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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 5Scene 1
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“Better once than never, for never too late”
Proverb
Act 5,
Scene 1
Lines 123-132

An explanation of Petruchio’s closing lines in Act 5, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Petruchio

Husband, let's follow to see the end of this ado.    

Katherina

First kiss me, Kate, and we will.

Petruchio

What, in the midst of the street?

Katherina

What, art thou ashamed of me?

Petruchio

No, sir, God forbid, but ashamed to kiss.    
Why, then let's home again.

Katherina

[To Grumio] Come, sirrah, let's away.
[They kiss]
Nay, I will give thee a kiss.

Petruchio

Now pray thee, love, stay.
Is not this well? Come, my sweet Kate.    

Petruchio is invoking two proverbs:

  1. Better late than never.
  2. It's never too late to change.