Bian. Tranio, you jest; But have you both for sworn me? Tra. Mistress, we have. Luc. Then we are rid of Licio. Tra. I'faith, he'll have a lusty widow now, That shall be woo'd and wedded in a day. Tra. Ay, and he'll tame her. Bian. He says so, Tranio. Tra. 'Faith, he is gone unto the taming-school. Bian. The taming-school! what, is there such a place? Tra. Ay, mistress, and Petruchio is the master; That teacheth tricks eleven and twenty long,To tame a shrew, and charm her chattering tongue. Enter Biondello, running. Bion. 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, Tra. What is he, Biondello? Tra. If he be credulous, and trust my tale, [Exeunt Lucentio and Bianca Enter a Pedant. Ped. God save you, sir! Tra. And you, sir! you are welcome. And so to Tripoly, if God lend me life. Ped. Of Mantua. Tra. Of Mantua, sir?-marry, God forbid! And come to Padua, careless of your life? Ped. My life, sir! how I pray? for that goes hard. Tra. 'Tis death for any one in Mantua To come to Padua; Know you not the cause? Your ships are staid 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're but newly come, You might have heard it else proclaim'd about. Ped. Alas, sir, it is worse for me than so; For I have bills for money by exchange Tra. Well, sir, to do you courtesy, Ped. Ay, sir, in Pisa have I often been; Tra. Among them, know you one Vincentio? Ped. I know him not, but I have heard of him; A merchant of incomparable wealth. Tra. He is my father, sir; and, sooth to say, In countenance somewhat doth resemble you. Bion. As much as an apple doth an oyster, and all one. [Aside. Tra. To save your life in this extremity, His name and credit shall you undertake, Till you have done your business in the city: If this be courtesy, sir, accept of it. Ped. O, sir, I do; and will repute you ever The patron of my life and liberty. Tra. 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, sir, to clothe you as becomes you. [Exeunt. SCENE III. A ROOM IN PETRUCHIO'S HOUSE. Enter Katharina and Grumio: Gru. No, no, forsooth; I dare not, for my life. Kath. The more my wrong, the more his spite appears: What, did he marry me to famish me? As who should say,-if I should sleep, or eat, Kath. 'Tis passing good; I pr'ythee let me have it. How say you to a fat tripe, finely broil'd? Kath. I like it well; good Grumio, fetch it me. Gru. I cannot tell; I fear, 'tis cholerick. What say you to a piece of beef, and mustard? Kath. A dish that I do love to feed upon. Gru. Ay, but the mustard is too hot a little. Kath. Why, then the beef, and let the mustard rest, Gru. Nay, then I will not; you shall have the mustard, Or else you get no beef of Grumio. Kath. Then both, or one, or any thing thou wilt. Gru. Why, then the mustard without the beef. Kath. Go, get thee gone, thou false deluding slave, [Beats him. That feed'st me with the very name of meat: Sorrow on thee, and all the pack of you, Enter Petruchio, with a dish of meat; and Pet. How fares my Kate? What, sweeting, all amort? Hor. Mistress, what cheer? Kath. 'Faith, as cold as can be. Pet. Pluck up thy spirits, look cheerfully upon me. Here, love; thou see'st how diligent I am, To dress thy meat myself, and bring it thee: [Sets the dish on a table. 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. Kath. 'Pray you, let it stand. Pet. The poorest service is repaid with thanks; And so shall mine, before you touch the meat. Kath. I thank you, sir. Hor. Signior Petruchio, fie! you are to blame: Come, mistress Kate, I'll bear you company. Pet. Eat it up all, Hortensio, if thou lov'st me. [Aside. Much good do it unto thy gentle heart! |