Petruchio

Come on, in God’s name, let’s keep going towards our father’s house. Good Lord, the moon shines so bright and beautifully!

Katherina

The moon? You mean the sun. There’s no moonlight now.

Petruchio

I say it is the moon that shines so bright.

Katherina

I know it is the sun that shines so bright.

Petruchio

Now, by my mother’s son — and that’s me — it’s the moon, or a star, or whatever I say it is, if you want me to make the trip to your father’s house! [To Hortensio] Go on, send our horses home again. Always arguing, arguing, nothing but arguing.

Hortensio

[To Katherina] Agree with him, or we’ll never leave!

Katherina

Let’s keep going, I pray, since we’ve come so far. It can be the moon, or the sun, or whatever you want. If you call it a candle, from now on I’ll swear it’s a candle.

Petruchio

I say it is the moon.

Katherina

I know it is the moon.

Petruchio

Well then you’re lying. It’s the blessed sun.

Katherina

Then bless God, it’s the blessed sun. But it’s not the sun when you say it’s not the sun. And the moon changes when your mind changes. Whatever you name it, that’s what it is; and so it is for Katherina.

Hortensio

Petruchio, let’s go — you won.

Petruchio

Well then, forward, forward! This is how the game should go, and not unfairly tilted the other way. But wait! Someone’s coming.

[To Vincentio] Good morning, gentle mistress. Where have you been? Tell me, sweet Kate, and be honest: have you ever seen a lovelier gentlewoman? Such a battle between white and red in her cheeks. Are there any stars in heaven as beautiful as the two eyes in that heavenly face? Fair lovely maiden, once more good morning to you. Sweet Kate, embrace her for her beauty.

Hortensio

[Aside] It’ll make this man crazy, to treat him like a woman.

Katherina

Young budding virgin, fair and fresh and sweet, where are you going, or where do you live? The parents of such a beautiful child must be happy. Even happier will be the man lucky enough to have you as his wife.

Petruchio

What is this, Kate? I hope you’re not crazy. This is a man, old, wrinkled, faded, withered. He’s not a maiden like you say he is.

Katherina

Old father, pardon my mistaken eyes. They have been so shocked from the sun that everything looks green to me. Now I see that you’re a respectable father. Pardon me, I beg you, for my mad mistake.

Petruchio

Do pardon her, good old sir. And further, tell us which way you travel. If we’re going the same way, we would enjoy your company.

Vincentio

Good sir, and you my merry mistress who have so confused me with this strange encounter, my name is Vincentio, and I am from Pisa. I am going to Padua, to visit my son, whom I haven’t seen in a long time.

Petruchio

What is his name?

Vincentio

Lucentio, gentle sir.

Petruchio

Nice to meet you! And all the better for your son. Now by law, and by your honorable age, I can call you my loving father. The sister of my wife — this gentlewoman — has just married your son. Do not be amazed or upset. She has a good reputation, a wealthy dowry, and a worthy family. Besides, she would make a good wife for any gentleman. Let me embrace you, old Vincentio, and let’s go to your honest son, who will be so happy to see you.

Vincentio

But is it true? Or are you, playful travellers, playing jokes on the company you travel with?

Hortensio

I assure you, sir, it’s true.

Petruchio

Come on, let’s go, and you’ll see the truth for yourself. It seems our first joke has left you suspicious.

Hortensio

Well, Petruchio, this has given me courage. I’m going to my widow. And if she’s difficult, then you’ve taught Hortensio how to be even more stubborn.