Tranio

Sir, this is the house. Would you like me to knock?

Merchant

Yes, of course. If I’m not wrong, Sir Baptista may remember me from almost twenty years ago, when we were both staying at the Pegasus in Genoa.

Tranio

That’s okay. Just play your part, no matter what, with the seriousness of a father.

Merchant

I promise. But sir, here comes your friend. We should tell him what he has to do.

Tranio

Don’t worry about him. — Sir Biondello, do your job well, I’m warning you. Imagine it’s the real Vincentio

Biondello

Oh, don’t worry about me.

Tranio

But did you bring the message to Baptista?

Biondello

I told him that your father was in Venice, and that you expected him today in Padua.

Tranio

You’re a good man. Here, take this for yourself.

[To the Merchant] Here comes Baptista. Get in character, sir.

Signor Baptista, it’s good to see you! [To the Merchant as Vincentio] Sir, this is the gentleman I was telling you about. I beg you, be a good father to me now, and let my inheritance be Bianca.

Merchant

Enough, son. Sir, if I may: once I came to Padua to collect some money I was owed, my son Lucentio introduced to me the important matter of love between your daughter and himself. And, since I hear such good things about you, and because he loves your daughter so much, and she loves him, I do not want him to wait too long. I am content with the match, caring as a good father should. If you approve of this no less than I do, and if we can reach an agreement, then you’ll find me ready and willing to unanimously marry her to him. I won’t be over-demanding of you, Signor Baptista, since I hear such good things about you.

Baptista

Sir, pardon me for what I have to say. Your bluntness and your brevity appeal to me. It’s true, your son Lucentio here loves my daughter, and she loves him, unless their love is some elaborate lie. And so, this is all you have to say: that you will be a father to him and pass down enough money to my daughter. Then the match is made, and all is done. Your son will have my daughter with my consent.

Tranio

I thank you, sir. Where do you suggest we draw up the marriage contract, and ensure that both sides of the agreement are upheld?

Baptista

Not in my house, Lucentio. Even the pitchers have ears, and I have many servants. Besides, old Gremio is always eavesdropping, and we might be interrupted.

Tranio

Then we’ll go to my house, if that’s alright with you. My father is staying there, and tonight we can take care of this business well and in private. Have your servant go get your daughter; my servant will fetch the notary. The only bad thing is that, on such short notice, you will only have little refreshment.

Baptista

I like that idea. Cambio, get yourself home and tell Bianca to get ready. And please tell her what has happened: that Lucentio’s father has come to Padua, and she will be Lucentio’s wife.

Biondello

I pray that she will, with all my heart!

Tranio

Don’t bother with prayer, just go do what I told you to do. — Signor Baptista, shall I lead the way? Welcome! Though one meal is likely all the hospitality you’ll get. Come, sir. We’ll make up for it in Pisa.

Baptista

I’ll follow you.

Biondello

Cambio!

Lucentio

What is it, Biondello?

Biondello

Did you see my master wink and laugh at you?

Lucentio

What about it, Biondello?

Biondello

Nothing, but he left me here to explain the meaning of his signals.

Lucentio

Well, what’s the moral?

Biondello

Here it is. Baptista is taken care of, talking with the deceiving father of a deceitful son.

Lucentio

What will they have Baptista do?

Biondello

You are meant to bring his daughter to the supper.

Lucentio

And then?

Biondello

The old priest at Saint Luke’s church is ready for you any time.

Lucentio

What do you mean by all this?

Biondello

I don’t know, except that they’re working on a counterfeit contract. Make a legal claim to her, “cum privilegio ad imprimendum solem.” Get to the church. Bring the priest, a clerk, and some witnesses. If this isn’t what you want, I have nothing more to say — but then you should say goodbye to Bianca forever.

Lucentio

Listen, Biondello—

Biondello

I can’t delay. I once knew a woman who got married in one afternoon, on her way to the garden to pick some parsley to garnish a rabbit. I wish the same for you, sir, so goodbye. My master has told me to go to Saint Luke’s, to get the priest ready for you to come with your bride.

Lucentio

Well I guess I will, then, if she is willing. She’ll be pleased. So why am I worried? Come what may, I’ll ask her outright. If Cambio loses Bianca, it won’t be because I didn’t try to win her.