Page 1473 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

What said the wench when he rose up again?

GREMIO

Trembled and shook. For why, he stamp’d and swore
As if the vicar meant to cozen him.
But after many ceremonies done
He calls for wine. ‘A health!’ quoth he, as it [170]
He had been aboard, carousing to his mates
After a storm; quaff’d off the muscadel,
And threw the sops all in the sexton’s face,
Having no other reason
But that his beard grew thin and hungerly [175]
And seem’d to ask him sops as he was drinking.
This done, he took the bride about the neck,
And kiss’d her lips with such a clamorous smack
That at the parting all the church did echo.
And I, seeing this, came thence for very shame, [180]
And after me, I know, the rout is coming.
Such a mad marriage never was before.
Hark, hark! I hear the minstrels play.

Music plays.

Enter Petruchio, Katherina, Bianca, Baptista, Hortensio [with Grumio
and Attendants].

PET RUCHIO

Gentlemen and friends, I thank you for your pains.
I know you think to dine with me today, [185]
And have prepar’d great store of wedding cheer,
But so it is, my haste doth call me hence,
And therefore here I mean to take my leave.

BAPT IST A

Is’t possible you will away tonight?

PET RUCHIO

I must away today before night come. [190]
Make it no wonder. If you knew my business,
You would entreat me rather go than stay.
And honest company, I thank you all
That have beheld me give away myself