If she be curst, it is for policy: For she's not froward, but modest as the dove; For patience she will prove a second Grissel; 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 thes 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 pleas'd, 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you, 'tis incredible to believe How much she loves me: O, the kindest Kate!- To vie and revye were terms at cards now superseded by the word brag. 7 It is well worth seeing. • A dastardly creature. Bap. I know not what to say: but give me your hands; 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 clapp'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. Gre. No doubt, but he hath got a quiet catch. But now, Baptista, to your younger daughter;Now is the day we long have looked for; I am your neighbour, and was suitor first. Tra. And I am one, that love Bianca more Than words can witness, or your thoughts can guess. Gre. Youngling! thou canst not love so dear as I. Tra. Grey-beard! thy love doth freeze. Gre. But thine doth fry. Skipper, stand back; 'tis age, that nourisheth. 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 In ivory coffers I have stuff'd my crowns; Fine linen, Turky cushions boss'd with pearl, And all things answerable to this portion. 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, Old signior Gremio has in Padua; Besides two thousand ducats by the year, Of fruitful land, all which shall be her jointure.What, have I pinch'd you, signior Gremio? Gre. Two thousand ducats by the year, of land! My land amounts not to so much in all: "That she shall have; besides an argosy,1 9 Coverings for beds; now called counterpanes. That now is lying in Marseilles' road: What, have I chok'd you with an argosy? Tra. Gremio, 'tis known, my father hath no less Than three great argosies; besides two galliasses,2 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. Bap. I must confess, your offer is the best; And, let father make her the assurance, She is your own; else, you must pardon me: If your you should die before him, where's her dower? Tra. That's but a cavil; he is old, I young. Gre. And may not young men die, as well as old? I am thus resolv'd:-On Sunday next you know, Now, on the Sunday following, shall Bianca 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. 2 A vessel of burthen worked both with sails and oars. Tra. A vengeance on your crafty wither'd hide! Yet I have faced it with a card of ten.3 "Tis in my head to do my master good : Do get their children; but, in this case of wooing, [Exit. ACT III. SCENE I. A Room in Baptista's House. Enter LUCENTIO, HORTENSIO, and BIANCA. Luc. Preposterous ass! that never read so far And, while I pause, serve in your harmony. 3 The highest card. |