To wish me wed to one half lunatick ; 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 forward, but modest as the dove; 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 my self; If she and I be pleased, 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!- O, you are novices! 'tis a world to see, A meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew. Give me thy hand, Kate: I will unto Venice, Bap. I know not what to say: but give me your God send you joy, Petruchio! 'tis a match. Gre. Tra. Amen, say we; we will be witnesses. Pet. 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. [Exeunt Petruchio and Katharine, severally. Gre. Was ever match clap'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. Than words can witness, or your thoughts can guess. But thine doth fry 35. Gre. Tra. But youth in ladies' eyes that flourisheth. Bap. 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 Bianca's love. Say, signior Gremio, what can you assure her? Gre. First, as you know, my house within the city Is richly furnish'd with plate and gold; Basons, and ewers, to lave her dainty hands; My hangings all of Tyrian tapestry: 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, Besides two thousand ducats by the year, Gre. Two thousand ducats by the year, of land! Tra. Gremio, 'tis known, my father hath no less Than three great argosies; besides two galliasses, And twelve tight gallies: these I will assure her, And twice as much, whate'er thou offer'st next. Gre. 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. Tra. Why, then the maid is mine from all the world, By your firm promise; Gremio is out-vied. If you should die before him, where's her dower? Gre. And may not young men die, as well as old? I am thus resolved:-On sunday next you know, 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 [Exit. Tra. A vengeance on your crafty wither'd hide! Yet I have faced it with a card of ten 37. Do get their children; but, in this case of wooing, ACT III. SCENE I. A Room in Baptista's House. [Exit.38 Enter LUCENTIO, HORTENSIO, and BIANCA. Luc. Fidler, forbear; you grow too forward, sir: Have you so soon forgot the entertainment Her sister Katharine welcom'd you withal? Hor. But, wrangling pedant, this is The patroness of heavenly harmony: Then give me leave to have prerogative; And when in musick we have spent an hour, Your lecture shall have leisure for as much. |