Pet. The fouler fortune mine, and there an end. Enter KATHARINA. Bap. Now, by my holidame, here comes Katharina! Kath. What is your will, sir, that you send for me? Pet. Where is your sister, and Hortensio's wife? Kath. They sit conferring by the parlor fire. Pet. Go fetch them hither; if they deny to come, Swinge me them soundly forth unto their husbands. Away, I say, and bring them hither straight. [Exit KATHARINA. And, to be short, what not, that's sweet and happy. For she is changed, as she had never been. Re-enter KATHARINA, with BIANCA and Widow. Sce, where she comes; and brings your froward wives [KATHARINA pulls off her cap, and throws it down. Wid. Lord, let me never have a cause to sigh, Till I be brought to such a silly pass! Bian. Fie! what a foolish duty call you this? Luc. I would your duty were as foolish too. The wisdom of your duty, fair Bianca, Hath cost me a hundred crowns since supper-time. Bian. The more fool you for laying on my duty. Pet. Katharine, I charge thee, tell these headstrong women What duty they do owe their lords and husbands. Pet. Come on, I say; and first begin with her. Pet. I say, she shall ;-and first begin with her. Kath. Fie, fie! unknit that threatening, unkind brow; And dart not scornful glances from those eyes, A woman moved, is like a fountain troubled, What is she, but a foul, contending rebel, When they are bound to serve, love, and obey. But that our soft conditions and our hearts My hand is ready; may it do him ease. Pet. Why, there's a wench!-Come on, and kiss me, Kate. Luc. Well, go thy ways, old lad; for thou shalt ha't. Vin. 'Tis a good hearing when children are toward. Luc. But a harsh hearing when women are froward. Pet. Come, Kate, we'll to bed. We three are married, but you two are sped.3 'Twas I won the wager, though you hit the white;" [TO LUCENTIO. And, being a winner, God give you good night! [Exeunt PETRUCHIO and KATH. 1 That is, the gentle qualities of our minds. 2 Vail your stomachs," abate your pride, your spirit; it is no boot, i. e. it is profitless, it is no advantage. 3 i. e. the fate of you both is decided; for you both have wives who exhibit early proofs of disobedience. 4 The white was the central part of the mark or butt in archery. Here is also a play upon the name of Bianca, which is white in Italian. VOL. II. 68 |