Good Kate; I am a gentleman. Kath. That I'll try. [She strikes him. 220 If you strike me, you are no gentleman; Pet. A herald, Kate? O, put me in thy books! Pet. A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen. craven. Pet. Nay, come, Kate, come; you must not look so sour. Kath. It is my fashion, when I see a crab. Pet. Why, here's no crab; and therefore look not sour. Kath. There is, there is. Pet. Then show it me. 230 Kath. Had I a glass, I would. Pet. What, you mean my face? Kath. Well aim'd of such a young one. Pet. Now, by Saint George, I am too young for you. Kath. Yet you are wither'd. Pet. "Tis with cares. Kath. I care not. Pet. Nay, hear you, Kate: in sooth you scape not so. Kath. I chafe you, if I tarry: let me go. Pet. No, not a whit: I find you passing gentle. 'Twas told me you were rough and coy and sullen, nd now I find report a very liar; 225. books, herald's registers. 226. coxcomb, the ornament on a fool's cap. 230. crab, crab-apple. 237. of, for, in respect of. 240 For thou art pleasant, gamesome, passing cour teous, But slow in speech, yet sweet as spring-time flowers: Thou canst not frown, thou canst not look askance, Nor hast thou pleasure to be cross in talk, Why does the world report that Kate doth limp? Pet. Did ever Dian so become a grove As Kate this chamber with her princely gait ? And then let Kate be chaste and Dian sportful! Kath. Where did you study all this goodly speech ? Pet. It is extempore, from my mother-wit. Kath. Yes; keep you warm. Pet. Marry, so I mean, sweet Katharine, in thy bed: And therefore, setting all this chat aside, Thus in plain terms: your father hath consented 268. keep you warm; alluding to the proverb (quoted in full in 250 260 270 Much Ado, i. 1. 69): '(if) he have wit enough to keep himself warm.' Thy beauty, that doth make me like thee well, Re-enter BAPTISTA, GREMIO, and TRANIO. Bap. Now, Signior Petruchio, how speed you with my daughter? Pet. How but well, sir? how but well? It were impossible I should speed amiss. Bap. Why, how now, daughter Katharine! in your dumps? Kath. Call you me daughter? now, I promise you You have show'd a tender fatherly regard, To wish me wed to one half lunatic; A mad-cap ruffian and a swearing Jack, That thinks with oaths to face the matter out. Pet. Father, 'tis thus: yourself and all the world, That talk'd of her, have talk'd amiss of her: If she be curst, it is for policy, For she's not froward, but modest as the dove; For patience she will prove a second Grissel, And to conclude, we have 'greed so well together, Kath. I'll see thee hang'd on Sunday first. Gre. Hark, Petruchio; she says she'll see thee hang'd first. 280 290 300 280. Kates, i.e. cats; the two words were then pronounced nearly alike. Tra. Is this your speeding? nay, then, good night our part ! Pet. Be patient, gentlemen; I choose her for myself: If she and I be pleased, what's that to you? 'Tis bargain'd 'twixt us twain, being alone, That she shall still be curst in company. I tell you, 'tis incredible to believe How much she loves me: O, the kindest Kate! O, you are novices! 'tis a world to see, Bap. I know not what to say but give me God send you joy, Petruchio! 'tis a match. Gre. Tra. Amen, say we : we will be wit nesses. Pet. Father, and wife, and gentlemen, adieu; 310. vied kiss on kiss; a metaphor from games of cards, such as gleek, meaning literally to lay down, wager.' 310 320 315. meacock, tame, spiritless. 325, 326. Probably from a popular ballad. And venture madly on a desperate mart. Tra. 'Twas a commodity lay fretting by you: 'Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas. Bap. The gain I seek is, quiet in the match. Tra. And I am one that love Bianca more Than words can witness, or your thoughts can guess. Gre. Youngling, thou canst not love so dear as I. Tra. Greybeard, thy love doth freeze. 330 Gre. But thine doth fry. 340 Skipper, stand back: 'tis age that nourisheth. Tra. But youth in ladies' eyes that flourisheth. Bap. Content you, gentlemen: I will compound this strife: 'Tis deeds must win the prize; and he of both That can assure my daughter greatest dower Shall have my Bianca's love. Say, Signior Gremio, what can you assure her? Gre. First, as you know, my house within the city Is richly furnished with plate and gold; Basins and ewers to lave her dainty hands; Fine linen, Turkey cushions boss'd with pearl, 350 341. Skipper, flighty fellow. 353. arras counterpoints, tapestry counterpanes. |