And, in conclusion, she shall watch all night: And thus I'll curb her mad and headstrong humour. He that knows better how to tame a shrew, Now let him speak 't is charity to show. 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. [Exit. [They stand aside. Enter BIANCA and LUCENTIO. Luc. Now, mistress, profit you in what you read? Bian. And may you prove, Sir, master of your art! Luc. While you, sweet dear, prove mistress of my heart. [They retire. Hor. [Coming forward.] Quick proceeders, marry! Now, tell me, I pray, You that durst swear that your mistress Bianca Lov'd 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 scorns to live in this disguise, Tra. Signior Hortensio, I have often heard Of your entire affection to Bianca; And since mine eyes are witness of her lightness, Hor. See, how they kiss and court! 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 That I have fondly flatter'd her withal, Signior Lucentio, Tra. And here I take the like unfeigned oath, Never to marry with her, though she would entreat. 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 lov'd me, Kindness in women! not their beauteous looks, In resolution as I swore before. [Exit HORTENSIO. LUCENTIO and BIANCA advance. Tra. Mistress Bianca, bless you with such grace, As 'longeth to a lover's blessed case! Nay, I have ta'en you napping, gentle love, And have forsworn you, with Hortensio. Bian. Tranio, you jest. Luc. But have you both forsworn me? Then we are rid of Licio. Tra. I' faith, he 'll have a lusty widow now, That shall be woo'd and wedded in a day. Bian. God give him joy! Tra. Ay, and he 'll tame her. Bian. He says so, Tranio. Tra. 'Faith, he is gone unto the taming-school. Tra. Ay, mistress, and Petruchio is the master; To tame a shrew, and charm her chattering tongue. Bion. O master, master! I have watch'd so long An ancient engle coming down the hill, Will serve the turn. Tra. What is he, Biondello? Bion. Master, a mercatantè, or a pedant, Tra. If he be credulous, and trust my tale, Take in your love, and then let me alone. [Exeunt LUCENTIO and BIANCA. Enter a Pedant. Sir! And you, Sir: you are welcome. Ped. God save you, Tra. What countryman, I pray? Of Mantua. Tra. Of Mantua, Sir?- marry, God forbid! Ped. My life, Sir! how, I pray? for that goes hard. To come to Padua. Know you not the cause? 'Tis marvel; but that you are but newly come, Ped. Alas, Sir! it is worse for me than so; Tra. Among them, know you one Vincentio? A merchant of incomparable wealth. Tra. He is my father, Sir; and, sooth to say, In countenance somewhat doth resemble you. Bion. [Aside.] As much as an apple doth an oyster, and all one. Tra. To save your life in this extremity, And think it not the worst of all your fortunes His name and credit shall you undertake, Ped. O! Sir, I do; and will repute you ever Tra. Then go with me, to make the matter good. My father is here look'd for every day, [Exeunt. SCENE III. A Room in PETRUCHIO'S House. Enter KATHARINA and GRUMIO. Gru. No, no, forsooth; I dare not, for my life. Beggars, that come unto my father's door, As who should say, if I should sleep, or eat, I care not what, so it be wholesome food. Gru. What say you to a neat's foot? 'T is passing good: I pr'ythee let me have it. Gri. I fear, it is too choleric a meat. How say you to a fat tripe, finely broil'd? Kath. I like it well: good Grumio, fetch it me. What say you to a piece of beef, and mustard? Gru. Ay, but the mustard is too hot a little. Kath. Why, then the beef, and let the mustard rest. Or else you get no beef of Grumio. Kath. Then both, or one, or any thing thou wilt. Gru. Why then, the mustard without the beef. That feed'st me with the very name of meat. [Beats him. |