THE TAMING OF THE SHREW


By William Shakespeare


Dramatis Personae.


    The Induction:

        Christopher SLY, a tinker.
        HOSTESS of an alehouse.
        A LORD.
        Bartholomew, the Lord's PAGE.
        1st HUNTSMAN, 2nd HUNTSMAN.
        1st SERVANT, 2nd SERVANT, 3rd SERVANT.
        1st PLAYER, 2nd PLAYER, and other Players in a travelling company.
        A MESSENGER.


    The Play:

        BAPTISTA Minola, a rich gentleman of Padua.
        KATHERINA, the shrew, Baptista's eldest daughter.
        BIANCA, Baptista's other daughter.

        PETRUCHIO, a gentleman of Verona, suitor to Katherina.
        GRUMIO, Petruchio's personal manservant.

        CURTIS,        }
        NATHANIEL,    }
        PHILIP,        } Petruchio's household servants.
        JOSEPH,        }
        NICHOLAS,    }
        PETER,        }


        VINCENTIO, an rich old gentleman of Pisa.
        LUCENTIO,    son to Vincentio, suitor to Bianca, sometimes disguised 
as a teacher named Cambio.
        TRANIO, servant to Lucentio, sometimes disguised as Lucentio.
        BIONDELLO, a boy, servant to Lucentio.

        HORTENSIO,    a gentleman of Padua, suitor to Bianca, sometimes 
disguised as a teacher named Licio.
        A WIDOW, in love with Hortensio.

        GREMIO,    a pantaloon, a rich old gentleman of Padua, suitor to Bianca.

        A PEDANT of Mantua, sometimes impersonating Vincentio.

        A TAILOR.
        A HABERDASHER.
        An Officer.
        A SERVANT and other Servants attending on Baptista.



Scene: Padua; and sometimes in Petruchio's house in the country.


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INDUCTION.

Scene 1. Before an Alehouse on a Heath.

Enter HOSTESS and the beggar Christophero SLY.

Sly    I'll feeze you, in faith.

Hostess    A pair of stocks, you rogue!

Sly    Y'are a baggage, the Slys are no rogues. Look in the chronicles: we 
came in with Richard Conqueror. Therefore paucas pallabris; let the world 
slide. Sessa!

Hostess    You will not pay for the glasses you have burst?

Sly    No, not a denier. Go by, Saint Jeronimy, go to thy cold bed and warm 
thee.

Hostess    I know my remedy: I must go fetch the thirdborough.
[Exit.

Sly    Third, or fourth, or fifth borough, I'll answer him by law. I'll not 
budge an inch, boy; let him come, and kindly.
[Falls asleep.

Wind horns.
Enter a LORD from hunting, with his TRAIN.

Lord    Huntsman, I charge thee, tender well my hounds.
    Breathe Merriman, the poor cur is embossed,
    And couple Clowder with the deep-mouthed brach.
    Saw'st thou not, boy, how Silver made it good
    At the hedge corner in the coldest fault?
    I would not lose the dog for twenty pound.

1st Huntsman    Why, Bellman is as good as he, my lord;
    He cried upon it at the merest loss,
    And twice today picked 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;
    Tomorrow I intend to hunt again.

1st Huntsman    I will, my lord.

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

2nd Huntsman    He breathes, my lord. Were he not warmed 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 conveyed to bed,
    Wrapped in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers,
    A most delicious banquet by his bed,
    And brave attendants near him when he wakes - 
    Would not the beggar then forget himself?

1st Huntsman    Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose.

2nd Huntsman    It would seem strange unto him when he waked.

Lord    Even as a flatt'ring 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,
    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 bestrewed with flowers;
    Another bear the ewer, the third a diaper,
    And say "Will't please your lordship cool your hands?"
    Someone be ready with a costly suit,
    And ask him what apparel he will wear;
    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.

1st Huntsman    My lord, I warrant you we will play our part
    As he shall think by our true diligence
    He is no less than what we say he is.

Lord    Take him up gently, and to bed with him;
    And each one to his office when he wakes.
[SLY is carried out.
[Sound trumpets.

    Sirrah, go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds.
[Exit SERVANT.
    Belike some noble gentleman that means,
    Travelling some journey, to repose him here.

Re-enter SERVANT.

    How now, who is it?

Servant                        And'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.

Lord    Do you intend to stay with me tonight?

1st Player    So please your lordship to accept our duty.

Lord    With all my heart. This fellow I remember
    Since once he played a farmer's eldest son - 
    'Twas where you wooed the gentlewoman so well.
    I have forgot your name, but sure that part
    Was aptly fitted and naturally performed.

2nd 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,
    The rather for I have some sport in hand
    Wherein your cunning can assist me much.
    There is a lord will hear you play tonight;
    But I am doubtful of your modesties,
    Lest overeyeing of his odd behaviour
    - For yet his honour never heard a play - 
    You break into some merry passion,
    And so offend him; for I tell you, sirs,
    If you should smile he grows impatient.

1st Player    Fear not, my lord; we can contain ourselves
    Were he the veriest antic in the world.

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.

    [To a SERVANT.] Sirrah, go you to Barthol'mew my page,
    And see him dressed 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,
    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 overjoyed
    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 conveyed
    Shall in despite enforce a watery eye.
    See this dispatched with all the haste thou canst;
    Anon I'll give thee more instructions.
[Exit a SERVANT.

    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 overmerry spleen
    Which otherwise would grow into extremes.
[Exeunt.

+ + + + + +

Induction. Scene 2. A Bedchamber in the Lord's House.

Enter aloft the drunkard SLY, with ATTENDANTS, some with apparel, basin and 
ewer, and other appurtenances; and LORD.

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

1st Servant    Will't please your lordship drink a cup of sack?

2nd Servant    Will't please your honour taste of these conserves?

3rd Servant    What raiment will your honour wear today?

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 conserves of 
beef. Ne'er ask me what raiment I'll 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, or such shoes as my toes look through the overleather.

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 cardmaker, by transmutation a 
bearherd, and now by present profession a tinker? Ask Marian Hacket, the fat 
alewife 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 lying'st knave in Christendom. 
What, I am not bestraught: here's - 

3rd Servant    O, this it is that makes your lady mourn.

2nd Servant    O, this is it that makes your servants droop.

Lord    Hence comes it that your kindred shuns your house,
    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?
[Music.
                            - hark, Apollo plays,
    And twenty caged nightingales do sing.
    Or wilt thou sleep? -we'll have thee to a couch
    Softer and sweeter than the lustful bed
    On purpose trimmed up for Semiramis.
    Say thou wilt walk -we will bestrew the ground.
    Or wilt thou ride? -thy horses shall be trapped,
    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.

1st Servant    Say thou wilt course -thy greyhounds are as swift
    As breathed stags, ay, fleeter than the roe.

2nd Servant    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 Io as she was a maid,
    And how she was beguiled and surprised,
    As lively painted as the deed was done.

3rd Servant    Or Daphne roaming through a thorny wood,
    Scratching her legs that one shall swear she bleeds,
    And at that sight shall sad Apollo weep,
    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.

1st Servant    And till the tears that she hath shed for thee
    Like envious floods o'errun 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?
    Or do I dream? Or have I dreamed 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 Christopher Sly.
    Well, bring our lady hither to our sight;
    And once again a pot o'th'smallest ale.

2nd Servant    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!
    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?

1st Servant    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 sealed quarts.
    Sometimes you would call out for Cicely Hacket.

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

3rd Servant    Why, sir, you know no house nor no such maid
    Nor no such men as you have reckoned 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.

Enter PAGE as a lady, with ATTENDANTS.

Sly    I thank thee; thou shalt not lose by it.

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?

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 dreamed
    And slept above some fifteen year or more.

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

Sly    'Tis much. Servants, leave me and her alone.
[Exeunt all but PAGE and SLY.

    Madam, undress you, and come now to bed.

Page    Thrice noble lord, let me entreat of you
    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.

Enter a MESSENGER.

Messenger    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 congealed 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-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.


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ACT 1.

Scene 1. Padua. A Street.

Flourish. Enter LUCENTIO and his man TRANIO.

Lucentio    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 armed
    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, renowned for grave citizens,
    Gave me my being, and my father first - 
    A merchant of great traffic through the world,
    Vincentio, come of the Bentivolii.
    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.
    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.

Tranio    Mi perdonato, gentle master mine,
    I am in all affected 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,
    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.

Lucentio    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.

Enter BAPTISTA with his two daughters, KATHERINA and BIANCA, GREMIO, a 
pantaloon, and HORTENSIO, suitor to Bianca.

    But stay awhile -what company is this?

Tranio    Master, some show to welcome us to town.
[LUCENTIO and TRANIO stand by.

Baptista     Gentlemen, importune me no further,
    For how I firmly am resolved you know;
    That is, not to bestow my youngest daughter
    Before I have a husband for the elder.
    If either of you both love Katherina,
    Because I know you well and love you well,
    Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure.

Gremio    To cart her rather: -she's too rough for me.
    There, there, Hortensio, will you any wife?

Katherina    [To BAPTISTA.] I pray you, sir, is it your will
    To make a stale of me amongst these mates?

Hortensio    "Mates", maid? How mean you that? No mates for you
    Unless you were of gentler, milder mould.

Katherina    I'faith, sir, you shall never need to fear:
    Iwis it is not halfway to her heart;
    But if it were, doubt not her care should be
    To comb your noddle with a three-legged stool,
    And paint your face, and use you like a fool.

Hortensio    From all such devils, good Lord deliver us!

Gremio    And me too, good Lord!

Tranio    [Aside.] Husht, master, here's some good pastime toward.
    That wench is stark mad or wonderful froward.

Lucentio    [Aside.] But in the other's silence do I see
    Maid's mild behaviour and sobriety.
    Peace, Tranio.

Tranio    [Aside.] Well said, master. Mum! -and gaze your fill.

Baptista    Gentlemen, that I may soon make good
    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.

Katherina    A pretty peat! It is best
    Put finger in the eye, and she knew why.

Bianca    Sister, content you in my discontent.
    Sir, to your pleasure humbly I subscribe.
    My books and instruments shall be my company,
    On them to look and practise by myself.

Lucentio    [Aside.] Hark, Tranio, thou mayst hear Minerva speak.

Hortensio    Signor Baptista, will you be so strange?
    Sorry am I that our good will effects
    Bianca's grief.

Gremio                        Why will you mew her up,
    Signor Baptista, for this fiend of hell,
    And make her bear the penance of her tongue?

Baptista    Gentlemen, content ye; I am resolved.
    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 Signor 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. Katherina, you may stay,
    For I have more to commune with Bianca.
[Exit.

Katherina    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.

Gremio    You may go to the devil's dam: your gifts 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. 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.

Hortensio    So will I, Signor 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 thing specially.

Gremio    What's that, I pray?

Hortensio    Marry, sir, to get a husband for her sister.

Gremio    A husband? A devil.

Hortensio    I say a husband.

Gremio    I say a devil. Think'st thou, Hortensio, though her father be very 
rich, any man is so very a fool to be married to hell?

Hortensio    Tush, Gremio! Though it pass your patience and mine to endure her 
loud alarums, why, man, there be good fellows in the world, and a man could 
light on them, would take her with all faults, and money enough.

Gremio    I cannot tell; but I had as lief take her dowry with this condition: 
to be whipped at the high cross every morning.

Hortensio    Faith, as you say, there's small choice in rotten apples. But 
come, since this bar in law makes us friends, it shall be so far forth 
friendly maintained, till, by helping Baptista's eldest daughter to a husband, 
we set his youngest free for a husband, and then have to't afresh. Sweet 
Bianca! Happy man be his dole! He that runs fastest gets the ring. How say 
you, Signor Gremio?

Gremio    I am agreed; and would I had given him the best horse in Padua to 
begin his wooing, that would thoroughly woo her, wed her, and bed her, and rid 
the house of her. Come on.
[Exeunt GREMIO and HORTENSIO.

Tranio    I pray, sir, tell me, is it possible
    That love should of a sudden take such hold?

Lucentio    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,
    If I achieve not this young modest girl.
    Counsel me, Tranio, for I know thou canst;
    Assist me, Tranio, for I know thou wilt.

Tranio    Master, it is no time to chide you now;
    Affection is not rated from the heart.
    If love have touched you, nought remains but so,
    Redime te captum quam queas minimo.

Lucentio    Gramercies, lad. Go forward; this contents;
    The rest will comfort, for thy counsel's sound.

Tranio    Master, you looked so longly on the maid,
    Perhaps you marked not what's the pith of all.

Lucentio    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 kissed the Cretan strand.

Tranio    Saw you no more? Marked you not how her sister
    Began to scold and raise up such a storm
    That mortal ears might hardly endure the din?

Lucentio    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.

Tranio    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 mewed her up,
    Because she will not be annoyed with suitors.

Lucentio    Ah, Tranio, what a cruel father's he!
    But art thou not advised he took some care
    To get her cunning schoolmasters to instruct her?

Tranio    Ay, marry, am I, sir; and now 'tis plotted.

Lucentio    I have it, Tranio.

Tranio                        Master, for my hand,
    Both our inventions meet and jump in one.

Lucentio    Tell me thine first.

Tranio                            You will be schoolmaster,
    And undertake the teaching of the maid - 
    That's your device.

Lucentio                        It is. May it be done?

Tranio    Not possible; for who shall bear your part
    And be in Padua here Vincentio's son,
    Keep house, and ply his book, welcome his friends,
    Visit his countrymen, and banquet them?

Lucentio    Basta, content thee, for I have it full.
    We have not yet been seen in any house,
    Nor can we be distinguished by our faces
    For man or master. Then it follows thus:
    Thou shalt be master, Tranio, in my stead,
    Keep house and port and servants, as I should.
    I will some other be, some Florentine,
    Some Neapolitan, or meaner man of Pisa.
    'Tis hatched, and shall be so. Tranio, at once
    Uncase thee, take my coloured hat and cloak.
    When Biondello comes, he waits on thee;
    But I will charm him first to keep his tongue.
[They exchange clothes.

Tranio    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 - 
    I am content to be Lucentio,
    Because so well I love Lucentio.

Lucentio    Tranio, be so, because Lucentio loves;
    And let me be a slave t'achieve that maid
    Whose sudden sight hath thralled my wounded eye.

Enter BIONDELLO.

    Here comes the rogue. Sirrah, where have you been?

Biondello    Where have I been? Nay, how now, where are you?
    Master, has my fellow Tranio stol'n your clothes,
    Or you stol'n his, or both? Pray, what's the news?

Lucentio    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 count'nance on,
    And I for my escape have put on his;
    For in a quarrel since I came ashore
    I killed 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?

Biondello                            I, sir? Ne'er a whit.

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

Biondello    The better for him; would I were so too!

Tranio    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.

Lucentio    Tranio, let's go.
    One thing more rests, that 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 speaks.

1st Servant    My lord, you nod; you do not mind the play.

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 2. Padua. Before Hortensio's House.

Enter PETRUCHIO and his man GRUMIO.

Petruchio    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.

Grumio    Knock, sir? Whom should I knock? Is there any man has rebused your 
worship?

Petruchio    Villain, I say, knock me here soundly.

Grumio    Knock you here, sir? Why, sir, what am I, sir, that I should knock 
you here, sir?

Petruchio    Villain, I say, knock me at this gate;
    And rap me well, or I'll knock your knave's pate.

Grumio    My master is grown quarrelsome. I should knock you first,
    And then I know after who comes by the worst.

Petruchio    Will it not be?
    Faith, sirrah, and you'll not knock, I'll ring it;
    I'll try how you can sol, fa, and sing it.
[He wrings him by the ears.

Grumio    Help, masters, help! My master is mad.

Petruchio    Now knock when I bid you, sirrah villain.

Enter HORTENSIO.


Hortensio    How now, what's the matter? My old friend Grumio, and my good 
friend Petruchio! How do you all at Verona?

Petruchio    Signor Hortensio, come you to part the fray?
    Con tutto il cuore ben trovato, may I say.

Hortensio    Alla nostra casa ben venuto,
    Molto honorato signor mio Petruchio.
    Rise, Grumio, rise; we will compound this quarrel.

Grumio    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 perhaps, for aught I see, two-and-thirty, a pip out?
    Whom would to God I had well knocked at first,
    Then had not Grumio come by the worst.

Petruchio    A senseless villain! Good Hortensio,
    I bade the rascal knock upon your gate,
    And could not get him for my heart to do it.

Grumio    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 "knocking at the gate"?

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

Hortensio    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
    Blows you to Padua here from old Verona?

Petruchio    Such wind as scatters young men through the world
    To seek their fortunes farther than at home,
    Where small experience grows. But in a few,
    Signor 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.

Hortensio    Petruchio, shall I then come roundly to thee,
    And wish thee to a shrewd ill-favoured wife?
    Thou'dst thank me but a little for my counsel,
    And yet I'll promise thee she shall be rich,
    And very rich; but th'art too much my friend,
    And I'll not wish thee to her.

Petruchio    Signor 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
    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.

Grumio    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 as many diseases as 
two-and-fifty horses. Why, nothing comes amiss so money comes withal.

Hortensio    Petruchio, since we are stepped thus far in,
    I will continue that I broached 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 all measure
    That were my state far worser than it is
    I would not wed her for a mine of gold.

Petruchio    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.

Hortensio    Her father is Baptista Minola,
    An affable and courteous gentleman.
    Her name is Katherina Minola,
    Renowned in Padua for her scolding tongue.

Petruchio    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.

Grumio    I pray you, sir, let him go while the humour lasts. A'my word, and 
she knew him as well as I do, she would think scolding would do little good 
upon him. She may perhaps call him half a score knaves or so -why, that's 
nothing; and he begin once, he'll rail in his rope-tricks. I'll tell you what, 
sir, and she stand him but a little, he will throw a figure in her face, and 
so disfigure her with it that she shall have no more eyes to see withal than a 
cat. You know him not, sir.

Hortensio    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,
    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 Katherina will be wooed.
    Therefore this order hath Baptista ta'en:
    That none shall have access unto Bianca
    Till Katherine the curst have got a husband.

Grumio    Katherine the curst!
    A title for a maid of all titles the worst.

Hortensio    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.

Enter GREMIO, and LUCENTIO disguised as a schoolmaster, Cambio.

Grumio    Here's no knavery! See, to beguile the old folks, how the young 
folks lay their heads together! Master, master, look about you. Who goes 
there, ha?

Hortensio    Peace, Grumio. It is the rival of my love.
    Petruchio, stand by awhile.
[HORTENSIO, GRUMIO and PETRUCHIO stand aside.

Grumio    [Aside.] A proper stripling, and an amorous!

Gremio    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 lectures to her:
    You understand me. Over and beside
    Signor Baptista's liberality,
    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?

Lucentio    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.

Gremio    O this learning, what a thing it is!

Grumio    [Aside.] O this woodcock, what an ass it is!

Petruchio    [Aside.] Peace, sirrah.

Hortensio    [Aside.] Grumio, mum!
                [Advancing.] God save you, Signor Gremio.

Gremio    And you are well met, Signor Hortensio.
    Trow you whither I am going? To Baptista Minola.
    I promised to enquire 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
    And other books, good ones, I warrant ye.

Hortensio    '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.

Gremio    Beloved of me, and that my deeds shall prove.

Grumio    [Aside.] And that his bags shall prove.

Hortensio    Gremio, 'tis now no time to vent our love.
    Listen to me, and if you speak me fair,
    I'll tell you news indifferent good for either.
    Here is a gentleman whom by chance I met,
    Upon agreement from us to his liking,
    Will undertake to woo curst Katherine,
    Yea, and to marry her if her dowry please.

Gremio    So said, so done, is well.
    Hortensio, have you told him all her faults?

Petruchio    I know she is an irksome brawling scold;
    If that be all, masters, I hear no harm.

Gremio    No, sayst me so, friend? What countryman?

Petruchio    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.

Gremio    O sir, such a life with such a wife were strange.
    But if you have a stomach, to't, a God's name!
    You shall have me assisting you in all.
    But will you woo this wildcat?

Petruchio                                        Will I live?

Grumio    [Aside.] Will he woo her? Ay, or I'll hang her.

Petruchio    Why came I hither but to that intent?
    Think you a little din can daunt mine ears?
    Have I not in my time heard lions roar?
    Have I not heard the sea, puffed 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?
    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?
    Tush, tush, fear boys with bugs!

Grumio                                [Aside.] For he fears none.

Gremio    Hortensio, hark.
    This gentleman is happily arrived,
    My mind presumes, for his own good and ours.

Hortensio    I promised we would be contributors,
    And bear his charge of wooing, whatsoe'er.

Gremio    And so we will, provided that he win her.

Grumio    [Aside.] I would I were as sure of a good dinner.

Enter TRANIO brave, and BIONDELLO.

Tranio    Gentlemen, God save you. If I may be bold,
    Tell me, I beseech you, which is the readiest way
    To the house of Signor Baptista Minola?

Biondello    He that has the two fair daughters? Is't he you mean?

Tranio    Even he, Biondello.

Gremio    Hark you, sir; you mean not her to - 

Tranio    Perhaps him and her, sir. What have you to do?

Petruchio    Not her that chides, sir, at any hand, I pray.

Tranio    I love no chiders, sir. Biondello, let's away.

Lucentio    [Aside.] Well begun, Tranio.

Hortensio                                    Sir, a word ere you go.
    Are you a suitor to the maid you talk of, yea or no?

Tranio    And if I be, sir, is it any offence?

Gremio    No, if without more words you will get you hence.

Tranio    Why, sir, I pray, are not the streets as free
    For me as for you?

Gremio                        But so is not she.

Tranio    For what reason, I beseech you?

Gremio    For this reason, if you'll know:
    That she's the choice love of Signor Gremio.

Hortensio    That she's the chosen of Signor Hortensio.

Tranio    Softly, my masters! If you be gentlemen,
    Do me this right: hear me with patience.
    Baptista is a noble gentleman
    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.

Gremio    What, this gentleman will outtalk us all.

Lucentio    Sir, give him head; I know he'll prove a jade.

Petruchio    Hortensio, to what end are all these words?

Hortensio    Sir, let me be so bold as ask you,
    Did you yet ever see Baptista's daughter?

Tranio    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.

Petruchio    Sir, sir, the first's for me, let her go by.

Gremio    Yea, leave that labour to great Hercules,
    And let it be more than Alcides' twelve.

Petruchio    Sir, understand you this of me in sooth:
    The youngest daughter, whom you hearken for,
    Her father keeps from all access of suitors,
    And will not promise her to any man
    Until the elder sister first be wed.
    The younger then is free, and not before.

Tranio    If it be so, sir, that you are the man
    Must stead us all, and me amongst the rest,
    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.

Hortensio    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.

Tranio    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.

Grumio &
Biondello    O excellent motion! Fellows, let's be gone.

Hortensio    The motion's good indeed, and be it so.
    Petruchio, I shall be your ben venuto.
[Exeunt.

+++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++

ACT 2.

Scene 1. Padua. A Room in Baptista's House.

Enter KATHERINA and BIANCA.

Bianca    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.

Katherina    Of all thy suitors, here I charge thee tell
    Whom thou lov'st best. See thou dissemble not.

Bianca    Believe me, sister, of all the men alive
    I never yet beheld that special face
    Which I could fancy more than any other.

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

Bianca    If you affect him, sister, here I swear
    I'll plead for you myself but you shall have him.

Katherina    O, then belike you fancy riches more:
    You will have Gremio to keep you fair.

Bianca    Is it for him you do envy me so?
    Nay, then you jest; and now I well perceive
    You have but jested with me all this while.
    I prithee, sister Kate, untie my hands.

Katherina    [Strikes her.] If that be jest, then all the rest was so.

Enter BAPTISTA.

Baptista    Why, how now, dame, whence grows this insolence?
    Bianca, stand aside. Poor girl, she weeps.
[Unties BIANCA.

    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?

Katherina    Her silence flouts me, and I'll be revenged.
[Flies after BIANCA.
Baptista    What, in my sight? Bianca, get thee in.
[Exit BIANCA.
Katherina    What, will you not suffer me? Nay, now I see
    She is your treasure, she must have a husband;
    I must dance barefoot 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.
Baptista    Was ever gentleman thus grieved as I?
    But who comes here?

Enter GREMIO, LUCENTIO in the habit of a mean man, Cambio, PETRUCHIO, with 
HORTENSIO disguised as a music teacher, Licio, TRANIO disguised as Lucentio, 
with his boy BIONDELLO bearing a lute and books.

Gremio    Good morrow, neighbour Baptista.

Baptista    Good morrow, neighbour Gremio. God save you, gentlemen.

Petruchio    And you, good sir. Pray, have you not a daughter
    Called Katherina, fair and virtuous?

Baptista    I have a daughter, sir, called Katherina.

Gremio    You are too blunt; go to it orderly.

Petruchio    You wrong me, Signor Gremio, give me leave.
    [To BAPTISTA.] 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,
    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,
[Presenting HORTENSIO.
    I do present you with a man of mine,
    Cunning in music and the 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.

Baptista    You're welcome, sir, and he for your good sake.
    But for my daughter Katherine, this I know,
    She is not for your turn, the more my grief.

Petruchio    I see you do not mean to part with her,
    Or else you like not of my company.

Baptista    Mistake me not, I speak but as I find.
    Whence are you, sir? What may I call your name?

Petruchio    Petruchio is my name, Antonio's son,
    A man well known throughout all Italy.

Baptista    I know him well; you are welcome for his sake.

Gremio    Saving your tale, Petruchio, I pray,
    Let us that are poor petitioners speak too.
    Backare, you are marvellous forward.

Petruchio    O pardon me, Signor Gremio, I would fain be doing.

Gremio    I doubt it not, sir, but you will curse your wooing. [To BAPTISTA.] 
Neighbour, this is a gift very grateful, I am sure of it. [Presenting 
LUCENTIO.] To express the like kindness, myself, that have been more kindly 
beholding to you than any, freely give unto you this young scholar that hath 
been long 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.

Baptista    A thousand thanks, Signor Gremio. Welcome, 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?

Tranio    Pardon me, sir, the boldness is mine own
    That, being a stranger in this city here,
    Do make myself a suitor to your daughter,
    Unto Bianca, fair and virtuous.
    Nor is your firm resolve unknown to me
    In the preferment of the eldest sister.
    This liberty is all that I request:
    That, upon knowledge of my parentage,
    I may have welcome 'mongst the rest that woo,
    And free access and favour as the rest.
    And toward the education of your daughters
    I here bestow a simple instrument,
    And this small packet of Greek and Latin books.
    If you accept them, then their worth is great.

Baptista    Lucentio is your name. Of whence, I pray?

Tranio    Of Pisa, sir; son to Vincentio.

Baptista    A mighty man of Pisa; by report
    I know him well. You are very welcome, sir.
    [To HORTENSIO.] Take you the lute,
                        [To LUCENTIO.] 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
    These are their tutors; bid them use them well.
[Exit SERVANT with HORTENSIO, LUCENTIO and BIONDELLO.

    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.

Petruchio    Signor 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 bettered rather than decreased.
    Then tell me, if I get your daughter's love,
    What dowry shall I have with her to wife?

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

Petruchio    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.

Baptista    Ay, when the special thing is well obtained,
    That is her love, for that is all in all.

Petruchio    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.

Baptista    Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed!
    But be thou armed for some unhappy words.


Petruchio    Ay, to the proof, as mountains are for winds,
    That shakes not though they blow perpetually.

Re-enter HORTENSIO, with his head broke.

Baptista    How now, my friend, why dost thou look so pale?

Hortensio    For fear, I promise you, if I look pale.

Baptista    What, will my daughter prove a good musician?

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

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

Hortensio    Why no, for she hath broke the lute to me.
    I did but tell her she mistook her frets,
    And bowed her hand to teach her fingering,
    When, with a most impatient devilish spirit,
    "Frets, call you these?" quoth she "I'll 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,
    And twangling Jack, with twenty such vile terms,
    As had she studied to misuse me so.

Petruchio    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!

Baptista    [To HORTENSIO.] 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.
    Signor Petruchio, will you go with us,
    Or shall I send my daughter Kate to you?

Petruchio    I pray you do.
[Exeunt.
Manet PETRUCHIO.

                    I'll attend her here,
    And woo her with some spirit when she comes.
    Say that she rail -why, then I'll tell her plain
    She sings as sweetly as a nightingale.
    Say that she frown -I'll say she looks as clear
    As morning roses newly washed 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
    When I shall ask the banns, and when be married.

Enter KATHERINA.

    But here she comes; and now, Petruchio, speak.
    Good morrow, Kate, for that's your name, I hear.

Katherina    Well have you heard, but something hard of hearing:
    They call me Katherine that do talk of me.

Petruchio    You lie, in faith, for you are called plain Kate,
    And bonny Kate, and sometimes Kate the curst;
    But, Kate, the prettiest Kate in Christendom,
    Kate of Kate Hall, my super-dainty Kate,
    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.

Katherina    "Moved", in good time! Let him that moved you hither
    Remove you hence. I knew you at the first
    You were a moveable.

Petruchio                        Why, what's a moveable?

Katherina    A joint-stool.

Petruchio                    Thou hast hit it; come, sit on me.

Katherina    Asses are made to bear, and so are you.

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

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

Petruchio    Alas, good Kate, I will not burden thee;
    For, knowing thee to be but young and light - 

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

Petruchio    Should be? Should buzz!

Katherina                            Well ta'en, and like a buzzard.

Petruchio    O slow-winged turtle, shall a buzzard take thee?

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

Petruchio    Come, come, you wasp, i'faith you are too angry.

Katherina    If I be waspish, best beware my sting.

Petruchio    My remedy is then to pluck it out.

Katherina    Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies.

Petruchio    Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting?
    In his tail.

Katherina                In his tongue.

Petruchio                                Whose tongue?

Katherina    Yours, if you talk of tales; and so farewell.

Petruchio    What, with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again.
    Good Kate, I am a gentleman - 

Katherina                                    That I'll try.
[She strikes him.
Petruchio    I swear I'll cuff you if you strike again.

Katherina    So may you lose your arms:
    If you strike me, you are no gentleman;
    And if no gentleman, why then no arms.

Petruchio    A herald, Kate? O, put me in thy books.

Katherina    What is your crest? A coxcomb?

Petruchio    A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen.

Katherina    No cock of mine; you crow too like a craven.

Petruchio    Nay, come, Kate, come, you must not look so sour.

Katherina    It is my fashion when I see a crab.

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

Katherina    There is, there is.

Petruchio    Then show it me.

Katherina                        Had I a glass, I would.

Petruchio    What, you mean my face?

Katherina                            Well aimed of such a young one.

Petruchio    Now, by Saint George, I am too young for you.

Katherina    Yet you are withered.

Petruchio                            'Tis with cares.

Katherina                                                I care not.

Petruchio    Nay, hear you, Kate; in sooth you 'scape not so.

Katherina    I chafe you if I tarry. Let me go.

Petruchio    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 springtime flowers.
    Thou canst not frown, thou canst not look askance,
    Nor bite the lip, as angry wenches will,
    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 sland'rous world! Kate like the hazel-twig
    Is straight and slender, and as brown in hue
    As hazelnuts, and sweeter than the kernels.
    O, let me see thee walk. Thou dost not halt.

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

Petruchio    Did ever Dian so become a grove
    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.

Katherina    Where did you study all this goodly speech?

Petruchio    It is extempore, from my mother-wit.

Katherina    A witty mother! -witless else her son.

Petruchio    Am I not wise?

Katherina                    Yes, keep you warm.

Petruchio    Marry, so I mean, sweet Katherine, in thy bed;
    And therefore, setting all this chat aside,
    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 - 
    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.

Enter BAPTISTA, GREMIO, and TRANIO.

    Here comes your father. Never make denial;
    I must and will have Katherine to my wife.

Baptista    Now, Signor Petruchio, how speed you with my daughter?

Petruchio    How but well, sir? How but well?
    It were impossible I should speed amiss.

Baptista    Why, how now, daughter Katherine, in your dumps?

Katherina    Call you me daughter? Now I promise you
    You have showed a tender fatherly regard
    To wish me wed to one half lunatic,
    A madcap ruffian and a swearing Jack,
    That thinks with oaths to face the matter out.

Petruchio    Father, 'tis thus: yourself and all the world
    That talked of her have talked 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.

Katherina    I'll see thee hanged on Sunday first.

Gremio    Hark, Petruchio, she says she'll see thee hanged first.

Tranio    Is this your speeding? Nay, then good night our part!

Petruchio    Be patient, gentlemen; I choose her for myself.
    If she and I be pleased, what's that to you?
    'Tis bargained '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
    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 Katherine shall be fine.

Baptista    I know not what to say, but give me your hands.
    God send you joy, Petruchio! 'Tis a match.

Gremio &
Tranio    Amen, say we; we will be witnesses.

Petruchio    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 a'Sunday.
[Exeunt PETRUCHIO and KATHERINA severally.

Gremio    Was ever match clapped up so suddenly?

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

Tranio    'Twas a commodity lay fretting by you;
    'Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas.

Baptista    The gain I seek is quiet in the match.

Gremio    No doubt but he hath got a quiet catch.
    But now, Baptista, to your younger daughter.
    Now is the day we long have looked for.
    I am your neighbour, and was suitor first.

Tranio    And I am one that love Bianca more
    Than words can witness, or your thoughts can guess.

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

Tranio    Greybeard, thy love doth freeze.

Gremio                                    But thine doth fry.
    Skipper, stand back; 'tis age that nourisheth.

Tranio    But youth in ladies' eyes that flourisheth.

Baptista    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 Bianca's love.
    Say, Signor Gremio, what can you assure her?

Gremio    First, as you know, my house within the city
    Is richly furnished with plate and gold,
    Basins and ewers to lave her dainty hands;
    My hangings all of Tyrian tapestry.
    In ivory coffers I have stuffed my crowns;
    In cypress chests my arras counterpoints,
    Costly apparel, tents, and canopies,
    Fine linen, Turkey cushions bossed with pearl,
    Valance of Venice gold in needlework,
    Pewter and brass, and all things that belongs
    To house or housekeeping. Then, at my farm
    I have a hundred milch-kine to the pail,
    Six score fat oxen standing in my stalls,
    And all things answerable to this portion.
    Myself am struck in years I must confess,
    And if I die tomorrow this is hers,
    If whilst I live she will be only mine.

Tranio    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 Signor Gremio has in Padua;
    Besides two thousand ducats by the year
    Of fruitful land, all which shall be her jointure.
    What, have I pinched you, Signor Gremio?

Gremio    Two thousand ducats by the year of land!
    [Aside.] My land amounts not to so much in all.
    [Aloud.] That she shall have, besides an argosy
    That now is lying in Marsellus road.
    What, have I choked you with an argosy?

Tranio    Gremio, 'tis known my father hath no less
    Than three great argosies, besides two galliasses
    And twelve tight galleys: these I will assure her,
    And twice as much whate'er thou off'rest next.

Gremio    Nay, I have offered 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.

Tranio    Why, then the maid is mine from all the world
    By your firm promise. Gremio is outvied.

Baptista    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,
    If you should die before him, where's her dower?

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

Gremio    And may not young men die as well as old?

Baptista    Well, gentlemen,
    I am thus resolved: on Sunday next you know
    My daughter Katherine is to be married;
    Now, on the Sunday following shall Bianca
    Be bride to you, if you make this assurance;
    If not, to Signor Gremio.
    And so I take my leave, and thank you both.

Gremio    Adieu, good neighbour.
[Exit BAPTISTA.
                            Now I fear thee not.
    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.
Tranio    A vengeance on your crafty withered 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 called supposed Vincentio;
    And that's a wonder -fathers commonly
    Do get their children, but in this case of wooing
    A child shall get a sire, if I fail not of my cunning.
[Exit.

+++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++

ACT 3.

Scene 1. Padua. A Room in Baptista's House.

Enter LUCENTIO as Cambio, HORTENSIO as Licio, and BIANCA.

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

Hortensio    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 lecture shall have leisure for as much.

Lucentio    Preposterous ass, that never read so far
    To know the cause why music was ordained.
    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.

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

Bianca    Why, gentlemen, you do me double wrong
    To strive for that which resteth in my choice.
    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.
    And, to cut off all strife, here sit we down.
    [To HORTENSIO.]
    Take you your instrument, play you the whiles;
    His lecture will be done ere you have tuned.

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

Lucentio    That will be never. Tune your instrument.

Bianca    Where left we last?

Lucentio    Here, madam:
    [Reads.] "Hic ibat Simois, hic est Sigeia tellus,
            Hic steterat Priami regia celsa senis."

Bianca    Conster them.

Lucentio    "Hic ibat" -as I told you before, "Simois" -I am Lucentio, "hic 
est" -son unto Vincentio of Pisa, "Sigeia tellus" -disguised thus to get your 
love, "Hic 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.

Hortensio    Madam, my instrument's in tune.

Bianca    Let's hear.
[HORTENSIO plays.
                O fie! -the treble jars.

Lucentio    Spit in the hole, man, and tune again.

Bianca    Now let me see if I can conster it: "Hic ibat Simois" -I know you 
not, "hic est Sigeia tellus" -I trust you not, "Hic steterat Priami" -take 
heed he hear us not, "regia" -presume not, "celsa senis" -despair not.

Hortensio    Madam, 'tis now in tune.

Lucentio                                All but the bass.

Hortensio    The bass is right; 'tis the base knave that jars.
    [Aside.] How fiery and forward our pedant is!
    Now, for my life, the knave doth court my love.
    Pedascule, I'll watch you better yet.

Bianca    [To LUCENTIO.] In time I may believe, yet I mistrust.

Lucentio    Mistrust it not; for sure Aeacides
    Was Ajax, called so from his grandfather.

Bianca    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 master, take it not unkindly, pray,
    That I have been thus pleasant with you both.

Hortensio    [To LUCENTIO.] You may go walk, and give me leave a while;
    My lessons make no music in three parts.

Lucentio    Are you so formal, sir? Well, I must wait.
    [Aside.] And watch withal, for, but I be deceived,
    Our fine musician groweth amorous.

Hortensio    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.

Bianca    Why, I am past my gamut long ago.

Hortensio    Yet read the gamut of Hortensio.

Bianca    [Reads.]"Gamut I am, the ground of all accord:
            A re, to plead Hortensio's passion;
            B mi, Bianca, take him for thy lord
            C fa ut, that loves with all affection;
            D sol re, one clef, two notes have I;
            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
    To change true rules for odd inventions.

Enter a SERVANT.

Servant    Mistress, your father prays you leave your books,
    And help to dress your sister's chamber up.
    You know tomorrow is the wedding-day.

Bianca    Farewell, sweet masters both, I must be gone.
[Exeunt BIANCA and SERVANT.

Lucentio    Faith, mistress, then I have no cause to stay.
[Exit.
Hortensio    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 wand'ring eyes on every stale,
    Seize thee that list. If once I find thee ranging,
    Hortensio will be quit with thee by changing.
[Exit.

+ + + + + +

Scene 2. Padua. Before Baptista's House.

Enter BAPTISTA, GREMIO, TRANIO as Lucentio, KATHERINA, BIANCA, LUCENTIO as 
Cambio, and OTHERS, ATTENDANTS.

Baptista    [To TRANIO.] Signor Lucentio, this is the 'pointed day
    That Katherine 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?

Katherina    No shame but mine; I must forsooth be forced
    To give my hand, opposed against my heart,
    Unto a madbrain rudesby, full of spleen,
    Who wooed 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 friends, invite, and proclaim the banns,
    Yet never means to wed where he hath wooed.
    Now must the world point at poor Katherine,
    And say "Lo, there is mad Petruchio's wife,
    If it would please him come and marry her".

Tranio    Patience, good Katherine, 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.

Katherina    Would Katherine had never seen him, though!
[Exit weeping, followed by BIANCA and OTHERS.

Baptista    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.

Biondello    Master, master, news; and such old news as you never heard of!

Baptista    Is it new and old too? How may that be?

Biondello    Why, is it not news to hear of Petruchio's coming?

Baptista    Is he come?

Biondello    Why, no, sir.

Baptista    What then?

Biondello    He is coming.

Baptista    When will he be here?

Biondello    When he stands where I am and sees you there.

Tranio    But, say, what to thine old news?

Biondello    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 possessed with 
the glanders and like to mose in the chine, troubled with the lampas, infected 
with the fashions, full of windgalls, sped with spavins, rayed with the 
yellows, past cure of the fives, stark spoiled with the staggers, begnawn with 
the bots, swayed in the back, and shoulder-shotten, near-legged before, and 
with a half-cheeked bit and a headstall of sheep's leather, which, being 
restrained to keep him from stumbling, hath been often burst and now repaired 
with knots; one girth six times pieced, and a woman's crupper of velour, which 
hath two letters for her name fairly set down in studs, and here and there 
pieced with packthread.

Baptista    Who comes with him?

Biondello    O, sir, his lackey, for all the world caparisoned like the horse: 
with a linen stock on one leg and a kersey boothose on the other, gartered 
with a red and blue list; an old hat, and the humour of forty fancies pricked 
in't for a feather -a monster, a very monster in apparel, and not like a 
Christian footboy or a gentleman's lackey.

Tranio    'Tis some odd humour pricks him to this fashion.
    Yet often times he goes but mean-apparelled.

Baptista    I am glad he's come, howsoe'er he comes.

Biondello    Why, sir, he comes not.

Baptista    Didst thou not say he comes?

Biondello    Who? That Petruchio came?

Baptista    Ay, that Petruchio came.

Biondello    No, sir; I say his horse comes with him on his back.

Baptista    Why, that's all one.

Biondello                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.

Petruchio    Come, where be these gallants? Who's at home?

Baptista    You are welcome, sir.

Petruchio                        And yet I come not well.

Baptista    And yet you halt not.

Tranio                            Not so well apparelled
    As I wish you were.

Petruchio    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?

Baptista    Why, sir, you know this is your wedding-day.
    First were we sad, fearing you would not come,
    Now sadder that you come so unprovided.
    Fie! Doff this habit, shame to your estate,
    An eyesore to our solemn festival.

Tranio    And tell us what occasion of import
    Hath all so long detained you from your wife,
    And sent you hither so unlike yourself.

Petruchio    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
    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.

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

Petruchio    Not I, believe me; thus I'll visit her.

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

Petruchio    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
    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.
[Exeunt PETRUCHIO and GRUMIO.

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

Baptista    I'll after him, and see the event of this.
[Exeunt.
Manent TRANIO and LUCENTIO.

Tranio    But to her love concerneth us to add
    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 - 
    And 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.

Lucentio    Were it not that my fellow schoolmaster
    Doth watch Bianca's steps so narrowly,
    'Twere good, methinks, to steal our marriage,
    Which once performed, let all the world say no,
    I'll keep mine own despite of all the world.

Tranio    That by degrees we mean to look into,
    And watch our vantage in this business.
    We'll overreach the greybeard, Gremio,
    The narrow-prying father, Minola,
    The quaint musician, amorous Licio,
    All for my master's sake, Lucentio.

Re-enter GREMIO.

    Signor Gremio, came you from the church?

Gremio    As willingly as e'er I came from school.

Tranio    And is the bride and bridegroom coming home?

Gremio    A bridegroom, say you? 'Tis a groom indeed,
    A grumbling groom, and that the girl shall find.

Tranio    Curster than she? Why, 'tis impossible.

Gremio    Why, he's a devil, a devil, a very fiend.

Tranio    Why, she's a devil, a devil, the devil's dam.

Gremio    Tut! She's a lamb, a dove, a fool to him.
    I'll tell you, Sir Lucentio, when the priest
    Should ask if Katherine 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 stooped again to take it up,
    This madbrained 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."

Tranio    What said the wench when he rose up again?

Gremio    Trembled and shook, forwhy he stamped and swore
    As if the vicar meant to cozen him.
    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; quaffed 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 seemed to ask him sops as he was drinking.
    This done, he took the bride about the neck,
    And kissed her lips with such a clamorous smack
    That at the parting all the church did echo.
    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.
[Music plays.
    Hark, hark! I hear the minstrels play.

Enter PETRUCHIO, KATHERINA, BIANCA, HORTENSIO as Licio, BAPTISTA, GRUMIO and 
OTHERS.

Petruchio    Gentlemen and friends, I thank you for your pains.
    I know you think to dine with me today,
    And have prepared great store of wedding cheer,
    But so it is my haste doth call me hence,
    And therefore here I mean to take my leave.

Baptista    Is't possible you will away tonight?

Petruchio    I must away today, 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.

Tranio    Let us entreat you stay till after dinner.

Petruchio    It may not be.

Gremio                    Let me entreat you.

Petruchio    It cannot be.

Katherina                    Let me entreat you.

Petruchio    I am content.

Katherina                    Are you content to stay?

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

Katherina    Now, if you love me, stay.

Petruchio                                Grumio, my horse.

Grumio    Ay, sir, they be ready; the oats have eaten the horses.

Katherina    Nay then,
    Do what thou canst, I will not go today;
    No, nor tomorrow -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.

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

Katherina    I will be angry. What hast thou to do?
    Father, be quiet; he shall stay my leisure.

Gremio    Ay, marry, sir, now it begins to work.

Katherina    Gentlemen, forward to the bridal dinner.
    I see a woman may be made a fool
    If she had not a spirit to resist.

Petruchio    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.
    She is my goods, my chattels, she is my house,
    My household stuff, my field, my barn,
    My horse, my ox, my ass, my anything,
    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;
    I'll buckler thee against a million.
[Exeunt PETRUCHIO, KATHERINA, and GRUMIO.

Baptista    Nay, let them go. A couple of quiet ones!

Gremio    Went they not quickly I should die with laughing.

Tranio    Of all mad matches never was the like.

Lucentio    Mistress, what's your opinion of your sister?

Bianca    That being mad herself, she's madly mated.

Gremio    I warrant him, Petruchio is Kated.

Baptista    Neighbours and friends, though bride and bridegroom wants
    For to supply the places at the table,
    You know there wants no junkets at the feast.
    Lucentio, you shall supply the bridegroom's place,
    And let Bianca take her sister's room.

Tranio    Shall sweet Bianca practise how to bride it?

Baptista    She shall, Lucentio. Come, gentlemen, let's go.
[Exeunt.

+++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++

ACT 4.

Scene 1. A Hall in Petruchio's Country House.

Enter GRUMIO.

Grumio    Fie, fie on all tired jades, on all mad masters, 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.

Curtis    Who is that calls so coldly?

Grumio    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.

Curtis    Is my master and his wife coming, Grumio?

Grumio    O ay, Curtis, ay, and therefore fire, fire; cast on no water.

Curtis    Is she so hot a shrew as she's reported?

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

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

Grumio    Am I but three inches? Why, thy horn is a foot, and so long am I at 
the least. But wilt 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?

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

Grumio    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.

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

Grumio    Why, "Jack, boy, ho, boy!" and as much news as wilt thou.

Curtis    Come, you are so full of cony-catching.

Grumio    Why, therefore fire, for I have caught extreme cold. Where's the 
cook? Is supper ready, the house trimmed, rushes strewed, cobwebs swept, the 
servingmen in their new fustian, the white stockings, and every officer his 
wedding-garment on? Be the Jacks fair within, the Jills fair without, the 
carpets laid, and everything in order?

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

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

Curtis    How?

Grumio    Out of their saddles into the dirt; and thereby hangs a tale.

Curtis    Let's ha't, good Grumio.

Grumio    Lend thine ear.

Curtis    Here.

Grumio    [Striking him.] There.

Curtis    This 'tis to feel a tale, not to hear a tale.

Grumio    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 behind my mistress - 

Curtis    Both of one horse?

Grumio    What's that to thee?

Curtis    Why, a horse.

Grumio    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 beat me because her horse stumbled, how she waded through the dirt 
to pluck him off me, how he swore, how she prayed that never prayed before, 
how I cried, 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.

Curtis    By this reckoning he is more shrew than she.

Grumio    Ay, and that thou and the proudest of you all shall find when he 
comes home. But what talk I of this? Call forth Nathaniel, Joseph, Nicholas, 
Philip, Walter, Sugarsop, and the rest. Let their heads be slickly combed, 
their blue coats brushed, and their garters of an indifferent knit. Let them 
curtsy with their left legs, and not presume to touch a hair of my master's 
horsetail till they kiss their hands. Are they all ready?

Curtis    They are.

Grumio    Call them forth.

Curtis    Do you hear, ho? You must meet my master to countenance my mistress.

Grumio    Why, she hath a face of her own.

Curtis    Who knows not that?

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

Curtis    I call them forth to credit her.

Grumio    Why, she comes to borrow nothing of them.

Enter four or five SERVINGMEN.

Nathaniel    Welcome home, Grumio!

Philip    How now, Grumio!

Joseph    What, Grumio!

Nicholas    Fellow Grumio!

Nathaniel    How now, old lad!

Grumio    Welcome, you; how now, you; what, you; fellow, you; and thus much 
for greeting! Now, my spruce companions, is all ready, and all things neat?

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

Grumio    E'en at hand, alighted by this; and therefore be not -Cock's 
passion, silence! I hear my master.

Enter PETRUCHIO and KATHERINA.

Petruchio    Where be these knaves? What, no man at door
    To hold my stirrup nor to take my horse?
    Where is Nathaniel, Gregory, Philip?

All Servants    Here. Here, sir. Here, sir.

Petruchio    Here sir, here sir, here sir, here sir!
    You loggerheaded and unpolished grooms!
    What, no attendance? No regard? No duty?
    Where is the foolish knave I sent before?

Grumio    Here, sir, as foolish as I was before.

Petruchio    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?

Grumio    Nathaniel's coat, sir, was not fully made,
    And Gabriel's pumps were all unpinked i'th'heel;
    There was no link to colour Peter's hat,
    And Walter's dagger was not come from sheathing;
    There were none fine but Adam, Rafe, and Gregory;
    The rest were ragged, old, and beggarly;
    Yet, as they are, here are they come to meet you.

Petruchio    Go, rascals, go, and fetch my supper in.
[Exeunt SERVINGMEN.

    [Sings.]    "Where is the life that late I led?
                Where are those -"

    Sit down, Kate, and welcome. Food, food, food, food!

Re-enter SERVINGMEN, with supper.

    Why, when, I say? Nay, good sweet Kate, be merry.
    Off with my boots, you rogues, you villains. When?

    [Sings.]    "It was the friar of orders grey,
                As he forth walked on his way -"

    Out, you rogue! -you pluck my foot awry.
[Strikes him.
    Take that! And mend the plucking-off the other.
    Be merry, Kate. Some water here! What ho!

Enter one with water.

    Where's my spaniel Troilus? Sirrah, get you hence
    And bid my cousin Ferdinand come hither.
[Exit SERVANT.

    One, Kate, that you must kiss and be acquainted with.
    Where are my slippers? Shall I have some water?
    Come, Kate, and wash, and welcome heartily.
[SERVANT drops water.

    You whoreson villain, will you let it fall?
[Strikes him.
Katherina    Patience, I pray you; 'twas a fault unwilling.

Petruchio    A whoreson, beetle-headed, flap-eared knave!
    Come, Kate, sit down; I know you have a stomach.
    Will you give thanks, sweet Kate, or else shall I?
    What's this? Mutton?

1st Servant                        Ay.

Petruchio                            Who brought it?

Peter                                                I.

Petruchio    '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 food and dishes at them.

    You heedless joltheads and unmannered slaves!
    What, do you grumble? I'll be with you straight.
[Exeunt SERVINGMEN.

Katherina    I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet;
    The meat was well if you were so contented.

Petruchio    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 overroasted flesh.
    Be patient; tomorrow't shall be mended,
    And for this night we'll fast for company.
    Come, I will bring thee to thy bridal chamber.
[Exeunt.

Re-enter SERVANTS severally.

Nathaniel    Peter, didst ever see the like?

Peter    He kills her in her own humour.

Re-enter CURTIS.

Grumio    Where is he?

Curtis    In her chamber, making a sermon of continency 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. Away, away, for he is coming 
hither!
[Exeunt.
Re-enter PETRUCHIO.

Petruchio    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 ate no meat today, nor none shall eat;
    Last night she slept not, nor tonight 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 reverent 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.
    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 2. Padua. Before Baptista's House.

Enter TRANIO as Lucentio, and HORTENSIO as Licio.

Tranio    Is't possible, friend Licio, that Mistress Bianca
    Doth fancy any other but Lucentio?
    I tell you, sir, she bears me fair in hand.

Hortensio    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 as Cambio.

Lucentio    Now, mistress, profit you in what you read?

Bianca    What, master, read you? First resolve me that.

Lucentio    I read that I profess, "The Art to Love".

Bianca    And may you prove, sir, master of your art.

Lucentio    While you, sweet dear, prove mistress of my heart.
[They court.
Hortensio    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.

Tranio    O despiteful love! Unconstant womankind!
    I tell thee, Licio, this is wonderful.

Hortensio    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
    And makes a god of such a cullion.
    Know, sir, that I am called Hortensio.

Tranio    Signor 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.

Hortensio    See how they kiss and court! Signor 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
    That I have fondly flattered her withal.

Tranio    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!

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

Bianca    Tranio, you jest. But have you both forsworn me?

Tranio    Mistress, we have.

Lucentio                        Then we are rid of Licio.

Tranio    I'faith, he'll have a lusty widow now,
    That shall be wooed and wedded in a day.

Bianca    God give him joy!

Tranio    Ay, and he'll tame her.

Bianca                            He says so, Tranio?

Tranio    Faith, he is gone unto the taming-school.

Bianca    The taming-school? What, is there such a place?

Tranio    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.

Biondello    O master, master, I have watched so long
    That I am dog-weary, but at last I spied
    An ancient angel coming down the hill
    Will serve the turn.

Tranio                            What is he, Biondello?

Biondello    Master, a mercatante, or a pedant,
    I know not what, but formal in apparel,
    In gait and countenance surely like a father.

Lucentio    And what of him, Tranio?

Tranio    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.
    Take in your love, and then let me alone.
[Exeunt LUCENTIO and BIANCA.

Enter a PEDANT.

Pedant    God save you, sir.

Tranio                        And you, sir. You are welcome.
    Travel you far on, or are you at the farthest?

Pedant    Sir, at the farthest for a week or two;
    But then up farther, and as far as Rome,
    And so to Tripoli, if God lend me life.

Tranio    What countryman, I pray?

Pedant                                Of Mantua.

Tranio    Of Mantua, sir? -marry, God forbid!
    And come to Padua careless of your life?

Pedant    My life, sir? How, I pray? For that goes hard.

Tranio    'Tis death for anyone in Mantua
    To come to Padua. Know you not the cause?
    Your ships are stayed at Venice, and the duke,
    For private quarrel 'twixt your duke and him,
    Hath published and proclaimed it openly.
    'Tis marvel, but that you are but newly come,
    You might have heard it else proclaimed about.

Pedant    Alas, sir, it is worse for me than so,
    For I have bills for money by exchange
    From Florence, and must here deliver them.

Tranio    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?

Pedant    Ay, sir, in Pisa have I often been;
    Pisa renowned for grave citizens.

Tranio    Among them know you one Vincentio?

Pedant    I know him not, but I have heard of him;
    A merchant of incomparable wealth.

Tranio    He is my father, sir, and, sooth to say,
    In count'nance somewhat doth resemble you.

Biondello    [Aside.] As much as an apple doth an oyster, and all one.

Tranio    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.
    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.
    If this be court'sy, sir, accept of it.

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

Tranio    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 to clothe you as becomes you.
[Exeunt.

+ + + + + +

Scene 3. A Room in Petruchio's House.

Enter KATHERINA and GRUMIO.

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

Katherina    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,
    With oaths kept waking, and with brawling fed.
    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.

Grumio    What say you to a neat's foot?

Katherina    'Tis passing good; I prithee let me have it.

Grumio    I fear it is too choleric a meat.
    How say you to a fat tripe finely broiled?

Katherina    I like it well. Good Grumio, fetch it me.

Grumio    I cannot tell; I fear 'tis choleric.
    What say you to a piece of beef and mustard?

Katherina    A dish that I do love to feed upon.

Grumio    Ay, but the mustard is too hot a little.

Katherina    Why then the beef, and let the mustard rest.

Grumio    Nay, then I will not; you shall have the mustard,
    Or else you get no beef of Grumio.

Katherina    Then both, or one, or anything thou wilt.

Grumio    Why then the mustard without the beef.

Katherina    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 PETRUCHIO and HORTENSIO with meat.

Petruchio    How fares my Kate? What, sweeting, all amort?

Hortensio    Mistress, what cheer?

Katherina                            Faith, as cold as can be.

Petruchio    Pluck up thy spirits; look cheerfully upon me.
    Here, love, thou seest how diligent I am
    To dress thy meat myself and bring it thee.
    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.

Katherina                                I pray you let it stand.

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

Katherina    I thank you, sir.

Hortensio    Signor Petruchio, fie, you are to blame.
    Come, Mistress Kate, I'll bear you company.

Petruchio    [Aside.] Eat it up all, Hortensio, if thou lov'st me.
    [To KATHARINE.] Much good do it unto thy gentle heart.
    Kate, eat apace. And now, my honey love,
    We will 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 farthingales, 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.

Enter TAILOR.

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

Enter HABERDASHER.

                            What news with you, sir?

Haberdasher    Here is the cap your worship did bespeak.

Petruchio    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.

Katherina    I'll have no bigger, this doth fit the time;
    And gentlewomen wear such caps as these.

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

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

Katherina    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.

Petruchio    Why, thou sayst true; it is a paltry cap,
    A custard-coffin, a bauble, a silken pie.
    I love thee well in that thou lik'st it not.

Katherina    Love me or love me not, I like the cap,
    And it I will have, or I will have none.
[Exit HABERDASHER.

Petruchio    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,
    Like to a censer in a barber's shop.
    Why, what a devil's name, tailor, call'st thou this?

Hortensio    [Aside.] I see she's like to have neither cap nor gown.

Tailor    You bid me make it orderly and well,
    According to the fashion and the time.

Petruchio    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.

Katherina    I never saw a better-fashioned gown,
    More quaint, more pleasing, nor more commendable.
    Belike you mean to make a puppet of me.

Petruchio    Why, true, he means to make a puppet of thee.

Tailor    She says your worship means to make a puppet of her.

Petruchio    O monstrous arrogance! Thou liest, thou thread, thou thimble,
    Thou yard, three-quarters, half-yard, quarter, nail,
    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 I shall so bemete thee with thy yard
    As thou shalt think on prating whilst thou liv'st.
    I tell thee, I, that thou hast marred her gown.

Tailor    Your worship is deceived; the gown is made
    Just as my master had direction.
    Grumio gave order how it should be done.

Grumio    I gave him no order; I gave him the stuff.

Tailor    But how did you desire it should be made?

Grumio    Marry, sir, with needle and thread.

Tailor    But did you not request to have it cut?

Grumio    Thou hast faced many things.

Tailor    I have.

Grumio    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.

Tailor    Why, here is the note of the fashion to testify.

Petruchio    Read it.

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

Tailor    [Reads.] "Imprimis, a loose-bodied gown."

Grumio    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.

Petruchio    Proceed.

Tailor    [Reads.] "With a small compassed cape."

Grumio    I confess the cape.

Tailor    [Reads.] "With a trunk-sleeve."

Grumio    I confess two sleeves.

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

Petruchio    Ay, there's the villainy.

Grumio    Error i'th'bill, sir, error i'th'bill. I commanded the sleeves 
should be cut out and sewed up again; and that I'll prove upon thee, though 
thy little finger be armed in a thimble.

Tailor    This is true that I say. And I had thee in place where, thou 
shouldst know it.

Grumio    I am for thee straight. Take thou the bill, give me thy meteyard, 
and spare not me.

Hortensio    God-a-mercy, Grumio, then he shall have no odds!

Petruchio    Well, sir, in brief, the gown is not for me.

Grumio    You are i'th'right, sir; 'tis for my mistress.

Petruchio    Go, take it up unto thy master's use.

Grumio    Villain, not for thy life. Take up my mistress' gown for thy 
master's use!

Petruchio    Why, sir, what's your conceit in that?

Grumio    O sir, the conceit is deeper than you think for.
    Take up my mistress' gown to his master's use!
    O fie, fie, fie!

Petruchio    [Aside.] Hortensio, say thou wilt see the tailor paid.
    [To TAILOR.] Go take it hence; be gone, and say no more.

Hortensio    [Aside.] Tailor, I'll pay thee for thy gown tomorrow.
    Take no unkindness of his hasty words.
    Away, I say; commend me to thy master.
[Exit TAILOR.

Petruchio    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?
    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.
    [To GRUMIO.] 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.

Katherina    I dare assure you, sir, 'tis almost two,
    And 'twill be suppertime ere you come there.

Petruchio    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 today; and, ere I do,
    It shall be what o'clock I say it is.

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

+ + + + + +

Scene 4. Padua. Before Baptista's House.

Enter TRANIO as Lucentio, and the PEDANT, booted and bareheaded, dressed like 
Vincentio.

Tranio    Sir, this is the house. Please it you that I call?

Pedant    Ay, what else? And, but I be deceived,
    Signor Baptista may remember me
    Near twenty years ago in Genoa,
    Where we were lodgers at the Pegasus.

Tranio    'Tis well; and hold your own, in any case,
    With such austerity as 'longeth to a father.

Enter BIONDELLO.

Pedant    I warrant you. But, sir, here comes your boy;
    'Twere good he were schooled.

Tranio    Fear you not him. Sirrah Biondello,
    Now do your duty thoroughly, I advise you.
    Imagine 'twere the right Vincentio.

Biondello    Tut, fear not me.

Tranio    But hast thou done thy errand to Baptista?

Biondello    I told him that your father was at Venice,
    And that you looked for him this day in Padua.

Tranio    Th'art a tall fellow; hold thee that to drink.
[Gives money.
    Here comes Baptista: set your countenance, sir.

Enter BAPTISTA and LUCENTIO.

    Signor Baptista, you are happily met.
    Sir, this is the gentleman I told you of.
    I pray you stand good father to me now,
    Give me Bianca for my patrimony.

Pedant    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
    I am content, in a good father's care,
    To have him matched; 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 bestowed;
    For curious I cannot be with you,
    Signor Baptista, of whom I hear so well.

Baptista    Sir, pardon me in what I have to say.
    Your plainness and your shortness please me well.
    Right true it is your son Lucentio here
    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.

Tranio    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?

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

Tranio    Then at my lodging, and 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
    You are like to have a thin and slender pittance.

Baptista    It likes me well. Cambio, 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.
[Exit LUCENTIO.

Biondello    I pray the gods she may with all my heart.

Tranio    Dally not with the gods, but get thee gone.
[Exit BIONDELLO.
    Signor Baptista, shall I lead the way?
    Welcome; one mess is like to be your cheer.
    Come, sir, we will better it in Pisa.

Baptista    I follow you.
[Exeunt.
Re-enter LUCENTIO as Cambio, and BIONDELLO.

Biondello    Cambio!

Lucentio    What sayst thou, Biondello?

Biondello    You saw my master wink and laugh upon you?

Lucentio    Biondello, what of that?

Biondello    Faith, nothing; but has left me here behind to expound the 
meaning or moral of his signs and tokens.

Lucentio    I pray thee, moralize them.

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

Lucentio    And what of him?

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

Lucentio    And then?

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

Lucentio    And what of all this?

Biondello    I cannot tell, except they are busied about a counterfeit 
assurance. Take you assurance of her cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum. To 
th'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.

Lucentio    Hear'st thou, Biondello?

Biondello    I cannot tarry. I knew a wench married in an afternoon as she 
went to the garden for 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.
Lucentio    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 5. A Public Road.

Enter PETRUCHIO, KATHERINA, HORTENSIO and SERVANTS.

Petruchio    Come on, a' God's name, once more toward our father's.
    Good Lord, how bright and goodly shines the moon!

Katherina    The moon? -the sun; it is not moonlight now.

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

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

Petruchio    Now, by my mother's son -and that's myself - 
    It shall be moon, or star, or what I list,
    Or e'er I journey to your father's house.
    [To SERVANTS.] Go on, and fetch our horses back again.
    Evermore crossed and crossed, nothing but crossed!

Hortensio    Say as he says, or we shall never go.

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

Petruchio    I say it is the moon.

Katherina                            I know it is the moon.

Petruchio    Nay, then you lie; it is the blessed sun.

Katherina    Then, God be blessed, it is the blessed sun;
    But sun it is not when you say it is not,
    And the moon changes even as your mind.
    What you will have it named, even that it is,
    And so it shall be so for Katherine.

Hortensio    [Aside.] Petruchio, go thy ways; the field is won.

Petruchio    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!
    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.

Hortensio    [Aside.] A' will make the man mad, to make the woman of him.

Katherina    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
    Allots thee for his lovely bedfellow.

Petruchio    Why, how now, Kate, I hope thou art not mad.
    This is a man, old, wrinkled, faded, withered,
    And not a maiden as thou sayst he is.

Katherina    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.

Petruchio    Do, good old grandsire, and withal make known
    Which way thou travellest. If along with us,
    We shall be joyful of thy company.

Vincentio    Fair sir, and you, my merry mistress,
    That with your strange encounter much amazed me,
    My name is called Vincentio, my dwelling Pisa,
    And bound I am to Padua, there to visit
    A son of mine which long I have not seen.

Petruchio    What is his name?

Vincentio                        Lucentio, gentle sir.

Petruchio    Happily met; the happier for thy son.
    And now by law as well as reverend age
    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.

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

Hortensio    I do assure thee, father, so it is.

Petruchio    Come, go along and see the truth hereof,
    For our first merriment hath made thee jealous.
[Exeunt all but HORTENSIO.

Hortensio    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.

+++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++

ACT 5.

Scene 1. Padua. Before Lucentio's House.

Enter BIONDELLO, LUCENTIO as Cambio, and BIANCA.
GREMIO is out before.

Biondello    Softly and swiftly, sir, for the priest is ready.

Lucentio    I fly, Biondello. But they may chance to need thee at home; 
therefore leave us.
[Exeunt LUCENTIO and BIANCA.

Biondello    Nay, faith, I'll see the church a your back, and then come back 
to my master's as soon as I can.
[Exit.
Gremio    I marvel Cambio comes not all this while.

Enter PETRUCHIO, KATHERINA, VINCENTIO, GRUMIO, with ATTENDANTS.

Petruchio    Sir, here's the door, this is Lucentio's house.
    My father's bears more toward the market-place;
    Thither must I, and here I leave you, sir.

Vincentio    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.
[Knock.
Gremio    They're busy within; you were best knock louder.

PEDANT, as Vincentio, looks out of the window.

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

Vincentio    Is Signor Lucentio within, sir?

Pedant    He's within, sir, but not to be spoken withal.

Vincentio    What if a man bring him a hundred pound or two to make merry 
withal?

Pedant    Keep your hundred pounds to yourself; he shall need none so long as 
I live.

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

Pedant    Thou liest; his father is come to Padua, and here looking out at the 
window.

Vincentio    Art thou his father?

Pedant    Ay, sir, so his mother says, if I may believe her.

Petruchio    [To VINCENTIO.] Why, how now, gentleman? Why, this is flat 
knavery, to take upon you another man's name.

Pedant    Lay hands on the villain. I believe a' means to cozen somebody in 
this city under my countenance.

Re-enter BIONDELLO.

Biondello    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.

Vincentio    [Seeing BIONDELLO.] Come hither, crack-hemp.

Biondello    I hope I may choose, sir.

Vincentio    Come hither, you rogue. What, have you forgot me?

Biondello    Forgot you? No, sir. I could not forget you, for I never saw you 
before in all my life.

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

Biondello    What, my old worshipful old master? Yes, marry, sir, see where he 
looks out of the window.

Vincentio    Is't so indeed?
[He beats BIONDELLO.

Biondello    Help, help, help! Here's a madman will murder me.
[Exit.
Pedant    Help, son! Help, Signor Baptista!
[Exit from above.

Petruchio    Prithee, Kate, let's stand aside and see the end of this 
controversy.

Enter PEDANT below, with SERVANTS, BAPTISTA, and TRANIO as Lucentio.

Tranio    Sir, what are you that offer to beat my servant?

Vincentio    What am I, sir? Nay, what are you, sir? O immortal gods! O fine 
villain! -a silken doublet, a velvet hose, a scarlet cloak, and a copataine 
hat! O, I am undone, I am undone! While I play the good husband at home, my 
son and my servant spend all at the university.

Tranio    How now, what's the matter?

Baptista    What, is the man lunatic?

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

Vincentio    Thy father? O villain, he is a sailmaker in Bergamo.

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

Vincentio    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.

Pedant    Away, away, mad ass! His name is Lucentio, and he is mine only son, 
and heir to the lands of me, Signor Vincentio.

Vincentio    Lucentio? O, he hath murdered his master. 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?

Tranio    Call forth an officer.

Enter an OFFICER.

    Carry this mad knave to the gaol. Father Baptista, I charge you see that 
he be forthcoming.

Vincentio    Carry me to the gaol?

Gremio    Stay, officer; he shall not go to prison.

Baptista    Talk not, Signor Gremio. I say he shall go to prison.

Gremio    Take heed, Signor Baptista, lest you be cony-catched in this 
business. I dare swear this is the right Vincentio.

Pedant    Swear, if thou dar'st.

Gremio    Nay, I dare not swear it.

Tranio    Then thou wert best say that I am not Lucentio.

Gremio    Yes, I know thee to be Signor Lucentio.

Baptista    Away with the dotard; to the gaol with him.

Vincentio    Thus strangers may be haled and abused. O monstrous villain!

Re-enter BIONDELLO, LUCENTIO, and BIANCA.

Biondello    O, we are spoiled; and yonder he is. Deny him, forswear him, or 
else we are all undone.
[Exeunt BIONDELLO, TRANIO and PEDANT, as fast as may be.

Lucentio    [Kneels.] Pardon, sweet father.

Vincentio                                    Lives my sweet son?

Bianca    [Kneels.] Pardon, dear father.

Baptista                                    How hast thou offended?
    Where is Lucentio?

Lucentio                        Here's Lucentio,
    Right son to the right Vincentio,
    That have by marriage made thy daughter mine,
    While counterfeit supposes bleared thine eyne.

Gremio    Here's packing, with a witness, to deceive us all!

Vincentio    Where is that damned villain Tranio,
    That faced and braved me in this matter so?

Baptista    Why, tell me, is not this my Cambio?

Bianca    Cambio is changed into Lucentio.

Lucentio    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 last
    Unto the wished haven of my bliss.
    What Tranio did, myself enforced him to;
    Then pardon him, sweet father, for my sake.

Vincentio    I'll slit the villain's nose that would have sent me to the gaol.

Baptista    But do you hear, sir? Have you married my daughter without asking 
my good will?

Vincentio    Fear not, Baptista; we will content you, go to. But I will in to 
be revenged for this villainy.
[Exit.
Baptista    And I, to sound the depth of this knavery.
[Exit.
Lucentio    Look not pale, Bianca; thy father will not frown.
[Exeunt LUCENTIO and BIANCA.

Gremio    My cake is dough; but I'll in among the rest,
    Out of hope of all but my share of the feast.
[Exit.
Katherina    Husband, let's follow, to see the end of this ado.

Petruchio    First kiss me, Kate, and we will.

Katherina    What, in the midst of the street?

Petruchio    What, art thou ashamed of me?

Katherina    No, sir, God forbid, but ashamed to kiss.

Petruchio    Why, then let's home again.
    [To GRUMIO.] Come, sirrah, let's away.

Katherina    Nay, I will give thee a kiss. Now pray thee, love, stay.

Petruchio    Is not this well? Come, my sweet Kate;
    Better once than never, for never too late.
[Exeunt.

+ + + + + +

Scene 2. A Room in Lucentio's House.

Enter BAPTISTA, VINCENTIO, GREMIO, the PEDANT, LUCENTIO and BIANCA, PETRUCHIO 
and KATHERINA, HORTENSIO and WIDOW; TRANIO, BIONDELLO and GRUMIO with SERVANTS 
bringing in a banquet.

Lucentio    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 selfsame kindness welcome thine.
    Brother Petruchio, sister Katherina,
    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.

Petruchio    Nothing but sit and sit, and eat and eat.

Baptista    Padua affords this kindness, son Petruchio.

Petruchio    Padua affords nothing but what is kind.

Hortensio    For both our sakes I would that word were true.

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

Widow    Then never trust me if I be afeard.

Petruchio    You are very sensible, and yet you miss my sense;
    I mean Hortensio is afeard of you.

Widow    He that is giddy thinks the world turns round.

Petruchio    Roundly replied.

Katherina                        Mistress, how mean you that?

Widow    Thus I conceive by him.

Petruchio    Conceives by me! How likes Hortensio that?

Hortensio    My widow says, thus she conceives her tale.

Petruchio    Very well mended. Kiss him for that, good widow.

Katherina    "He that is giddy thinks the world turns round."
    I pray you tell me what you meant by that.

Widow    Your husband, being troubled with a shrew,
    Measures my husband's sorrow by his woe.
    And now you know my meaning.

Katherina    A very mean meaning.

Widow                            Right, I mean you.

Katherina    And I am mean indeed, respecting you.

Petruchio    To her, Kate!

Hortensio    To her, widow!

Petruchio    A hundred marks my Kate does put her down.

Hortensio    That's my office.

Petruchio    Spoke like an officer. Ha' to thee, lad!
[Drinks to HORTENSIO.

Baptista    How likes Gremio these quick-witted folks?

Gremio    Believe me, sir, they butt together well.

Bianca    Head and butt! An hasty-witted body
    Would say your head and butt were head and horn.

Vincentio    Ay, mistress bride, hath that awakened you?

Bianca    Ay, but not frighted me; therefore I'll sleep again.

Petruchio    Nay, that you shall not. Since you have begun,
    Have at you for a bitter jest or two.

Bianca    Am I your bird? I mean to shift my bush
    And then pursue me as you draw your bow.
    You are welcome all.
[Exeunt BIANCA, KATHERINA and WIDOW.

Petruchio    She hath prevented me. Here, Signor Tranio,
    This bird you aimed at, though you hit her not;
    Therefore a health to all that shot and missed.

Tranio    O sir, Lucentio slipped me like his greyhound,
    Which runs himself, and catches for his master.

Petruchio    A good swift simile, but something currish.

Tranio    'Tis well, sir, that you hunted for yourself;
    'Tis thought your deer does hold you at a bay.

Baptista    O, O, Petruchio! Tranio hits you now.

Lucentio    I thank thee for that gird, good Tranio.

Hortensio    Confess, confess, hath he not hit you here?

Petruchio    A' has a little galled me, I confess,
    And as the jest did glance away from me,
    'Tis ten to one it maimed you two outright.

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

Petruchio    Well, I say no; and therefore, Sir 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.

Hortensio    Content. What's the wager?

Lucentio                                    Twenty crowns.

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

Lucentio    A hundred then.

Hortensio                    Content.

Petruchio                                A match, 'tis done.

Hortensio    Who shall begin?

Lucentio                        That will I.
    Go, Biondello, bid your mistress come to me.

Biondello    I go.
[Exit.
Baptista    Son, I'll be your half Bianca comes.

Lucentio    I'll have no halves; I'll bear it all myself.

Re-enter BIONDELLO.

    How now, what news?

Biondello                        Sir, my mistress sends you word
    That she is busy and she cannot come.

Petruchio    How? "She's busy and she cannot come"!
    Is that an answer?

Gremio                        Ay, and a kind one too.
    Pray God, sir, your wife send you not a worse.

Petruchio    I hope better.

Hortensio    Sirrah Biondello, go and entreat my wife
    To come to me forthwith.
[Exit BIONDELLO.

Petruchio                            O ho, entreat her!
    Nay, then she must needs come.

Hortensio                                        I am afraid, sir,
    Do what you can, yours will not be entreated.

Re-enter BIONDELLO.

    Now, where's my wife?

Biondello    She says you have some goodly jest in hand.
    She will not come; she bids you come to her.

Petruchio    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.
Hortensio    I know her answer.

Petruchio                        What?

Hortensio                                She will not.

Petruchio    The fouler fortune mine, and there an end.

Enter KATHERINA.

Baptista    Now, by my holidame, here comes Katherina.

Katherina    What is your will, sir, that you send for me?

Petruchio    Where is your sister, and Hortensio's wife?

Katherina    They sit conferring by the parlour fire.

Petruchio    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 KATHERINA.

Lucentio    Here is a wonder, if you talk of a wonder.

Hortensio    And so it is. I wonder what it bodes.

Petruchio    Marry, peace it bodes, and love, and quiet life,
    An awful rule and right supremacy,
    And, to be short, what not that's sweet and happy.

Baptista    Now fair befall 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.

Petruchio    Nay, I will win my wager better yet,
    And show more sign of her obedience,
    Her new-built virtue and obedience.

Enter KATHERINA, BIANCA, and WIDOW.

    See where she comes, and brings your froward wives
    As prisoners to her womanly persuasion.
    Katherine, that cap of yours becomes you not;
    Off with that bauble, throw it under foot.
[She obeys.
Widow    Lord, let me never have a cause to sigh
    Till I be brought to such a silly pass!

Bianca    Fie, what a foolish duty call you this?

Lucentio    I would your duty were as foolish too.
    The wisdom of your duty, fair Bianca,
    Hath cost me five hundred crowns since suppertime.

Bianca    The more fool you for laying on my duty.

Petruchio    Katherine, I charge thee tell these headstrong women
    What duty they do owe their lords and husbands.

Widow    Come, come, you're mocking; we will have no telling.

Petruchio    Come on, I say; and first begin with her.

Widow    She shall not.

Petruchio    I say she shall. -And first begin with her.

Katherina    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.
    A woman moved is like 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,
    Whilst thou li'st warm at home, secure and safe;
    And craves no other tribute at thy hands
    But love, fair looks, and true obedience - 
    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?
    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,
    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.

Petruchio    Why, there's a wench! Come on, and kiss me, Kate.

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

Vincentio    'Tis a good hearing when children are toward.

Lucentio    But a harsh hearing when women are froward.

Petruchio    Come, Kate, we'll to bed.
    We three are married, but you two are sped.
    'Twas I won the wager,
            [To LUCENTIO.] though you hit the white,
    And, being a winner, God give you good night.
[Exeunt PETRUCHIO and KATHERINA.

Hortensio    Now go thy ways, thou hast tamed a curst shrew.

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