Taming of the Shrew

Petruchio

Say that she rail, why then I'll tell her plain
She sings as sweetly as a nightingale.
Say that she frown, I'll say she looks as clear
As morning roses newly washed with dew.
Say she be mute and will not speak a word,
Then I'll commend her volubility    
And say she uttereth piercing eloquence.    
If she do bid me pack, I'll give her thanks    
As though she bid me stay by her a week.    
If she deny to wed, I'll crave the day    
When I shall ask the banns, and when be marrièd.    

Petruchio

Take this of me, Kate, of my consolation:    
Hearing thy mildness praised in every town,
Thy virtues spoke of, and thy beauty sounded —   
Yet not so deeply as to thee belongs —    
Myself am moved to woo thee for my wife.

Petruchio

Petruchio is my name, Antonio's son,
A man well known throughout all Italy.

Baptista

I know him well. You are welcome for his sake.

Gremio

Saving your tale, Petruchio, I pray, let us that are     
poor petitioners speak too. Baccare, you are
marvellous forward.  

Petruchio

O, pardon me, Signor Gremio, I would fain be doing.   

Gremio

I doubt it not, sir, but you will curse your wooing.

Petruchio

Why, that is nothing. For I tell you, father,    
I am as peremptory as she proud-minded, 
And where two raging fires meet together
They do consume the thing that feeds their fury.
Though little fire grows great with little wind,
Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all.
So I to her, and so she yields to me,
For I am rough and woo not like a babe.

Baptista

Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed!    
But be thou armed for some unhappy words.

Katherina

What, will you not suffer me? Nay, now I see,    
She is your treasure, she must have a husband,
I must dance barefoot on her wedding day
And for your love to her lead apes in hell.    
Talk not to me. I will go sit and weep
Till I can find occasion of revenge.    

Petruchio

Petruchio is my name, Antonio's son,
A man well known throughout all Italy.

Baptista

I know him well. You are welcome for his sake.

Gremio

Saving your tale, Petruchio, I pray, let us that are     
poor petitioners speak too. Baccare, you are
marvellous forward.  

Petruchio

O, pardon me, Signor Gremio, I would fain be doing.   

Gremio

To express the like kindness myself, that have    
been more kindly beholding to you than any, freely
give unto you this young scholar that hath been long
studying at Rheims, as cunning in Greek, Latin, and     
other languages as the other in music and mathematics.    
His name is Cambio; pray accept his service.

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