like you :

There doth my father lie ; and there, this night, We'll pass the business privately and well. Send for your daughter by your servant here ; My boy shall fetch the scrivener presently. The worst is this, that, at so slender warning, 60 You are like to have a thin and slender pittance.

Bap. It likes me well. Biondello, hie you home, And bid Bianca make her ready straight ; And, if you will, tell what hath happened, Lucentio's father is arrived in Padua, And how she 's like to be Lucentio's wife.

Bion. I pray the gods she may with all my heart !

Tra. Dally not with the gods, but get thee gone.

[Exit Bion.

Signior Baptista, shall I lead the way? Welcome ! one mess is like to be your cheer : 70 Come, sir ; we will better it in Pisa. 90

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. iv

Bap. I follow you.

[Exeunt Tranio, Pedant, and Baptista.

Re-enter Biondello.

Bion. Cambio !

Luc. What sayest thou, Biondello?

Bion. You saw my master wink and laugh upon you?

Luc. Biondello, what of that?

Bion. Faith, nothing ; but has left me here be- hind, to expound the meaning or moral of his signs and tokens. 80

Luc. I pray thee, moralize them.

Bion. Then thus. Baptista is safe, talking with the deceiving father of a deceitful son.

Luc. And what of him ?

Bion. His daughter is to be brought by you to the supper.

Luc. And then ?

Bion. The old priest of Saint Luke's church is at your command at all hours.

Luc. And what of all this ? 90

Bion. I cannot tell ; expect they are busied about a counterfeit assurance : take you assurance of her, " cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum : " to the church ; take the priest, clerk, and some sufficient honest witnesses : If this be not that you look for, I have no more

to say, But bid Bianca farewell for ever and a day.

Luc. Hearest thou, Biondello?

Bion. I cannot tarry : I knew a wench married in

an afternoon as she went to the garden for 100 91

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. iv

parsley to stuff a rabbit ; and so may you, sir : and so, adieu, sir. My master hath appointed me to go to Saint Luke's, to bid the priest be ready to come against you come with your appendix. [Exit.

Luc. I may, and will, if she be so contented :

She will be pleased; then wherefore should I doubt? Hap what hap may, I'll roundly go about her : It shall go hard if Cambio go without her. [Exit.

SCENE V.

A public road.

Enter Petrucbio, Katharina, Hortensio, and Servants.

Pet. Come on. i' God's name ; once more toward our

father's. Good Lord, how bright and goodly shines the moon!

Katb. The moon ! the sun ; it is not moonlight now.

Pet. I say it is the moon that shines so bright.

Katb. I know it is the sun that shines so bright.

Pet. Now, by my mother's son, and that 's myself, It shall be moon, or star, or what I list, Or ere I journey to your father's house. Go on, and fetch our horses back again. Evermore cross'd and cross'd ; nothing but cross'd !

Hor. Say as he says, or we shall never go. 1 1

Katb. Forward, I pray, since we have come so far, And be it moon, or sun, or what you please : An if you please to call it a rush-candle, Henceforth I vow it shall be so for me. Q2

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. v

Pet. I say it is the moon.

Katb. I know it is the moon.

Pet. Nay, then you lie : it is the blessed sun. Katb. Then, God be bless'd, it is the blessed sun :

But sun it is not, when you say it is not ;

And the moon changes even as your mind. 20

What you will have it named, even that it is ;

And so it shall be so for Katharine. Hor. Petruchio, go thy ways ; the field is won. Pet. Well, forward, forward! thus the bowl should run,

And not unluckily against the bias.

But, soft ! company is coming here.

Enter Vincentio.

[To Vincentio .] Good morrow, gentle mistress: where away ?

Tell me, sweet Kate, and tell me truly too,

Hast thou beheld a fresher gentlewoman?

Such war of white and red within her cheeks ! 30

What stars do spangle heaven with such beauty,

As those two eyes become that heavenly face ?

Fair lovely maid, once more good day to thee.

Sweet Kate, embrace her for her beauty's sake. Hor. A' will make the man mad, to make a woman

of him. Katb. Young budding virgin, fair and fresh and sweet,

Whither away, or where is thy abode ?

Happy the parents of so fair a child;

Happier the man, whom favourable stars 40

Allot thee for his lovely bed-fellow ! Pet. Why, how now, Kate ! I hope thou art not mad :

This is a man, old, wrinkled, faded, withered, 93

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. v

And not a maiden, as thou say'st he is.

Katb. Pardon, old father, my mistaking eyes, That have been so bedazzled with the sun That everything I look on seemeth green : Now I perceive thou art a reverend father ; Pardon, I pray thee, for my mad mistaking.

Pet. Do, good old grandsire ; and withal make known Which way thou travellest : if along with us, 51 We shall be joyful of thy company.

Vin. Fair sir, and you my merry mistress,

That with your strange encounter much amazed

me,

My name is call'd Vincentio ; my dwelling Pisa; And bound I am to Padua ; there to visit A son of mine, which long I have not seen.

Pet. What is his name ?

Vin. Lucentio, gentle sir.

Pet. Happily met ; the happier for thy son.

And now by law, as well as reverend age, 60

I may entitle thee my loving father :

The sister to my wife, this gentlewoman,

Thy son by this hath married. Wonder not,

Nor be not grieved : she is of good esteem,

Her dowry wealthy, and of worthy birth ;

Beside, so qualified as may beseem

The spouse of any noble gentleman.

Let me embrace with old Vincentio,

And wander we to see thy honest son,

Who will of thy arrival be full joyous. 70

Vin. But is this true ? or is it else your pleasure, Like pleasant travellers, to break a jest Upon the company you overtake ?

Hor. I do assure thee, father, so it is. 94

ACT iv THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. v

Pet. Come, go along, and see the truth hereof;

For our first merriment hath made thee jealous.

[Exeunt all but Hortensio.

Hor. Well, Petruchio, this has put me in heart. Have to my widow ! and if she be froward, Then hast thou taught Hortensio to be untoward.

[Exit.

95

ACT V

SCENE -I

Padua. Before Lucentio's house.

Gremio discovered. Enter behind Biondello, Lucentio, and Bianca.

Bion. Softly and swiftly, sir; for the priest is

ready. Luc. I fly, Biondello : but they may chance to

need thee at home ; therefore leave us. Bion. Nay, faith, I'll see the church o' your back ; *

and then come back to my master 's as soon

as I can. [Exeunt Lucentio, Bianca, and Biondello. Gre. I marvel Cambio comes not all this while.

Enter Petruchio, Katharina, Vincentio, Grumio, with

Attendants. Pet. Sir, here 's the door, this is Lucentio's house :

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

My father 's bears more toward the market-place ;

Thither must I, and here I leave you, sir. n

Vin. You shall not choose but drink before you go :

I think I shall command your welcome here,

And, by all likelihood, some cheer is toward.

[Knocks. Gre. They're busy within ; you were best knock

louder.

Pedant looks out oj the window.

Fed. What 's he that knocks as he would beat down the gate ?

Vin. Is Signior Lucentio within, sir ?

Ped. He ?s within, sir, but not to be spoken 20 withal.

Vin. What if a man bring him a hundred pound or two, to make merry withal ?

Ped. Keep your hundred pounds to yourself: he shall need none, so long as I live.

Pet. Nay, I told you your son was well beloved in Padua. Do you hear, sir ? To leave frivol- ous circumstances, I pray you, tell Signior Lucentio that his father is come from Pisa and is here at the door to speak with him. 30

Ped. Thou liest : his father is come from Padua and here looking out at the window.

Vin. Art thou his father ?

Ped. Ay, sir ; so his mother says, if I may be- lieve her.

Pet. [To Vincentio.] Why, how now, gentleman ! why, this is flat knavery, to take upon you an- other man's name.

Ped. Lay hands on the villain : I believe a'

97 H

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

means to cozen somebody in this city under 40 my countenance.

Re-enter Biondello.

Bion. I have seen them in the church together: God send 'em good shipping ! But who is here ? mine old master Vincentio ! now we are undone and brought to nothing.

Vin. [Seeing Biondello.] Come hither, crack- hemp.

Bion. I hope I may choose, sir.

Vin. Come hither, you rogue. What, have you

forgot me ? 50

Bion. Forgot you ! no, sir : I could not for- get you, for I never saw you before in all my life.

Vin. What, you notorious villain, didst thou never see thy master's father, Vincentio?

Bion. What, my old worshipful old master? yes, marry, sir : see where he looks out of the window.

Vin. Is't so, indeed? [Beats Biondello.

Bion. Help, help, help ! here 's a madman will 60 murder me. [Exit.

Fed. Help, son ! help, Signior Baptista !

[Exit from above.

Pet. Prithee,* Kate, let 's stand aside and see the

end of this controversy. [They retire.

Re-enter Pedant below ; Tranio, Baptista, and Servants. Tra. Sir, what are you that offer to beat my

servant ? Vin. Wrhat am I, sir ! nay, what are you, sir ? O

98

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHRKW sc. i

immortal gods ! O fine villain ! A silken doub- let! a velvet hose! a scarlet cloak! and a copa- tain hat ! O, I am undone ! I am undone ! 70 while I play the good husband at home, my son and my servant spend all at the university.

Tra. How now ! what 's the matter ?

Bap. What, is the man lunatic?

Tra. Sir, you seem a sober ancient gentleman by your habit, but your words show you a mad- man. Why, sir, what 'cerns it you if I wear pearl and gold ? I thank my good father, I am able to maintain it.

Vin. Thy father ! O villain ! he is a sail-maker 80 in Bergamo.

Bap. You mistake, sir, you mistake, sir. Pray, what do you think is his name ?

Vin. His name ! as if I knew not his name : I have brought him up ever since he was three years old, and his name is Tranio.

Ped. Away, away, mad ass ! his name is Lucentio ; and he is mine only son, and heir to the lands of me, Signior Vincentio.

Vin. Lucentio ! O, he hath murdered his master ! 90 Lay hold on him, I charge you, in the duke's name, O, my son, my son! Tell me, thou villain, where is my son Lucentio?

Tra. Call forth an officer.

Enter one with an Officer. Carry this mad knave to the gaol. Father Bap- tista, I charge you see that he be forthcoming. Vin. Carry me to the gaol ! Gre. Stay, officer : he shall not go to prison.

99

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Bap. Talk not, Signior Gremio : I say he shall go

to prison. 100

Gre. Take heed, Signior Baptista, lest you be

cony-catched in this business : I dare swear

this is the right Vincentio. Fed. Swear, if thou darest. Gre. Nay, I dare not swear it. Tra. Then thou wert best say that I am not

Lucentio.

Gre. Yes, I know thee to be Signior Lucentio. Bap. Away with the dotard ! to the gaol with

him! no

Vin. Thus strangers may be haled and abused ;

O monstrous villain !

Re-enter Biondello, with Lucentio and Bianca. Bion. O ! we are spoiled and — yonder he is : deny

him, forswear him, or else we are all undone. Luc. [Kneeling.] Pardon, sweet father. Vin. Lives my sweet son?

[Exeunt Biondello, Tranio, and Pedant, as fast

as may be.

Bian. Pardon, dear father. Bap. How hast thou offended ?

Where is Lucentio? Luc. Here 's Lucentio,

Right son to the right Vincentio ;

That have by marriage made thy daughter mine,

While counterfeit supposes blear'd thine eyne. 120 Gre. Here 's packing, with a witness, to deceive

us all ! Vin. Where is that damned villain Tranio,

That faced and braved me in this matter so ? 100

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. i

Bap. Why, tell me, is not this my Cambio?

Bian. Cambio is changed into Lucentio.

Luc. Love wrought these miracles. Bianca's love

Made me exchange my state with Tranio,

While he did bear my countenance in the town ;

And happily I have arrived at the last 130

Unto the wished haven of my bliss.

What Tranio did, myself enforced him to ;

Then pardon him, sweet father, for my sake. Fin. I'll slit the villain's nose, that would have

sent me to the gaol. Bap. But do you hear, sir? have you married

my daughter without asking my good will ? Fin. Fear not, Baptista ; we will content you,

go to : but I will in, to be revenged for this 139

villany. [Exit.

Bap. And I, to sound the depth of this

knavery. [Exit.

Luc. Look not pale, Bianca ; thy father will not

frown. [Exeunt Lucentio and Bianca.

Ore. My cake is dough ; but I'll in among the rest,

Out of hope of all, but my share of the feast. [Exit. Katb. Husband, let 's follow, to see the end of this ado. Pet. First kiss me, Kate, and we will. Katb. What, in the midst of the street? Pet. What, art thou ashamed of me ? 150

Katb. No, sir, God forbid ; but ashamed to kiss. Pet. Why, then let 's home again. Come, sirrah, let's

away. Katb. Nay, I will give thee a kiss : now pray thee,

love, stay. Pet. Is not this well ? Come, my sweet Kate :

Better once than never, for never too late. [Exeunt. 101

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

SCENE II.

Padua. Lucentws house.

Enter Baptista, Vincentio, Gremio, the Pedant, Lucenlio, Bianca, Petruchio, Katharina, Hortensio, and Widow, Tranio, Biondello, and Grtimio : the Serving-men with Tranio bringing in a banquet.

Luc. At last, though long, our jarring notes agree : And time it is, when raging war is done, To smile at scapes and perils overblown. My fair Bianca, bid my father welcome, While I with self-same kindness welcome thine. Brother Petruchio, sister Katharina, And thou, Hortensio, with thy loving widow, Feast with the best, and welcome to my house : My banquet is to close our stomachs up, After our great good cheer. Pray you, sit down ; For now we sit to chat as well as eat. n

Pet. Nothing but sit and sit, and eat and eat !

Bap. Padua affords this kindness, son Petruchio.

Pet. Padua affords nothing but what is kind.

Hor. For both our sakes, I would that word were true.

Pet. Now, for my life, Hortensio fears his widow.

Wid. Then never trust me, if I be afeard.

Pet. You are very sensible, and yet you miss my

sense : I mean, Hortensio is afeard of you. 19

Wid. He that is giddy thinks the world turns round.

Pet. Roundly replied.

102

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Katb. Mistress, how mean you that?

Wid. Thus I conceive by him.

Pet. Conceives by me ! How likes Hortensio that? HOT. My widow says, thus she conceives her tale. Pet. Very well mended. Kiss him for that, good

widow.

Katb. " He that is giddy thinks the world turns round :"

I pray you, tell me what you meant by that. Wid. Your husband, being troubled with a shrew,

Measures my husband's sorrow by his woe :

And now you know my meaning. 30

Katb. A very mean meaning.

Wid. Right, I mean you.

Katb. And I am mean indeed, respecting you. Pet. To her, Kate ! Hor. To her, widow ! Pet. A hundred marks, my Kate does put her

down.

Hor. That's my office. Pet. Spoke like an officer : ha' to thee, lad !

[Drinks to Hortensio.

Bap. How likes Gremio these quick-witted folks? Gre. Believe me, sir, they butt together well. Bian. Head, and butt ! an hasty-witted body 40

Would say your head and butt were head and horn. Vin. Ay, mistress bride, hath that awaken'd you? Bian. Ay, but not frighted me ; therefore I'll sleep

again. Pet. Nay, that you shall not : since you have begun,

Have at you for a bitter jest or two ! Bian. Am I your bird ? I mean to shift my bush ;

And then pursue me as you draw your bow. 103

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

You are welcome all.

[Exeunt Bianca, Katbarina, and Widow.

Pet. She hath prevented me. Here, Signior Tranio, This bird you aim'd at, though you hit her not ; 50 Therefore a health to all that shot and miss'd.

Tra. O, sir, Lucentio slipp'd me like his greyhound, Which runs himself and catches for his master.

Pet. A good swift simile, but something currish.

Tra. ?Tis well, sir, that you hunted for yourself: JTis thought your deer does hold you at a bay.

Bap. O ho, Petruchio ! Tranio hits you now.

Luc. I thank thee for that gird, good Tranio.

Hor. Confess, confess, hath he not hit you here ?

Pet. A' has a little gall'd me, I confess ; 60

And, as the jest did glance away from me, 'Tis ten to one it maim'd you two outright.

Bap. Now, in good sadness, son Petruchio, I think thou hast the veriest shrew of all.

Pet. Well, I say no : and therefore for assurance Let 's each one send unto his wife ; And he whose wife is most obedient To come at first when he doth send for her, Shall win the wager which we will propose.

Hor. Content. What is the wager ?

Luc. Twenty crowns. 70

Pet. Twenty crowns !

I'll venture so much of my hawk or hound, But twenty times so much upon my wife.

Luc. A hundred then.

Hor. Content.

Pet. A match ! 'tis done.

Hor. Who shall begin ?

Luc. That will I.

104

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Go, Biondello, bid your mistress come to me. Bion. I go. [Exit.

Bap. Son, I'll be your half, Bianca comes. Luc. I'll have no halves ; I'll bear it all myself.

Re-enter Biondello.

How now ! what news ? Bion. Sir, my mistress sends you word 80

That she is busy and she cannot come. Pet. How ! she is busy and she cannot come !

Is that an answer? Ore. Ay, and a kind one too :

Pray God, sir, your wife send you not a worse. Pet. I hope, better. Hor. Sirrah Biondello, go and entreat my wife

To come to me forthwith. [Exit Bion.

Pet. O, ho ! entreat her !

Nay, then she must needs come. Hor. I am afraid, sir,

Do what you can, yours will not be entreated.

Re-enter Biondello.

Now, where 's my wife ? 90

Bion. She says you have some goodly jest in hand:

She will not come ; she bids you come to her. Pet. Worse and worse ; she will not come ! O vile,

Intolerable, not to be endured !

Sirrah Grumio, go to your mistress ;

Say, I command her come to me. [Exit Grumio. Hor. I know her answer. Pet. What ?

Hor. She will not.

105

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Pet. The fouler fortune mine, and there an end. Bap. Now, by my holidame, here comes Katharina !

Re-enter Katharina.

Katb. What is your will, sir, that you send for me ? Pet. Where is your sister, and Hortensio's wife? 101 Kaih. They sit conferring by the parlour fire. Pet. Go, fetch them hither : if they deny to come,

Swinge me them soundly forth unto their husbands :

Away, I say, and bring them hither straight.

[Exit Katbarina.

Luc. Here is a wonder, if you talk of a wonder. Hor. And so it is : I wonder what it bodes. Pet. Marry, peace it bodes, and love and quiet life,

And awful rule and right supremacy ;

And, to be short, what not, that's sweet and happy? no

Bap. Now, fair befal thee, good Petruchio !

The wager thou hast won ; and I will add

Unto their losses twenty thousand crowns ;

Another dowry to another daughter,

For she is changed, as she had never been. Pet. Nay, I will win my wager better yet

And show more sign of her obedience,

Her new-built virtue and obedience.

See where she comes and brings your froward wives

As prisoners to her womanly persuasion. 120

Re-enter Katbarina, witb Bianca and Widow. Katharine, that cap of yours becomes you not: Off with that bauble, throw it under-foot. Wid. Lord, let me never have a cause to sigh, 106

SEE WHERE SHE

COMES .AGTVSOH-

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Till I be brought to such a silly pass ! Bian. Fie ! what a foolish duty call you this ? Luc. I would your duty were as foolish too : The wisdom of your duty, fair Bianca, Hath cost me an hundred crowns since supper- time.

Bian. The more fool you, for laying on my duty. Pet. Katharine, I charge thee, tell these headstrong women 130

What duty they do owe their lords and husbands. Wid. Come, come, you're mocking : we will have no

telling.

Pet. Come on, I say ; and first begin with her. Wid. She shall not.

Pet. I say she shall : and first begin with her. Katb. Fie, fie ! unknit that threatening unkind brow, And dart not scornful glances from those eyes, To wound thy lord, thy king, thy governor : It blots thy beauty as frosts do bite the meads, Confounds thy fame as whirlwinds shake fair buds, And in no sense is meet or amiable. 141

A woman moved is lijte a fountain troubled, Muddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty ; And while it is so, none so dry or thirsty Will deign to sip or touch one drop of it. Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, . Thy head, thy sovereign ; one that cares for thee, And for thy maintenance commits his body To painful labour both by sea and land, To watch the night in storms, the day in cold, 150 Whilst thou liest warm at home, secure and safe ; And craves no other tribute at thy hands But love, fair looks and true obedience ; 109

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

Too little payment for so great a debt.

Such duty as the subject owes the prince

Even such a woman oweth to her husband ;

And when she is froward, peevish, sullen, sour,

And not obedient to his honest will,

What is she but a foul contending rebel

And graceless traitor to her loving lord? 160

I am ashamed that women are so simple

To offer war where they should kneel for peace,

Or seek for rule, supremacy and sway,

When they are bound to serve, love and obey.

Why are our bodies soft and weak and smooth,

Unapt to toil and trouble in the world,

But that our soft conditions and our hearts

Should well agree with our external parts ?

Come, come, you froward and unable worms !

My mind hath been as big as one of yours, 170

My heart as great, my reason haply more,

To bandy word for word and frown for frown ;

But now I see our lances are but straws,

Our strength as weak, our weakness past compare,

That seeming to be most which we indeed least

are.

Then vail your stomachs, for it is no boot, And place your hands below your husband's foot : In token of which duty, if he please, My hand is ready ; may it do him ease.

Pet. Why, there Js a wench ! Come on, and kiss me, Kate. 180

Luc. Well, go thy ways, old lad ; for thou shalt ha't.

Vin. ;Tis a good hearing when children are toward.

Luc. But a harsh hearing when women are froward.

Pet. Come, Kate, we'll to bed. 1 10

ACT v THE TAMING OF THE SHREW sc. n

We three are married, but you two are sped.

[To LucJ\ 'Twas I won the wager, though you hit

the white ; And, being a winner, God give you good night !

[Exeunt Pctrucbio and Katbarina. Hor. Now, go thy ways ; thou hast tamed a curst

shrew.

Luc. 'Tis a wonder, by your leave, she will be tamed so. [Exeunt.

ill

GLOSSARY AND NOTES.

Accomplished, performed, Induct, i. 112.

Achieve, gain, I. i. 161.

Advice, consideration, I. i. 117.

Advised, " art thou not advised," do you not see, I. i. 191.

Affected, inclined, I. i. 26.

Affied, betrothed, IV. iv. 49.

Agenor, " daughter of Agenor." Europa, who was wooed by

Jupiter. I. i. 173. Aglet-baby, Fr., aiguillette^ a small figure at the end of a point

or lace, I. ii. 79. Aim'd, guessed, II. i. 237. Alia nostra casa ben venuto, "welcome to our house,"

I. ii. 25.

All one, i.e., it makes no difference, IV. ii. 101. Amort, depressed, IV. iii. 36. Ancient, old, Induct, ii. 33 ; I. ii. 47. "Angel," "ancient 'angel.'" A cant term for a worthy old

man. IV. ii. 61. Antic, buffoon, Induct, i. 101. Apply, ply, study, I. i. 19. Argosy, a merchant ship, II. i. 376.

Arras counterpoints, embroidered counterpanes, II. i. 353. Assurance, legal settlement, II. i. 389. Awful, just, V. ii. 109.

Baccare, a spurious Latin word implying go back, II. i. 73. Balk logic, chop logic, I. i. 34. Banquet, dessert, V. ii. 9.

Barefoot, "dance barefoot." This was the lot of the elder unmarried sisters if the youngest was first married. II. i. 33.

BAR] THE TAMING OF THE SHREW [CHA

Bars, prevents, Induct, ii. 138.

Basta, enough, I. i. 203.

Bate, flatter, IV. i. 199.

Bear-herd, the leader of a tame bear, Induct, ii. 21.

Bears me fair in hand, encourages me, IV. ii. 3.

Beetle-headed, stupid, IV. i. 160.

Beholding, indebted, I. ii. 274.

Belike, apparently, I. i. 104; IV. iii. 103.

Be-mete, measure, IV. iii. 113.

Bemoiled, bemired, IV. i. 77.

Ben venuto, " I shall be your ben venuto," I will insure you a

welcome, I. ii. 282.

Bestraught, distraught, distracted, Induct, ii. 27. Bias, the weight on one side of a ball, which inclines its

direction, IV. v. 25. Blear'd, dimmed, V. i. 121. Blue-coats, the dress of serving men, IV. i. 93. Board, woo, I. ii. 95. Boot, " no boot," no use, V. ii. 176. Boss'd, embossed, II. i. 355. Bottom, a ball of thread, IV. iii. 138. Brach, female hound, Induct, i. 18. Brave, handsomely dressed, Induct, i. 40. Bravery, finery, IV. iii. 57. Braves, bullying, III. i. 15. Breathed, in good condition, Induct, ii. 50. Breeching scholar, a boy liable to be whipped, III. i. 18. Buckler thee, shield thee, III. ii. 241. Bugs, bogies, I. ii. 211. Burst, broken, Induct, i. 8 ; IV. i. 83. Buttery, a place for keeping provisions, Induct, i. 102. Buzzard, simpleton, with a play upon the word in the lines

following, II. i. 207.

Cakes dough on both sides, a well-known proverb implying disappointment, I. i. no; V. i. 143.

Carpets, table covers, IV. i. 52.

Censer, a brazier in which perfumes were burned, IV. iii. 91.

Chafed, made angry, I. ii. 203.

Chapeless. The chape was the metal end of the scabbard pro- tecting the sword point. III. ii. 48. 114

CLO] GLOSSARY AND NOTES [EXP

Close, secretly, Induct, i. 127.

Comonty, blunder for "comedy," Induct, ii. 140.

Compassed, round, IV. iii. 140.

Conceit, purpose, IV. iii. 162.

Conditions, " soft conditions," delicate qualities, V. ii. 167.

Conformable, compliant, II. i. 280.

Conserves, preserves, Induct, ii. 3.

Content you, restrain yourselves, II. i. 343.

Contrive, spend, I. ii. 276.

Con tutto il core, etc., "a good idea with all my heart,"

I. ii. 24.

Cony-catching, cheating, trickery, IV. i. 45 ; V. i. 102. Copatain hat, a high-crowned hat, V. i. 69. Countenance, do honour to, IV. i. 101. Counterpoints, counterpanes, II. i. 353. Crab, crab apple, II. i. 230.

Crack-hemp, one destined to be hanged, V. i. 46. Craven, a beaten cock, II. i. 228. Credit, do honour to, IV. i. 106. Cullion, mean fellow, IV. ii. 20. Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum, with exclusive

privileges, IV. iv. 93. Cunning, clever, I. i. 97. Curious, scrupulous, IV. iv. 36. Curst, cross, ill-tempered, I. i. 185. Curstest, crossest, II. i. 315. Custard-coffin. The crust of a pie or custard was called the

coffin. IV. iii. 82. Cytherea, Venus, Induct, ii. 53.

Declining head into, head declining into, Induct, i. 119. Demi-cannon, an old piece of ordnance carrying a ball of about

thirty pounds, IV. iii. 88. Denier, a trifling coin, Induct, i. 9. Dog-weary, tired like a dog, IV. ii. 60.

Eleven and twenty, an allusion to a game of cards. See under

"Two and thirty." IV. ii. 57. Emboss'd, short of breath, tired out, Induct, i. 17. Encounter, meeting, I. ii. 105 ; greeting, IV. v. 54. Expect, believe, IV. iv. 91.

115

FAC] THE TAMING OF THE SHREW [GRI

Faced it with a card of ten. "To face it meant, as it still does, to bully, to attack by impudence of face ; whether a card of ten was properly a cooling card has not yet been ascertained, but they are united in the following passage from Lyly's * Euphues ' : ' And all lovers, he only excepted, are cooled with a card of ten.' J' — SINGER. II. i. 407.

Fardingales for farthingales, hoops supporting the skirts, IV. iii. 56.

Fashions, a skin disease in horses ; ¥r., farcin, III. ii. 53-

Fay, faith, Induct, ii. 83.

Fear, scare, I. ii. 211.

Fellows, companions, I. ii. 280.

Few, " in a few," in few words, I. ii. 52.

Fives, a disease of the glands of a horse, III. ii. 54.

Florentius' love. This is an allusion to a story told by Gower of a knight who bound himself to marry an ugly woman if she solved a riddle on which his life depended. I. ii. 69.

Flouts, mocks, II. i. 29.

Formal, precise, III. i. 61.

Foul, ugly, I. ii. 69.

Frets, stops which regulate the strings, II. i. 150.

Fretting, spoiling, II. i. 330.

Full, exactly, I. i. 203.

Furniture, dress, IV. iii. 182.

Galliasses, large galleys, II. i. 380.

Gambold, the ancient form of gambol, Induct, ii. 140.

Gamut, the scale in music, III. i. 73.

Gawds, trifling ornaments, II. i. 3.

Gentles, gentlemen, III. ii. 95.

Gifts, endowments, I. i. 106.

Gird, sneer, gibe, V. ii. 58.

Give you over, leave you, I. ii. 105.

Go by Jeronimy, a popular saying from Kyd's " Spanish

Tragedy," Induct, i. 9.

Good, "made it good," recovered the scent, Induct, i. 19. Good shipping, good fortune, V. i. 43. Gramercies, great thanks, I. i. 41. Green, new, HI. ii. 213. Grissel. See Chaucer's Clerk's Tale for the story of Griselda,

the type of womanly patience. II. i. 297. 116

HAG] GLOSSARY AND NOTES [KAT

Haggard, an untamed hawk, IV. ii. 39; "man my haggard," tame my wild hawk, IV. i. 196.

Haled, taken by force, V. i. Hi.

Halt, limp, II. i. 258.

Hand, " at any hand," in any case, I. ii. 147.

Hap, good fortune, I. ii. 269.

Happily, perchance, haply, IV. iv. 54.

Happy, fortunate, opportune, Induct, i. 90.

Happy man be his dole, may he be a happy man. The phrase was once familiar. I. i. 144.

Ha' to thee, here's to thee, V. ii. 37.

Hie ibat Simois, etc., Ovid, Heroides (i. 33), III. i. 28.

Hilding, contemptible person, II. i. 26.

Hit the white, i.e., the centre of the target, V. ii. 186.

Holidame, " by my holidame." For halidome, upon my sacred oath or honour. V. ii. 99.

" Humour of forty fancies," probably a cheap book or broad- side, so called, stuck into the side of his hat, III. ii. 70-

Hungerly, scantily, III. ii. 177.

Husband, housekeeper, V. i. 71.

Husbanded with modesty, not exaggerated, Induct, i. 68.

Indifferent, equally, I. ii. 181 ; ordinary, IV. i. 94.

Ingenious, liberal, I. i. 9.

In good sadness, in all seriousness, V. ii. 63.

In good time, an expression indicating agreement, II. i. 196.

Ingrate, ungrateful, I. ii. 270.

Institute, begin, I. i. 8.

Intend, pretend, IV. i. 206.

I wis, truly, indeed, I. i. 62.

Jacks and Jills, drinking vessels made of leather and tin ; but there is also an allusion here to men and maid servants, IV. i. 5i, 52.

Jade, a worn-out horse, I. ii. 249.

Jump, agree, I. i. 195.

Junkets, dainties, III. ii. 250.

Kates, for " cates," dainty food, II. i. 190; used by Petruchio for cats, II. i. 280.

117

KEE] THE TAMING OF THE SHREW [NIT

Keep you warm. To have wit enough to keep oneself warm is a familiar proverb. See "Much Ado about Nothing " (I. i. 69). II. i. 268.

Kennel, gutter, IV. iii. 98.

Kersey boot-hose, stocking of coarse wool, III. ii. 68.

Kindly, well, Induct i. 66.

Knack, knick-knack, trifle, IV. iii. 67.

Lampass, a disease in a horse's mouth, III. ii. 52.

Lead apes in hell. The origin of this proverbial phrase is un- known. It is applied to spinsters. II. i. 34.

Leda's daughter, Helen, I. ii. 244.

Leet, manorial court, Induct, ii. 89.

'Leges, alleges, I. ii. 28.

Lie, dwell, stay, IV. iv. 56.

Link, " there was no link," Old hats, to look like new, were blackened with the smoke of a torch. IV. i. 137.

Longly, longingly, I. i. 170.

Lovely, loving, III. ii. 125.

Lure, a stuffed bird used in training hawks, IV. i. 195.

Lusty, lively, II. i. 161.

Maidenhead, maidenhood, III. ii. 227.

Malt-house, brewer's house, a term of contempt, IV. i. 132.

Mart, bargain, II. i. 329.

Masquing, masquerading, IV. iii. 87.

Meacock, spiritless, henpecked, II. i. 315.

Mercatante, merchant, IV. ii. 63.

Mete-yard, measuring yard, IV. iii. 153.

Mi perdonato, pardon me, I. i. 25.

Moral, secret purpose, IV. iv. 79.

Mose in the chine, a disease in the spinal marrow of horses,

III. ii. 51.

Motion, proposal, I. ii. 280. Moved, angry, V. ii. 142. Muscadel, a strong, sweet wine, III. ii. 174.

Neat, ox, IV. iii. 17. Nice, foolish, silly, III. i. 80. Nit, the egg of a louse, IV. iii. no. 118

OF] GLOSSARY AND NOTES [RFC

Of, for, II. i. 237 ; on, V. ii. 72. Old, rare, III. ii. 30. Or ere, before, IV. v. 8. Over-eying, noticing, Induct, i. 95.

Packing, plotting, V. i. 122.

Pain, labour, III. i. 12.

Pantaloon, a foolish old man, III. i. 37.

Parle, debate, I. i. 117.

Pass, conduct, IV. iv. 57.

Pass, give, convey, IV. iv. 45.

Passing, surpassing, Induct, i. 67; heartily, II. i. 113.

Passion, "merry passion," burst of laughter, Induct, i. 97.

Paucas pallabris, for Span, pocas palabras^ silence, few words,

Induct, i. 5. Peat, pet, I. i. 78. Pedascule, pedant, meant probably for a contemptuous form of

the word, III. i. 50. Pheeze, beat, pay off. " To pheeze," says Johnson, " is to

separate a twist into single threads." Induct, i. I. Pip. See under " Two and thirty." Pittance, meal, IV. iv. 61. Plash, a pond, I. i. 23.

Points, tagged laces for supporting the hose, III. ii. 49. Porringer, a bowl, IV. iii. 64. Port, outward state, I. i. 208. Practice, play a trick, Induct, i. 36. Prefer, direct, I. i. 97. Present, instant, immediate, IV. iii. 5. Prevented, forestalled, V. ii. 49. Pricked in, stuck in, III. ii. 70. Pricks him, prompts him, III. ii. 74. Proper, handsome, I. ii. 144.

Quaint, ingenious, clever, III. ii. 149.

Rated, expelled, I. i. 165. Rayed, soiled, bemired, III. ii. 54; IV. i. 3. Rebused, abused, I. ii. 7. Reckoning, description, IV. i. 87. 119

RED] THE TAMING OF THE SHREW [STE

Redime te captum quam queas minimo, redeem yourself,

captive, as cheaply as you can. The quotation is from

Terence. I. i. 167. Rests, remains, I. i. 250. Ring, prize, I. i. 145. Rope-tricks, roguish tricks. Grumio meant also, as Singer has

pointed out, "to play on the resemblance of rope-tricks for

rhetorick." I. ii. 112. Roundly, directly, IV. iv. 108. Rudesby, rude fellow, III. ii. 10. Rushes strewed. In old times the floors were covered with

rushes. IV. i. 48.

Sack, Canary wine, Induct, ii. 2.

Seal'd quarts, pots stamped as being of legal size, Induct, ii.

90.

Seen, "well seen," well skilled, I. ii. 134. Seize thee that list, take thee who will, III. i. 91. Sessa ! for cessa (Ital.), be quiet, Induct, i. 6. Sharp, hungry, IV. i. 193. Sheer-ale, ale unadulterated, Induct, ii. 25. Shipping, " good shipping," a good voyage, V. i. 43. Shoulder-shotten, dislocated in the shoulder, III. ii. 56. Shrewd, ill-tempered, I. i. 185. Simple, silly, foolish, V. ii. 161. Sith, since, I. i. 216. Skills not, matters not, III. ii. 134.

Skipper, used contemptuously for a flighty fellow, II. i. 341. Slipp'd, started, V. ii. 52.

Sorted to no proof, proved to be in vain, IV. iii. 43. Soto, a character in Beaumont and Fletcher's "Woman Pleased,"

Induct, i. 88. Soud. " A word coined by Shakespeare to express the noise

made by a person heated or fatigued." — SINGER. IV. i. 145. Spavins, a complaint of the hock in horses, III. ii. 53. Specialties, special deeds of contract, II. i. 127. Speed, succeed, I. ii. 247. Spleen, bad temper, III. ii. 10.

Stale, laughing-stock, I. i. 58 ; bait, decoy, III. i. 90. Stand, withstand, I. ii. 113. Stead, aid, I. ii. 266.

12O

STE] GLOSSARY AND NOTES [WAN

Stephen Sly and old John Naps of Greece. " The mention of Kit Sly's tavern comrades was in all likelihood a re- miniscence of contemporary Warwickshire life as literal as the name of the hamlet where the drunkard dwelt. There was a genuine Stephen Sly, who was in the dramatist's day a self-assertive citizen of Stratford ; and * Greece,' whence ' old John Naps' derived his cognomen, is an obvious misreading of Greet, a hamlet by Winchmere in Gloucestershire, not far re- moved from Shakespeare's native town." — SIDNEY LEE. Induct, ii. 95.

Stock, stocking, III. ii. 67.

Stoop, yield ; a play upon the term in falconry, which means to strike down on the quarry, IV. i. 194.

Suits, " in all suits," in all respects, Induct, i. 106.

Supposes, pretences, V. i. 120.

Swinge, lash, V. ii. 104.

Tender well, take good care of, Induct, i. 16.

Tents, hangings, II. i. 354.

Third or fourth or fifth borough, constables, Induct, i. 12.

'Tis a world to see. " This phrase, which frequently occurs

in old writers, is equivalent to ' it is worth a world or a matter

of admiration to see.'" — SINGER. II. i. 313. Took, gave, III. ii. 165.

Toward, forthcoming, I. i. 68; obedient, V. ii. 182. Trot, hag, I. ii. 80. Twangling, twanging, II. i. 159. Two and thirty, — a pip out. " The allusion is to the old game

of Bone-ace, or one and thirty. A pip is a spot upon a

card." — SINGER. I. ii. 33.

Unable, feeble, V. ii. 169. Unpink'd, without eyelet-holes, IV. i. 136. Untoward, unmannerly, IV. v. 79. Usurp, assume, Induct, i. 131.

Vail your stomachs, tame your pride, V. ii. 176.

Velure, velvet, III. ii. 62.

Vied, challenged : to vie is to stake at cards, II. i. 311.

Wants, are wanting, III. ii. 248.

121 K

WHA] THE TAMING OF THE SHREW [YET

Whatsoe'er, at any rate, I. ii. 216.

Wincot. Supposed to be a corruption of Wilnecote, a village

about three miles from Stratford, and renowned for its ale.

Induct, ii, 23.

Wish him to, recommend him to, I. i. 113. Woodcock, fool, simpleton, I. ii. 161. Workmanly, workmanlike, Induct, ii. 62.

Yellows, jaundice in horses, III. ii. 54. Yet, still, Induct, ii. 69.

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