The Taming of the Shrew

Act IV, scene ii

[Padua. Before BAPTISTA'S house.]

Enter TRANIO and HORTENSIO

TRANIO

Is't possible, friend Licio, that Mistress Bianca

Doth fancy any other but Lucentio?

I tell you, sir, she bears me fair in hand.

HORTENSIO

Sir, to satisfy you in what I have said,

Stand by and mark the manner of his teaching.

Enter BIANCA and LUCENTIO

LUCENTIO

Now, mistress, profit you in what you read?

BIANCA

What, master, read you? first resolve me that.

LUCENTIO

I read that I profess, the Art to Love.

BIANCA

And may you prove, sir, master of your art!

LUCENTIO

While you, sweet dear, prove mistress of my heart!

HORTENSIO

Quick proceeders, marry! Now, tell me, I pray,

You that durst swear at your mistress Bianca

Loved none in the world so well as Lucentio.

TRANIO

O despiteful love! unconstant womankind!

I tell thee, Licio, this is wonderful.

HORTENSIO

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.

TRANIO

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.

HORTENSIO

See, how they kiss and court! Signior Lucentio,

Here is my hand, and here I firmly vow

Never to woo her no more, but do forswear her,

As one unworthy all the former favours

That I have fondly flatter'd her withal.

TRANIO

And here I take the unfeigned oath,

Never to marry with her though she would entreat:

Fie on her! see, how beastly she doth court him!

HORTENSIO

Would all the world but he had quite forsworn!

For me, that I may surely keep mine oath,