He's quoted for a most perfidious slave, King. Dia. Ber. I have it not. Ay, my lord. King. Tell me, sirráh, but' tell me true, I charge you, Not fearing the displeasure of your master, (Which, on your just proceeding, I'll keep off,) By him, and by this woman here, what know you? Par. So please your majesty, my master hath been an honcurable gentleman: tricks he hath had in him, which gentlemen have. King. Come, come, to the purpose: Did he love this woman? Par. 'Faith, sir, he did love her; But how? Par. He did love her, sir, as a gentleman loves a woman. King. How is that? Par. He loved her, sir, and loved her not. King. As thou art a knave, and no knave:-What an equivocal companion is this! Par. I am a poor man, and at your majesty's command. Laf. He's a good drum, my lord, but a naughty orator. Dia. Do you know, he promised me marriage? Par. 'Faith, I know more than I'll speak. King. But wilt thou not speak all thou know'st? Par. Yes, so please your majesty; I did go between them, as I said; but more than that, he loved her, for, indeed, he was mad for her, and talked of Satan, and of limbo, and of furies, and I know not what; yet I was in that credit with them at that time, that I knew of their going to bed, and of other motions, as promising her marriage, and things that would derive me ill will to speak of; therefore I will not speak what I know. King. Thou hast spoken all already, unless thou canst say they are married: But thou art too fine in thy evidence: therefore stand aside.This ring, you say, was yours? Dia. Ay, my good lord. King. Where did you buy it? or who gave it you? Dia. It was not given me, nor I did not buy it. It was not let me neither. King. Where did you find it then? Dia. I found it not. King. If it were yours by none of all these ways, How could you give it him? Dia. I never gave it him. Laf. This woman's an easy glove, my lord; she goes off and on at pleasure. King. This ring was mine: I gave it his first wife. Dia. It might be yours, or hers, for aught I know. King. Take her away; I do not like her now: To prison with her :-and away with him.— Unless thou tell'st me where thou hadst this ring, Thou diest within this hour. Dia. King. Take her away. I'll never tell you. I'll put in bail, my liege. Dia. while? Dia. Because he's guilty, and he is not guilty; [Pointing to LAFEU. King. She does abuse our ears; to prison with her. Dia. Good mother, fetch my bail.-Stay, royal sir, [Exit WIDOW. The jeweller that owes the ring, is sent for, King. Re-enter WIDOW, with HELENA. Is there no exorcist Beguiles the truer office of mine eyes? Hel. If it appear not plain, and prove untrue, Laf. Mine eyes smell onions, I shall weep anon :Good Tom Drum, [To PAROLLES] lend me a handkerchief: So, I thank thee; wait on me home, I'l make sport with thee: Let thy courtesies alone, they are scurvy ones. King. Let us from point to point this story know, For I can guess that, by thy honest aid, TAMING OF THE SHREW. SCENE I-Before an Alehouse on a Heath. Sly. I'll pheese you, in faith. Sly. Y'are a baggage; the Slies are no rogues: Look in the Chronicles, we came in with Richard Conqueror. Therefore, paucas pallabris; let the world slide: Sessa ! Host. You will not pay for the glasses you have burst? Sly. No, not a denier: Go by, says Jeronimy ;Go to thy cold bed, and warm thee. Host. I know my remedy, I must go fetch the thirdborough. [Exit. Sly. Third, or fourth, or fifth borough, I'll answer him by law: I'll not budge an inch, boy; let him come, and kindly. [Lies down on the ground, and falls asleep. Wind horns. Enter a LORD, from hunting, with Huntsmen and Servants. Lord. Huntsman, I charge thee, tender well my hounds: Brach Merriman,-the poor cur is emboss'd, Lord. Thou art a fool; if Echo were as fleet, 1 Hun. I will, tay lord. Lord. What's here? one dead, or drunk? See, doth he breathe? 2 Hun. He breathes, my lord: Were he not warm'd with ale, This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly. Lord. O monstrous beast! how like a swine he lies! Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image! Sirs, I will practise on this drunken man.———— What think you, if he were convey'd to bed, Wrapp'd in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers, A most delicious banquet by his bed, And brave attendants near him when he wakes, Would not the beggar then forget himself? 1 Hun. Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose. 2 Hun. It would seem strange unto him, when he wak'd. Lord. Even as a flattering dream or worthless fancy. Then take him up, and manage well the jest: Carry him gently to my fairest chamber, Full of rose-water, and bestrew'd with flowers; And say,-Will't please your lordship cool your hands? 1 Hun. My lord, I warrant you, we'll play our part; As he shall think, by our true diligence, He is no less than what we say he is. Lord. Take him up gently, and to bed with him: And each one to his office, when he wakes. [Some bear out SLY. A trumpet sounds. Sirrah, go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds:[Exit SERVANT. Belike, some noble gentleman that means, Travelling some journey, to repose him here.Re-enter a SERVANT. Now, fellows, you are welcome. 1 Play. We thank your horɔur. Lord. Do you intend to stay with me, to-night? 2 Play. So please your lordship to accept our duty. Lord. With all my heart.-This fellow I remember, Since once he play'd a farmer's eldest son;"Twas where you woo'd the gentlewoman so well: I have forgot your name; but, sure, that part Was aptly fitted, and naturally perform'd. 1 Play. I think, 'twas Soto that your honour means. Lord. "Tis very true;-thou didst it excellent.Well you are come to me in happy time; The rather for I have some sport in hand, Wherein your cunning can assist me much. There is a lord will hear you play, to-night: But I am doubtful of your modesties: Lest, over-eyeing of his odd behaviour, (For yet his honour never heard a play,) You break into some merry passion, And so offend him: for I tell you, sirs, If you should smile, he grows impatient. 1 Play. Fear not, my lord: we can contain ourselves, Were he the veriest antic in the world. Lord. Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery, And give them friendly welcome every one: Let them want nothing that my house affords. Exeunt SERVANT and PLAYERS. Sirrah, go you to Bartholomew my page, [To a SERV. And see him dress'd in all suits like a lady: That done, conduct him to the drunkard's chamber, And call him-madam, do him obeisance,Tell him from me, (as he will win my love,) He bear himself with honourable action, Such as he hath observ'd in noble ladies Unto their lords, by them accomplished: Such duty to the drunkard let him do, With soft low tongue and lowly courtesy ; And say,-What is't your honour will command, Wherein your lady, and your humble wife, May show her duty, and make known her love? And then-with kind embracements, tempting kisses, And with declining head into his bosom, Bid him shed tears, as being overjoy'd To see her noble lord restor❜d to health, An onion will do well for such a shift, Which in a napkin being close convey'd, Shall in despite enforce a watery eye. See this despatch'd with all the haste thou canst; Anon I'll give thee more instructions.--[Exit SERV. I long to hear him call the drunkard, husband; And how my men will stay themselves from laughter, Which otherwise would grow into extremes. [Exeunt. SCENE II.-A Bedchamber in the LORD's House. SLY is discovered in a rich night-gown, with Attendants; some with apparel, others with basin, ewer, and other appurtenances. Enter LORD, dressed like a Servant. Sly. For God's sake, a pot of small ale. 1 Serv. Will't please your lordship drink a cup of sack? 2 Serv. Will't please your honour taste of these conserves? 3 Serv. What raiment will your honour wear, to-day? Sly. I am Christophero Sly; call not me honour, nor lordship: I never drank sack in my life; and, if you give me any conserves, give me conserves of beef: Ne'er ask me what raiment I'll wear; for I have no more doublets than backs, no more stockings than legs, nor no more shoes than feet; nay, sometimes, more feet than shoes, or such shoes as my toes look through the over-leather. Lord. Heaven cease this idle humour in your honour! O that a mighty man, of such descent, Of such possessions, and so high esteem, Should be infused with so foul a spirit! Sly. What, would you make me mad? Am not I Christopher Sly, old Sly's son, of Burton-heath; by birth a pedlar, by education a card-maker, by transmutation a bear-herd, and now by present profession a tinker? Ask Marian Hacket, the fat ale-wife of Wincot, if she know me not: if she say I am not fourteen pence on the score for sheer ale, score me up for the lyingest knave in Christendom. What, I am not bestraught: Here's 1 Serv. O, this it is that makes your lady mourn. 2 Serv. O, this it is that makes your servants droop. Lord. Hence comes it that your kindred shun your house, [Music. As beaten hence by your strange lunacy. 1 Serv. Say, thou wilt course; thy greyhounds are as swift As breathed stags, ay, fleeter than the roe. 2 Serv. Dost thou love pictures? we will fetch thee Adonis, painted by a running brook: And Cytherea all in sedges hid; [straight Thou hast a lady far more beautiful 1 Serv. And, till the tears that she bath shed for thee, Sly. Am I a lord? and have I such a lady? I smell sweet savours, and I feel soft things:- And not a tinker, nor Christophero Sly. 2 Serv. Will't please your mightiness to wash your hands? [SERVANTS present an ewer, basin, and napkin. O, how we joy to see your wit restor❜d! O that once more you knew but what you are! 1 Serv. O, yes, my lord: but very idle words:— 3 Serv. Why, sir, you know no house, nor no such maid; Nor no such men as you have reckon❜d up- Sly. Now, Lord be thanked for my good amends! Sly. I thank thee; thou shalt not lose by it. Enter the PAGE, as a lady, with attendants. Page. How fares my noble lord? Sly. Marry, I fare well; for here is cheer enough. Where is my wife? Page. Here, noble lord; What is thy will with her? Sly. Are you my wife, and will not call me-husband? My men should call ine-lord; I am your good-man. Page. My husband and my lord, my lord and husI am your wife in all obedience. Sly. I know it well:-What must I call her? [band; Serv. Your honour's players, hearing your amendAre come to play a pleasant comedy, [ment, For so your doctors hold it very meet; Seeing too much sadness hath congeal'd your blood, And melancholy is the nurse of frenzy, Therefore, they thought it good you hear a play, And frame your mind to mirth and merriment, Which bars a thousand harms, and lengthens life. Sly. Marry, I will; let them play it: Is not a commonty a Christmas gambol, or a tumbling trick? Page. No, my good lord; it is more pleasing stuff. Sly. What, household 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 A merchant of great traffic through the world, Vincentio, his son, brought up in Florence, Glad that you thus continue your resolve, Fall to them as you find your stomach serves you : Luc. Gramercies, Tranio, well dost thou advise. If, Biondello, thou wert come ashore, Such friends as time in Padua shall beget. Tra. Master, some show, to welcome us to town. Enter BAPTISTA, KATHARINA, BIANCA, GREMIO, and HORTENSIO. LUCENTIO and TRANIO stand aside. Bap. Gentlemen, importune me no further, If either of you both love Katharina, Kath. I pray you, sir, [To BAP.] is it your will Hor. Mates, maid? how mean you that? no mate for you, Unless you were of gentler, milder mould. Kath. I'faith, sir, you shall never need to fear; Hor. From all such devils, good Lord, deliver us! Tra. Hush, master! here is some good pastime toward: That wench is stark mad, or wonderful froward. Tra. Well said, master: mum! and gaze your fill. What I have said,-Bianca, get you in: Put finger in the eye,-an she knew why. My books and instruments shall be my company; Luc. Hark, Tranio! thou mayst hear Minerva speak. [Aside. Hor. Signior Baptista, will you be so strange ? Sorry am I, that our good will effects Bianca's griet'! Gre. Why, will you mew her up, And make her bear the penance of her tongue? And for I know, she taketh most delight I will be very kind, and liberal [Exit. [Exit. 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. Farewell:-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. Hor. So will I, signior Gremio: But a word, I pray. Though the nature of our quarrel yet never brook'd parle, know now, upon advice, it toucheth us both,that we may yet again have access to our fair mistress, and be happy rivals in Bianca's love,-to labour and effect one thing 'specially. Gre. What's that, I pray? Hor. Marry, sir, to get a husband for her sister. Gre. I say, a devil: Think'st thou, Hortensio, though her father be very rich, any man is so very a fool to be married to hell? Hor. Tush, Gremio, though it pass your patience, and mine, to endure her loud alarums, why, man, there be good fellows in the world, an a man could light on them, would take her with all her faults, and money enough. Gre. I cannot tell; but I had as lief take her dowry with this condition,-to be whipped 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 maintained, -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? 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 GRE. and HOR. Tra. [Advancing.] I pray, sir, tell me,-Is it possible That love should of a sudden take such hold? Luc. O Tranio, till I found it to be true, I never thought it possible, or likely; Tra. Master, it is no time to chide you now; If love have touch'd you, nought remains but so,- Luc. Gramercies, lad; go forward: this contents; That made great Jove to humble him to her hand, When with his knees he kiss'd the Cretan strand. 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. Thus it stands: Her elder sister is so curst and shrewd, Master, for my hand, 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; Visit his countrymen, and banquet them? Luc. Basta; content thee; for I have it full. (For so your father charged me at our parting; I am content to be Lucentio, Because so well I love Lucentio. Luc. Tranio, be so, because Lucentio loves: 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 stolen your clothes? For in a quarrel, since I came ashore, I kill'd a man, and fear I was descried: Wait you on him, I charge you, as becomes, 1 Serv. 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.-The same.-Before HORTENSIO'S House. Enter PETRUCHIO and GRUMIO. Pet. Verona, for a while I take my leave, To see my friends in Padua; but, of all, Gru. Knock, sir! whom should I knock? is there any man has rebused your worship? Pet. Villain, I say, knock me here soundly. Gru. Knock you here, sir? why, sir, what am 1, sir, that I should knock you here, sir? Pet. Villain, I say, knock me at this gate, And rap me well, or I'll knock your knave's pate. And then I know after who comes by the worst. 'Faith, sirrah, an you'll not knock, I'll wring it; [He wrings GRUMIO by the ears. Gru. Help, masters, help! my master is mad. Pet. Now, knock when I bid you: sirrah! villain! Hor. How now? what's the matter?-My old friend Grumio! and my good friend Petruchio!-How do you all at Verona ? Pet. Signior Hortensio, come you to part the fray? Con tutto il core bene trovato, may I say. Hor. Alla nostra casa bene venuto, Molto honorato signor mio Petruchio. Rise, Grumio, rise; we will compound this quarrel. Gru. Nay, 'tis no matter what he 'leges in Latin.If this be not a lawful cause for me to leave his service,-Look you, sir,—he bid me knock him, and rap him soundly, sir: Well, was it fit for a servant to use his master so; being, perhaps, (for aught I see,) two and thirty, a pip out? Whom, 'would to God, I had well knock'd at first, Pet. A senseless villain-Good Hortensio, I bade the rascal knock upon your gate, And could not get him for my heart to do it. Pet. Sirrah, be gone, or talk not, I advise you. Pet. Such wind as scatters young men through the world, To seek their fortunes further than at home, And I have thrust myself into this maze, Hor. Petruchio, shall I then come roundly to thee, Pet. Signior Hortensio, 'twixt such friends as we, (As wealth is burden of my wooing dance,) I come to wive it wealthily in Padua ; |