till she stoop, she must not be full-gorg’d,
For then she never looks upon her lure.
Another way I have to man my haggard,
To make her come, and know her keeper’s call,
That is, to watch her, as we watch these kites
That bate and beat and will not be obedient.
She eat no meat to-day, nor none shall eat;
Last night she slept not, nor to-night she shall not;
As with the meat, some undeserved fault
I’ll find about the making of the bed,
And here I’ll fling the pillow, there the bolster,
This way the coverlet, another way the sheets.
Ay, and amid this hurly I intend
That all is done in reverend care of her,
And in conclusion, she shall watch all night,
And if she chance to nod I’ll rail and brawl,
And with the clamor keep her still awake.
This is a way to kill a wife with kindness,
And thus I’ll curb her mad and headstrong humor.
He that knows better how to tame a shrew,
Now let him speak; ’tis charity to shew.
Exit.
¶
[Scene II]
Enter Tranio [as Lucentio] and Hortensio [as Litio].
Tra.
Is’t possible, friend Litio, that Mistress Bianca
Doth fancy any other but Lucentio?
I tell you, sir, she bears me fair in hand.
[Hor.]
Sir, to satisfy you in what I have said,
Stand by and mark the manner of his teaching.
[They stand aside.]
Enter Bianca [and Lucentio as Cambio].
[Luc.]
Now, mistress, profit you in what you read?
Bian.
What, master, read you? First resolve me that.
[Luc.]
I read that I profess, the Art to Love.
Bian.
And may you prove, sir, master of your art!
Luc.
While you, sweet dear, prove mistress of my heart!
[They retire.]
Hor.
Quick proceeders, marry! Now tell me, I pray,
You that durst swear that your mistress Bianca
Lov’d [none] in the world so well as Lucentio.
Tra.
O despiteful love, unconstant womankind!
I tell thee, Litio, this is wonderful.
Hor.
Mistake no more, I am not Litio,
Nor a musician, as I seem to be,
But one that scorn to live in this disguise
For such a one as leaves a gentleman,
And makes a god of such a cullion.
Know, sir, that I am call’d Hortensio.
Tra.
Signior Hortensio, I have often heard
Of your entire affection to Bianca,
And since mine eyes are witness of her lightness,
I will with you, if you be so contented,
Forswear Bianca and her love for ever.
Hor.
See how they kiss and court! Signior Lucentio,
Here is my hand, and here I firmly vow
Never to woo her more, but do forswear her
As one unworthy all the former favors
That I have fondly flatter’d [her] withal.
Tra.
And here I take the like unfeigned oath,
Never to marry with her though she would entreat.
Fie on her, see how beastly she doth court him!
Hor.
Would all the world but he had quite forsworn!
For me, that I may surely keep mine oath,
I will be married to a wealthy widow,
Ere three days pass, which hath as long lov’d me
As I have lov’d this proud disdainful haggard.
And so farewell, Signior Lucentio.
Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks,
Shall win my love, and so I take my leave,
In resolution as I swore before.
