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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 4Scene 1
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“Do thy duty, and have thy duty”
Double Meaning
Act 4,
Scene 1
Lines 28-32

An explanation of “have your duty” in Act 4, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Curtis

I prithee, good Grumio, tell me how goes the world?

Grumio

A cold world, Curtis, in every office but thine,     
and therefore, fire. Do thy duty, and have thy duty, for
my master and mistress are almost frozen to death.

Curtis

There's fire ready, and therefore, good Grumio, the news.    

The proverb goes “Do your duty, and have your due (payment).” In this case, Curtis will also receive the result of doing his duty — the warmth of a fire.