Kate. Where did you study all this goodly speech? Kath. Yes; keep you warm. Pet. Marry, so I mean, sweet Katharine, in thy bed: And therefore, setting all this chat aside, Thus in plain terms:-Your father hath consented, Re-enter BAPTISTA, GREMIO, and TRANIO. Signior Petruchio: How speed you with Pet. How but well, sir? how but well? Bap. Why, how now, daughter Katharine? in your dumps? Kath. Call you me, daughter? now I promise you, You have show'd a tender fatherly regard, To wish me wed to one half lunatick; 3 A mad-cap ruffian, and a swearing Jack, That thinks with oaths to face the matter out. Pet. 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; For patience she will prove a second Grissel; And to conclude,-we have 'greed so well together, Kath. I'll see thee hang'd on Sunday first. Gre. Hark, Petruchio! she says, she'll see thee hang'd first. Tra. Is this your speeding? nay, then, good night our part! Pet. 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 !— Provide the feast, father, and bid the guests; I will be sure, my Katharine shall be fine. Bap. I know not what to say: but give me your hands; God send you joy, Petruchio! 'tis a match. Gre. Tra. Amen, say we; we will be witnesses. [Exeunt PETRUCHIO and KATHARINE severally. Gre. Was ever match clapp'd up so suddenly? Bap. Faith, gentlemen, now I play a merchant's part, And venture madly on a desperate mart. Tra. 'Twas a commodity lay fretting by you: 'Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas. Bap. The gain I seek is-quiet in the match. Tra. And I am one, that love Bianca more Gre. But thine doth fry. Skipper, stand back; 'tis age, that nourisheth. Tra. But youth, in ladies' eyes that flourisheth. strife: 'Tis deeds, must win the prize; and he, of both, That can assure my daughter greatest dower, Say, signior Gremio, what can you assure her? Gre. First, as you know, my house within the city In ivory coffers I have stuff'd my crowns; Fine linen, Turky cushions boss'd with pearl, If, whilst I live, she will be only mine. Tra. 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, Old signior Gremio has in Padua ; Besides two thousand ducats by the year, Of truitful land, all which shall be her jointure.— Gre. Two thousand ducats by the year, of land! My land amounts not to so much in all: That now is lying in Marseilles' road :- Tra. Gremio, 'tis known, my father hath no less If you like me, she shall have me and mine. Tra. Why, then the maid is mine from all the world, By your firm promise; Gremio is out-vied. Bap. I must confess, your offer is the best; Gre. And may not young men die, as well as old? I am thus resolv'd:-On Sunday next, you know, If not, to signior Gremio: And so I take my leave, and thank you both. [Exit. Gre. 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. [Exit. Tra. A vengeance on your crafty wither'd hide! Yet I have faced it with a card of ten. "Tis in my head to do my master good: |