Tranio.
Is't possible, friend Licio, that Bianca
Doth fancy any other but Lucentio?
I tell you, Sir, she bears me fair in hand.

Hor.
To satisfy you, Sir, in what I said,
Stand by, and mark the manner of his teaching. [They stand by. Enter Bianca and Lucentio.

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 of Love.

Bian.
And may you prove, Sir, master of your art!

Luc.
While you, sweet dear, prove mistress of my heart. [They retire backward.

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.
Despightful love, unconstant womankind!
I tell thee, Licio, this is wonderful.

Hor.
Mistake no more, I am not Licio,
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 favours,
That I have fondly flatter'd her withal.

Tra.
And here I take the like unfeigned oath,
Never to marry her, tho' she intreat.
Fie on her! see, how beastly she doth court him.

Hor.
'Would all the World, but he, had quite forsworn her!
For me, that I may surely keep mine oath,
I will be married to a wealthy widow,
Ere three days pass, which has as long lov'd me,
As I have lov'd this proud disdainful haggard.
And so farewel, 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. [Exit Hor.

Tra.
Mistress Bianca, bless you with such grace,
As longeth to a lover's blessed case:
Nay, I have ta'en you napping, gentle Love,
And have forsworn you with Hortensio. [Lucentio and Bianca come forward.

Bian.
Tranio, you jest: but have you both forsworn me?

Tra.
Mistress, we have.

Luc.
Then we are rid of Licio.

Tra.
I'faith, he'll have a lusty widow now,
That shall be woo'd and wedded in a day.

Bian.
God give him joy !

Tra.
Ay, and he'll tame her.

Bian.
He says so, Tranio.

Tra.
'Faith, he's gone into the Taming school.

Bian.
The Taming school? what, is there such a place?

Tra.
Ay, mistress, and Petruchio is the master;
That teacheth tricks eleven and twenty long,
To tame a Shrew, and charm her chattering tongue.

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