dowry with this condition-to be whipp'd at the high cross every morning. Hor. '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 maintain'd-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? 142 Gre. I am agreed: and 'would I had given him the best horse in Padua to begin his wooing, that would thoroughly woo her, wed her, and bed her, and rid the house of her. Come on. [Exeunt GREMIO, and HORTENSIO. Manent TRANIO, and LUCENTIO. Tra. I pray, sir, tell me-Is it possible 150 Tra. Tra. Master, it is no time to chide you now ; 160 Affection is not rated from the heart : If love have touch'd you, nought remains but so, Luc. Gramercies, lad; go forward: this contents; 169 Luc. O yes, I saw sweet beauty in her face, Began to scold; and raise up such a storm, Tra. 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. stands : Her eldest sister is so curst and shrew'd, Thus it 180 But But art thou not advis'd, he took some care To get her cunning school-masters to instruct her? Tra. Ah, marry, am I, sir; and now 'tis plotted. Luc. I have it, Tranio. Tra. Master, for my hand, Both our inventions meet and jump in one. Luc. Tell me thine first. Tra. You will be school-master, And undertake the teaching of the maid: That's your device. Luc. It is: May it be done? 190 Tra. 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 ; Luc. Basta; content thee; for I have it full. Some Neapolitan, or meaner man of Pisa.— 201 'Tis hatch'd, and shall be so:-Tranio, at once 210 Uncase thee; take my colour'd hat and cloak: When Biondello comes, he waits on thee; Tra. So had you need. [They exchange Habits. In brief, sir, sith it your pleasure is, And I am ty'd to be obedient (For (For so your father charg'd me at our parting; Although, I think, 'twas in another sense); Because so well I love Lucentio. 220 Luc. 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. Enter BIONDELLO. Here comes the rogue. Sirrah, where have you been? Bion. Where have I been? Nay, how now, where are you? Master, has my fellow Tranio stoln your clothes? Bion. Ay, sir, ne'er a whit. Luc. And not a jot of Tranio in your mouth; 240 Tranio is chang'd into Lucentio. Bion. The better for him. 'Would I were so too! Tra. So would I, 'faith boy, to have the next wish after That Lucentio indeed had Baptista's daughter. youngest But, sirrah-not for my sake, but your master's—I advise You use your manners discreetly in all kind of com panies: When I am alone, why, then I am Tranio; But in all places else, your master Lucentio. One thing more rests, that thyself execute ; 250 To make one among these wooers: If thou ask me why Sufficeth, my reasons are both good and weighty. [Exeunt. 1 Man. My lord you nod; you do not mind the play. Sly. Yes, by saint Anne, do I. A good matter, surely; Comes there any more of it? Page. My lord, 'tis but begun. Sly. 'Tis a very excellent piece of work, madam lady; 'Would, it were done! SCENE II. Before HORTENSIO's House in Padua. Enter PETRUCHIO, and GRUMIO. Pet. Verona, for a while I take my leave, To see my friends in Padua! but, of all, 260 |