Dia. I must be patient: Uniess thou tell'st me where thou naast this ring, You that turn'd off a first so nopie wire, Ber. I have it not. King. What ring was yours, I pray you 2 Dia. The same upon your finger. Sir, much like King. Know you this ring? this ring was his of late. Dia. And this was it I gave him, being a-bed. King. The story then goes faise, you threw it him Out of a casement. Ay, my lord. King. Tell me, sirrah, but tell me true, I charge you, Not fearing the displeasure of your master, (Which, on your just proceding, I'll keep off,) By him, and by this woman here, what know you? Par. So please your majesty, my master hath been an honorable gentleman; tricks he hath had in him, which gentlemen have. King. Come, come, to the purpose: Did he love this woman? Par. 'Faith, sir, he did love her; But how? Par. He did love her, sir, as a gentleman loves a Dia. Do you know, he promised me marriage? Par. Faith, I know more than I'll speak. King. But wilt thou not speak all thou knowest? Pur. Yes, so please your majesty; I did go between them, as I said: but inore than that, he loved her, for indeed he was mad for her, and talked of Satan, and of limbo, and of furies, and I know not what: yet I was in that credit with them at that time, that I knew of their going to bed; and of other motions, as promising her marriage, and things that would derive me ill will to speak of, therefore I will not speak what I know. Dia. King. Thou hast spoken all already, unless thou canst say they are married: But thou art too fine in thy evidence; therefore stand aside This ring, you say, was yours? Ay, my good lord. King. Where did you buy it? or who gave it you. Dia. It was not given me, nor I did not buy it. King. Who lent it you? Dia. It was not lent me neither. King. Where did you find it then? Dia. I found it not. King. If it were yours by none of all these ways. How could you give it him? Dia. I never gave it him. Laf. This woman's an easy glove, my lord; she goes off and on at pleasure. King. This ring was mine, I gave it his first wife. Dia. It might be yours or hers for aught I know. King. Take her away, I do not like her now: To prison with her, and away with him. I'll never tell you. King. Take her away. Din. Because he's guilty, and he is not guilty: Beguiles the truer office of mine eyes! Is't real, that I see? Hel. No, my good lord; 'Tis but the shadow of a wife you see, The name, and not the thing. Ber. Both, both; O, pardon! Hel. O, my good lord, when I was like this mad, I found you wondrous kind. There is your ring. And, look you, here's your letter; This it says, And are by me with child, &c.-This is done: When from my finger you can get this ring, Will you be mine, now you are doubly won! Ber. If she, my liege, can make me know the clearly, I'll love her dearly, ever dearly. Hel. If it appear not plain, and prove untrue, Deadly divorce step between me and you!O, my dear mother, do I see you living? Laf. Mine eyes smell onions, I shall weep anon: Good Tom Drum, [TO PAROLLES,] lend me a handkerchief: So, I thank thee: wait on me home, Li make sport with thee: Let thy courtesies alone, They are scurvy ones. To make the even truth in pleasure flow :- [TO DIANA. Advancing. hounds; Brach Merriman,- the poor cur is emboss'd‚1- 1 Hunt. Why, Belman is as good as he, my lord; He cried upon it at the merest loss, And twice to-day pick'd out the dullest scent: Lord. Thou art a fool; if Echo were as fleet, I would esteem him worth a dozen such. Bit sup them well, and look unto them all; Tomorrow I intend to hunt again. 1 Hunt. I will, my lord. Lord. What's here? one dead, or drunk? See, doth he breathe? 2 Hunt. He breathes, my lord: Were he not warm'd with ale. This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly. lies! Grm death, how foul and loathsome is thine image! And brave attendants near him when he wakes, Would not the beggar then forget himself? 1 Hunt. Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose. 2 Hunt. It would seem strange unto him when he wak'd. Lord. Even as a flattering dream, or worthless fancy. Then take him up, and manage well the jest:- 1 Hunt. My lord, I warrant you, we'll play our part, As he shall think, by our true diligence, Lord. Take him up gently, and to bed with him, And each one to his office when he wakes. [Some beur out SLY. A trumpel sounds. Sirrah, go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds: [Exit Servant Belike, some noble gentleman; that means, Traveling some journey, to repose him here. Lord. With all my heart.-This fellow I remember, Since once he play'd a farmer's eldest son; 1 Play. I think 'twas Soto, that your honor means. Lord. 'Tis very true;-thou didst it excellent. Well, you are come to me in happy time; The rather, for I have some sport in hand, Wherein your cunning can assist me much. There is a lord will hear you play to-night: But I am doubtful of your modesties; Lest, over-eying of his odd behavior, (For yet his honor never heard a play,) You break into some merry passion, And so offend him; for I tell you, sirs, If you should smile, he grows impatient. í Play. Fear not, my lord; we can contain selves, Were he the veriest antic in the world. by birth a pedlar, by education a card-maker, by transmutation a bear-herd, and now by present profession a tinker? Ask Marian Hacket, the fat ale-wife of Wincot, if she know me not: if she say I am not fourteen pence on the score for sheer ale, score me up for the lyingest knave in Christendom What, I am not bestraught; Here's 1 Serv. O, this it is that makes your lady mourn. 2 Serv. O, this it is that makes your servants droop. Lord. Hence comes it that your kindred shun your house, As beaten hence by your strange lunacy. O, noble lord, bethink thee of thy birth; Call home thy ancient thoughts from banishment, our-Wilt thou have music? hark! Apollo plays. Lord. Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery, And give them friendly welcome every one: Let them want nothing that my house affords.[Exeunt Servant and Players. Sirrah, go you to Bartholomew, my page, To a Servant. And see him dress'd in all suits like a lady: That done, conduct him to the drunkard's chamber, And call him-madam, do him obeisance, Tell him from me, (as he will win my love,) He bear himself with honorable action, Such as he hath observed in noble ladies Unto their lords, by them accomplished: Such duty to the drunkard let him do. With soft low tongue, and lowly courtesy ; And say-What is 't your honor will command, Wherein your lady, and your humble wife, May show her duty, and make known her love? And then--with kind embracements, tempting kisses, And with declining head into his bosom,Rid him shed tears, as being overjoy'd To see her noble lord restor'd to health, Who, for twice seven years, hath esteemed him No better than a poor and loathsome beggar; And if the boy have not a woman's gift, To rain a shower of commanded tears, An onion will do well for such a shift; Which in a napkin being close convey'd, Shall in despite enforce a watery eye. See this despatch'd with all the haste thou canst; Anon I'll give thee more instructions. [Exit Servant. I know, the boy will well usurp the grace, Voice, gait, and action of a gentlewoman: I long to hear him call the drunkard, husband; And how my men will stay themselves from laugh ter, When they do homage to this simple peasant. I'll in to counsel them: haply my presence May well abate the over merry spleen, Which otherwise would go into extremes. [Exeunt. SCENE II. A Bedchamber in the Lord's House. SLY is discovered in a rich night-gown, with Attendants; some with apparel, others with bason. and other appurtenances. Enter Lord, dressed like & Servant. ewer, Sly. For God's sake, a pot of small ale. 1 Serv. Will't please your lordship drink a cup of sack ? 2 Serv. Will't please your honor taste of these conserves? 3 Serv. What raiment will your honor wear to-day? Sly. I am Christopher Sly; call not me-honor, nor fordship: I never drank sack in my life; and if you give me any conserves, give me conserves of beef: Ne'er ask me what raiment I'll wear, for 1 have no more doublets than backs, no more stockings than legs, nor no more shoes than feet; nay. sometimes, more feet than shoes, or such shoes as my toes look through the over-leather. Lord. Heaven cease this idie humor in your honor! O, that a mighty man of such descent, Sly. What, would you make me mad? Am not I Christopher Sly, old Sly's son of Burton-heath; Muse And twenty caged nightingales do sing: As breathed stags, ay, fleeter than the roe. Adonis, painted by a running brook: Lord. We'll show thee lo, as she was a maid; 3 Serv. Or Daphne, roaming through a thorny wood: Scratching her legs that one shall swear she bleeds: 1 Serv. And, till the tears that she had shed for thee, Like envious floods, o'er-ran her lovely face. She was the fairest creature in the world; And yet she is inferior to none. Sly. Am I a lord? and have I such a lady? I smell sweet savors, and I feel soft things:- 0, how we joy to see your wit restor'd! Sly. These fifteen years! by my fay, a goodly nap. But did I never speak of all that time! 1 Serv. O, yes, my lord; but very idle words:For though you lay here in this goodly chamber, Yet you would say, ye were beaten out of doors; And rail upon the hostess of the house; And say, you would present her at the leet,' Because she brought stone jugs and no seal'd quarts. Sometimes you would call out for Cicely Hacket. Sly. Ay, the woman's maid of the house. 3 Serv. Why, sir, you know no house, nor no such maid Nor no such men, as you have reckon'd up,- Where is my wife! Page. Here, noble lord; what is thy will with her? Sly. Are you my wife, and will not call mehusband? My men should call me-lord; I am your goodman. Page. My husband and my lord, my lord and husband; I am your wife in all obedience. Sly. I know it well :-What must I call her? Sly. Al'ce madam, or Joan madam? Lord. Madam and nothing else; so lords call ladies. Sly. Madam wife, they say that I have dream'd, and slept Above some fifteen year and more. Page. Ay, and the time seems thirty unto me: Madam, undress you, and come now to bed. Or, if not so, until the sun be set: I hope, this reason stands for my excuse. Sty. Ay, it stands so, that I may hardly tarry so long. But I would be loath to fall into my dreams again; I will therefore tarry, in despite of the flesh and the blood. Enter a Servant. Serv. Your honor's players, hearing your amendment, Are come to play a pleasant comedy: Sly. Marry, I will; let them play it: Is not a Sly. Well, we'll see't: Come, madam wife, sit by my side, and let the world slip; we shall ne'er be younger. [They sit down. ACT 1. SCENE I.- Padua. A public Place. Enter LUCENTIO and TRANIO. For how I firmly am resolved you know, Lue. Tranio, since for the great desire I had If either of you both love Katharina, To see fair Padua, nursery of arts, I am arrived for fruitful Lombardy, And, by my father's love and leave, am arm'd With his good will, and thy good company, merchant of great traffic through the world, Fall to them as you find your stomach serves you: Lac Gramercies, Tranio, well dost thou advise. If Biondello, thou wert come ashore, We could at once put us in readiness: Such friends, as the time in Padua shall beget. Bap. Gentlemen, impórtune me no further, Small pieces of water. • Harsh rules. For Comedy. Ingenuous. Pardon me. Because I know you well, and love you well, Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure. Gra. To cart her rather: She's too rough for me:-There, there, Hortensio, will you any wife? Kath. I pray you, sir, [To BAP.] is it your will To make a stale of me amongst these mates! Hor. Mates, maid! how mean you that? no mates for you, Unless you were of gentler, milder mould. Kath. I faith, sir, you shall never need to fear; I wis, it is not half way to her heart: But, if it were, doubt not her care should be To comb your noddle with a three-legg ́d stool, And paint your face, and use you like a fool. Hor. From all such devils, good Lord, deliver us! Gre. And me, too, good Lord! Tra. Hush, master! here is some good pastime toward; That wench is stark mad, or wonderful froward. Tra. Well said, master; mum! and gaze your fill. Kath. A pretty peat! 'tis best Put finger in the eye,-an she knew why. Bian. Sister, content you in my discontent.-Sir, to your pleasure humbly I subscribe; My books, and instruments, shall be my company. On them to look, and practise by myself. Luc. Hark, Tranio! thou mayst hear Minerva Aside speak. Hor. Signior Baptista, will you be so strange? Sorry am I, that our good will effects Bianca's grief. Gre. Why will you mew her up, Signior Baptista, for this fiend of hell, And make her bear the penance of her tongue?→ To mine own children in good bringing up; And so farewell. Katharina, you may stay; For I have more to commune with Bianca. Exit. Kuth. Why, and I trust, I inay go too; May I not? What, shall I be appointed hours; as though, belike, I knew not what to take, and what to leave? Exit. Gre. You may go to the devil's dam; your gifts! are so good, here is none will hold you. Our love is not so great, Hortensio, but we may blow our nails together, and fast it fairly out; our cake's dough on both sides. Farewell:- Yet, for the love I bear my sweet Bianca, if I can by any means light on a fit man, to teach her that wherein she delights, I will wish him to her father. Hor. So will I, signior Gremio: But a word, I pray. Though the nature of our quarrel yet never brook'd parle, know now, upon advice," it toucheth us both, that we may yet again have access to our fair mistress, and be happily rivals in Bianca's love,- to labor and effect one thing 'specially. Gre. What s that, I pray? Hor. Marry, sir, to get a husband for her sister. Gre. I say, a devil: Think'st thou, Hortensio, though her father be very rich, any man is so very a fool to be married to her? Hor. Tush, Gremio; though it pass your patience, and mine to endure her loud alarums, why, man, there be good fellows in the world, an a man could light on them, would take with her all faults, and money enough. Gre. I cannot tell; but I had as lief take her dowry with this condition. -to be whipped at the high-cross, every morning. Hor. Faith as you say, there's small choice in rotten apples. But, come; since this bar in law makes us friends, it shall be so far forth friendly maintained, till by helping Baptista's eldest daughter to a husband, we set his youngest free for a husband, and then have to't afresh.-Sweet Bianca! Happy man be his dole ! How say you, signior Gremio!" Gre. I am agreed: and would I had given him the best horse in Padua to begin his wooing, that would thoroughly woo her, wed her, and bed her. and rid the house of her. Come on. [Exeunt GREMIO and HORTENSIO. Tra. [Advancing.] I pray, sir, tell me,-Is it possible That love should of a sudden take such hold! I never thought it possible, or likely; Tra. Master, it is no time to chide you now; Luc. Gramercies, lad; go forward: this contents; Began to scold; and raise up such a storm, Tra. Nay, then 'tis time to stir him from his trance. Master, for my hand, Both our inventions meet and jump in one. You will be schoolmaster, Luc. Basta ; content thee; for I have it full. We have not yet been seen in any house; Nor can we be distinguished by our faces, For man, or master; then it follows thus;Thou shalt be master, Tranio, in my stead, Keep house and port, and servants as I should: I will some other be; some Florentine, Some Neapolitan, or mean man of Pisa. 'Tis hatch'd, and shall be so:-Tranio, at once Uncase thee; take my color'd hat and cloak: When Biondello comes, he waits on thee; But I will charm him first to keep his tongue. Tra. So had you need. They exchange habits. In brief then, sir, sith it your pleasure is, And I am tied to be obedient; (For so your father charg'd me at our parting, Be serviceable to my sm, quoth he, Although, I think, 'twas in another sense ;) I am content to be Lucentio, Because so well I love Lucentio. Luc. Tranio, be so, because Lucentio loves: And let me be a slave, to achieve that maid Whose sudden sight hath thrall'd my wounded eye. Enter BIONDELLO. Here comes the rogue. Sirrah, where have you been? Bion. Where have I been? Nay, how now, where are you? Master, has my fellow Tranio stol'n your clother! I kill'd a inan, and fear I was descried: Wait you on him, I charge you, as becomes, Bion. I, sir? ne'er a whit. Luc. And not a jot of Tranio in your mouth, Tranio is changed into Lucentio Bion. The better for him: 'Would I were so too' Tra. So would I, faith, boy, to have the next wish after, That Lucentio indeed had Baptista's younges daughter. But, sirrah,- not for my sake, but your master'sI advise You use your manners discreetly in all kind of companies. When I am alone, why, then I am Tranio: One thing more rests, that thyself execute;- Sufficeth, my reasons are both good and weighty [Exeunt 1 Serv. My lord, you nod you do not mind the play. Sly. Yes, by saint Anne, do I. A good matter, surely; Comes there any more of it? Page. My lord 'tis but begun. Sly. Tis a very excellent piece of work, madan lady: 'Would 't were done! SCENE II.- Before Hortensio's House. Sines |