Page. No, my good lord; it is more pleasing stuff. Sly. What, houshold stuff? Page. It is a kind of history. Sly. Well, we'll see't: Come, madam wife, sit by my side, and let the world slip; we shall ne'er be younger. [They sit down. ACT I SCENE I. PADUA. A PUBLIC PLACE. Enter Lucentio and Tranio. Luc. Tranio, since-for the great desire I had And, by my father's love and leave, am arm'd Gave me my being, and my father first, A merchant of great traffick through the world, Vincentio his son, brought up in Florence, Tra. Mi perdonate, gentle master mine, I am in all affected as yourself; pray; The mathematicks, and the metaphysicks, 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. Luc. 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? Tra. Master, some show, to welcome us to town. Enter Baptista, Katharina, Bianca, Gremio, and Bap. Gentlemen, impórtune me no further, 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. Gre. To cart her rather: She's too rough for me :There, there Hortensio, will you any wife? Kath. I pray you, sir, [To Bap.] is it your will To make a stale of me amongst these mates? Hor. Mates, maid! how mean you that? no mates for you, Unless you were of gentler, milder mould. Kath. 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 Tra. Hush, master! here is some good pastime toward; That wench is stark mad, or wonderful froward. Luc. But in the other's silence I do see Maids' mild behaviour and sobriety. Peace, Tranio. Tra. Well said, master; mum! and gaze your fill. Bap. Gentlemen, that I may soon make good What I have said,-Bianca, get you in: And let it not displease thee, good Bianca; Kath. A pretty peat! 'tis best Put finger in the eye,-an she knew why. Luc. Hark, Tranio! thou may'st hear Minerva speak. [Aside. be so strange? Hor. Signior Baptista, will you Sorry am I, that our good will effects Bianca's grief. Gre. Why, will you mew her up, Signior Baptista, for this fiend of hell, And make her bear the penance of her tongue? Bap. Gentlemen, content ye; I am resolv'd:Go in, Bianca. [Exit Bianca. And for I know, she taketh most delight To mine own children in good bringing-up; Gre. You may go to the devil's dam; your gifts are so good, here is 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. Farewel:-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. |