PERSONS REPRESENTED. A Lord. other Servants attending on the Lord. Persons in the BAPTISTA, a rich Gentleman of Padua. VINCENTIO, an old Gentleman of Pisa. LUCENTIO, Son to Vincentio, in love with Bianca. PETRUCHIO, a Gentleman of Verona, a Suitor to Kath PEDANT, an old fellow set up to personate Vincentio KATHARINA, the Shrew, Daughters to Baptista. Widow. Tailor, Haberdasher, and Servants attending on Baptista and Petruchio. SCENE, sometimes in Padua; and sometimes in (B) TAMING OF THE SHREW. INDUCTION. SCENE I. Before an Alehouse on a Heath. Enter Hostess and SLY. Sly. I'LL pheese you, in faith. Host. A pair of stocks, you rogue ! Sly. Y'are a baggage; the Slies are no rogues: Look in the chronicles; we came in with Richard Conqueror. Therefore, paucas pallabris; let the world slide. Sessa! Host. You will not pay for the glasses you have burst? Sly. No, not a denier. Go by, says Jeronimy;- Go to thy cold bed and warm thee. Host. I know my remedy; I must go fetch the thirdborough. [Exit. Sly. Third, or fourth, or fifth borough, I'll answer him by law. I'll not budge an inch, boy; let him come, and kindly. [Lies down on the ground, and falls asleep. Wind Horns. Enter a Lord from Hunting, with Huntsmen and Servants. Lord. Huntsman, I charge thee, tender well my hounds: Brach Merriman, the poor cur is embossed, And couple Clowder with the deep-mouthed brach. I would not lose the dog for twenty pound. 1 Hunt. Why, Belman is as good as he, my lord; He cried upon it at the merest loss, And twice to-day picked out the dullest scent. Lord. Thou art a fool; if Echo were as fleet, (7) I would esteem him worth a dozen such. But sup them well, and look unto them all; 1 Hunt. I will, my lord. Lord. What's here? one dead, or drunk? Sce, doth he breathe? 2 Hunt. He breathes, my lord. Were he not warmed with ale, This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly. Lord. O monstrous beast! how like a swine he lies! And brave attendants near him when he wakes; 1 Hunt. Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose. 2 Hunt. It would seem strange unto him when he waked. Lord. Even as a flattering dream, or worthless fancy. Then take him up, and manage well the jest; Carry him gently to my fairest chamber, And hang it round with all my wanton pictures: Full of rose-water, and bestrewed with flowers; And say,-Will't please your lordship cool your hands? And ask him what apparel he will wear; And, when he says he is, say that he dreams, It will be pastime passing excellent, 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. [Some bear out SLY. A trumpet sounds. Sirrah, go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds [Exit Servant Belike, some noble gentleman, that means, Re-enter a Servant. How now? who is it? Serv. An it please your honor, Players that offer service to your lordship. Enter Players. Now, fellows, you are welcome. 1 Play. We thank your honor. Lord. Do you intend to stay with me to-night? 2 Play. So please your lordship to accept our duty. Lord. With all my heart.-This fellow I remember, Since once he played a farmer's eldest son;'Twas where you wooed the gentlewoman so well. I have forgot your name; but, sure, that part Was aptly fitted, and naturally performed. 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-eyeing 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. 1 Play. Fear not, my lord; we can contain ourselves, Were he the veriest antic in the world. Lord. Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery, [Exeunt Servant and Players. Sirrah, go you to Bartholomew my page, |