Softly and swiftly, sir, for the priest is ready.

I fly, Biondello; but they may chance to need thee at home, therefore

leave us.

Nay, faith, I’ll see the church o’ your back; and then come back to my

master’s as soon as I can.

I marvel Cambio comes not all this while.

Sir, here’s the door; this is Lucentio’s house:

My father’s bears more toward the market-place;

Thither must I, and here I leave you, sir.

You shall not choose but drink before you go.

I think I shall command your welcome here,

And by all likelihood some cheer is toward.

They’re busy within; you were best knock louder.

What’s he that knocks as he would beat down the gate?

Is Signior Lucentio within, sir?

He’s within, sir, but not to be spoken withal.

What if a man bring him a hundred pound or two to make merry withal?

Keep your hundred pounds to yourself: he shall need none so long as I

live.

Nay, I told you your son was well beloved in Padua. Do you hear, sir?

To leave frivolous circumstances, I pray you tell Signior Lucentio that

his father is come from Pisa, and is here at the door to speak with

him.

Thou liest: his father is come from Padua, and here looking out at the

window.

Art thou his father?

Ay, sir; so his mother says, if I may believe her.

[_To Vincentio_] Why, how now, gentleman! why, this is flat knavery to

take upon you another man’s name.

Lay hands on the villain: I believe a means to cozen somebody in this

city under my countenance.

I have seen them in the church together: God send ’em good shipping!

But who is here? Mine old master, Vincentio! Now we are undone and

brought to nothing.

[_Seeing Biondello._] Come hither, crack-hemp.

I hope I may choose, sir.

Come hither, you rogue. What, have you forgot me?

Forgot you! No, sir: I could not forget you, for I never saw you before

in all my life.

What, you notorious villain! didst thou never see thy master’s father,

Vincentio?

What, my old worshipful old master? Yes, marry, sir; see where he looks

out of the window.

Is’t so, indeed?

Help, help, help! here’s a madman will murder me.

Help, son! help, Signior Baptista!

Prithee, Kate, let’s stand aside and see the end of this controversy.

Sir, what are you that offer to beat my servant?

What am I, sir! nay, what are you, sir? O immortal gods! O fine

villain! A silken doublet, a velvet hose, a scarlet cloak, and a

copatain hat! O, I am undone! I am undone! While I play the good

husband at home, my son and my servant spend all at the university.

How now! what’s the matter?

What, is the man lunatic?

Sir, you seem a sober ancient gentleman by your habit, but your words

show you a madman. Why, sir, what ’cerns it you if I wear pearl and

gold? I thank my good father, I am able to maintain it.

Thy father! O villain! he is a sailmaker in Bergamo.

You mistake, sir; you mistake, sir. Pray, what do you think is his

name?

His name! As if I knew not his name! I have brought him up ever since

he was three years old, and his name is Tranio.

Away, away, mad ass! His name is Lucentio; and he is mine only son, and

heir to the lands of me, Signior Vincentio.

Lucentio! O, he hath murdered his master! Lay hold on him, I charge

you, in the Duke’s name. O, my son, my son! Tell me, thou villain,

where is my son, Lucentio?

Call forth an officer.

Carry this mad knave to the gaol. Father Baptista, I charge you see

that he be forthcoming.

Carry me to the gaol!

Stay, officer; he shall not go to prison.

Talk not, Signior Gremio; I say he shall go to prison.

Take heed, Signior Baptista, lest you be cony-catched in this business;

I dare swear this is the right Vincentio.

Swear if thou darest.

Nay, I dare not swear it.

Then thou wert best say that I am not Lucentio.

Yes, I know thee to be Signior Lucentio.

Away with the dotard! to the gaol with him!

Thus strangers may be haled and abus’d: O monstrous villain!

O! we are spoiled; and yonder he is: deny him, forswear him, or else we

are all undone.

[_Kneeling._] Pardon, sweet father.

Lives my sweetest son?

[_Kneeling._] Pardon, dear father.

How hast thou offended?

Where is Lucentio?

Here’s Lucentio,

Right son to the right Vincentio;

That have by marriage made thy daughter mine,

While counterfeit supposes blear’d thine eyne.

Here ’s packing, with a witness, to deceive us all!

Where is that damned villain, Tranio,

That fac’d and brav’d me in this matter so?

Why, tell me, is not this my Cambio?

Cambio is chang’d into Lucentio.

Love wrought these miracles. Bianca’s love

Made me exchange my state with Tranio,

While he did bear my countenance in the town;

And happily I have arriv’d at the last

Unto the wished haven of my bliss.

What Tranio did, myself enforc’d him to;

Then pardon him, sweet father, for my sake.

I’ll slit the villain’s nose that would have sent me to the gaol.

[_To Lucentio._] But do you hear, sir? Have you married my daughter

without asking my good will?

Fear not, Baptista; we will content you, go to: but I will in, to be

revenged for this villainy.

And I to sound the depth of this knavery.

Look not pale, Bianca; thy father will not frown.

My cake is dough, but I’ll in among the rest;

Out of hope of all but my share of the feast.

Petruchio and Katherina advance.

Husband, let’s follow to see the end of this ado.

First kiss me, Kate, and we will.

What! in the midst of the street?

What! art thou ashamed of me?

No, sir; God forbid; but ashamed to kiss.

Why, then, let’s home again. Come, sirrah, let’s away.

Nay, I will give thee a kiss: now pray thee, love, stay.

Is not this well? Come, my sweet Kate:

Better once than never, for never too late.