Tra. He hath some meaning in his mad attire: We will persuade him, be it possible, To put on better ere he go to church. Bap. I'll after him, and see the event of this. [Exit. Tra. But, sir, to her love concerneth us to add Her father's liking: Which to bring to pass, As I before imparted to your worship, I am to get a man,-whate'er he be, It skills not much; we'll fit him to our turn,- Luc. Were it not that my fellow schoolmaster Doth watch Bianca's steps so narrowly, 'Twere good, methinks, to steal our marriage; Which once perform'd, let all the world say-no, I'll keep mine own, despite of all the world. . Tra. That by degrees we mean to look into, Re-enter Gremio, Signior Gremio! came you from the church? home? Gre. A bridegroom, say you? 'tis a groom, indeed, A grumbling groom, and that the girl shall find. Tra. Curster than she? why, 'tis impossible. Gre. Why, he's a devil, a devil, a very fiend. Tra. Why, she's a devil, a devil, the devil's dam. Gre. Tut! she's a lamb, a dove, a fool to him. I'll tell you, sir Lucentio; When the priest Should ask-if Katharine should be his wife, Ay, by gogs-wouns, quoth he; and swore so loud, That, all amaz'd, the priest let fall the book: And, as he stoop'd again to take it up, The mad-brain'd bridegroom took him such a cuff, That down fell priest and book, and book and priest; Now take them up, quoth he, if any list. Tra. What said the wench, when he arose again? Gre. Trembled and shook; for why, he stamp'd, and swore, As if the vicar meant to cozen him. But after many ceremonies done, He calls for wine:-A health, quoth he; as if But that his beard grew thin and hungerly, Such a mad marriage never was before; [Musick. Enter Petruchio, Katharina, Bianca, Baptista, Pet. Gentlemen and friends, I thank you for your pains: 2 I know, you think to dine with me to-day, To this most patient, sweet, and virtuous wife: Tra. Let us entreat you stay 'till after dinner. Pet. I am content you shall entreat me stay; But yet not stay, entreat me how you can. Kath. Now, if you love me, stay. Pet. Grumio, my horses. Gru. Ay, sir, they be ready; the oats have eaten the horses. Kath. Nay, then, Do what thou canst, I will not go to-day; You may That take it on you at the first so roundly. Pet. O, Kate, content thee; pr'ythee, be not angry. Kath. I will be angry; What hast thou to do?Father, be quiet; he shall stay my leisure. Gre. Ay, marry, sir: now it begins to work. Kath. Gentlemen, forward to the bridal dinner:I see, a woman may be made a fool, If she had not a spirit to resist. Pet. They shall go forward, Kate, at thy command: Obey the bride, you that attend on her: Be mad and merry, or go hang yourselves; Nay, look not big, nor stamp, nor stare, nor fret; I will be master of what is mine own: She is my goods, my chattels; she is my house, My horse, my ox, my ass, my any thing; And here she stands, touch her whoever dare; I'll bring mine action on the proudest he Grumio, Draw forth thy weapon, we're beset with thieves; Rescue thy mistress, if thou be a man: Fear not, sweet wench, they shall not touch thee, Kate; I'll buckler thee against a million. [Exeunt Petruchio, Katharine, and Grumio, Bap. Nay, let them go, a couple of quiet ones. Gre. Went they not quickly, I should die with laughing. Tra. Of all mad matches, never was the like! For to supply the places at the table, You know, there wants no junkets at the feast;Lucentio, you shall supply the bridegroom's place; And let Bianca take her sister's room. Tra. Shall sweet Bianca practise how to bride it? Bap. She shall, Lucentio.-Come, gentlemen let's go. [Exeunt. |