My falcon now is sharp, and passing empty;
And, till she stoop, she must not be full-gorged,
For then she never looks upon her lure.1

Another way I have to man my haggard,

To make her come, and know her keeper's call;
That is,—to watch her, as we watch these kites,
That bate, and beat, and will not be obedient.

3

She eat no meat to-day, nor none shall eat;

Last night she slept not, nor to-night she shall not : As with the meat, some undeserved fault

I'll find about the making of the bed;

And here I'll fling the pillow, there the bolster, the coverlet, another way the sheets :—

This

way

Ay, and amid this hurly, I intend,4

That all is done in reverend care of her;

. And, in conclusion, she shall watch all night: And, if she chance to nod, I'll rail, and brawl, And with the clamor keep her still awake.

This is a way to kill a wife with kindness;

And thus I'll curb her mad and headstrong humor.
He that knows better how to tame a shrew,
Now let him speak; 'tis charity to show.

[Exit.

A lure was a thing stuffed like that kind of bird which the hawk was designed to pursue.

To tame my wild hawk.

3 Flutter.

• Pretend.

SCENE II.

Padua. Before Baptista's house.

Enter TRANIO and HORTENSIO.

Tra. Is 't possible, friend Licio, that mistress Bianca

Doth fancy any other but Lucentio ?

I tell you, sir, she bears me fair in hand.

Hor. Sir, to satisfy you in what I have said, Stand by, and mark the manner of his teaching. [they stand aside.

Enter BIANCA and LUCENTIO.

Luc. Now, mistress, profit you in what you read? Bian. What, master, read you? first, resolve me

that.

Luc. I read that I profess, the art to love.

Bian. And may you prove, sir, master of your art! Luc. While you, sweet dear, prove mistress of my heart. [they retire.

Hor. Quick proceeders, marry! Now, tell me, I

pray,

You that durst swear that your mistress Bianca
Loved none in the world so well as Lucentio.

Tra. O despiteful love! unconstant

kind!

I tell thee, Licio, this is wonderful.

Hor. Mistake no more: I am not Licio, Nor a musician, as I seem to be;

woman

But one that scorn to live in this disguise,
For such a one as leaves a gentleman,

1

And makes a god of such a cullion :
Know, sir, that I am call'd Hortensio.

Tra. Signior Hortensio, I have often heard

Of your intire affection to Bianca;

And since mine eyes are witness of her lightness,
I will with you,—if you be so contented,-
Forswear Bianca and her love for ever.

Hor. See, how they kiss and court!

Lucentio,

-Signior

Here is my hand, and here I firmly vow-
Never to woo her more; but do forswear her,
As one unworthy all the former favors

That I have fondly flatter'd her withal.

Tra. And here I take the like unfeigned oath,— Ne'er to marry with her though she would entreat. Fie on her! see, how beastly she doth court him. Hor. Would, all the world, but he, had quite for sworn!

For me, that I may surely keep mine oath,

I will be married to a wealthy widow,

Ere three days pass; which hath as long loved

me,

As I have loved this proud disdainful haggard :

And so farewell, signior Lucentio.

Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks,
Shall win my love :-and so I take my leave,

1 Despicable fellow.

In resolution as I swore before.

[Exit Hortensio.-Lucentio and Bianca advance. Tra. Mistress Bianca, bless you with such grace As 'longeth to a lover's blessed case!

Nay, I have ta'en you napping, gentle love;

And have forsworn you, with Hortensio.

Bian. Tranio, you jest: but have you both forsworn me?

Tra. Mistress, we have.

Luc.

Then we are rid of Licio.

Tra. I' faith, he 'll have a lusty widow now,

That shall be woo'd and wedded in a day.

Bian. God give him joy!

Tra. Ay, and he 'll tame her.

Bian.

He says so, Tranio.

Tra. Faith, he is gone unto the taming-school. Bian. The taming-school! what, is there such a

place?

Tra. Ay, mistress, and Petruchio is the master; That teacheth tricks eleven and twenty long,To tame a shrew, and charm her chattering tongue.

Enter BIONDELLO, running.

Bion. O master, master, I have watch'd so long, That I'm dog-weary: but at last I spied

An ancient angel1 coming down the hill,
Will serve the turn.

Tra.

What is he, Biondello?

' Messenger.

Bion. Master, a mercatantè or a pedant,1
I know not what; but formal in apparel;
In gait and countenance surely like a father.
Luc. And what of him, Tranio ?

Tra. If he be credulous, and trust my tale,
I'll make him glad to seem Vincentio,
And give assurance to Baptista Minola,
As if he were the right Vincentio.

Take in your love. and then let me alone.

Exeunt Lucentio and Bianca.

Enter 7 PEDant.

Ped. God save you, sir!

Tra.

And you, sir! you are welcome.

Travel you fur on, or are you at the farthest?
Ped. Sir, at the farthest for a week or two:
And then up farther, and as far as Rome;

And so to Tripoly, if God lend me life.
Tra. What countryman. I pray?

Ped.

Of Mantua.

Tra. Of Mantua, sir ?-marry, God forbid!

And come to Padua, careless of your life?

Ped. My life, sir! how, I pray? for that goes hard.

Tra. 'Tis death for any one in Mantua

To come to Padua. Know you not the cause? Your ships are stay'd at Venice; and the duke (For private quarrel 'twixt your duke and him)

A merchant or a schoolmaster.