I'll pheeze you , in faith .

A pair of stocks , you rogue !

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

You will not pay for the glasses you have burst ?

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

I know my remedy : I must go fetch the third-borough .


Third , or fourth , or fifth borough , I'll answer him by law . I'll not budge an inch , boy : let him come , and kindly .

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

Why , Bellman is as good as he , my lord ;
He cried upon it at the merest loss ,
And twice to-day pick'd out the dullest scent :
Trust me , I take him for the better dog .

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 .

I will , my lord .

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

He breathes , my lord . Were he not warm'd with ale ,
This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly .

O monstrous beast ! how like a swine he lies !
Grim death , how foul and loathsome is thine image !
Sirs , I will practise on this drunken man .
What think you , if he were convey'd to bed ,
Wrapp'd in sweet clothes , rings put upon his fingers ,
A most delicious banquet by his bed ,
And brave attendants near him when he wakes ,
Would not the beggar then forget himself ?

Believe me , lord , I think he cannot choose .

It would seem strange unto him when he wak'd .

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 bestrew'd with flowers ;
Another bear the ewer , the third a diaper ,
And say , 'Will't please your lordship cool your hands ?' 
Some one be ready with a costly suit ,
And ask him what apparel he will wear ;
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 .

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

Take him up gently , and to bed with him ,
And each one to his office when he wakes .

Sirrah , go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds :

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

How now ! who is it ?

An it please your honour ,
Players that offer service to your lordship .

Bid them come near .

Now , fellows , you are welcome .

We thank your honour .

Do you intend to stay with me to-night ?

So please your lordship to accept our duty .

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

I think 'twas Soto that your honour means .

'Tis very true : thou didst it excellent .
Well , you are come to me in happy time ,
The rather for I have some sport in hand 
Wherein your cunning can assist me much .
There is a lord will hear you play to-night ;
But I am doubtful of your modesties ,
Lest , over-eyeing of his odd behaviour ,
For yet his honour never heard a play ,
You break into some merry passion 
And so offend him ; for I tell you , sirs ,
If you should smile he grows impatient .

Fear not , my lord : we can contain ourselves 
Were he the veriest antick in the world .

Go , sirrah , take them to the buttery ,
And give them friendly welcome every one :
Let them want nothing that my house affords .

Sirrah , go you to Barthol'mew my page ,
And see him dress'd in all suits like a lady :
That done , conduct him to the drunkard's chamber ;
And call him 'madam ,' do him obeisance .
Tell him from me ,as he will win my love ,
He bear himself with honourable action ,
Such as he hath observ'd in noble ladies 
Unto their lords , by them accomplished :
Such duty to the drunkard let him do 
With soft low tongue and lowly courtesy ;
And say , 'What is't your honour will command ,
Wherein your lady and your humble wife 
May show her duty , and make known her love ?' 
And then , with kind embracements , tempting kisses ,
And with declining head into his bosom ,
Bid him shed tears , as being overjoy'd 
To see her noble lord restor'd to health ,
Who for this seven years hath esteemed him 
No better than a poor and loathsome beggar .
And if the boy have not a woman's gift 
To rain a shower of commanded tears ,
An onion will do well for such a shift ,
Which in a napkin being close convey'd ,
Shall in despite enforce a watery eye .
See this dispatch'd with all the haste thou canst :
Anon I'll give thee more instructions .

I know the boy will well usurp the grace ,
Voice , gait , and action of a gentlewoman :
I long to hear him call the drunkard husband ,
And how my men will stay themselves from laughter 
When they do homage to this simple peasant .
I'll in to counsel them : haply , my presence 
May well abate the over merry spleen 
Which otherwise would grow into extremes .


For God's sake ! a pot of small ale .

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

Will't please your honour taste of these conserves ?

What raiment will your honour wear to-day ?

I am Christophero Sly ; call not me honour , nor lordship : I ne'er drank sack in my life ; and if you give me any conserves , give me conserves of beef . Ne'er ask me what raiment I'll wear , for I have no more doublets than backs , no more stockings than legs , nor no more shoes than feet : nay , sometime more feet than shoes , or such shoes as my toes look through the overleather .

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 !

What ! would you make me mad ? Am not I Christopher Sly , old Sly's 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 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 : here's 

O ! this it is that makes your lady mourn .

O ! this it is that makes your 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 ,

And twenty caged nightingales do sing :
Or wilt thou sleep ? we'll have thee to a couch 
Softer and sweeter than the lustful bed 
On purpose trimm'd up for Semiramis .
Say thou wilt walk , we will bestrew the ground :
Or wilt thou ride ? thy horses shall be trapp'd ,
Their harness studded all with gold and pearl .
Dost thou love hawking ? thou hast hawks will soar 
Above the morning lark : or wilt thou hunt ?
Thy hounds shall make the welkin answer them ,
And fetch shrill echoes from the hollow earth .

Say thou wilt course ; thy greyhounds are as swift 
As breathed stags , ay , fleeter than the roe .

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 .

We'll show thee Io as she was a maid ,
And how she was beguiled and surpris'd ,
As lively painted as the deed was done .

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 .

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

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

Am I a lord ? and have I such a lady ?
Or do I dream ? or have I dream'd till now ?
I do not sleep ; I see , I hear , I speak ;
I smell sweet savours , and I feel soft things :
Upon my life , I am a lord indeed ;
And not a tinker , nor Christophero Sly .
Well , bring our lady hither to our sight ;
And once again , a pot o' the smallest ale .

Will't please your mightiness to wash your hands ?

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

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

O ! yes , my lord , but very idle words ;
For though you lay here in this goodly chamber ,
Yet would you say ye were beaten out of door ,
And rail upon the hostess of the house ,
And say you would present her at the leet ,
Because she brought stone jugs and no seal'd quarts .
Sometimes you would call out for Cicely Hacket .

Ay , the woman's maid of the house .

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

Now , Lord be thanked for my good amends !

Amen .

I thank thee ; thou shalt not lose by it .


How fares my noble lord ?

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

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

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 .

I know it well . What must I call her ?

Madam .

Al'ce madam , or Joan madam ?

Madam , and nothing else : so lords call ladies .

Madam wife , they say that I have dream'd 
And slept above some fifteen year or more .

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

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

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 charg'd ,
In peril to incur your former malady ,
That I should yet absent me from your bed :
I hope this reason stands for my excuse .

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 spite of the flesh and the blood .


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

Marry , I will ; let them play it . Is not a commonty a Christmas gambold or a tumbling-trick ?

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

What ! household stuff ?

It is a kind of history .

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


Tranio , since for the great desire I had 
To see fair Padua , nursery of arts ,
I am arriv'd for fruitful Lombardy ,
The pleasant garden of great Italy ;
And by my father's love and leave am arm'd 
With his good will and thy good company ,
My trusty servant well approv'd in all ,
Here let us breathe , and haply institute 
A course of learning and ingenious studies .
Pisa , renowned for grave citizens ,
Gave me my being and my father first ,
A merchant of great traffic through the world ,
Vincentio , come of the Bentivolii .
Vincentio's son , brought up in Florence ,
It shall become to serve all hopes conceiv'd ,
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 achiev'd .
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 .

Mi perdonate , gentle master mine ,
I am in all affected as yourself ,
Glad that you thus continue your resolve 
To suck the sweets of sweet philosophy .
Only , good master , while we do admire 
This virtue and this moral discipline ,
Let's be no stoics nor no stocks , I pray ;
Or so devote to Aristotle's checks 
As Ovid be an outcast quite abjur'd .
Balk logic with acquaintance that you have ,
And practise rhetoric in your common talk ;
Music and poesy use to quicken you ;
The mathematics and the metaphysics ,
Fall to them as you find your stomach serves you ;
No profit grows where is no pleasure ta'en ;
In brief , sir , study what you most affect .

Gramercies , Tranio , well dost thou advise .
If , Biondello , thou wert come ashore ,
We could at once put us in readiness ,
And take a lodging fit to entertain 
Such friends as time in Padua shall beget .
But stay awhile : what company is this ?

Master , some show to welcome us to town .


Gentlemen , importune me no further ,
For how I firmly am resolv'd you know ;
That is , not to 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 .

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

I pray you , sir , is it your will 
To make a stale of me amongst these mates ?

Mates , maid ! how mean you that ? no mates for you ,
Unless you were of gentler , milder mould .

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

From all such devils , good Lord deliver us !

And me too , good Lord !

Hush , master ! here is some good pastime toward :
That wench is stark mad or wonderful froward .

But in the other's silence do I see 
Maid's mild behaviour and sobriety .
Peace , 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 ne'er the less , my girl .

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 look and practise by myself .

Hark , Tranio ! thou mayst hear Minerva speak .

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

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

Gentlemen , content ye ; I am resolv'd .
Go in , 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 .


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 !


You may go to the devil's dam : your gifts are so good , here's none will hold you . Their love is not so great , Hortensio , but we may blow our nails together , and fast it fairly out : our cake's dough on both sides . Farewell : yet , for the love I bear my sweet Bianca , if I can by any means light on a fit man to teach her that wherein she delights , I will wish him to her father .

So will I , Signior Gremio : but a word , I pray . Though the nature of our quarrel yet never brooked parle , know now , upon advice , it toucheth us both ,that we may yet again have access to our fair mistress and be happy rivals in Bianca's love ,to labour and effect one thing specially .

What's that , I pray ?

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

A husband ! a devil .

I say , a husband .

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 .

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

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

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


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

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 .

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

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

Master , you look'd so longly on the maid ,
Perhaps you mark'd not what's the pith of all .

O yes , I saw sweet beauty in her face ,
Such as the daughter of Agenor had ,
That made great Jove to humble him to her hand ,
When with his knees he kiss'd the Cretan strand .

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

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 .

Nay , then , 'tis time to stir him from his trance .
I pray , awake , sir : if you love the maid ,
Bend thoughts and wits to achieve her . Thus it stands :
Her elder sister is so curst and shrewd ,
That till the father rid his hands of her ,
Master , your love must live a maid at home ;
And therefore has he closely mew'd her up ,
Because she will not be annoy'd with suitors .

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

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

I have it , Tranio .

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

Tell me thine first .

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

It is : may it be done ?

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

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


So had you need .
In brief then , sir , sith it your pleasure is ,
And I am tied to be obedient ;
For so your father charg'd 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 , be so , because Lucentio loves ;
And let me be a slave , to achieve that maid 
Whose sudden sight hath thrall'd my wounded eye .
Here comes the rogue .

Sirrah , where have you been ?

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

Sirrah , come hither : 'tis no time to jest ,
And therefore frame your manners to the time .
Your fellow Tranio , here , to save my life ,
Puts my apparel and my countenance on ,
And I for my escape have put on his ;
For in a quarrel since I came ashore 
I kill'd a man , and fear I was descried .
Wait you on him , I charge you , as becomes ,
While I make way from hence to save my life :
You understand me ?

I , sir ! ne'er a whit .

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

The better for him : would I were so too !

So would I , faith , boy , to have the next wish after ,
That Lucentio indeed had Baptista's youngest daughter .
But , sirrah , not for my sake , but your master's , I advise 
You use your manners discreetly in all kind of companies :
When I am alone , why , then I am Tranio ;
But in all places else your master , Lucentio .

Tranio , let's go . One thing more rests , that thyself execute , to make one among these wooers : if thou ask me why , sufficeth my reasons are both good and weighty .

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

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

My lord , 'tis but begun .

'Tis a very excellent piece of work , madam lady : would 'twere done !


Verona , for awhile I take my leave ,
To see my friends in Padua ; but , of all 
My best beloved and approved friend ,
Hortensio ; and I trow this is his house .
Here , sirrah Grumio ; knock , I say .

Knock , sir ! whom should I knock ? is there any man has rebused your worship ?

Villain , I say , knock me here soundly .

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 I'll knock your knave's pate .

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

Will it not be ?
Faith , sirrah , an you'll not knock , I'll ring it ;
I'll try how you can sol , fa , and sing it .


Help , masters , help ! my master is mad .

Now , knock when I bid you , sirrah villain !


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

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

Alla nostra casa ben venuto ; molto honorato signior mio Petruchio .
Rise , Grumio , rise : we will compound this quarrel .

Nay , 'tis no matter , sir , what he 'leges in Latin . If this be not a lawful cause for me to leave his service , look you , sir , he bid me knock him and rap him soundly , sir : well , was it fit for a servant to use his master so ; being , perhaps , for aught I see , two-and-thirty , a pip out ?
Whom would to God , I had well knock'd at first ,
Then had not Grumio come by the worst .

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

Knock at the gate ! O heavens ! Spake you not these words plain , 'Sirrah , knock me here , rap me here , knock me well , and knock me soundly ?' And come you now with 'knocking at the gate ?' 

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

Petruchio , patience ; I am Grumio's pledge .
Why , this's a heavy chance 'twixt him and you ,
Your ancient , trusty , pleasant servant Grumio .
And tell me now , sweet friend , what happy gale 
Blows you to Padua here from old Verona ?

Such wind as scatters young men through the world 
To seek their fortunes further than at home ,
Where small experience grows . But in a few ,
Signior Hortensio , thus it stands with me :
Antonio , my father , is deceas'd ,
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 , shall I then come roundly to thee ,
And wish thee to a shrewd ill-favour'd wife ?
Thou'dst thank me but a little for my counsel ;
And yet I'll promise thee she shall be rich ,
And very rich : but thou'rt too much my friend ,
And I'll not wish thee to her .

Signior Hortensio , 'twixt such friends as we ,
Few words suffice ; and therefore , if thou know 
One rich enough to be Petruchio's wife ,
As wealth is burden of my wooing dance ,
Be she as foul as was Florentius' love ,
As old as Sibyl , and as curst and shrewd 
As Socrates' Xanthippe , or a worse ,
She moves me not , or not removes , at least ,
Affection's edge in me , were she as rough 
As are the swelling Adriatic seas :
I come to wive it wealthily in Padua ;
If wealthily , then happily in Padua .

Nay , look you , sir , he tells you flatly what his mind is : why , give him gold enough and marry him to a puppet or an aglet-baby ; or an old trot with ne'er a tooth in her head , though she have as many diseases as two-and-fifty horses : why , nothing comes amiss , so money comes withal .

Petruchio , since we are stepp'd thus far in ,
I will continue that I broach'd in jest .
I can , Petruchio , help thee to a wife 
With wealth enough , and young and beauteous ,
Brought up as best becomes a gentlewoman :
Her only fault ,and that is faults enough ,
Is , that she is intolerable curst 
And shrewd and froward , so beyond all measure ,
That , were my state far worser than it is ,
I would not wed her for a mine of gold :

Hortensio , peace ! thou know'st not gold's effect :
Tell me her father's name , and 'tis enough ;
For I will board her , though she chide as loud 
As thunder when the clouds in autumn crack .

Her father is Baptista Minola ,
An affable and courteous gentleman ;
Her name is Katharina Minola ,
Renown'd in Padua for her scolding tongue .

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 .

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 , that's nothing : an he begin once , he'll rail in his ropetricks . I'll 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 .

Tarry , Petruchio , I must go with thee ,
For in Baptista's keep my treasure is :
He hath the jewel of my life in hold ,
His youngest daughter , beautiful Bianca ,
And her withholds from me and other more ,
Suitors to her and rivals in my love ;
Supposing it a thing impossible ,
For those defects I have before rehears'd ,
That ever Katharina will be woo'd :
Therefore this order hath Baptista ta'en ,
That none shall have access unto Bianca ,
Till Katharine the curst have got a husband .

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

Now shall my friend Petruchio do me grace ,
And offer me , disguis'd in sober robes ,
To old Baptista as a schoolmaster 
Well seen in music , to instruct Bianca ;
That so I may , by this device , at least 
Have leave and leisure to make love to her ,
And unsuspected court her by herself .

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

Master , master , look about you : who goes there , ha ?

Peace , Grumio ! 'tis the rival of my love .
Petruchio , stand by awhile .

A proper stripling , and an amorous !

O ! very well ; I have perus'd the note .
Hark you , sir ; I'll have them very fairly bound :
All books of love , see that at any hand ,
And see you read no other lectures to her .
You understand me . Over and beside 
Signior Baptista's liberality ,
I'll mend it with a largess . Take your papers too ,
And let me have them very well perfum'd ;
For she is sweeter than perfume itself 
To whom they go to . What will you read to her ?

Whate'er I read to her , I'll plead for you ,
As for my patron , stand you so assur'd ,
As firmly as yourself were still in place ;
Yea , and perhaps with more successful words 
Than you , unless you were a scholar , sir .

O ! this learning , what a thing it is .

O ! this woodcock , what an ass it is .

Peace , sirrah !

Grumio , mum ! God save you , Signior Gremio !

And you're well met , Signior Hortensio .
Trow you whither I am going ? To Baptista Minola .
I promis'd to inquire carefully 
About a schoolmaster for the fair Bianca ;
And , by good fortune , I have lighted well 
On this young man ; for learning and behaviour 
Fit for her turn ; well read in poetry 
And other books , good ones , I warrant ye .

'Tis well : and I have met a gentleman 
Hath promis'd 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 belov'd of me .

Belov'd of me , and that my deeds shall prove .

And that his bags shall prove .

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

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

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

No , sayst me so , friend ? What countryman ?

Born in Verona , old Antonio's son :
My father dead , my fortune lives for me ;
And I do hope good days and long to see .

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

Will I live ?

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

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 , puff'd up with winds ,
Rage like an angry boar chafed with sweat ?
Have I not heard great ordnance in the field ,
And heaven's artillery thunder in the skies ?
Have I not in a pitched battle heard 
Loud 'larums , neighing steeds , and trumpets' clang ?
And do you tell me of a woman's tongue ,
That gives not half so great a blow to hear 
As will a chestnut in a farmer's fire ?
Tush , tush ! fear boys with bugs .

For he fears none .

Hortensio , hark :
This gentleman is happily arriv'd ,
My mind presumes , for his own good and ours .

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

And so we will , provided that he win her .

I would I were as sure of a good dinner .


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 ?

He that has the two fair daughters : is't he you mean ?

Even he , Biondello !

Hark you , sir ; you mean not her to 

Perhaps , him and her , sir : what have you to do ?

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

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

Well begun , Tranio .

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

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

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

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

But so is not she .

For what reason , I beseech you ?

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

That she's 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 Leda's daughter had a thousand wooers ;
Then well one more may fair Bianca have ,
And so she shall ; Lucentio shall make one ,
Though Paris came in hope to speed alone .

What ! this gentleman will out-talk us all .

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

Hortensio , to what end are all these words ?

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

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

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 .

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

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 .

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 .

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

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

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

Good sister , wrong me not , nor wrong yourself ,
To make a bondmaid and a slave of me ;
That I disdain : but for these other gawds ,
Unbind my hands , I'll pull them off myself ,
Yea , all my raiment , to my petticoat ;
Or what you will command me will I do ,
So well I know my duty to my elders .

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

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

Minion , thou liest . Is't not Hortensio ?

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

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

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 .

If that be jest , then all the rest was so .

Why , how now , dame ! whence grows this insolence ?
Bianca , stand aside . Poor girl ! she weeps .
Go ply thy needle ; meddle not with her .
For shame , thou hilding of a devilish spirit ,
Why dost thou wrong her that did ne'er wrong thee ?
When did she cross thee with a bitter word ?

Her silence flouts me , and I'll be reveng'd .


What ! in my sight ? Bianca , get thee in .


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 .


Was ever gentleman thus griev'd as I ?
But who comes here ?


Good morrow , neighbour Baptista .

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

And you , good sir . Pray , have you not a daughter 
Call'd Katharina , fair and virtuous ?

I have a daughter , sir , call'd Katharina .

You are too blunt : go to it orderly .

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

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 .

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

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

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

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

I know him well : you are welcome for his sake .

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

O , pardon me , Signior Gremio ; I would fain be doing .

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 ,

that has 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 .

A thousand thanks , Signior Gremio ; welcome , good Cambio .

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 ,
I here bestow a simple instrument ,
And this small packet of Greek and Latin books :
If you accept them , then their worth is great .

Lucentio is your name , of whence , I pray ?

Of Pisa , sir ; son to Vincentio .

A mighty man of Pisa ; by report 
I know him well : you are very welcome , sir .


and you the set of books ;
You shall go see your pupils presently .
Holla , within !


Sirrah , lead these gentlemen 
To my two daughters , and then tell them both 
These are their tutors : bid them use them well .

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 better'd rather than decreas'd :
Then tell me , if I get your daughter's love ,
What dowry shall I have with her to wife ?

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

And , for that dowry , I'll assure her of 
Her widowhood , be it that she survive me ,
In all my lands and leases whatsoever .
Let specialties be therefore drawn between us ,
That covenants may be kept on either hand .

Ay , when the special thing is well obtain'd ,
That is , her love ; for that is all in all .

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 .

Well mayst thou woo , and happy be thy speed !
But be thou arm'd for some unhappy words .

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


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

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

What , will my daughter prove a good musician ?

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

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

Why , no ; for she hath broke the lute to me .
I did but tell her she mistook her frets ,
And bow'd her hand to teach her fingering ;
When , with a most impatient devilish spirit ,
'Frets , call you these ?' quoth she ; 'I'll fume with them ;' 
And , with that word , she struck me on the head ,
And through the instrument my pate made way ;
And there I stood amazed for a while ,
As on a pillory , looking through the lute ;
While she did call me rascal fiddler ,
And twangling Jack ; with twenty such vile terms 
As she had studied to misuse me so .

Now , by the world , it is a lusty wench !
I love her ten times more than e'er I did :
O ! how I long to have some chat with her !

Well , go with me , and be not so discomfited :
Proceed in practice with my younger daughter ;
She's apt to learn , and thankful for good turns .
Signior Petruchio , will you go with us ,
Or shall I send my daughter Kate to you ?

I pray you do ; I will attend her here ,

And woo her with some spirit when she comes .
Say that she rail ; why then I'll tell her plain 
She sings as sweetly as a nightingale :
Say that she frown ; I'll say she looks as clear 
As morning roses newly wash'd with dew :
Say she be mute and will not speak a word ;
Then I'll commend her volubility ,
And say she uttereth piercing eloquence :
If she do bid me pack ; I'll give her thanks ,
As though she bid me stay by her a week :
If she deny to wed ; I'll crave the day 
When I shall ask the banns , and when be married .
But here she comes ; and now , Petruchio , speak .

Good morrow , Kate ; for that's your name , I hear .

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

You lie , in faith ; for you are call'd 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 cates : and therefore , Kate ,
Take this of me , Kate of my consolation ;
Hearing thy mildness prais'd in every town ,
Thy virtues spoke of , and thy beauty sounded ,
Yet not so deeply as to thee belongs ,
Myself am mov'd to woo thee for my wife .

Mov'd ! in good time : let him that mov'd you hither 
Remove you hence . I knew you at the first ,
You were a moveable .

Why , what's a moveable ?

A joint-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 bear you , if me you mean .

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 .

Should be ! should buz !

Well ta'en , and like a buzzard .

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

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

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

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 .

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

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 .

That I'll try .


I swear I'll 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 .

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 a craven .

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

It is my fashion when I see a crab .

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

There is , there is .

Then show it me .

Had I a glass , I would .

What , you mean my face ?

Well aim'd of such a young one .

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

Yet you are wither'd .

'Tis with cares .

I care not .

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

I chafe you , if I tarry : let me go .

No , not a whit : I find you passing gentle .
'Twas told me you were rough and coy and sullen ,
And now I find report a very liar ;
For thou art pleasant , gamesome , passing courteous ,
But slow in speech , yet sweet as spring-time flowers :
Thou canst not frown , thou canst not look askance ,
Nor bite the lip , as angry wenches will ;
Nor hast thou pleasure to be cross in talk ;
But thou with mildness entertain'st thy wooers ,
With gentle conference , soft and affable .
Why does the world report that Kate doth limp ?
O slanderous world ! Kate , like the hazel-twig ,
Is straight and slender , and as brown in hue 
As hazel nuts , and sweeter than the kernels .
O ! let me see thee walk : thou dost not halt .

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

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 !

Where did you study all this goodly speech ?

It is extempore , from my mother-wit .

A witty mother ! witless else her son .

Am I not wise ?

Yes ; keep you warm .

Marry , so I mean , sweet Katharine , in thy bed :
And therefore , setting all this chat aside ,
Thus in plain terms : your father hath consented 
That you shall be my wife ; your dowry 'greed on ;
And will you , nill you , I will marry you .
Now , Kate , I am a husband for your turn ;
For , by this light , whereby I see thy beauty ,
Thy beauty that doth make me like thee well ,
Thou must be married to no man but me :
For I am he am born to tame you , Kate ;
And bring you from a wild Kate to a Kate 
Conformable as other household Kates .
Here comes your father : never make denial ;
I must and will have Katharine to my wife .


Now , Signior Petruchio , how speed you with my daughter ?

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

Why , how now , daughter Katharine ! in your dumps ?

Call you me daughter ? now , I promise you 
You have show'd a tender fatherly regard ,
To wish me wed to one half lunatic ;
A mad-cap ruffian and a swearing Jack ,
That thinks with oaths to face the matter out .

Father , 'tis thus : yourself and all the world ,
That talk'd of her , have talk'd amiss of her :
If she be curst , it is for policy ,
For she's not froward , but modest as the dove ;
She is not hot , but temperate as the morn ;
For patience she will prove a second Grissel ,
And Roman Lucrece for her chastity ;
And to conclude , we have 'greed so well together ,
That upon Sunday is the wedding-day .

I'll see thee hang'd on Sunday first .

Hark , Petruchio : she says she'll see thee hang'd first .

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

Be patient , gentlemen ; I choose her for myself :
If she and I be pleas'd , what's that to you ?
'Tis bargain'd 'twixt us twain , being alone ,
That she shall still be curst in company .
I tell you , 'tis incredible to believe 
How much she loves me : O ! the kindest Kate .
She hung about my neck , and kiss on kiss 
She vied so fast , protesting oath on oath ,
That in a twink she won me to her love .
O ! you are novices : 'tis a world to see ,
How tame , when men and women are alone ,
A meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew .
Give me thy hand , Kate : I will unto Venice 
To buy apparel 'gainst the wedding-day .
Provide the feast , father , and bid the guests ;
I will be sure my Katharine shall be fine .

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

Amen , say we : we will be witnesses .

Amen , say we : we will be witnesses .

Father , and wife , and gentlemen , adieu .
I will to Venice ; Sunday comes apace :
We will have rings , and things , and fine array ;
And , kiss me , Kate , we will be married o' Sunday .


Was ever match clapp'd up so suddenly ?

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

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

The gain I seek is , quiet in the match .

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

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

Youngling , thou canst not love so dear as I .

Greybeard , thy love doth freeze .

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

But youth in ladies eyes that flourisheth .

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

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 stuff'd my crowns ;
In cypress chests my arras counterpoints ,
Costly apparel , tents , and canopies ,
Fine linen , Turkey cushions boss'd with pearl ,
Valance of Venice gold in needle-work ,
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 ,
Six score fat oxen standing in my stalls ,
And all things answerable to this portion .
Myself am struck in years , I must confess ;
And if I die to-morrow , this is hers ,
If whilst I live she will be only mine .

That 'only' came well in . Sir , list to me :
I am my father's heir and only son :
If I may have your daughter to my wife ,
I'll leave her houses three or four as good ,
Within rich Pisa walls , as any one 
Old Signior Gremio has in Padua ;
Besides two thousand ducats by the year 
Of fruitful land , all of which shall be her jointure .
What , have I pinch'd you , Signior 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 chok'd you with an argosy ?

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

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

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

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

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

And may not young men die as well as old ?

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

Adieu , good neighbour .

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 .


A vengeance on your crafty wither'd hide !
Yet I have fac'd it with a card of ten .
'Tis in my head to do my master good :
I see no reason , but suppos'd Lucentio 
Must get a father , called 'suppos'd Vincentio ;' 
And that's a wonder : fathers , commonly 
Do get their children ; but in this case of wooing ,
A child shall get a sire , if I fail not of my cunning .

Fiddler , forbear ; you grow too forward , sir :
Have you so soon forgot the entertainment 
Her sister Katharine welcom'd you withal ?

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 .

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

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 ;
I'll not be tied to hours nor 'pointed times ,
But learn my lessons as I please myself .
And , to cut off all strife , here sit we down :
Take you your instrument , play you the whiles ;
His lecture will be done ere you have tun'd .

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


That will be never : tune vour instrument .

Where left we last ?

Here , madam :

Hac ibat Simois ; hic est Sigeia tellus ;
Hic steterat Priami regia celsa senis .


Construe them .

Hac 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 .

Madam , my instrument's in tune .

Let's hear .

O fie ! the treble jars .

Spit in the hole , man , and tune again .

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

Madam , 'tis now in tune .

All but the base .

The base is right ; 'tis the base knave that jars .
How fiery and forward our pedant is !


Now , for my life , the knave doth court my love :
Pedascule , I'll watch you better yet .

In time I may believe , yet I mistrust .

Mistrust it not ; for , sure ,  acides 
Was Ajax , call'd so from his grandfather .

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 .

You may go walk , and give me leave a while :
My lessons make no music in three parts .

Are you so formal , sir ?

Well , I must wait ,
And watch withal ; for , but I be deceiv'd ,
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 .

Why , I am past my gamut long ago .

Yet read the gamut of Hortensio .


'Gamut' I am , the ground of all accord ,
'A re ,' to plead Hortensio's passion ;
'B mi ,' Bianca , take him for thy lord ,
'C fa ut ,' that loves with all affection :
'D sol re ,' one clef , two notes have I :
'E la mi ,' show pity , or I die .

Call you this gamut ? tut , I like it not :
Old fashions please me best ; I am not so nice ,
To change true rules for odd inventions .


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

Farewell , sweet masters both : I must be gone .


Faith , mistress , then I have no cause to stay .


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 .


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

No shame but mine : I must , forsooth , be forc'd 
To give my hand oppos'd against my heart 
Unto a mad-brain rudesby , full of spleen ;
Who woo'd in haste and means to wed at leisure .
I told you , I , he was a frantic fool ,
Hiding his bitter jests in blunt behaviour ;
And to be noted for a merry man ,
He'll woo a thousand , 'point the day of marriage ,
Make friends invite , and proclaim the banns ;
Yet never means to wed where he hath woo'd .
Now must the world point at poor Katharine ,
And say , 'Lo ! there is mad Petruchio's wife ,
If it would please him come and marry her .' 

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

Would Katharine had never seen him though !


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 .


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

Is it new and old too ? how may that be ?

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

Is he come ?

Why , no , sir .

What then ?

He is coming .

When will he be here ?

When he stands where I am and sees you there .

But , say , what to thine old news ?

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

Who comes with him ?

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 in't for a feather : a monster , a very monster in apparel , and not like a Christian footboy or a gentleman's lackey .

'Tis some odd humour pricks him to this fashion ;
Yet oftentimes he goes but mean-apparell'd .

I am glad he is come , howsoe'er he comes .

Why , sir , he comes not .

Didst thou not say he comes ?

Who ? that Petruchio came ?

Ay , that Petruchio came .

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

Why , that's all one .


Nay , by Saint Jamy ,
I hold you a penny ,
A horse and a man 
Is more than one ,
And yet not many .

Come , where be these gallants ? who is at home ?

You are welcome , sir .

And yet I come not well .

And yet you halt not .

Not so well apparell'd 
As I wish you were .

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 ?

Why , sir , you know this is your weddingday :
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 .

And tell us what occasion of import 
Hath all so long detain'd you from your wife ,
And sent you hither so unlike yourself ?

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 .

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

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

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

Good sooth , even thus ; therefore ha' done with words :
To me she's married , not unto my clothes .
Could I repair what she will wear in me 
As I can change these poor accoutrements ,
'Twere well for Kate and better for myself .
But what a fool am I to chat with you 
When I should bid good morrow to my bride ,
And seal the title with a lovely kiss !


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

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


But to her love concerneth us to add 
Her father's liking : which to bring to pass ,
As I before imparted to your worship ,
I am to get a man ,whate'er he be 
It skills not much , we'll fit him to our turn ,
And he shall be Vincentio of Pisa ,
And make assurance here in Padua ,
Of greater sums than I have promised .
So shall you quietly enjoy your hope ,
And marry sweet Bianca with consent .

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

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

Signior Gremio , came you from the church ?

As willingly as e'er I came from school .

And is the bride and bridegroom coming home ?

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

Curster than she ? why , 'tis impossible .

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

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

Tut ! she's a lamb , a dove , a fool to him .
I'll tell you , Sir Lucentio : when the priest 
Should ask , if Katharine should be his wife ,
'Ay , by gogs-wouns !' quoth he ; and swore so loud ,
That , all amaz'd , the priest let fall the book ;
And , as he stoop'd again to take it up ,
The mad-brain'd bridegroom took him such a cuff 
That down fell priest and book and book and priest :
'Now take them up ,' quoth he , 'if any list .' 

What said the wench when he arose again ?

Trembled and shook ; for why he stampt 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 ; quaff'd off the muscadel ,
And threw the sops all in the sexton's face ;
Having no other reason 
But that his beard grew thin and hungerly ,
And seem'd to ask him sops as he was drinking .
This done , he took the bride about the neck ,
And kiss'd her lips with such a clamorous smack 
That at the parting all the church did echo :
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 .

Gentlemen and friends , I thank you for your pains :
I know you think to dine with me to-day ,
And have prepar'd great store of wedding cheer ;
But so it is , my haste doth call me hence ,
And therefore here I mean to take my leave .

Is't possible you will away to-night ?

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 .

Let us entreat you stay till after dinner .

It may not be .

Let me entreat you .

It cannot be .

Let me entreat you .

I am content .

Are you content to stay ?

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

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 , nor till I please myself ,
The door is open , sir , there lies your way ;
You may be jogging whiles your boots are green ;
For me , I'll not be gone till I please myself .
'Tis like you'll prove a jolly surly groom ,
That take it on you at the first so roundly .

O Kate ! content thee : prithee , be not angry .

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

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

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

They shall go forward , Kate , at thy command .
Obey the bride , you that attend on her ;
Go to the feast , revel and domineer ,
Carouse full measure to her maidenhead ,
Be mad and merry , or go hang yourselves :
But for my bonny Kate , she must with me .
Nay , look not big , nor stamp , nor stare , nor fret ;
I will be master of what is mine own .
She is my goods , my chattels ; she is my house ,
My household stuff , my field , my barn ,
My horse , my ox , my ass , my anything ;
And here she stands , touch her whoever dare ;
I'll bring mine action on the proudest he 
That stops my way in Padua . Grumio ,
Draw forth thy weapon , we're beset with thieves ;
Rescue thy mistress , if thou be a man .
Fear not , sweet wench ; they shall not touch thee , Kate :
I'll buckler thee against a million .


Nay , let them go , a couple of quiet ones .

Went they not quickly I should die with laughing .

Of all mad matches never was the like .

Mistress , what's your opinion of your sister ?

That , being mad herself , she's 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 bridegroom's place ,
And let Bianca take her sister's room .

Shall sweet Bianca practise how to bride it ?

She shall , Lucentio . Come , gentlemen , let's go .

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 .


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 .

Is my master and his wife coming , Grumio ?

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

Is she so hot a shrew as she's 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 .

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

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

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

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 .

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

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

Come , you are so full of cony-catching .

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

All ready ; and therefore , I pray thee , news ?

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

How ?

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

Let's ha't , good Grumio .

Lend thine ear .

Here .

There .

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

And therefore it is 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 ,

Both of one horse ?

What's that to thee ?

Why , a horse .

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 .

By this reckoning he is more shrew than she .

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 master's horsetail till they kiss their hands . Are they all ready ?

They are .

Call them forth .

Do you hear ? ho ! you must meet my master to countenance my mistress .

Why , she hath a face of her own .

Who knows not that ?

Thou , it seems , that callest for company to countenance her .

I call them forth to credit her .

Why , she comes to borrow nothing of them .


Welcome home , Grumio !

How now , Grumio ?

What , Grumio !

Fellow Grumio !

How now , old lad !

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 ?

All things is ready . How near is our master ?

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


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

Here , here , sir ; here , sir .

Here , sir ! here , sir ! here , sir ! here , sir !
You logger-headed and unpolish'd grooms !
What , no attendance ? no regard ? no duty ?
Where is the foolish knave I sent before ?

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 ?

Nathaniel's coat , sir , was not fully made ,
And Gabriel's pumps were all unpink'd i' the heel ,
There was no link to colour Peter's hat ,
And Walter's dagger was not come from sheathing ,
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 .

Go , rascals , go , and fetch my supper in .

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


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

It was the friar of orders grey ,
As he forth walked on his way :

Out , you rogue ! you pluck my foot awry :

Take that , and mend the plucking off the other .
Be merry , Kate . Some water , here ; what , ho !
Where's my spaniel Troilus ? Sirrah , get you hence 
And bid my cousin Ferdinand come hither :

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


You whoreson villain ! will you let it fall ?

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

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

Ay .

Who brought it ?

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 ?

There , take it to you , trenchers , cups , and all .
You heedless joltheads and unmanner'd slaves !
What ! do you grumble ? I'll be with you straight .

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

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


Peter , didst ever see the like ?

He kills her in her own humour .


Where is he ?

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 .

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-gorg'd ,
For then she never looks upon her lure .
Another way I have to man my haggard ,
To make her come and know her keeper's call ;
That is , to watch her , as we watch these kites 
That bate and beat and will not be obedient .
She eat no meat to-day , nor none shall eat ;
Last night she slept not , nor to-night she shall not :
As with the meat , some undeserved fault 
I'll find about the making of the bed ;
And here I'll fling the pillow , there the bolster ,
This way the coverlet , another way the sheets :
Ay , and amid this hurly I intend 
That all is done in reverend care of her ;
And in conclusion she shall watch all night :
And if she chance to nod I'll rail and brawl ,
And with the clamour keep her still awake .
This is a way to kill a wife with kindness ;
And thus I'll curb her mad and headstrong humour .
He that knows better how to tame a shrew ,
Now let him speak : 'tis charity to show .


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

Sir , to satisfy you in what I have said ,
Stand by , and mark the manner of his teaching .

Now , mistress , profit you in what you read ?

What , master , read you ? first resolve me that .

I read that I profess , the Art to Love .

And may you prove , sir , master of your art !

While you , sweet dear , prove mistress of my heart .


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

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

Mistake no more : I am not Licio ,
Nor a musician , as I seem to be ;
But one that scorns 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 call'd 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 .

See , how they kiss and court ! Signior Lucentio ,
Here is my hand , and here I firmly vow 
Never to woo her more ; but I do forswear her ,
As one unworthy all the former favours 
That I have fondly flatter'd her withal .

And here I take the like unfeigned oath ,
Never to marry with her though she would entreat .
Fie on her ! see how beastly she doth court him .

Would all the world , but he had quite forsworn !
For me , that I may surely keep mine oath ,
I will be married to a wealthy widow 
Ere three days pass , which hath as long lov'd me 
As I have lov'd this proud disdainful haggard .
And so farewell , Signior Lucentio .
Kindness in women , not their beauteous looks ,
Shall win my love : and so I take my leave ,
In resolution as I swore before .


Mistress Bianca , bless you with such grace 
As 'longeth to a lover's blessed case !
Nay , I have ta'en you napping , gentle love ,
And have forsworn you with Hortensio .

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

Mistress , we have .

Then we are rid of Licio .

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

God give him joy !

Ay , and he'll tame her .

He says so , Tranio .

Faith , he is gone unto the taming-school .

The taming-school ! what , is there such a place ?

Ay , mistress , and Petruchio is the master ;
That teacheth tricks eleven and twenty long ,
To tame a shrew , and charm her chattering tongue .


O master , master ! I have watch'd so long 
That I'm dog-weary ; but at last I spied 
An ancient angel coming down the hill 
Will serve the turn .

What is he , Biondello ?

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

And what of him , Tranio ?

If he be credulous and trust my tale ,
I'll make him glad to seem Vincentio ,
And give assurance to Baptista Minola ,
As if he were the right Vincentio .
Take in your love , and then let me alone .

God save you , sir !

And you , sir ! you are welcome .
Travel you far on , or are you at the furthest ?

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

What countryman , I pray ?

Of Mantua .

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

My life , sir ! how , I pray ? for that goes hard .

'Tis death for any one in Mantua 
To come to Padua . Know you not the cause ?
Your ships are stay'd at Venice ; and the duke ,
For private quarrel 'twixt your duke and him ,
Hath publish'd and proclaim'd it openly .
'Tis marvel , but that you are but newly come ,
You might have heard it else proclaim'd 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 .

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 ?

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

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 .

As much as an apple doth an oyster , and all one .

To save your life in this extremity ,
This favour will I do you for his sake ;
And think it not the worst of all your fortunes 
That you are like to Sir Vincentio .
His name and credit shall you undertake ,
And in my house you shall be friendly lodg'd ,
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 .

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

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


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

The more my wrong the more his spite appears .
What , did he marry me to famish me ?
Beggars , that come unto my father's door ,
Upon entreaty have a present alms ;
If not , elsewhere they meet with charity :
But I , who never knew how to entreat ,
Nor never needed that I should entreat ,
Am starv'd for meat , giddy for lack of sleep ;
With oaths kept waking , and with brawling fed .
And that which spites me more than all these wants ,
He does it under name of perfect love ;
As who should say , if I should sleep or eat 
'Twere deadly sickness , or else present death .
I prithee go and get me some repast ;
I care not what , so it be wholesome food .

What say you to a neat's foot ?

'Tis passing good : I prithee let me have it .

I fear it is too choleric a meat .
How say you to a fat tripe finely broil'd ?

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 ?

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 .

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

Then both , or one , or anything thou wilt .

Why then , the mustard without the beef .

Go , get thee gone , thou false deluding slave ,

That feed'st me with the very name of meat .
Sorrow on thee and all the pack of you ,
That triumph thus upon my misery !
Go , get thee gone , I say .


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

Mistress , what cheer ?

Faith , as cold as can be .

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

I am sure , sweet Kate , this kindness merits thanks .
What ! not a word ? Nay then , thou lov'st it not ,
And all my pains is sorted to no proof .
Here , take away this dish .

I pray you , let it stand .

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

I thank you , sir .

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

Eat it up all , Hortensio , if thou lov'st me .
Much good do it unto thy gentle heart !
Kate , eat apace : and now , my honey love ,
Will we return unto thy father's house ,
And revel it as bravely as the best ,
With silken coats and caps and golden rings ,
With ruffs and cuffs and farthingales and things ;
With scarfs and fans and double change of bravery ,
With amber bracelets , beads and all this knavery .
What ! hast thou din'd ? The tailor stays thy leisure ,
To deck thy body with his ruffling treasure .


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


What news with you , sir ?

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 baby's cap :
Away with it ! come , let me have a bigger .

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

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

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 endur'd 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 lik'st it not .

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


Thy gown ? why , ay : come , tailor , let us see't .
O mercy , God ! what masquing stuff is here ?
What's this ? a sleeve ? 'tis like a demi-cannon :
What ! up and down , carv'd like an apple-tart ?
Here's snip and nip and cut and slish and slash ,
Like to a censer in a barber's shop .
Why , what , i' devil's name , tailor , call'st thou this ?

I see , she's like to have neither cap nor gown .

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

Marry , and did : but if you be remember'd ,
I did not bid you mar it to the time .
Go , hop me over every kennel home ,
For you shall hop without my custom , sir .
I'll none of it : hence ! make your best of it .

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

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

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

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 !
Brav'd 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 liv'st !
I tell thee , I , that thou hast marr'd her gown .

Your worship is deceiv'd : the gown is made 
Just as my master had direction .
Grumio gave order how it should be done .

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 .

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 .

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

Read it .

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

Imprimis . A loose-bodied gown .

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 .

Proceed .

With a small compassed cape .

I confess the cape .

With a trunk sleeve .

I confess two sleeves .

The sleeves curiously cut .

Ay , there's the villany .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Villain , not for thy life ! take up my mistress' gown for thy master's use !

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

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

Hortensio , say thou wilt see the tailor paid .


Go take it hence ; be gone , and say no more .

Tailor , I'll pay thee for thy gown to-morrow :
Take no unkindness of his hasty words .
Away ! I say ; commend me to thy master .


Well , come , my Kate ; we will unto your father's ,
Even in these honest mean habiliments .
Our purses shall be proud , our garments poor :
For 'tis the mind that makes the body rich ;
And as the sun breaks through the darkest clouds ,
So honour peereth in the meanest habit .
What is the jay more precious than the lark 
Because his feathers are more beautiful ?
Or is the adder better than the eel 
Because his painted skin contents the eye ?
O , no , good Kate ; neither art thou the worse 
For this poor furniture and mean array .
If thou account'st it shame , lay it on me ;
And therefore frolic : we will hence forthwith ,
To feast and sport us at thy father's house .
Go , call my men , and let us straight to him ;
And bring our horses unto Long-lane end ;
There will we mount , and thither walk on foot .
Let's see ; I think 'tis now some seven o'clock ,
And well we may come there by dinner-time .

I dare assure you , sir , 'tis almost two ;
And 'twill be supper-time ere you come there .

It shall be seven ere I go to horse .
Look , what I speak , or do , or think to do ,
You are still crossing it . Sirs , let't alone :
I will not go to-day ; and ere I do ,
It shall be what o'clock I say it is .

Why , so this gallant will command the sun .


Sir , this is the house : please it you that I call ?

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 .

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


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

Tut ! fear not me .

But hast thou done thy errand to Baptista ?

I told him that your father was at Venice ,
And that you look'd for him this day in Padua .

Thou'rt a tall fellow : hold thee that to drink .
Here comes Baptista . Set your countenance , sir .


Signior Baptista , you are happily met .


Sir , this is the gentleman I told you of :
I pray you , stand good father to me now ,

Give me Bianca for my patrimony .

Soft , son !
Sir , by your leave : having come to Padua 
To gather in some debts , my son Lucentio 
Made me acquainted with a weighty cause 
Of love between your daughter and himself :
And ,for the good report I hear of you ,
And for the love he beareth to your daughter ,
And she to him ,to stay him not too long ,
I am content , in a good father's care ,
To have him match'd ; and , if you please to like 
No worse than I , upon some agreement 
Me shall you find ready and willing 
With one consent to have her so bestow'd ;
For curious I cannot be with you ,
Signior Baptista , of whom I hear so well .

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 .

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

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

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

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

I pray the gods she may with all my heart !

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

I follow you .


Cambio !

What sayst thou , Biondello ?

You saw my master wink and laugh upon you ?

Biondello , what of that ?

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

I pray thee , moralize them .

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

And what of him ?

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

And then ?

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

And what of all this ?

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 .


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 Luke's , to bid the priest be ready to come against you come with your appendix .


I may , and will , if she be so contented :
She will be pleas'd ; then wherefore should I doubt ?
Hap what hap may , I'll roundly go about her :
It shall go hard if Cambio go without her .


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

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

Say as he says , or we shall never go .

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 .

I say it is the moon .

I know it is the moon .

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

Then God be bless'd , it is the blessed sun :
But sun it is not when you say it is not ,
And the moon changes even as your mind .
What you will have it nam'd , even that it is ;
And so , it shall be so for Katharine .

Petruchio , go thy ways ; the field is won .

Well , forward , forward ! thus the bowl should run ,
And not unluckily against the bias .
But soft ! what company is coming here ?


Good morrow , gentle mistress : where away ?
Tell me , sweet Kate , and tell me truly too ,
Hast thou beheld a fresher gentlewoman ?
Such war of white and red within her cheeks !
What stars do spangle heaven with such beauty ,
As those two eyes become that heavenly face ?
Fair lovely maid , once more good day to thee .

Sweet Kate , embrace her for her beauty's sake .

A' will make the man mad , to make a woman of him .

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 !

Why , how now , Kate ! I hope thou art not mad :
This is a man , old , wrinkled , faded , wither'd ,
And not a maiden , as thou sayst he is .

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 .

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

What is his name ?

Lucentio , gentle sir .

Happily met ; the happier for thy son .
And now by law , as well as reverend age ,
I may entitle thee my loving father :
The sister to my wife , this gentlewoman ,
Thy son by this hath married . Wonder not ,
Nor be not griev'd : she is of good esteem ,
Her dowry wealthy , and of worthy birth ;
Beside , so qualified as may beseem 
The spouse of any noble gentleman .
Let me embrace with old Vincentio ;
And wander we to see thy honest son ,
Who will of thy arrival be full joyous .

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

I do assure thee , father , so it is .

Come , go along , and see the truth hereof ;
For our first merriment hath made thee jealous .


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 .

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 , I'll see the church o' your back ; and then come back to my master as soon as I can .


I marvel Cambio comes not all this while .


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

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 .


They're busy within ; you were best knock louder .


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

Is Signior Lucentio within , sir ?

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

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

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

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 father is come from Pisa , and is here at the door to speak with him .

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

Art thou his father ?

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

Why , how now , gentleman ! why , this is flat knavery , to take upon you another man's name .

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


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 .

Come hither , crack-hemp .

I 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 .

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

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

Is't so , indeed ?


Help , help , help ! here's a madman will murder me .


Help , son ! help , Signior Baptista !


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

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

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 .

How now ! what's the matter ?

What , is the man lunatic ?

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 .

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

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 .

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

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

Call forth an officer .

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

Carry me to the gaol !

Stay , officer : he shall not go to prison .

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

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

Swear , if thou darest .

Nay , I dare not swear it .

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

Yes , I know thee to be Signior Lucentio .

Away with the dotard ! to the gaol with him !

Thus strangers may be haled and abused : O monstrous villain !


O ! we are spoiled ; and yonder he is : deny him , forswear him , or else we are all undone .

Pardon , sweet father .

Lives my sweetest son ?


Pardon , dear father .

How hast thou offended ?
Where is Lucentio ?

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

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

Where is that damned villain Tranio ,
That fac'd and brav'd me in this matter so ?

Why , tell me , is not this my Cambio ?

Cambio is chang'd into Lucentio .

Love wrought these miracles . Bianca's love 
Made me exchange my state with Tranio ,
While he did bear my countenance in the town ;
And happily I have arriv'd at last 
Unto the wished haven of my bliss .
What Tranio did , myself enforc'd him to ;
Then pardon him , sweet father , for my sake .

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

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

Fear not , Baptista ; we will content you , go to : but I will in , to be revenged for this villany .


And I , to sound the depth of this knavery .


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


My cake is dough ; but I'll in among the rest ,
Out of hope of all , but my share of the feast .

Husband , let's follow , to see the end of this ado .

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 let's home again . Come , sirrah , let's away .

Nay , I will give thee a kiss : now pray thee , love , stay .

Is not this well ? Come , my sweet Kate :
Better once than never , for never too late .


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


Nothing but sit and sit , and eat and eat !

Padua affords this kindness , son Petruchio .

Padua affords nothing but what is kind .

For both our sakes I would that word were true .

Now , for my life , Hortensio fears his 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 .

He that is giddy thinks the world turns round .

Roundly replied .

Mistress , how mean you that ?

Thus I conceive by him .

Conceives by me ! How likes Hortensio that ?

My widow says , thus she conceives her tale .

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 .

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

A very mean meaning .

Right , I mean you .

And I am mean , indeed , respecting you .

To her , Kate !

To her , widow !

A hundred marks , my Kate does put her down .

That's my office .

Spoke like an officer : ha' to thee , lad .


How likes Gremio these quick-witted folks ?

Believe me , sir , they butt together well .

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

Ay , mistress bride , hath that awaken'd you ?

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

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

Am I your bird ? I mean to shift my bush ;
And then pursue me as you draw your bow .
You are welcome all .


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

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

A good swift simile , but something currish .

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

O ho , Petruchio ! Tranio hits you now .

I thank thee for that gird , good Tranio .

Confess , confess , hath he not hit you here ?

A' has a little gall'd me , I confess ;
And , as the jest did glance away from me ,
'Tis ten to one it maim'd you two outright .

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

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

Content . What is the wager ?

Twenty crowns .

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

A hundred then .

Content .

A match ! 'tis done .

Who shall begin ?

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

I go .


Son , I will be your half , Bianca comes .

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

How now ! what news ?

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

How ! she is busy , and she cannot come !
Is that an answer ?

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

I hope , better .

Sirrah Biondello , go and entreat my wife 
To come to me forthwith .


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

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

Now , where's my wife ?

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

Worse and worse ; she will not come ! O vile ,
Intolerable , not to be endur'd !
Sirrah Grumio , go to your mistress ; say ,
I command her come to me .


I know her answer .

What ?

She will not .

The fouler fortune mine , and there an end .


Now , by my holidame , here comes Katharina !

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

Where is your sister , and Hortensio's wife ?

They sit conferring by the parlour fire .

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 .


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

And so it is . I wonder what it bodes .

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

Now fair befall thee , good Petruchio !
The wager thou hast won ; and I will add 
Unto their losses twenty thousand crowns ;
Another dowry to another daughter ,
For she is chang'd , as she had never been .

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 .


Katharine , 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 !

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 .

The more fool you for laying on my duty .

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

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

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

She shall not .

I say she shall : and first begin with her .

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 mov'd 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's froward , peevish , sullen , sour ,
And not obedient to his honest will ,
What is she but a foul contending rebel ,
And graceless traitor to her loving lord ?
I am asham'd that women are so simple 
To offer war where they should kneel for peace ,
Or seek for rule , supremacy , and sway ,
When they are bound to serve , love , and obey .
Why are our bodies soft , and weak , and smooth ,
Unapt to toil and trouble in the world ,
But that our soft conditions and our hearts 
Should well agree with our external parts ?
Come , come , you froward and unable worms !
My mind hath been as big as one of yours ,
My heart as great , my reason haply more ,
To bandy word for word and frown for frown ;
But now I see our lances are but straws ,
Our strength as weak , our weakness past compare ,
That seeming to be most which we indeed least are .
Then vail your stomachs , for it is no boot ,
And place your hands below your husband's foot :
In token of which duty , if he please ,
My hand is ready ; may it do him ease .

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

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

'Tis a good hearing when children are toward .

But a harsh hearing when women are froward .

Come , Kate , we'll to bed .
We three are married , but you two are sped .
'Twas I won the wager ,

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


Now , go thy ways ; thou hast tam'd a curst shrew .

'Tis a wonder , by your leave , she will be tam'd so .