10 to e. And woo her with some spirit when she comes. Say, that she frown; I'll say, she looks as clear When I shall ask the banns, and when be mar ried: But here she comes; and now, Petruchio, speak. Enter KATHARINA. Good-morrow, Kate; for that's your name, I hear. of hearing; They call me-Katharine, that do talk of me. Pet. You lie, in faith; for you are call'd plain And bonny Kate, and sometimes Kate the curst; Kath. Mov'd! in good time: let him that mov'd you hither, Remove you hence: I knew you at the first, You were a moveable. Pet. Why, what's a moveable? 1 Kath. A joint-stool. Thou hast hit it: come, sit on me. Kath. Asses are made to bear, and so are you. Pet. Women are made to bear, and so are you. Kath. No such jade, sir, as you, if me you mean. Pet. Alas, good Kate! I will not burden thee: And yet as heavy as my weight should be. Well ta'en, and like a buzzard. Pet. O, slow-wing'd turtle! shall a buzzard take Kath. Ay, for a turtle; as he takes a buzzard. angry. Kath. If I be waspish, best beware my sting. Kath. Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies. In his tail. sting? Kath. In his tongue. Whose tongue? Kath. Yours, if you talk of tails; and so fare well. Pet. What, with my tongue in your tail? nay, come again, Good Kate; I am a gentleman. Kath. That I'll try. [Striking him. Pet. I swear I'll cuff you, if you strike again. A joint-stool.] This is a proverbial expression: See Ray's Collection. "Cry you mercy, I took you for a join'd stool." Kath. So may you lose your arms: If you strike me, you are no gentleman; And if no gentleman, why, then no arms. Pet. A herald, Kate? O, put me in thy books. Kath. What is your crest? a coxcomb? Pet. A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen. Kath. Nocock of mine, you crow too like a 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. Kath. Had I a glass, I would. Pet. What, you mean my face? 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. Kath. 'Tis not with cares. 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, And now I find report a very liar; For thou art pleasant, gamesome, passing courteous; But slow in speech, yet sweet as spring-time flowers: Thou canst not frown, thou canst not look askance, Nor bite the lip, as angry wenches will; Nor hast thou pleasure to be cross in talk; 7 a craven.] A craven is a degenerate, dispirited cock. Craven was a term also applied to those who in appeals of battle became recreant, and by pronouncing this word, called for quarter from their opponents; the consequence of which was they were for ever after deemed infamous. 48 TAMING OF THE SHREW. But thou with mildness entertain'st thy wooers, Kath. Go, fool, and whom thou keep'st com- Pet. Did ever Dian so become a grove, As Kate this chamber with her princely gait? O, he thou Dian, and let her be Kate; 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. A witty mother! witless else her son. Pet. Am I not wise? Kath. Yes; keep you warm. Pet. Marry, so I mean, sweet Katharine, in thy bed: And therefore, setting all this chat aside, Re-enter BAPTISTA, GREMIO, and TRANIO. 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, A mad-cap ruffian, and a swearing Jack, Pet. Father, 'tis thus, -yourself and all the world, That talk'd of her, have talk'd amiss of her; For she's not froward, but modest as the dove; Kath. I'll see thee hang'd on Sunday first. Gre. Hark, Petruchio! she says, she'll see thee hang'd first. 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 pleas'd, 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!She hung about my neck; and kiss on kiss She vied so fast, protesting oath on oath, * She vied so fast, Vye and revye were terms at cards, now superseded by the more modern word, brag. |