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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 1Scene 2
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“to wive and thrive as best I may”
Proverb
Act 1,
Scene 2
Lines 48-56

An explanation of Petruchio’s reference to two proverbs in Act 1, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Petruchio

Such wind as scatters young men through the world
To seek their fortunes farther than at home,
Where small experience ​grows. But in a few,
Signor Hortensio, thus it stands with me:
Antonio, my father, is deceased,
And I have thrust myself into this maze,
Happily to wive and thrive as best I may.
Crowns in my purse I have, and goods at home,
And so am come abroad to see the world.

Petruchio’s comment brings to mind two proverbs:

  1. First thrive, and then wive.
  2. It’s hard to wive and thrive both in a year.