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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 4Scene 2
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“I read that I profess, The Art to Love”
Double Meaning
Act 4,
Scene 2
Lines 6-8

An explanation of “read” and “profess” in Act 4, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Lucentio-as-Cambio

Now, mistress, profit you in what you read?    

Bianca

What, master, read you? First resolve me that.    

Lucentio

I read that I profess, The Art to Love.    

The Art to Love (also known as The Art of Love) is a famous work by the ancient Roman writer Ovid. In Shakespeare’s day the verb to read could also mean to teach, therefore Lucentio’s statement could be interpreted as either:

  1. He reads the books of his profession, such as The Art of Love.
  2. He practices (professes) what he teaches, the art of love.