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Tranio and Merchant, Lines 88-120
Performance Videos
Act 4,
Scene 2
Lines 88-120

Tranio and Merchant perform lines 88-120 of Act 4, Scene 2 of myShakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. 

myShakespeare | Taming of the Shrew 4.2 Performance: Tranio and Merchant, Lines 88-120

Merchant

Alas! sir, it is worse for me than so,    
For I have bills for money by exchange    
From Florence, and must here deliver them.

Tranio-as-Lucentio

Well, sir, to do you courtesy,    
This will I do, and this I will advise you.
First, tell me, have you ever been at Pisa?

Merchant

Ay, sir, in Pisa have I often been,
Pisa renowned for grave citizens.    

Tranio-as-Lucentio

Among them know you one Vincentio?

Merchant

I know him not, but I have heard of him,
A merchant of incomparable wealth.

Tranio-as-Lucentio

He is my father, sir, and, sooth to say,    
In count’nance, somewhat doth resemble you.    

Biondello

[Aside] As much as an apple doth an oyster — and all one.    

Tranio-as-Lucentio

To save your life in this extremity,
This favour will I do you, for his sake;
And think it not the worst of all your fortunes
That you are like to Sir Vincentio.    
His name and credit shall you undertake,    
And in my house you shall be friendly lodged.
Look that you take upon you as you should.    
You understand me, sir. So shall you stay
Till you have done your business in the city.
If this be courtesy, sir, accept of it.

Merchant

O sir, I do; and will repute you ever    
The patron of my life and liberty.

Tranio-as-Lucentio

Then go with me to make it so. 
This, by the way, I let you understand:
my father is here looked for every day,    
To pass assurance of a dower in marriage    
'Twixt me and one Baptista's daughter here.    
In all these circumstances I'll instruct you.
Go with me to clothe you as becomes you.
[Exit]