Taming of the Shrew

Hortensio

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, Signor Gremio?    

Hortensio

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     

Gremio

good, here's none will hold you. [To Hortensio] 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.    

Baptista

If either of you both love Katherina —   
Because I know you well and love you well —
Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure.    

Gremio

[Aside] To “cart” her rather; she's too rough for me.    

Katherina

[To Baptista] I pray you, sir, is it your will
To make a stale of me amongst these mates?

Hortensio

‘Mates,’ maid, how mean you that? No mates for you,
Unless you were of gentler, milder mold.

Baptista

Gentlemen, that I may soon make good
What I have said — Bianca, get you in,    
And let it not displease thee, good Bianca,
For I will love thee ne'er the less, my girl.

Katherina

A pretty peat! It is best    
Put finger in the eye — and she knew why.    

Bianca

Sister, content you in my discontent.
Sir, to your pleasure humbly I subscribe;
My books and instruments shall be my company,    
On them to look and practice by myself.

Lucentio

[Quietly to Tranio] Hark, Tranio! Thou mayst hear Minerva speak.    

Hortensio

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 faults, and money enough.    

Gremio

I cannot tell, but I had as lief take her dowry with    
this condition — to be whipped at the high-cross every     
morning.

Hortensio

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     

Katherina

Why, and I trust I may go too, may I not? What,    
shall I be appointed hours, as though belike I knew not     
what to take and what to leave? Ha!    
[Exit Katherina]

Gremio

[As if he’s addressing Katherina who has just left]
You may go to the devil's dam. Your gifts are so    
good, here's none will hold you. [To Hortensio] Their love is not so      
[The acting troupe commences their play. The setting is a public square in the city of Padua, located in the northern Italian region of Lombardy. The sound of trumpets. Enter Lucentio, a young aristocrat, and his servant, Tranio. They have just arrived in Padua from Pisa.]

Lucentio

Tranio, since for the great desire I had
To see fair Padua, nursery of arts,    
I am arrived for fruitful Lombardy,    
The pleasant garden of great Italy,

Pages