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 happy rivals in Bianca's love,- to labour and effect one thing 'specially. Gre. What's that, I pray? Hor. Marry, sir, to get a husband for her sister. Hor. I say, a husband. 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 hell? 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 her with 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! He that runs fastest, gets the ring. How say you, sig nior Gremio? Gre. I am agreed: and 'would I had given him the 1 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 pos sible That love should of a sudden take such hold? Luc. O Tranio, till I found it to be true, Tra. Master, it is no time to chide you now; If love have touch'd you, nought remains but so,- Luc. Gramercies, lad; go forward: this contents; The rest will comfort, for thy counsel's sound. Tra. Master, you look'd so longly on the maid, Perhaps you mark'd not what's the pith of all. Luc. O yes, I saw sweet beauty in her face, That made great Jove to humble him to her hand, Tra. Saw you no more? mark'd you not, how her sister Began to scold; and raise up such a storm, That mortal cars might hardly endure the din? Tra. Nay, then, 'tis time to stir him from his trance. I pray, awake, sir; If you love the maid, Bend thoughts and wits to achieve her. stands : Her elder sister is so curst and shrewd, Thus it Luc. Ah, Tranio, what a cruel father's he! Tra. Master, for my hand, Both our inventions meet and jump in one. Tra. You will be schoolmaster, And undertake the teaching of the maid : That's your device. Luc. It is May it be done? Tra. Not possible; For who shall bear your part, And be in Padua here Vincentio's son ? Keep house, and ply his book; welcome his friends; Visit his countrymen, and banquet them? Luc. Basta; content thee; for I have it full. Thou shalt be master, Tranio, in my stead, 'Tis hatch'd, and shall be so :-Tranio, at once [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; Although, I think, 'twas in another sense,) Because so well I love Lucentio. Luc. Tranio, be so, because Lucentio loves : And let me be a slave, to achieve that maid, 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 clothes? I kill'd a man, and fear I was descried : Bion. I, sir? ne'er a whit. life: Luc. And not a jot of Tranio in your mouth; Tranio is chang'd 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 youngest daugh ter. But, sirrah,-not for my sake, but your master's,-I advise You use your manners discreetly in all kind of compa nies: When I am alone, why, then I am Tranio; But in all places else, your master Lucentio. One thing more rests, that thyself execute;— To make one among these wooers: If thou ask me why, Sufficeth, my reasons are both good and weighty. [Exeunt. 1 Ser. 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, madam lady ; 'Would 'twere done! |