SCENE II. Padua. Before Baptista's House. Enter TRANIO and HORTENSIO. Tra. Is't possible, friend Licio, that Bianca Doth fancy any other but Lucentio? I tell you, sir, she bears me fair in hand. Hor. Sir, to satisfy you in what I have said, Stand by, and mark the manner of his teaching. [They stand aside. Enter BIANCA and LUCENTIO. Luc. Now, mistress, profit you in what you read? Bian. What, master, read you? First resolve me that. Luc. I read that I profess, the art to love. Bian. And may you prove, sir, master of your art! Luc. While you, sweet dear, prove mistress of my heart. [They retire. Hor. Quick proceeders, marry! Now tell me, I pray, You that dost 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, And makes a god of such a cullion. Tra. Seignior Hortensio, I have often heard Of your entire affection to Bianca; And since mine eyes are witness of her lightness, Forswear Bianca and her love forever. Hor. See how they kiss and court!-Seignior 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 favors That I have fondly flattered her withal. Tra. And here I take the like unfeigned oath,Ne'er 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 loved me, As I have loved this proud, disdainful haggard. Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, [Exit HORTENSIO.-LUCENTIO and BIANCA advance. Tra. Mistress Bianca, bless you with such grace As 'longeth to a lover's blessed case! Nay, I have ta'en you napping, gentle love; 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. Tra. I'faith, he'll have a lusty widow now, That shall be wooed 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, running. Bion. O master, master, I have watched so long That I'm dog-weary; but at last I spied An ancient angel coming down the hill Will serve the turn. Tra. Tra. If he be credulous, and trust my tale, Take in your love, and then let me alone. [Exeunt LUCENTO and BIANCA. Enter a Pedant. 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. Ped. Of Mantua. Tra. Of Mantua, sir? - Marry, God forbid! And come to Padua, careless of your life? Ped. My life, sir! how, I pray? for that goes hard. To come to Padua. Know you not the cause? 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. As much as an apple doth an oyster, and all one. Tra. To save your life in this extremity, This favor will I do you for his sake; And think it not the worst of all your fortunes, His name and credit shall you undertake, And in my house you shall be friendly lodged.- so shall you stay Till you have done your business in the city. Ped. O sir, I do; and will repute you ever The patron of my life and liberty. [Aside. Tra. Then go with me, to make the matter good. This, by the way, I let you understand;— My father is here looked 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, sir, to clothe you as becomes you. [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, If not elsewhere they meet with charity: As who should say,-if I should sleep, or eat, I care not what, so it be wholesome food. Kath. "Tis passing good; I pr'ythee let me have it. How say you to a fat tripe, finely broiled? Kath. I like it well; good Grumio, fetch it me. What say you to a piece of beef, and mustard? Kath. Then both, or one, or any thing thou wilt. That triumph thus upon my misery! Go, get thee gone, I say. Enter PETRUCHIO, with a dish of meat; and HORTENSIO, Pet. How fares my Kate? What, sweeting, all amort? Hor. Mistress, what cheer? 'Faith, as cold as can be. Pet. Pluck up thy spirits, look cheerfully upon mc. Here, love; thou see'st how diligent I am, To dress thy meat myself, and bring it thee. [Sets the dish on a table. I am sure, sweet Kate, this kindness merits thanks. What, not a word? Nay then, thou lov'st it not; And all my pains is sorted to no 'proof.Here, take away this dish. Kath. Pray you, let it stand. Pet. The poorest service is repaid with thanks; And so shall mine, before you touch the meat. Kath. I thank you, sir. Hor. Seignior Petruchio, fie! you are to blame: Come, mistress Kate, I'll bear you company. Pet. Eat it up all, Hortensio, if thou lovest me. [Aside. Much good do it unto thy gentle heart! With silken coats, and caps, and golden rings, Enter Tailor. Come, tailor, let us see these ornaments; Enter Haberdasher. Lay forth the gown.-What news with you, sir? 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. Pet. When you are gentle, you shall have one too, And not till then. Hor. That will not be in haste. [Aside. Kath. Why, sir, I trust I may have leave to speak; |