Taming of the Shrew

BIANCA


Head, and butt! an hasty-witted body
Would say your head and butt were head and horn.
 
VINCENTIO


Ay, mistress bride, hath that awaken'd you?
 
BIANCA


Ay, but not frighted me; therefore I'll sleep again.
 
PETRUCHIO


Nay, that you shall not: since you have begun,
Have at you for a bitter jest or two!
 
BIANCA


Am I your bird? I mean to shift my bush;
And then pursue me as you draw your bow.
You are welcome all.

Exeunt BIANCA, KATHARINA, and Widow
 
PETRUCHIO


She hath prevented me. Here, Signior Tranio.
This bird you aim'd at, though you hit her not;
Therefore a health to all that shot and miss'd.
 
TRANIO


O, sir, Lucentio slipp'd me like his greyhound,
Which runs himself and catches for his master.
 
PETRUCHIO


A good swift simile, but something currish.
 
TRANIO


'Tis well, sir, that you hunted for yourself:
'Tis thought your deer does hold you at a bay.
 
HORTENSIO


Confess, confess, hath he not hit you here?
 
PETRUCHIO


A' has a little gall'd me, I confess;
And, as the jest did glance away from me,
'Tis ten to one it maim'd you two outright.
 
BAPTISTA


Now, in good sadness, son Petruchio,
I think thou hast the veriest shrew of all.
 
PETRUCHIO


Well, I say no: and therefore for assurance
Let's each one send unto his wife;
And he whose wife is most obedient
To come at first when he doth send for her,
Shall win the wager which we will propose.
 
PETRUCHIO


Twenty crowns!
I'll venture so much of my hawk or hound,
But twenty times so much upon my wife.
 
LUCENTIO


That will I.
Go, Biondello, bid your mistress come to me.
 
Back
Top