Shakespeare TamingoftheShrew PDF

VOLUME I BOOK XI
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
By William Shakespeare
Dramatis Personae
A Lord CHRISTOPHER SLY a tinker. (SLY) Hostess, Page, Players, Huntsmen, and Servants Persons in the Induction.
TRANIO BIONDELLO GRUMBO CURTIS NATHANIEL NICHOLAS JOSEPH PHILIP PETER
servants to Lucentio.
(LORD) (HOSTESS) (PAGE) (A PLAYER) (FIRST HUNTSMAN) (SECOND HUNTSMAN) (MESSENGER) (FIRST SERVANT) (SECOND SERVANT) (THIRD SERVANT) BAPTISTA a rich gentleman of Padua. VINCENTIO an old gentleman of Pisa. LUCENTIO son to Vincentio, in love with Bianca. PETRUCHIO a gentleman of Verona, a suitor to Katharina. GREMIO HORTENSIO suitors to Bianca.
servants to Petruchio.
A Pedant. (PEDANT) KATHARINA THE SHREW BIANCA daughters to Baptista.
Widow. (WIDOW) Tailor, Haberdasher, and Servants attending on Baptista and Petruchio. (TAILOR) (HABERDASHER) (FIRST SERVANT)
SCENE Padua, and PETRUCHIOs country house.
The Taming of the Shrew
INDUCTION
SCENE I Before an alehouse on a heath. [Enter Hostess and SLY]
SLY
At the hedge-corner, in the coldest fault? I would not lose the dog for twenty pound. Why, Belman is as good as he, my lord; He cried upon it at the merest loss And twice to-day pickd out the dullest scent: Trust me, I take him for the better dog.
FIRST HUNTSMAN
Ill pheeze you, in faith. A pair of stocks, you rogue!
HOSTESS
SLY Ye 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?
Thou art a fool: if Echo were as fleet, I would esteem him worth a dozen such. But sup them well and look unto them all: To-morrow I intend to hunt again.
LORD FIRST HUNTSMAN LORD
I will, my lord.
SLY No, not a denier. Go by, Jeronimy: go to thy cold bed, and warm thee. HOSTESS
Whats here? one dead, or drunk? See, doth he breathe? He breathes, my lord. Were he not warmd with ale, This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly.
SECOND HUNTSMAN
I know my remedy; I must go fetch the thirdborough.
[Exit]
Third, or fourth, or fifth borough, Ill answer him by law: Ill not budge an inch, boy: let him come, and kindly.
SLY
[Falls asleep] [Horns winded. Enter a Lord from hunting, with his train]
Huntsman, I charge thee, tender well my hounds: Brach Merriman, the poor cur is embossd; And couple Clowder with the deepmouthd brach. Sawst thou not, boy, how Silver made it good
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 conveyd to bed, Wrappd 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?
LORD FIRST HUNTSMAN
Believe me, lord, I think he It would seem strange unto him
cannot choose.
SECOND HUNTSMAN
when he waked.
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: INDUCTION

LORD Even as a flattering dream or worthless fancy. Then take him up and manage well the jest: Carry him gently to my fairest chamber And hang it round with all my wanton pictures: Balm his foul head in warm distilled waters And burn sweet wood to make the lodging sweet: Procure me music ready when he wakes, 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 bestrewd with flowers, Another bear the ewer, the third a diaper, And say Willt please your lordship cool your hands? Some one 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. FIRST HUNTSMAN LORD
Do you intend to stay with me tonight? So please your lordship to accept our duty.
A PLAYER LORD
With all my heart. This fellow I remember, Since once he playd a farmers eldest son: Twas where you wood the gentlewoman so well: I have forgot your name; but, sure, that part Was aptly fitted and naturally performd.
A PLAYER LORD
I think twas Soto that your honour means.
Tis very true: thou didst it excellent. Well, you are come to me in a 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 to-night: But I am doubtful of your modesties; Lest over-eyeing of his odd behavior, 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. Fear not, my lord: we can contain ourselves, Were he the veriest antic in the world.
A PLAYER
My lord, I warrant you we will play
our part, As he shall think by our true diligence He is no less what we say he is. Take him up gently and to bed with him; And each one to his office when he wakes.
LORD
Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery, And give them friendly welcome every one: Let them want nothing that my house affords.
LORD
[Exit one with the Players]

Sirrah, go you to Bartholmew my page, And see him dressd in all suits like a lady: That done, conduct him to the drunkards 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 ist 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 overjoyd To see her noble lord restored to health, Who for this seven years hath esteemd him No better than a poor and loathsome beggar: And if the boy have not a womans gift To rain a shower of commanded tears, An onion will do well for such a shift, Which in a napkin being close conveyd
[Some bear out SLY. A trumpet sounds]

Sirrah, go see what trumpet tis that sounds:
[Exit Servingman]
Belike, some noble gentleman that means, Travelling some journey, to repose him here.
[Re-enter Servingman]
How now! who is it? Ant please your honour, players That offer service to your lordship.
SERVANT LORD
Bid them come near.
[Enter Players]
Now, fellows, you are welcome.
PLAYERS
We thank your honour.
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: INDUCTION Shall in despite enforce a watery eye. See this dispatchd with all the haste thou canst: Anon Ill give thee more instructions. she know me not: if she say I am not fourteen pence on the score for sheer ale, score me up for the lyingest knave in Christendom. What! I am not bestraught: heres
THIRD SERVANT
[Exit a Servingman]
I know the boy will well usurp the grace, Voice, gait and action of a gentlewoman: I long to hear him call the drunkard husband, And how my men will stay themselves from laughter When they do homage to this simple peasant. Ill in to counsel them; haply my presence May well abate the over-merry spleen Which otherwise would grow into extremes.
O, this it is that makes your O, this is it that makes your
lady mourn!
SECOND SERVANT
servants droop! 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? hark! Apollo plays,
LORD
[Exeunt] SCENE II A bedchamber in the Lords house. [Enter aloft SLY, with Attendants; some with apparel, others with basin and ewer and appurtenances; and Lord]
SLY
[Music]
And twenty caged nightingales do sing: Or wilt thou sleep? well have thee to a couch Softer and sweeter than the lustful bed On purpose trimmd up for Semiramis. Say thou wilt walk; we will bestrew the ground: Or wilt thou ride? thy horses shall be trappd, 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. Say thou wilt course; thy greyhounds are as swift As breathed stags, ay, fleeter than the roe.
FIRST SERVANT
For Gods sake, a pot of small ale. Willt please your lordship drink a cup Willt please your honour taste of
FIRST SERVANT
of sack?
SECOND SERVANT
these conserves?
THIRD SERVANT
What raiment will your honour
wear to-day?
SLY I am Christophero Sly; call not me honour nor lordship: I neer drank sack in my life; and if you give me any conserves, give me conserves of beef: neer ask me what raiment Ill wear; for I have no more doublets than backs, no more stockings than legs, nor no more shoes than feet; nay, sometimes more feet than shoes, or such shoes as my toes look through the over-leather.
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!
LORD
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.
SECOND SERVANT
What, would you make me mad? Am not I Christopher Sly, old Slys son of Burtonheath, by birth a pedlar, by education a cardmaker, by transmutation a bear-herd, and now by present profession a tinker? Ask Marian Hacket, the fat ale-wife of Wincot, if
SLY
Well show thee Io as she was a maid, And how she was beguiled and surprised, As lively painted as the deed was done.
LORD
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.
THIRD SERVANT
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: INDUCTION

LORD Thou art a lord, and nothing but a lord: Thou hast a lady far more beautiful Than any woman in this waning age. FIRST SERVANT
Marry, I fare well for here is cheer enough. Where is my wife?

SLY PAGE SLY
Here, noble lord: what is thy will with her?
And till the tears that she hath shed
for thee Like envious floods oer-run her lovely face, She was the fairest creature in the world; And yet she is inferior to none. Am I a lord? and have I such a lady? Or do I dream? or have I dreamd till now? I do not sleep: I see, I hear, I speak; I smell sweet savours and I feel soft things: Upon my life, I am a lord indeed And not a tinker nor Christophero Sly. Well, bring our lady hither to our sight; And once again, a pot o the smallest ale.
SLY SECOND SERVANT
Are you my wife and will not call me husband? My men should call me lord: I am your goodman. My husband and my lord, my lord and husband; I am your wife in all obedience.
PAGE SLY
I know it well. What must I call her? Madam.
LORD SLY
Alce madam, or Joan madam?
Madam, and nothing else: so lords call ladies.

LORD
Willt 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. These fifteen years! by my fay, a goodly nap. But did I never speak of all that time?
SLY
Madam wife, they say that I have dreamd And slept above some fifteen year or more.
SLY
Ay, and the time seems thirty unto me, Being all this time abandond from your bed.
PAGE
Tis much. Servants, leave me and her alone. Madam, undress you and come now to bed.
SLY
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 seald quarts: Sometimes you would call out for Cicely Hacket.
FIRST SERVANT SLY
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.
PAGE
Ay, the womans maid of the house.
THIRD SERVANT Why, sir, you know no house nor no such maid, Nor no such men as you have reckond up, As Stephen Sly and did 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 ALL 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.
SLY
[Enter a Messenger]
Your honours players, heating your amendment, Are come to play a pleasant comedy; For so your doctors hold it very meet, Seeing too much sadness hath congeald 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.
MESSENGER
Now Lord be thanked for my good amends! Amen. I thank thee: thou shalt not lose by it.
[Enter the Page as a lady, with attendants]

PAGE
Marry, I will, let them play it. Is not a comondy a Christmas gambold or a tumbling-trick?
SLY PAGE
How fares my noble lord?
No, my good lord; it is more pleasing stuff.
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT I

SLY
What, household stuff? It is a kind of history.
PAGE
Well, well seet. Come, madam wife, sit by my side and let the world slip: we shall neer be younger.
SLY
[Flourish]
ACT I
SCENE I Padua. A public place. [Enter LUCENTIO and his man TRANIO]
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 fathers love and leave am armd 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 renownd for grave citizens Gave me my being and my father first, A merchant of great traffic through the world, Vincetino come of Bentivolii. Vincetinos 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.
LUCENTIO TRANIO
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 taen: In brief, sir, study what you most affect. Gramercies, Tranio, well dost thou advise. If, Biondello, thou wert come ashore, We could at once put us in readiness, And take a lodging fit to entertain Such friends as time in Padua shall beget. But stay a while: what company is this?
LUCENTIO TRANIO
Master, some show to welcome us to town.
[Enter BAPTISTA, KATHARINA, BIANCA, GREMIO, and HORTENSIO. LUCENTIO and TRANIO stand by]
Gentlemen, importune me no farther, For how I firmly am resolved you know; That is, not bestow my youngest daughter Before I have a husband for the elder: If either of you both love Katharina, Because I know you well and love you well, Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure.
BAPTISTA GREMIO [Aside] To cart her rather: shes too rough for me. There, There, Hortensio, will you any wife?
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, Lets be no stoics nor no stocks, I pray; Or so devote to Aristotles cheques As Ovid be an outcast quite abjured: Balk logic with acquaintance that you have And practise rhetoric in your common talk;
I pray you, sir, is it your will To make a stale of me amongst these mates?
KATHARINA
Mates, maid! how mean you that? no mates for you, Unless you were of gentler, milder mould.
HORTENSIO
Ifaith, sir, you shall never need to fear: I wis it is not half way to her heart; But if it were, doubt not her care should be To comb your noddle with a three-leggd stool And paint your face and use you like a fool.
KATHARINA
Volume I Book XI

HORTENSIA GREMIO
From all such devils, good Lord deliver us!
And me too, good Lord!
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?
KATHARINA
TRANIO Hush, master! heres some good pastime toward: That wench is stark mad or wonderful froward. LUCENTIO
[Exit]
You may go to the devils dam: your gifts are so good, heres none will hold you. Their love is not so great, Hortensio, but we may blow our nails together, and fast it fairly out: our cakes 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.
GREMIO
But in the others silence do I see Maids mild behavior and sobriety. Peace, Tranio!
TRANIO
Well said, master; mum! and gaze your fill.
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 neer the less, my girl.
BAPTISTA KATHARINA A pretty peat! it is best Put finger in the eye, an she knew why.
Sister, content you in my discontent. Sir, to your pleasure humbly I subscribe: My books and instruments shall be my company, On them to took and practise by myself.
BIANCA
So will I, Signior Gremio: but a word, I pray. Though the nature of our quarrel yet never brooked parle, know now, upon advice, it toucheth us both, that we may yet again have access to our fair mistress and be happy rivals in Biancos love, to labour and effect one thing specially.
HORTENSIO GREMIO
Whats that, I pray? Marry, sir, to get a husband for her sister.
HORTENSIO GREMIO
Hark, Tranio! thou mayst hear Minerva speak.

LUCENTIO
A husband! a devil. I say, a husband.
HORTENSIO GREMIO
Signior Baptista, will you be so strange? Sorry am I that our good will effects Biancas grief.
HORTENSIO
I say, a devil. Thinkest thou, Hortensio, though her father be very rich, any man is so very a fool to be married to hell? Tush, Gremio, though it pass your patience and mine to endure her loud alarums, why, man, there be good fellows in the world, an a man could light on them, would take her with all faults, and money enough.
HORTENSIO
Why will you mew her up, Signior Baptista, for this fiend of hell, And make her bear the penance of her tongue?
GREMIO 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 Signior Gremio, you, know any such, Prefer them hither; for to cunning men I will be very kind, and liberal To mine own children in good bringing up: And so farewell. Katharina, you may stay; For I have more to commune with Bianca.
I cannot tell; but I had as lief take her dowry with this condition, to be whipped at the high cross every morning.
GREMIO
Faith, as you say, theres small choice in rotten apples. But come; since this bar in law makes us friends, it shall be so far forth friendly maintained all by helping Baptistas eldest daughter to a husband we set his youngest free for a husband, and then have tot a fresh. Sweet Bianca! Happy man be his dole! He that runs fastest gets the ring. How say you, Signior Gremio?
HORTENSIO
[Exit]
I am agreed; and would I had given him the best horse in Padua to begin his wooing that would
GREMIO
10
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT I thoroughly woo her, wed her and bed her and rid the house of her! Come on.
TRANIO
Ay, marry, am I, sir; and now tis plotted. I have it, Tranio.
LUCENTIO TRANIO
[Exeunt GREMIO and HORTENSIO]

TRANIO
I pray, sir, tell me, is it possible That love should of a sudden take such hold?
LUCENTIO
Master, for my hand, Both our inventions meet and jump in one.
LUCENTIO TRANIO
Tell me thine first.
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
You will be schoolmaster And undertake the teaching of the maid: Thats your device.
LUCENTIO TRANIO
It is: may it be done?
Not possible; for who shall bear your part, And be in Padua here Vincentios son, Keep house and ply his book, welcome his friends, Visit his countrymen and banquet them? Basta; content thee, for I have it full. We have not yet been seen in any house, Nor can we lie distinguishd 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 hatchd and shall be so: Tranio, at once Uncase thee; take my colourd hat and cloak: When Biondello comes, he waits on thee; But I will charm him first to keep his tongue.
LUCENTIO
Master, it is no time to chide you now; Affection is not rated from the heart: If love have touchd you, nought remains but so, Redime te captum quam queas minimo.
LUCENTIO
Gramercies, lad, go forward; this contents: The rest will comfort, for thy counsels sound.
TRANIO Master, you lookd so longly on the maid, Perhaps you markd not whats 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 kissd the Cretan strand.
TRANIO Saw you no more? markd you not how her sister Began to scold and raise up such a storm That mortal ears might hardly endure the din? LUCENTIO
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.
TRANIO
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 eldest 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 mewd her up, Because she will not be annoyd with suitors. LUCENTIO
Tranio, be so, because Lucentio loves: And let me be a slave, to achieve that maid Whose sudden sight hath thralld my wounded eye. Here comes the rogue.
LUCENTIO
[Enter BIONDELLO]
Sirrah, where have you been? Where have I been! Nay, how now! where are you? Master, has my fellow Tranio stolen your clothes? Or you stolen his? or both? pray, whats the news?
BIONDELLO
Ah, Tranio, what a cruel fathers he! But art thou not advised, he took some care To get her cunning schoolmasters to instruct her?
Sirrah, come hither: tis no time to jest, And therefore frame your manners to the time.
LUCENTIO
Volume I Book XI
11
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT I Your fellow Tranio here, to save my life, Puts my apparel and my countenance on, And I for my escape have put on his; For in a quarrel since I came ashore I killd 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 LUCENTIO
Hortensio; and I trow this is his house. Here, sirrah Grumio; knock, I say. Knock, sir! whom should I knock? is there man has rebused your worship?
GRUMIO PETRUCHIO GRUMIO
Villain, I say, knock me here soundly.
I, sir! neer a whit.
Knock you here, sir! why, sir, what am I, sir, that I should knock you here, sir? Villain, I say, knock me at this gate And rap me well, or Ill knock your knaves pate.
PETRUCHIO
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 Baptistas youngest daughter. But, sirrah, not for my sake, but your masters, 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
My master is grown quarrelsome. I should knock you first, And then I know after who comes by the worst.
GRUMIO
Will it not be? Faith, sirrah, an youll not knock, Ill ring it; Ill try how you can sol, fa, and sing it.
PETRUCHIO
[He wrings him by the ears]

GRUMIO
Help, masters, help! my master is mad. Now, knock when I bid you, sirrah villain!
PETRUCHIO
Tranio, lets 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.
[Enter HORTENSIO]
How now! whats the matter? My old friend Grumio! and my good friend Petruchio! How do you all at Verona?
HORTENSIO
[Exeunt] [The presenters above speak]

FIRST SERVANT
My lord, you nod; you do not mind
Signior Hortensio, come you to part the fray? Con tutto il cuore, ben trovato, may I say.
PETRUCHIO
the play. Yes, by Saint Anne, do I. A good matter, surely: comes there any more of it?
SLY PAGE SLY
Alla nostra casa ben venuto, molto honorato signor mio Petruchio. Rise, Grumio, rise: we will compound this quarrel.
HORTENSIO
My lord, tis but begun.
Tis a very excellent piece of work, madam lady: would twere done!
[They sit and mark] SCENE II Padua. Before HORTENSIOs house. [Enter PETRUCHIO and his man GRUMIO]
Verona, for a while I take my leave, To see my friends in Padua, but of all My best beloved and approved friend,
PETRUCHIO
Nay, tis no matter, sir, what he leges in Latin. if this be not a lawful case 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 knockd at first, Then had not Grumio come by the worst.
GRUMIO
A senseless villain! Good Hortensio, I bade the rascal knock upon your gate And could not get him for my heart to do it.
PETRUCHIO
Knock at the gate! O heavens! Spake you not these words plain, Sirrah, knock me here, rap me here,
GRUMIO
12
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT I knock me well, and knock me soundly? And come you now with, knocking at the gate?
PETRUCHIO HORTENSIO
Sirrah, be gone, or talk not, I advise you.
Petruchio, patience; I am Grumios pledge: Why, thiss 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? 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, Signior Hortensio, thus it stands with me: Antonio, my father, is deceased; And I have thrust myself into this maze, Haply to wive and thrive as best I may: Crowns in my purse I have and goods at home, And so am come abroad to see the world.
PETRUCHIO
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. Hortensio, peace! thou knowst not golds effect: Tell me her fathers name and tis enough; For I will board her, though she chide as loud As thunder when the clouds in autumn crack.
PETRUCHIO
Her father is Baptista Minola, An affable and courteous gentleman: Her name is Katharina Minola, Renownd in Padua for her scolding tongue.
HORTENSIO
Petruchio, shall I then come roundly to thee And wish thee to a shrewd ill-favourd wife? Thouldst thank me but a little for my counsel: And yet Ill promise thee she shall be rich And very rich: but thourt too much my friend, And Ill not wish thee to her.
HORTENSIO
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.
PETRUCHIO
Signior Hortensio, twixt such friends as we Few words suffice; and therefore, if thou know One rich enough to be Petruchios 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, Affections 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.
PETRUCHIO
I pray you, sir, let him go while the humour lasts. O my word, an she knew him as well as I do, she would think scolding would do little good upon him: she may perhaps call him half a score knaves or so: why, thats nothing; an he begin once, hell rail in his rope-tricks. Ill tell you what sir, an 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.
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 neer a tooth in her head, though she have as many diseases as two and fifty horses: why, nothing comes amiss, so money comes withal.
GRUMIO
Tarry, Petruchio, I must go with thee, For in Baptistas keep my treasure is: He hath the jewel of my life in hold, His youngest daughter, beautiful Binaca, And her withholds from me and other more, Suitors to her and rivals in my love, Supposing it a thing impossible, For those defects I have before rehearsed, That ever Katharina will be wood; Therefore this order hath Baptista taen, That none shall have access unto Bianca Till Katharina the curst have got a husband.
HORTENSIO
Petruchio, since we are steppd thus far in, I will continue that I broachd in jest. I can, Petruchio, help thee to a wife With wealth enough and young and beauteous, Brought up as best becomes a gentlewoman:
HORTENSIO
Katharina the curst! A title for a maid of all titles the worst.
GRUMIO
Now shall my friend Petruchio do me grace, And offer me disguised in sober robes To old Baptista as a schoolmaster
HORTENSIO
Volume I Book XI
13
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT I 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. Heres no knavery! See, to beguile the old folks, how the young folks lay their heads together!
GRUMIO GREMIO GRUMIO
Beloved of me; and that my deeds shall prove. And that his bags shall prove.
[Enter GREMIO, and LUCENTIO disguised]

Master, master, look about you: who goes there, ha? Peace, Grumio! it is the rival of my love. Petruchio, stand by a while.
HORTENSIO GRUMIO GREMIO
Gremio, tis now no time to vent our love: Listen to me, and if you speak me fair, Ill 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 Katharina, Yea, and to marry her, if her dowry please.
HORTENSIO
So said, so done, is well. Hortensio, have you told him all her faults?
GREMIO
A proper stripling and an amorous!
I know she is an irksome brawling scold: If that be all, masters, I hear no harm.
PETRUCHIO GREMIO
O, very well; I have perused the note. Hark you, sir: Ill 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 Signior Baptistas liberality, Ill 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? Whateer I read to her, Ill 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.
LUCENTIO GREMIO GRUMIO
No, sayst me so, friend? What countryman?
Born in Verona, old Antonios son: My father dead, my fortune lives for me; And I do hope good days and long to see.
PETRUCHIO
O sir, such a life, with such a wife, were strange! But if you have a stomach, tot i Gods name: You shall have me assisting you in all. But will you woo this wild-cat?
GREMIO PETRUCHIO GRUMIO
Will I live?
Will he woo her? ay, or Ill hang her.
O this learning, what a thing it is! O this woodcock, what an ass it is! Peace, sirrah!
PETRUCHIO HORTENSIO
Grumio, mum! God save you, Signior Gremio. And you are well met, Signior Hortensio. Trow you whither I am going? To Baptista Minola. I promised to inquire carefully About a schoolmaster for the fair Bianca: And by good fortune I have lighted well On this young man, for learning and behavior Fit for her turn, well read in poetry And other books, good ones, I warrant ye.
GREMIO
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 puffd up with winds Rage like an angry boar chafed with sweat? Have I not heard great ordnance in the field, And heavens 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 womans tongue, That gives not half so great a blow to hear As will a chestnut in a farmers fire? Tush, tush! fear boys with bugs.
PETRUCHIO GRUMIO GREMIO
For he fears none.
Hortensio, hark: This gentleman is happily arrived, My mind presumes, for his own good and ours. I promised we would be contributors And bear his charging of wooing, whatsoeer.
HORTENSIO GREMIO
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.
HORTENSIO
And so we will, provided that he win her.
14
Volume I Book XI

GRUMIO
I would I were as sure of a good dinner.
GREMIO
What! this gentleman will out-talk us all. Sir, give him head: I know hell prove a jade. Hortensio, to what end are all these words?
[Enter TRANIO brave, and BIONDELLO]

TRANIO
LUCENTIO
Gentlemen, God save you. If I may be bold, Tell me, I beseech you, which is the readiest way To the house of Signior Baptista Minola?
BIONDELLO
PETRUCHIO HORTENSIO
Sir, let me be so bold as ask you, Did you yet ever see Baptistas daughter? 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.
TRANIO PETRUCHIO GREMIO
He that has the two fair daughters: ist he
you mean?
TRANIO GREMIO TRANIO
Even he, Biondello. Hark you, sir; you mean not her to Perhaps, him and her, sir: what have you Not her that chides, sir, at any hand, I pray.
Sir, sir, the firsts for me; let her go by.
to do?
PETRUCHIO TRANIO
Yea, leave that labour to great Hercules; And let it be more than Alcides twelve. 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.
PETRUCHIO
I love no chiders, sir. Biondello, lets away. Well begun, Tranio.
LUCENTIO
Sir, a word ere you go; Are you a suitor to the maid you talk of, yea or no?
HORTENSIO 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
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.
TRANIO
But so is not she. For what reason, I beseech you?
TRANIO GREMIO
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.
HORTENSIO
For this reason, if youll know, That shes the choice love of Signior Gremio.
HORTENSIO TRANIO
That shes the chosen of Signior Hortensio.
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 Ledas 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.
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.
TRANIO GRUMIO BIONDELLO HORTENSIO
O excellent motion! Fellows, lets be gone.
The motions good indeed and be it so, Petruchio, I shall be your ben venuto.
[Exeunt]
Volume I Book XI
15
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT II
ACT II
SCENE I Padua. A room in BAPTISTAs house. [Enter KATHARINA and 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, Ill 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.
BIANCA BAPTISTA
What, in my sight? Bianca, get thee in.
[Exit BIANCA]
What, will you not suffer me? Nay, now I see She is your treasure, she must have a husband; I must dance bare-foot on her wedding day And for your love to her lead apes in hell. Talk not to me: I will go sit and weep Till I can find occasion of revenge.
KATHARINA
[Exit]
Was ever gentleman thus grieved as I? But who comes here?
BAPTISTA
Of all thy suitors, here I charge thee, tell Whom thou lovest best: see thou dissemble not.
KATHARINA
Believe me, sister, of all the men alive I never yet beheld that special face Which I could fancy more than any other.
BIANCA KATHARINA BIANCA
Minion, thou liest. Ist not Hortensio?
[Enter GREMIO, LUCENTIO in the habit of a mean man; PETRUCHIO, with HORTENSIO as a musician; and TRANIO, with BIONDELLO bearing a lute and books]
GREMIO
If you affect him, sister, here I swear Ill plead for you myself, but you shall have him. O then, belike, you fancy riches more: You will have Gremio to keep you fair.
KATHARINA
Good morrow, neighbour Baptista.
Good morrow, neighbour Gremio. God save you, gentlemen!

BAPTISTA
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.
BIANCA KATHARINA
And you, good sir! Pray, have you not a daughter Calld Katharina, fair and virtuous?
PETRUCHIO BAPTISTA GREMIO
I have a daughter, sir, called Katharina.
You are too blunt: go to it orderly.
If that be jest, then all the rest was so.
[Strikes her] [Enter BAPTISTA]

BAPTISTA Why, how now, dame! whence grows this insolence? Bianca, stand aside. Poor girl! she weeps. Go ply thy needle; meddle not with her. For shame, thou helding of a devilish spirit, Why dost thou wrong her that did neer wrong thee? When did she cross thee with a bitter word? KATHARINA
You wrong me, Signior Gremio: give me leave. I am a gentleman of Verona, sir, That, hearing of her beauty and her wit, Her affability and bashful modesty, Her wondrous qualities and mild behavior, Am bold to show myself a forward guest Within your house, to make mine eye the witness Of that report which I so oft have heard. And, for an entrance to my entertainment, I do present you with a man of mine,
PETRUCHIO
[Presenting HORTENSIO]
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.
Her silence flouts me, and Ill be revenged.
[Flies after BIANCA]
16
Volume I Book XI

BAPTISTA Youre welcome, sir; and he, for your good sake. But for my daughter Katharina, this I know, She is not for your turn, the more my grief. PETRUCHIO
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 TRANIO
Lucentio is your name; of whence, I pray?
I see you do not mean to part with her, Or else you like not of my company.
Of Pisa, sir; son to Vincentio.
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; Antonios son, A man well known throughout all Italy.
BAPTISTA
A mighty man of Pisa; by report I know him well: you are very welcome, sir, Take you the lute, and you the set of books; You shall go see your pupils presently. Holla, within!
BAPTISTA
I know him well: you are welcome for
his sake. Saving your tale, Petruchio, I pray, Let us, that are poor petitioners, speak too: Baccare! you are marvellous forward.
GREMIO
[Enter a Servant]
Sirrah, lead these gentlemen To my daughters; and tell them both, These are their tutors: bid them use them well.
O, pardon me, Signior Gremio; I would fain be doing.

PETRUCHIO
[Exit Servant, with LUCENTIO and HORTENSIO, BIONDELLO following]

We will go walk a little in the orchard, And then to dinner. You are passing welcome, And so I pray you all to think yourselves. Signior Baptista, my business asketh haste, And every day I cannot come to woo. You knew my father well, and in him me, Left solely heir to all his lands and goods, Which I have betterd rather than decreased: Then tell me, if I get your daughters love, What dowry shall I have with her to wife?
PETRUCHIO
I doubt it not, sir; but you will curse your wooing. Neighbour, this is a gift very grateful, I am sure of it. To express the like kindness, myself, that have been more kindly beholding to you than any, freely give unto you this young scholar,
GREMIO
[Presenting LUCENTIO]
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, Signior Gremio. Welcome, good Cambio.
After my death the one half of my lands, And in possession twenty thousand crowns.
BAPTISTA
[To TRANIO]
But, gentle sir, methinks you walk like a stranger: may I be so bold to know the cause of your coming? 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,
TRANIO
And, for that dowry, Ill 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.
PETRUCHIO
Ay, when the special thing is well obtaind, That is, her love; for that is all in all.
BAPTISTA
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.
PETRUCHIO
Volume I Book XI
17
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT II Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed! But be thou armd for some unhappy words.
BAPTISTA PETRUCHIO
Ay, to the proof; as mountains are for winds, That shake not, though they blow perpetually.
[Re-enter HORTENSIO, with his head broke]

BAPTISTA
As morning roses newly washd with dew: Say she be mute and will not speak a word; Then Ill commend her volubility, And say she uttereth piercing eloquence: If she do bid me pack, Ill give her thanks, As though she bid me stay by her a week: If she deny to wed, Ill crave the day When I shall ask the banns and when be married. But here she comes; and now, Petruchio, speak.
How now, my friend! why dost thou look For fear, I promise you, if I look pale.
so pale?
HORTENSIO BAPTISTA
[Enter KATHARINA]
Good morrow, Kate; for thats your name, I hear. Well have you heard, but something hard of hearing: They call me Katharina that do talk of me.
KATHARINA
What, will my daughter prove a good musician?

HORTENSIO
I think shell 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 bowd her hand to teach her fingering; When, with a most impatient devilish spirit, Frets, call you these? quoth she; Ill 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. Now, by the world, it is a lusty wench; I love her ten times more than eer I did: O, how I long to have some chat with her!
PETRUCHIO
You lie, in faith; for you are calld 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.
PETRUCHIO
Moved! in good time: let him that moved you hither Remove you hence: I knew you at the first You were a moveable.
KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO
Why, whats a moveable? A joind-stool. Thou hast hit it: come, sit on me. Asses are made to bear, and so are you. Women are made to bear, and so are you. No such jade as you, if me you mean.
Well, go with me and be not so discomfited: Proceed in practise with my younger daughter; Shes apt to learn and thankful for good turns. Signior Petruchio, will you go with us, Or shall I send my daughter Kate to you?
BAPTISTA PETRUCHIO
I pray you do.
Alas! good Kate, I will not burden thee; For, knowing thee to be but young and light Too light for such a swain as you to catch; And yet as heavy as my weight should be.
KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO
[Exeunt all but PETRUCHIO]

I will attend her here, And woo her with some spirit when she comes. Say that she rail; why then Ill tell her plain She sings as sweetly as a nightingale: Say that she frown, Ill say she looks as clear
18
Should be! shouldbuzz! Well taen, and like a buzzard. O slow-wingd turtle! shall a buzzard
take thee?
Volume I Book XI

KATHARINA PETRUCHIO
Ay, for a turtle, as he takes a buzzard. Come, come, you wasp; i faith, you are If I be waspish, best beware my sting. My remedy is then, to pluck it out. Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies,
PETRUCHIO
Now, by Saint George, I am too young Yet you are witherd. Tis with cares. I care not. Nay, hear you, Kate: in sooth you scape I chafe you, if I tarry: let me go.
for you.
too angry.
Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail.
not so.
KATHARINA PETRUCHIO
In his tongue. Whose tongue? Yours, if you talk of tails: and so farewell.
What, with my tongue in your tail? nay, come again, Good Kate; I am a gentleman.
KATHARINA
That Ill try.
[She strikes him]

PETRUCHIO KATHARINA
I swear Ill cuff you, if you strike again.
So may you lose your arms: If you strike me, you are no gentleman; And if no gentleman, why then no arms.
PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA
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 are pleasant, gamesome, passing courteous, But slow in speech, yet sweet as spring-time flowers: Thou canst not frown, thou canst not look askance, Nor bite the lip, as angry wenches will, Nor hast thou pleasure to be cross in talk, But thou with mildness entertainst thy wooers, With gentle conference, soft and affable. Why does the world report that Kate doth limp? O slanderous world! Kate like the hazel-twig Is straight and slender and as brown in hue As hazel nuts and sweeter than the kernels. O, let me see thee walk: thou dost not halt. Go, fool, and whom thou keepst command.
KATHARINA
A herald, Kate? O, put me in thy books! What is your crest? a coxcomb? A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen. No cock of mine; you crow too like Nay, come, Kate, come; you must not look It is my fashion, when I see a crab. Why, heres no crab; and therefore look There is, there is. Then show it me. Had I a glass, I would. What, you mean my face? Well aimd of such a young one.
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!
PETRUCHIO
a craven.
PETRUCHIO
Where did you study all this goodly speech?

KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO
so sour.
KATHARINA PETRUCHIO
It is extempore, from my mother-wit. A witty mother! witless else her son. Am I not wise? Yes; keep you warm.
not sour.
KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA
Marry, so I mean, sweet Katharina, 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,
Volume I Book XI
19
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT II 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. Here comes your father: never make denial; I must and will have Katharina to my wife. Provide the feast, father, and bid the guests; I will be sure my Katharina shall be fine. I know not what to say: but give me your hands; God send you joy, Petruchio! tis a match.
BAPTISTA GRUMIO TRANIO
[Re-enter BAPTISTA, GREMIO, and TRANIO]

Now, Signior Petruchio, how speed you with my daughter?
BAPTISTA PETRUCHIO
Amen, say we: we will be witnesses.
How but well, sir? how but well? It were impossible I should speed amiss.
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 oSunday.
PETRUCHIO
BAPTISTA Why, how now, daughter Katharina! in your dumps? KATHARINA Call you me daughter? now, I promise you You have showd a tender fatherly regard, To wish me wed to one half lunatic; A mad-cup ruffian and a swearing Jack, That thinks with oaths to face the matter out. GREMIO
[Exeunt PETRUCHIO and KATHARINA severally]

Was ever match clappd up so suddenly?
Faith, gentlemen, now I play a merchants part, And venture madly on a desperate mart.
BAPTISTA
Father, tis thus: yourself and all the world, That talkd of her, have talkd amiss of her: If she be curst, it is for policy, For shes 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.
PETRUCHIO KATHARINA GREMIO
Twas a commodity lay fretting by you: Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas.
TRANIO BAPTISTA GREMIO
The gain I seek is, quiet in the match.
No doubt but he hath got a quiet catch. But now, Baptists, to your younger daughter: Now is the day we long have looked for: I am your neighbour, and was suitor first. And I am one that love Bianca more Than words can witness, or your thoughts can guess.
TRANIO GREMIO TRANIO GREMIO
Ill see thee hangd on Sunday first.
Hark, Petruchio; she says shell see thee hangd first.

TRANIO
Youngling, thou canst not love so dear as I. Graybeard, thy love doth freeze.
Is this your speeding? nay, then, good night our part!

PETRUCHIO
Be patient, gentlemen; I choose her
But thine doth fry. Skipper, stand back: tis age that nourisheth.
TRANIO
for myself: If she and I be pleased, whats that to you? Tis bargaind 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.
20
But youth in ladies eyes that flourisheth.
Content you, gentlemen: I will compound this strife: Tis deeds must win the prize; and he of both That can assure my daughter greatest dower Shall have my Biancas love. Say, Signior Gremio, What can you assure her?
BAPTISTA
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 stuffd my crowns;
GREMIO
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT III In cypress chests my arras counterpoints, Costly apparel, tents, and canopies, Fine linen, Turkey cushions bossd with pearl, Valance of Venice gold in needlework, Pewter and brass and all things that belong To house or housekeeping: then, at my farm I have a hundred milch-kine to the pail, Sixscore 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 to-morrow, this is hers, If whilst I live she will be only mine.
TRANIO
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, wheres her dower?
BAPTISTA TRANIO GREMIO
Thats but a cavil: he is old, I young. And may not young men die, as well as old?
That only came well in. Sir, list to me: I am my fathers heir and only son: If I may have your daughter to my wife, Ill leave her houses three or four as good, Within rich Pisa walls, as any one Old Signior Gremio has in Padua; Besides two thousand ducats by the year Of fruitful land, all which shall be her jointure. What, have I pinchd you, Signior Gremio?
Well, gentlemen, I am thus resolved: on Sunday next you know My daughter Katharina is to be married: Now, on the Sunday following, shall Bianca Be bride to you, if you this assurance; If not, Signior Gremio: And so, I take my leave, and thank you both.
BAPTISTA 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.
GREMIO Two thousand ducats by the year of land! My land amounts not to so much in all: That she shall have; besides an argosy That now is lying in Marseilles road. What, have I choked you with an argosy? TRANIO
[Exit]
A vengeance on your crafty witherd 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, calld supposed Vincentio; And thats 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.
TRANIO
Gremio, tis known my father hath no less Than three great argosies; besides two galliases, And twelve tight galleys: these I will assure her, And twice as much, whateer thou offerst next.
GREMIO Nay, I have offerd 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 out-vied.
[Exit]
ACT III
SCENE I Padua. BAPTISTAs house. [Enter LUCENTIO, HORTENSIO, and BIANCA]
Fiddler, forbear; you grow too forward, sir: Have you so soon forgot the entertainment Her sister Katharina welcomed you withal?
LUCENTIO
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.
HORTENSIO LUCENTIO Preposterous ass, that never read so far To know the cause why music was ordaind!
Volume I Book XI
21
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT III 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 BIANCA
How fiery and forward our pedant is! Now, for my life, the knave doth court my love: Pedascule, Ill watch you better yet.
BIANCA
In time I may believe, yet I mistrust.
Sirrah, I will not bear these braves of thine.
Why, gentlemen, you do me double wrong, To strive for that which resteth in my choice: I am no breeching scholar in the schools; Ill 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: Take you your instrument, play you the whiles; His lecture will be done ere you have tuned.
HORTENSIO LUCENTIO BIANCA
Mistrust it not: for, sure, AEacides Was Ajax, calld so from his grandfather.
LUCENTIO
I must believe my master; else, I promise you, I should be arguing still upon that doubt: But let it rest. Now, Licio, to you: Good masters, take it not unkindly, pray, That I have been thus pleasant with you both.
BIANCA
Youll leave his lecture when I am in tune?
You may go walk, and give me leave a while: My lessons make no music in three parts.
HORTENSIO LUCENTIO
That will be never: tune your instrument.
Are you so formal, sir? well, I must wait,
Where left we last?
Here, madam: Hic ibat Simois; hic est Sigeia tellus; Hic steterat Priami regia celsa senis.
LUCENTIO BIANCA
[Aside]
And watch withal; for, but I be deceived, Our fine musician groweth amorous. 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.
HORTENSIO BIANCA
Construe them.
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.
LUCENTIO HORTENSIO BIANCA
Why, I am past my gamut long ago. Yet read the gamut of Hortensio.
HORTENSIO
Madam, my instruments in tune.
Lets hear. O fie! the treble jars. Spit in the hole, man, and tune again.
LUCENTIO BIANCA
Now let me see if I can construe 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 LUCENTIO
BIANCA [Reads] Gamut I am, the ground of all accord, A re, to Plead Hortensios 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 old inventions.
Madam, tis now in tune.
[Enter a Servant]
Mistress, your father prays you leave your books And help to dress your sisters chamber up: You know to-morrow is the wedding-day.
SERVANT
All but the base. The base is right; tis the base knave
HORTENSIO
that jars.
[Aside]
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Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT III

BIANCA
Farewell, sweet masters both; I must be gone.
[Exeunt BIANCA and Servant]

LUCENTIO
Would Katharina had never seen him though!

KATHARINA
Faith, mistress, then I have no cause to stay.
[Exit weeping, followed by BIANCA and others]

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.
BAPTISTA
[Exit]
But I have cause to pry into this pedant: Methinks he looks as though he were in love: Yet if thy thoughts, Bianca, be so humble To cast thy wandering eyes on every stale, Seize thee that list: if once I find thee ranging, Hortensio will be quit with thee by changing.
HORTENSIO
[Enter BIONDELLO]
BIONDELLO
Master, master! news, old news, and such news as you never heard of!
BAPTISTA
Is it new and old too? how may that be?
[Exit] SCENE II Padua. Before BAPTISTAs house. [Enter BAPTISTA, GREMIO, TRANIO, KATHARINA, BIANCA, LUCENTIO, and others, attendants]
[To TRANIO] Signior Lucentio, this is the pointed day. That Katharina 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?
BAPTISTA KATHARINA
Why, is it not news, to hear of Petruchios coming?

BIONDELLO BAPTISTA
Is he come? Why, no, sir.
BIONDELLO BAPTISTA
What then? He is coming.
BIONDELLO BAPTISTA
When will he be here? When he stands where I am and sees
BIONDELLO
you there.
TRANIO
But say, what to thine old news?
No shame but mine: I must, forsooth,
be forced To give my hand opposed against my heart Unto a mad-brain rudesby full of spleen; Who wood in haste and means to wed at leisure. I told you, I, he was a frantic fool, Hiding his bitter jests in blunt behavior: And, to be noted for a merry man, Hell woo a thousand, point the day of marriage, Make feasts, invite friends, and proclaim the banns; Yet never means to wed where he hath wood. Now must the world point at poor Katharina, And say, Lo, there is mad Petruchios wife, If it would please him come and marry her!
TRANIO Patience, good Katharina, 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 hes honest.
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 taen out of the town-armory, 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 lampass, infected with the fashions, full of wingdalls, sped with spavins, rayed with 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-chequed bit and a head-stall of sheeps leather which, being restrained to keep him from stumbling, hath been often burst and now repaired with knots; one girth six time pieced and a womans crupper of velure, which hath two letters for her name fairly set down in studs, and here and there pieced with packthread.
BIONDELLO BAPTISTA
Who comes with him?
Volume I Book XI
23

BIONDELLO
O, sir, his lackey, for all the world caparisoned like the horse; with a linen stock on one leg and a kersey boot-hose on the other, gartered with a red and blue list; an old hat and the humour of forty fancies pricked int for a feather: a monster, a very monster in apparel, and not like a Christian footboy or a gentlemans lackey.
And tells us, what occasion of import Hath all so long detaind you from your wife, And sent you hither so unlike yourself?
TRANIO
TRANIO Tis some odd humour pricks him to this fashion; Yet oftentimes he goes but mean-apparelld. BAPTISTA
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.
PETRUCHIO
I am glad hes come, howsoeer he comes. Why, sir, he comes not.
BIONDELLO BAPTISTA
See not your bride in these unreverent robes: Go to my chamber; Put on clothes of mine.
TRANIO PETRUCHIO BAPTISTA
Didst thou not say he comes? Who? that Petruchio came?
Not I, believe me: thus Ill visit her.
BIONDELLO BAPTISTA
But thus, I trust, you will not marry her.
Ay, that Petruchio came. No, sir, I say his horse comes, with him on
BIONDELLO
his back.
BAPTISTA
Why, thats 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.
Good sooth, even thus; therefore ha done with words: To me shes 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!
PETRUCHIO
[Exeunt PETRUCHIO and GRUMIO]

He hath some meaning in his mad attire: We will persuade him, be it possible, To put on better ere he go to church.
TRANIO BAPTISTA
[Enter PETRUCHIO and GRUMIO]

PETRUCHIO
Come, where be these gallants? whos
at home?
BAPTISTA
Ill after him, and see the event of this.
You are welcome, sir. And yet I come not well.
[Exeunt BAPTISTA, GREMIO, and attendants]

But to her love concerneth us to add Her fathers liking: which to bring to pass, As I before unparted to your worship, I am to get a man,whateer he be, It skills not much. well 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.
TRANIO LUCENTIO Were it not that my fellow-school-master Doth watch Biancas steps so narrowly, Twere good, methinks, to steal our marriage; Which once performd, let all the world say no, Ill keep mine own, despite of all the world.
PETRUCHIO BAPTISTA TRANIO
And yet you halt not.
Not so well apparelld 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 eye-sore to our solemn festival!
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Volume I Book XI

TRANIO
That by degrees we mean to look into, And watch our vantage in this business: Well over-reach the greybeard, Gremio, The narrow-prying father, Minola, The quaint musician, amorous Licio; All for my masters sake, Lucentio.
[Re-enter PETRUCHIO, KATHARINA, BIANCA, BAPTISTA, HORTENSIO, GRUMIO, and Train]

Gentlemen and friends, I thank you for your pains: I know you think to dine with me to-day, And have prepared great store of wedding cheer; But so it is, my haste doth call me hence, And therefore here I mean to take my leave.
PETRUCHIO BAPTISTA
[Re-enter GREMIO]
Signior Gremio, came you from the church?
GREMIO TRANIO
As willingly as eer I came from school.
Ist possible you will away to-night?
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 GREMIO TRANIO GREMIO
Curster than she? why, tis impossible. Why hes a devil, a devil, a very fiend. Why, shes a devil, a devil, the devils dam.
I must away to-day, before night come: Make it no wonder; if you knew my business, You would entreat me rather go than stay. And, honest company, I thank you all, That have beheld me give away myself To this most patient, sweet and virtuous wife: Dine with my father, drink a health to me; For I must hence; and farewell to you all.
PETRUCHIO TRANIO
Let us entreat you stay till after dinner. It may not be.
Tut, shes a lamb, a dove, a fool to him! Ill tell you, Sir Lucentio: when the priest Should ask, if Katharina 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 stoopd again to take it up, The mad-braind 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 GREMIO
PETRUCHIO GREMIO
Let me entreat you. It cannot be. Let me entreat you. I am content. Are you content to stay?
PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA
What said the wench when he rose again?
Trembled and shook; for why, he stampd 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; quaffd off the muscadel And threw the sops all in the sextons face; Having no other reason But that his beard grew thin and hungerly And seemd to ask him sops as he was drinking. This done, he took the bride about the neck And kissd 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: Hark, hark! I hear the minstrels play.
I am content you shall entreat me stay; But yet not stay, entreat me how you can.
PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO GRUMIO
Now, if you love me, stay. Grumio, my horse.
Ay, sir, they be ready: the oats have eaten the horses. Nay, then, Do what thou canst, I will not go to-day; No, nor to-morrow, not till I please myself. The door is open, sir; there lies your way; You may be jogging whiles your boots are green; For me, Ill not be gone till I please myself: Tis like youll prove a jolly surly groom, That take it on you at the first so roundly.
KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA
O Kate, content thee; prithee, be not angry.
[Music]
I will be angry: what hast thou to do? Father, be quiet; he shall stay my leisure.
Volume I Book XI
25
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT IV

GREMIO
Ay, marry, sir, now it begins to work.
BAPTISTA GREMIO
Nay, let them go, a couple of quiet ones.
KATARINA
Gentlemen, forward to the bridal dinner: I see a woman may be made a fool, If she had not a spirit to resist.
PETRUCHIO
Went they not quickly, I should die with laughing.

TRANIO
Of all mad matches never was the like. Mistress, whats your opinion of your sister?
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 any thing; And here she stands, touch her whoever dare; Ill 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: Ill buckler thee against a million.
LUCENTIO BIANCA GREMIO
That, being mad herself, shes madly mated. I warrant him, Petruchio is Kated.
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 bridegrooms place: And let Bianca take her sisters room.
BAPTISTA TRANIO
Shall sweet Bianca practise how to bride it? She shall, Lucentio. Come, gentlemen,
BAPTISTA
lets go.
[Exeunt]
[Exeunt PETRUCHIO, KATHARINA, and GRUMIO]
ACT IV
SCENE I PETRUCHIOs country house. [Enter 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.
GRUMIO CURTIS GRUMIO
Who is that calls so coldly?
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 GRUMIO
Is my master and his wife coming, Grumio?
O, ay, Curtis, ay: and therefore fire, fire; cast on no water.

CURTIS GRUMIO
Is she so hot a shrew as shes reported?
She was, good Curtis, before this frost: but, thou knowest, winter tames man, woman and beast; for it hath tamed my old master and my new mistress and myself, fellow Curtis.
CURTIS GRUMIO
Away, you three-inch fool! I am no beast. Am I but three inches? why, thy horn is a foot;
[Enter CURTIS]
26
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT IV 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? I prithee, good Grumio, tell me, how goes the world?
CURTIS CURTIS GRUMIO
Why, a horse.
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.
GRUMIO
Theres fire ready; and therefore, good Grumio, the news.

CURTIS
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 GRUMIO
Why, Jack, boy! ho! boy! and as much news as will thaw.
By this reckoning he is more shrew than she.
Come, you are so full of cony-catching!
Why, therefore fire; for I have caught extreme cold. Wheres the cook? is supper ready, the house trimmed, rushes strewed, cobwebs swept; the serving-men in their new fustian, their white stockings, and every officer his wedding-garment on? Be the jacks fair within, the jills fair without, the carpets laid, and every thing in order?
CURTIS 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 sleekly 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 masters horse-tail till they kiss their hands. Are they all ready?
CURTIS GRUMIO CURTIS
They are. Call them forth.
All ready; and therefore, I pray thee, news.
First, know, my horse is tired; my master and mistress fallen out.

CURTIS GRUMIO
Do you hear, ho? you must meet my master to countenance my mistress.

How?
Why, she hath a face of her own. Who knows not that?
Out of their saddles into the dirt; and thereby hangs a tale.
CURTIS GRUMIO CURTIS GRUMIO
Lets hat, good Grumio. Lend thine ear. Here. There.
Thou, it seems, that calls for company to countenance her.

CURTIS GRUMIO
I call them forth to credit her. Why, she comes to borrow nothing of them.
[Enter four or five Serving-men]

NATHANIEL PHILIP JOSEPH
[Strikes him]
CURTIS GRUMIO
Welcome home, Grumio!
This is to feel a tale, not to hear a tale.
How now, Grumio! What, Grumio! Fellow Grumio! How now, old lad?
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 GRUMIO
NICHOLAS
Both of one horse? Whats that to thee?
NATHANIEL 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?
Volume I Book XI
27

NATHANIEL GRUMIO
All things is ready. How near is our master?
Een at hand, alighted by this; and therefore be notCocks passion, silence! I hear my master.
[Enter PETRUCHIO and KATHARINA]

Where be these knaves? What, no man at door To hold my stirrup nor to take my horse! Where is Nathaniel, Gregory, Philip?
PETRUCHIO ALL SERVING-MEN PETRUCHIO
Be merry, Kate. Some water, here; what, ho! Wheres my spaniel Troilus? Sirrah, get you hence, And bid my cousin Ferdinand come hither: One, Kate, that you must kiss, and be acquainted with. Where are my slippers? Shall I have some water?
[Enter one with water]

Come, Kate, and wash, and welcome heartily. You whoreson villain! will you let it fall?
Here, here, sir; here, sir.
[Strikes him]
Patience, I pray you; twas a fault unwilling.
KATHARINA
Here, sir! here, sir! here, sir! here, sir! You logger-headed and unpolishd 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.
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?
PETRUCHIO
A whoreson beetle-headed, flap-eard knave! Come, Kate, sit down; I know you have a stomach. Will you give thanks, sweet Kate; or else shall I? Whats this? mutton?
PETRUCHIO FIRST SERVANT PETRUCHIO PETER
Ay.
Who brought it?
Nathaniels coat, sir, was not fully made, And Gabriels pumps were all unpinkd i the heel; There was no link to colour Peters hat, And Walters dagger was not come from sheathing: There were none fine but Adam, Ralph, and Gregory; The rest were ragged, old, and beggarly; Yet, as they are, here are they come to meet you.
GRUMIO PETRUCHIO
I.
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? Theretake it to you, trenchers, cups, and all;
PETRUCHIO
Go, rascals, go, and fetch my supper in.
[Throws the meat, &c. about the stage]

You heedless joltheads and unmannerd slaves! What, do you grumble? Ill be with you straight. I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet: The meat was well, if you were so contented.
KATHARINA
[Exeunt Servants] [Singing]

Where is the life that late I led Where are thoseSit down, Kate, and welcome. Sound, sound, sound, sound!
[Re-enter Servants 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:
I tell thee, Kate, twas burnt and dried away; And I expressly am forbid to touch it, For it engenders choler, planteth anger; And better twere that both of us did fast, Since, of ourselves, ourselves are choleric, Than feed it with such over-roasted flesh. Be patient; to-morrow t shall be mended, And, for this night, well fast for company: Come, I will bring thee to thy bridal chamber.
PETRUCHIO
Out, you rogue! you pluck my foot awry: Take that, and mend the plucking off the other.
[Exeunt] [Re-enter Servants severally]
[Strikes him]
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Volume I Book XI

NATHANIEL PETER
Peter, didst ever see the like?
He kills her in her own humour.
Sir, to satisfy you in what I have said, Stand by and mark the manner of his teaching.
HORTENSIO
[Re-enter CURTIS]
GRUMIO CURTIS
[Enter BIANCA and LUCENTIO]

LUCENTIO BIANCA
Where is he?
Now, mistress, profit you in what you read?
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.
What, master, read you? first resolve me that. I read that I profess, the Art to Love.
LUCENTIO BIANCA
And may you prove, sir, master of your art! While you, sweet dear, prove mistress of
LUCENTIO
my heart! Quick proceeders, marry! Now, tell me, I pray, You that durst swear at your mistress Bianca Loved none in the world so well as Lucentio.
HORTENSIO
[Exeunt] [Re-enter 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 keepers call, That is, to watch her, as we watch these kites That bate and beat and will not be obedient. She eat no meat to-day, nor none shall eat; Last night she slept not, nor to-night she shall not; As with the meat, some undeserved fault Ill find about the making of the bed; And here Ill fling the pillow, there the bolster, This way the coverlet, another way the sheets: Ay, and amid this hurly I intend That all is done in reverend care of her; And in conclusion she shall watch all night: And if she chance to nod Ill rail and brawl And with the clamour keep her still awake. This is a way to kill a wife with kindness; And thus Ill curb her mad and headstrong humour. He that knows better how to tame a shrew, Now let him speak: tis charity to show.
PETRUCHIO
O despiteful love! unconstant womankind! I tell thee, Licio, this is wonderful.

TRANIO
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 calld Hortensio.
HORTENSIO
Signior Hortensio, I have often heard Of your entire affection to Bianca; And since mine eyes are witness of her lightness, I will with you, if you be so contented, Forswear Bianca and her love for ever.
TRANIO
See, how they kiss and court! Signior Lucentio, Here is my hand, and here I firmly vow Never to woo her no more, but do forswear her, As one unworthy all the former favours That I have fondly flatterd her withal.
HORTENSIO
[Exit] SCENE II Padua. Before BAPTISTAs house. [Enter TRANIO and HORTENSIO]
Ist possible, friend Licio, that Mistress Bianca Doth fancy any other but Lucentio? I tell you, sir, she bears me fair in hand.
TRANIO
And here I take the unfeigned oath, Never to marry with her though she would entreat: Fie on her! see, how beastly she doth court him!
TRANIO
Would all the world but he had quite forsworn! For me, that I may surely keep mine oath, I will be married to a wealthy widow, Ere three days pass, which hath as long loved me As I have loved this proud disdainful haggard. And so farewell, Signior Lucentio. Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks,
HORTENSIO
Volume I Book XI
29
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT IV Shall win my love: and so I take my leave, In resolution as I swore before.
PEDANT TRANIO
God save you, sir!
[Exit]
TRANIO
And you, sir! you are welcome. Travel you far on, or are you at the farthest? Sir, at the farthest for a week or two: But then up farther, and as for as Rome; And so to Tripoli, if God lend me life.
PEDANT TRANIO PEDANT TRANIO
Mistress Bianca, bless you with such grace As longeth to a lovers blessed case! Nay, I have taen you napping, gentle love, And have forsworn you with Hortensio.
BIANCA
What countryman, I pray? Of Mantua.
Tranio, you jest: but have you both forsworn me?

TRANIO
Mistress, we have. Then we are rid of Licio.
Of Mantua, sir? marry, God forbid! And come to Padua, careless of your life?
PEDANT TRANIO
LUCENTIO TRANIO
My life, sir! how, I pray? for that goes hard.
I faith, hell have a lusty widow now, That shall be wood and wedded in a day.
BIANCA TRANIO BIANCA TRANIO BIANCA
God give him joy! Ay, and hell tame her. He says so, Tranio. Faith, he is gone unto the taming-school. The taming-school! what, is there such a place?
Tis death for any one in Mantua To come to Padua. Know you not the cause? Your ships are stayd at Venice, and the duke, For private quarrel twixt your duke and him, Hath publishd and proclaimd it openly: Tis, marvel, but that you are but newly come, You might have heard it else proclaimd about. Alas! sir, it is worse for me than so; For I have bills for money by exchange From Florence and must here deliver them.
PEDANT
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
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 TRANIO PEDANT
O master, master, I have watchd so long That I am dog-weary: but at last I spied An ancient angel coming down the hill, Will serve the turn.
TRANIO
Among them know you one Vincentio?
I know him not, but I have heard of him; A merchant of incomparable wealth. He is my father, sir; and, sooth to say, In countenance somewhat doth resemble you.
TRANIO
What is he, Biondello?
BIONDELLO
Master, a mercatante, or a pedant, I know not what; but format in apparel, In gait and countenance surely like a father.
LUCENTIO TRANIO
[Aside] As much as an apple doth an oyster, and all one.

BIONDELLO
And what of him, Tranio?
If he be credulous and trust my tale, Ill 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]

30
To save your life in this extremity, This favour will I do you for his sake; And think it not the worst of an 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 courtesy, sir, accept of it.
TRANIO
Volume I Book XI

PEDANT O sir, I do; and will repute you ever The patron of my life and liberty.
the mustard, Or else you get no beef of Grumio.

KATHARINA GRUMIO
Then go with me to make the matter good. This, by the way, I let you understand; my father is here lookd for every day, To pass assurance of a dower in marriage Twixt me and one Baptistas daughter here: In all these circumstances Ill instruct you: Go with me to clothe you as becomes you.
TRANIO
Then both, or one, or any thing thou wilt.
Why then, the mustard without the beef.
Go, get thee gone, thou false deluding slave,

KATHARINA
[Beats him]
That feedst 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.
[Exeunt] SCENE III A room in PETRUCHIOs house. [Enter KATHARINA and GRUMIO]
GRUMIO
No, no, forsooth; I dare not for my life.
[Enter PETRUCHIO and HORTENSIO with meat]

PETRUCHIO
The more my wrong, the more his spite appears: What, did he marry me to famish me? Beggars, that come unto my fathers door, Upon entreaty have a present aims; 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 oath 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.
KATHARINA GRUMIO
How fares my Kate? What, sweeting, Mistress, what cheer? Faith, as cold as can be.
all amort?
HORTENSIO KATHARINA 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 lovest it not; And all my pains is sorted to no proof. Here, take away this dish.
KATHARINA PETRUCHIO
I pray you, let it stand.
What say you to a neats foot? Tis passing good: I prithee let me have it.
The poorest service is repaid with thanks; And so shall mine, before you touch the meat.
KATHARINA HORTENSIO
KATHARINA GRUMIO
I thank you, sir.
I fear it is too choleric a meat. How say you to a fat tripe finely broild?
KATHARINA GRUMIO
Signior Petruchio, fie! you are to blame. Come, mistress Kate, Ill bear you company.
PETRUCHIO [Aside] Eat it up all, Hortensio, if thou lovest me. Much good do it unto thy gentle heart! Kate, eat apace: and now, my honey love, Will we return unto thy fathers house And revel it as bravely as the best, With silken coats and caps and golden rings, With ruffs and cuffs and fardingales and things; With scarfs and fans and double change of bravery, With amber bracelets, beads and all this knavery. What, hast thou dined? The tailor stays thy leisure, To deck thy body with his ruffling treasure.
I like it well: good Grumio, fetch it me.
I cannot tell; I fear tis choleric. What say you to a piece of beef and mustard?
KATHARINA GRUMIO
A dish that I do love to feed upon.
Ay, but the mustard is too hot a little.
Why then, the beef, and let the mustard rest.

KATHARINA GRUMIO
Nay then, I will not: you shall have
Volume I Book XI
31
[Enter Tailor]
Come, tailor, let us see these ornaments; Lay forth the gown.
You bid me make it orderly and well, According to the fashion and the time.
TAILOR
[Enter Haberdasher]
What news with you, sir?
HABERDASHER
Marry, and did; but if you be rememberd, 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: Ill none of it: hence! make your best of it.
PETRUCHIO
Here is the cap your worship
did bespeak. 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 babys cap: Away with it! come, let me have a bigger.
PETRUCHIO
I never saw a better-fashiond gown, More quaint, more pleasing, nor more commendable: Belike you mean to make a puppet of me.
KATHARINA PETRUCHIO
Why, true; he means to make a puppet
of thee. She says your worship means to make a puppet of her.

TAILOR
Ill have no bigger: this doth fit the time, And gentlewomen wear such caps as these
KATHARINA
When you are gentle, you shall have one too, And not till then.
PETRUCHIO HORTENSIO KATHARINA
[Aside] That will not be in haste.
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. Why, thou sayst true; it is a paltry cap, A custard-coffin, a bauble, a silken pie: I love thee well, in that thou likest it not.
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 be-mete thee with thy yard As thou shalt think on prating whilst thou livest! I tell thee, I, that thou hast marrd her gown.
PETRUCHIO
Your worship is deceived; the gown is made Just as my master had direction: Grumio gave order how it should be done.
TAILOR GRUMIO TAILOR GRUMIO TAILOR GRUMIO TAILOR GRUMIO
I gave him no order; I gave him the stuff. But how did you desire it should be made? Marry, sir, with needle and thread. But did you not request to have it cut? Thou hast faced many things. I have.
Love me or love me not, I like the cap; And it I will have, or I will have none.
KATHARINA
[Exit Haberdasher]
PETRUCHIO
Thy gown? why, ay: come, tailor, let
us seet. O mercy, God! what masquing stuff is here? Whats this? a sleeve? tis like a demi-cannon: What, up and down, carved like an apple-tart? Heres snip and nip and cut and slish and slash, Like to a censer in a barbers shop: Why, what, i devils name, tailor, callst thou this?
HORTENSIO
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 Read it.
PETRUCHIO GRUMIO TAILOR
[Aside] I see shes like to have neither cap
The note lies ins throat, if he say I said so. [Reads] Imprimis, a loose-bodied gown:
nor gown.
32
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT IV 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.
GRUMIO PETRUCHIO TAILOR GRUMIO TAILOR GRUMIO TAILOR
Proceed.
[Reads] With a small compassed cape: I confess the cape. [Reads] With a trunk sleeve: I confess two sleeves [Reads] The sleeves curiously cut. Ay, theres the villany.
PETRUCHIO GRUMIO
Error i the bill, sir; error i the bill. I commanded the sleeves should be cut out and sewed up again; and that Ill prove upon thee, though thy little finger be armed in a thimble. This is true that I say: an I had thee in place where, thou shouldst know it.
TAILOR
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 fathers 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 accountst it shame. lay it on me; And therefore frolic: we will hence forthwith, To feast and sport us at thy fathers house. 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 Lets see; I think tis now some seven oclock, And well we may come there by dinner-time. I dare assure you, sir, tis almost two; And twill be supper-time ere you come there.
KATHARINA
I am for thee straight: take thou the bill, give me thy mete-yard, and spare not me.
GRUMIO HORTENSIO
God-a-mercy, Grumio! then he shall have Well, sir, in brief, the gown is not for me.
no odds.
PETRUCHIO GRUMIO
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, lett alone: I will not go to-day; and ere I do, It shall be what oclock I say it is.
PETRUCHIO HORTENSIO
[Aside] Why, so this gallant will command
the sun.
You are i the right, sir: tis for my mistress. Go, take it up unto thy masters use.
[Exeunt] SCENE IV Padua. Before BAPTISTAs house. [Enter TRANIO, and the Pedant dressed like VINCENTIO]
TRANIO PEDANT
PETRUCHIO GRUMIO
Villain, not for thy life: take up my mistress gown for thy masters use!
PETRUCHIO GRUMIO
Why, sir, whats your conceit in that?
O, sir, the conceit is deeper than you think for: Take up my mistress gown to his masters use! O, fie, fie, fie!
PETRUCHIO
Sir, this is the house: please it you that I call?
[Aside] Hortensio, say thou wilt see the
tailor paid. Go take it hence; be gone, and say no more. Tailor, Ill pay thee for thy gown tomorrow: Take no unkindness of his hasty words: Away! I say; commend me to thy master.
HORTENSIO
Ay, what else? and but I be deceived Signior Baptista may remember me, Near twenty years ago, in Genoa, Where we were lodgers at the Pegasus. Tis well; and hold your own, in any case, With such austerity as longeth to a father.
TRANIO PEDANT
I warrant you.
[Exit Tailor]
Well, come, my Kate; we will unto your fathers
PETRUCHIO
[Enter BIONDELLO]
But, sir, here comes your boy; Twere good he were schoold.
33
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT IV Fear you not him. Sirrah Biondello, Now do your duty throughly, I advise you: Imagine twere the right Vincentio.
TRANIO BIONDELLO TRANIO
Besides, old Gremio is hearkening still; And happily we might be interrupted. Then at my lodging, an it like you: There doth my father lie; and there, this night, Well 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.
TRANIO
Tut, fear not me.
But hast thou done thy errand to Baptista?
BIONDELLO
I told him that your father was at Venice, And that you lookd for him this day in Padua.
TRANIO Thourt a tall fellow: hold thee that to drink. Here comes Baptista: set your countenance, sir.
[Enter BAPTISTA and LUCENTIO]

Signior Baptista, you are happily met.
It likes me well. Biondello, hie you home, And bid Bianca make her ready straight; And, if you will, tell what hath happened, Lucentios father is arrived in Padua, And how shes like to be Lucentios wife.
BAPTISTA BIONDELLO TRANIO
[To the Pedant]

Sir, this is the gentleman I told you of: I pray you stand good father to me now, Give me Bianca for my patrimony. 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 fathers care, To have him matchd; 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 bestowd; For curious I cannot be with you, Signior Baptista, of whom I hear so well.
PEDANT
I pray the gods she may with all my heart!
Dally not with the gods, but get thee gone.
[Exit BIONDELLO]
Signior 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 TRANIO, Pedant, and BAPTISTA] [Re-enter BIONDELLO]

BIONDELLO LUCENTIO BIONDELLO
Cambio! What sayest thou, Biondello? You saw my master wink and laugh Biondello, what of that?
upon you?
LUCENTIO BIONDELLO
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.
BAPTISTA
Faith, nothing; but has left me here behind, to expound the meaning or moral of his signs and tokens.
LUCENTIO BIONDELLO
I pray thee, moralize them.
Then thus. Baptista is safe, talking with the deceiving father of a deceitful son.
LUCENTIO BIONDELLO
And what of him? His daughter is to be brought by you to And then?
I thank you, sir. Where then do you know best We be affied and such assurance taen As shall with either parts agreement stand?
TRANIO
the supper.
LUCENTIO
Not in my house, Lucentio; for, you know, Pitchers have ears, and I have many servants:
BAPTISTA
34
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT IV The old priest of Saint Lukes church is at your command at all hours.
BIONDELLO LUCENTIO BIONDELLO
And what of all this?
Forward, I pray, since we have come so far, And be it moon, or sun, or what you please: An if you please to call it a rush-candle, Henceforth I vow it shall be so for me.
KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA
I cannot tell; expect they are busied about a counterfeit assurance: take you assurance of her, cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum: to the church; take the priest, clerk, and some sufficient honest witnesses: If this be not that you look for, I have no more to say, But bid Bianca farewell for ever and a day.
LUCENTIO BIONDELLO
I say it is the moon. I know it is the moon. Nay, then you lie: it is the blessed sun.
Hearest thou, 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 Lukes, to bid the priest be ready to come against you come with your appendix.
Then, God be blessd, 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 Katharina.
HORTENSIO PETRUCHIO
Petruchio, go thy ways; the field is won.
[Exit]
I may, and will, if she be so contented: She will be pleased; then wherefore should I doubt? Hap what hap may, Ill roundly go about her: It shall go hard if Cambio go without her.
LUCENTIO
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 beautys sake. A will make the man mad, to make a woman of him.
HORTENSIO
[Exit] SCENE V A public road. [Enter PETRUCHIO, KATHARINA, HORTENSIO, and Servants]
PETRUCHIO
Come on, i Gods name; once more toward our fathers. Good Lord, how bright and goodly shines the moon! The moon! the sun: it is not moonlight now.
I say it is the moon that shines so bright. I know it is the sun that shines so bright.
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 Allot thee for his lovely bed-fellow!
KATHARINA
Now, by my mothers son, and thats myself, It shall be moon, or star, or what I list, Or ere I journey to your fathers house. Go on, and fetch our horses back again. Evermore crossd and crossd; nothing but crossd!
HORTENSIO
Why, how now, Kate! I hope thou art not mad: This is a man, old, wrinkled, faded, witherd, And not a maiden, as thou sayst he is.
PETRUCHIO
Say as he says, or we shall never go.
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.
KATHARINA
Volume I Book XI
35
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT V

PETRUCHIO
Do, good old grandsire; and withal make known Which way thou travellest: if along with us, We shall be joyful of thy company. Fair sir, and you my merry mistress, That with your strange encounter much amazed me, My name is calld Vincentio; my dwelling Pisa; And bound I am to Padua; there to visit A son of mine, which long I have not seen.
VINCENTIO PETRUCHIO VINCENTIO PETRUCHIO
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. But is it true? or else is it your pleasure, Like pleasant travellers, to break a jest Upon the company you overtake?
VINCENTIO HORTENSIO PETRUCHIO
I do assure thee, father, so it is.
What is his name? Lucentio, gentle sir.
Come, go along, and see the truth hereof; For our first merriment hath made thee jealous.
Happily we 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 grieved: she is of good esteem, Her dowery wealthy, and of worthy birth;
[Exeunt all but 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.
HORTENSIO
[Exit]
ACT V
SCENE I Padua. Before LUCENTIOs house. [GREMIO discovered. Enter behind BIONDELLO, LUCENTIO, and BIANCA]
BIONDELLO LUCENTIO
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.
VINCENTIO
[Knocks]
Theyre busy within; you were best knock louder.
GREMIO
Softly and swiftly, sir; for the priest is ready.
I fly, Biondello: but they may chance to need thee at home; therefore leave us. Nay, faith, Ill see the church o your back; and then come back to my masters as soon as I can.
BIONDELLO
[Pedant looks out of the window]

Whats he that knocks as he would beat down the gate?
PEDANT VINCENTIO PEDANT
[Exeunt LUCENTIO, BIANCA, and BIONDELLO]

GREMIO
Is Signior Lucentio within, sir?
I marvel Cambio comes not all this while.
Hes within, sir, but not to be spoken withal.
[Enter PETRUCHIO, KATHARINA, VINCENTIO, GRUMIO, with Attendants]

Sir, heres the door, this is Lucentios house: My fathers bears more toward the market-place; Thither must I, and here I leave you, sir.
PETRUCHIO
What if a man bring him a hundred pound or two, to make merry withal?
VINCENTIO
Keep your hundred pounds to yourself: he shall need none, so long as I live.
PEDANT
Nay, I told you your son was well beloved in Padua. Do you hear, sir? To leave frivolous circumstances, I pray you, tell Signior Lucentio that his
PETRUCHIO
36
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT V father is come from Pisa, and is here at the door to speak with him.
PEDANT Thou liest: his father is come from Padua and here looking out at the window. VINCENTIO PEDANT
[Re-enter Pedant below; TRANIO, BAPTISTA, and Servants]

TRANIO
Sir, what are you that offer to beat my servant?
Art thou his father?
Ay, sir; so his mother says, if I may believe her.
[To VINCENTIO] Why, how now, gentleman! why, this is flat knavery, to take upon you another mans name.
PETRUCHIO
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 copatain 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.
VINCENTIO TRANIO
How now! whats the matter? What, is the man lunatic?
Lay hands on the villain: I believe a means to cozen somebody in this city under my countenance.
PEDANT
BAPTISTA TRANIO
[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 VINCENTIO
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. Thy father! O villain! he is a sailmaker in Bergamo.
VINCENTIO
You mistake, sir, you mistake, sir. Pray, what do you think is his name?
BAPTISTA
Hope I may choose, sir. Come hither, you rogue. What, have you
forgot me? Forgot you! no, sir: I could not forget you, for I never saw you before in all my life.
BIONDELLO
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.
VINCENTIO
Away, away, mad ass! his name is Lucentio and he is mine only son, and heir to the lands of me, Signior Vincentio.
PEDANT
What, you notorious villain, didst thou never see thy masters father, Vincentio?
VINCENTIO
What, my old worshipful old master? yes, marry, sir: see where he looks out of the window.
BIONDELLO VINCENTIO
Lucentio! O, he hath murdered his master! Lay hold on him, I charge you, in the dukes name. O, my son, my son! Tell me, thou villain, where is my son Lucentio?
VINCENTIO TRANIO
Ist so, indeed.
Call forth an officer.
[Beats BIONDELLO]
Help, help, help! heres a madman will murder me.
BIONDELLO
[Enter one with an Officer]

Carry this mad knave to the gaol. Father Baptista, I charge you see that he be forthcoming.
VINCENTIO GREMIO
[Exit]
PEDANT
Carry me to the gaol!
Help, son! help, Signior Baptista!
Stay, officer: he shall not go to prison. Talk not, Signior Gremio: I say he shall go
[Exit from above]

Prithee, Kate, lets stand aside and see the end of this controversy.
PETRUCHIO
BAPTISTA
to prison. Take heed, Signior Baptista, lest you be cony-catched in this business: I dare swear this is the right Vincentio.
GREMIO PEDANT
[They retire]
Swear, if thou darest.

37
Volume I Book XI

GREMIO TRANIO
Nay, I dare not swear it.
Then thou wert best say that I am not Lucentio.

GREMIO
Fear not, Baptista; we will content you, go to: but I will in, to be revenged for this villany.
VINCENTIO
[Exit]
BAPTISTA
Yes, I know thee to be Signior Lucentio. Away with the dotard! to the gaol with him!
And I, to sound the depth of this knavery.
BAPTISTA
[Exit]
Look not pale, Bianca; thy father will not frown.
LUCENTIO
VINCENTIO Thus strangers may be hailed and abused: O monstrous villain!
[Re-enter BIONDELLO, with LUCENTIO and BIANCA]

O! we are spoiled andyonder he is: deny him, forswear him, or else we are all undone.
BIONDELLO LUCENTIO VINCENTIO GREMIO
[Exeunt LUCENTIO and BIANCA]

My cake is dough; but Ill in among the rest, Out of hope of all, but my share of the feast.
[Kneeling] Pardon, sweet father. Lives my sweet son?

KATHARINA
[Exit]
Husband, lets follow, to see the end of First kiss me, Kate, and we will. What, in the midst of the street? What, art thou ashamed of me? No, sir, God forbid; but ashamed to kiss. Why, then lets home again. Come, sirrah, Nay, I will give thee a kiss: now pray thee, this ado.
PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO KATHARINA PETRUCHIO
[Exeunt BIONDELLO, TRANIO, and Pedant, as fast as may be]

BIANCA
Pardon, dear father.
How hast thou offended? Where is Lucentio?

BAPTISTA LUCENTIO Heres Lucentio, Right son to the right Vincentio; That have by marriage made thy daughter mine, While counterfeit supposes bleared thine eyne. GREMIO
lets away.
KATHARINA
love, stay. Is not this well? Come, my sweet Kate: Better once than never, for never too late.
PETRUCHIO
Heres packing, with a witness to deceive
us all! Where is that damned villain Tranio, That faced and braved me in this matter so?
VINCENTIO BAPTISTA BIANCA
[Exeunt] SCENE II Padua. LUCENTIOs house. [Enter BAPTISTA, VINCENTIO, GREMIO, the Pedant, LUCENTIO, BIANCA, PETRUCHIO, KATHARINA, HORTENSIO, and Widow, TRANIO, BIONDELLO, and GRUMIO the Serving-men with Tranio 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 self-same kindness welcome thine. Brother Petruchio, sister Katharina, And thou, Hortensio, with thy loving widow,
Why, tell me, is not this my Cambio?
Cambio is changed into Lucentio.
Love wrought these miracles. Biancas love Made me exchange my state with Tranio, While he did bear my countenance in the town; And happily I have arrived at the last Unto the wished haven of my bliss. What Tranio did, myself enforced him to; Then pardon him, sweet father, for my sake.
LUCENTIO
Ill slit the villains nose, that would have sent me to the gaol.
VINCENTIO BAPTISTA But do you hear, sir? have you married my daughter without asking my good will?
38
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT V 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 BAPTISTA PETRUCHIO
Spoke like an officer; ha to thee, lad!
[Drinks to HORTENSIO]
BAPTISTA GREMIO BIANCA
How likes Gremio these quick-witted folks?
Nothing but sit and sit, and eat and eat!
Believe me, sir, they butt together well.
Padua affords this kindness, son Petruchio. Padua affords nothing but what is kind. For both our sakes, I would that word Now, for my life, Hortensio fears
PETRUCHIO HORTENSIO
Head, and butt! an hasty-witted body Would say your head and butt were head and horn.
VINCENTIO BIANCA
Ay, mistress bride, hath that awakend you?
were true.
PETRUCHIO
Ay, but not frighted me; therefore Ill sleep again. Nay, that you shall not: since you have begun, Have at you for a bitter jest or two!
PETRUCHIO
his widow.
WIDOW
Then never trust me, if I be afeard.
You are very sensible, and yet you miss my sense: I mean, Hortensio is afeard of you.
PETRUCHIO WIDOW
He that is giddy thinks the world turns round. Roundly replied. Mistress, how mean you that?
Am I your bird? I mean to shift my bush; And then pursue me as you draw your bow. You are welcome all.
BIANCA
PETRUCHIO KATHARINA WIDOW
[Exeunt BIANCA, KATHARINA, and Widow]

She hath prevented me. Here, Signior Tranio. This bird you aimd at, though you hit her not; Therefore a health to all that shot and missd.
PETRUCHIO
Thus I conceive by him.
Conceives by me! How likes Hortensio that?

PETRUCHIO HORTENSIO PETRUCHIO
O, sir, Lucentio slippd me like his greyhound, Which runs himself and catches for his master.
TRANIO PETRUCHIO TRANIO
My widow says, thus she conceives her tale.
A good swift simile, but something currish.
Very well mended. Kiss him for that, good widow. He that is giddy thinks the world turns round: I pray you, tell me what you meant by that.
KATHARINA
Tis well, sir, that you hunted for yourself: Tis thought your deer does hold you at a bay.
BAPTISTA LUCENTIO
O ho, Petruchio! Tranio hits you now. I thank thee for that gird, good Tranio. Confess, confess, hath he not hit you here?
Your husband, being troubled with a shrew, Measures my husbands sorrow by his woe: And now you know my meaning,
WIDOW KATHARINA WIDOW
HORTENSIO PETRUCHIO
A very mean meaning.
A has a little galld me, I confess; And, as the jest did glance away from me, Tis ten to one it maimd you two outright. Now, in good sadness, son Petruchio, I think thou hast the veriest shrew of all.
BAPTISTA
Right, I mean you. And I am mean indeed, respecting you. To her, Kate! To her, widow! A hundred marks, my Kate does put Thats my office.
KATHARINA PETRUCHIO HORTENSIO PETRUCHIO
her down.
HORTENSIO
Well, I say no: and therefore for assurance Lets 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.
PETRUCHIO HORTENSIO
Content. What is the wager?

39
Volume I Book XI

LUCENTIO
Twenty crowns.
Twenty crowns! Ill venture so much of my hawk or hound, But twenty times so much upon my wife.
PETRUCHIO LUCENTIO
Worse and worse; she will not come! O vile, Intolerable, not to be endured! Sirrah Grumio, go to your mistress; Say, I command her to come to me.
PETRUCHIO
A hundred then. Content. A match! tis done. Who shall begin?

HORTENSIO PETRUCHIO HORTENSIO PETRUCHIO BAPTISTA
[Exit GRUMIO]
I know her answer. What? She will not. The fouler fortune mine, and there an end.
HORTENSIO PETRUCHIO HORTENSIO LUCENTIO
That will I. Go, Biondello, bid your mistress come to me.

BIONDELLO
I go.
Now, by my holidame, here comes Katharina!
[Exit]
BAPTISTA LUCENTIO
[Re-enter KATARINA]
Son, Ill be your half, Bianca comes. Ill have no halves; Ill bear it all myself.
What is your will, sir, that you send for me? Where is your sister, and Hortensios wife? They sit conferring by the parlor fire.
How now! what news? Sir, my mistress sends you word That she is busy and she cannot come.
BIONDELLO
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.
How! she is busy and she cannot come! Is that an answer?

PETRUCHIO
[Exit KATHARINA]
LUCENTIO
Here is a wonder, if you talk of a wonder. And so it is: I wonder what it bodes.
Ay, and a kind one too: Pray God, sir, your wife send you not a worse.
GREMIO PETRUCHIO HORTENSIO
HORTENSIO PETRUCHIO
I hope better.
Sirrah Biondello, go and entreat my wife To come to me forthwith.
Marry, peace it bodes, and love and quiet life, And awful rule and right supremacy; And, to be short, what not, thats sweet and happy? Now, fair befal thee, good Petruchio! The wager thou hast won; and I will add Unto their losses twenty thousand crowns; Another dowry to another daughter, For she is changed, as she had never been.
BAPTISTA
[Exit BIONDELLO]
O, ho! entreat her! Nay, then she must needs come.
PETRUCHIO
I am afraid, sir, Do what you can, yours will not be entreated.

HORTENSIO
Now, wheres my wife? She says you have some goodly jest in hand: She will not come: she bids you come to her.
BIONDELLO
Nay, I will win my wager better yet And show more sign of her obedience, Her new-built virtue and obedience. See where she comes and brings your froward wives As prisoners to her womanly persuasion.
PETRUCHIO
[Re-enter KATHARINA, with BIANCA and Widow]
40
Volume I Book XI
The Taming of the Shrew: ACT V Katharina, that cap of yours becomes you not: Off with that bauble, throw it under-foot. Lord, let me never have a cause to sigh, Till I be brought to such a silly pass!
WIDOW BIANCA
Fie! what a foolish duty call you this?
I would your duty were as foolish too: The wisdom of your duty, fair Bianca, Hath cost me an hundred crowns since supper-time.
LUCENTIO BIANCA
The more fool you, for laying on my duty.
Katharina, I charge thee, tell these headstrong women What duty they do owe their lords and husbands.
PETRUCHIO
Come, come, youre mocking: we will have no telling.

WIDOW PETRUCHIO WIDOW
Come on, I say; and first begin with her.
She shall not. I say she shall: and first begin with her.
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 husbands foot: In token of which duty, if he please, My hand is ready; may it do him ease.
PETRUCHIO
PETRUCHIO KATHARINA
Why, theres a wench! Come on, and kiss
me, Kate.
LUCENTIO
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 liest 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,
Well, go thy ways, old lad; for thou Tis a good hearing when children
shalt hat.
VINCENTIO
are toward. But a harsh hearing when women are froward.

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

Now, go thy ways; thou hast tamed a curst shrew.
HORTENSIO LUCENTIO
Tis a wonder, by your leave, she will be
tamed so.
[Exeunt]
Volume I Book XI
41

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VOLUME I BOOK XI

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

TRANIO BIONDELLO GRUMBO CURTIS NATHANIEL NICHOLAS JOSEPH PHILIP PETER

A Pedant. (PEDANT) KATHARINA THE SHREW BIANCA daughters to Baptista.

SCENE Padua, and PETRUCHIOs country house.

The Taming of the Shrew

Ill pheeze you, in faith. A pair of stocks, you rogue!

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

Believe me, lord, I think he It would seem strange unto him

The Taming of the Shrew: INDUCTION

I think twas Soto that your honour means.

My lord, I warrant you we will play

[Exit one with the Players]

[Some bear out SLY. A trumpet sounds]

Bid them come near.

We thank your honour.

O, this it is that makes your O, this is it that makes your

What raiment will your honour

The Taming of the Shrew: INDUCTION

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

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

And till the tears that she hath shed

I know it well. What must I call her? Madam.

Alce madam, or Joan madam?

Madam, and nothing else: so lords call ladies.

Willt please your mightiness to wash

Ay, the womans maid of the house.

[Enter the Page as a lady, with attendants]

How fares my noble lord?

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

The Taming of the Shrew: ACT I

What, household stuff? It is a kind of history.

Master, some show to welcome us to town.

The Taming of the Shrew: ACT I

From all such devils, good Lord deliver us!

And me too, good Lord!

Well said, master; mum! and gaze your fill.

Hark, Tranio! thou mayst hear Minerva speak.

A husband! a devil. I say, a husband.

[Exeunt GREMIO and HORTENSIO]

Tell me thine first.

It is: may it be done?

Villain, I say, knock me here soundly.

I, sir! neer a whit.

The better for him: would I were so too!

[He wrings him by the ears]

[Exeunt] [The presenters above speak]

My lord, you nod; you do not mind

My lord, tis but begun.

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

[Enter GREMIO, and LUCENTIO disguised]

A proper stripling and an amorous!

No, sayst me so, friend? What countryman?

Will he woo her? ay, or Ill hang her.

For he fears none.

And so we will, provided that he win her.

The Taming of the Shrew: ACT I

I would I were as sure of a good dinner.

[Enter TRANIO brave, and BIONDELLO]