Page 1501 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Fear you not him. Sirrah Biondello, [10]
Now do your duty thoroughly, I advise you.
Imagine ’twere the right Vincentio.

BIONDELLO

Tut, fear not me.

T RANIO

But hast thou done thy errand to Baptista?

BIONDELLO

I told him that your father was at Venice, [15]
And that you look’d for him this day in Padua.

T RANIO

Th’art a tall fellow. Hold thee that to drink.
Here comes Baptista. Set your countenance, sir.

Enter Baptista and Lucentio.
Signor Baptista, you are happily met. -
Sir, this is the gentleman I told you of. [20]
I pray you stand good father to me now,
Give me Bianca for my patrimony.

PEDANT

Soft, son.
Sir, by your leave, having come to Padua
To gather in some debts, my son Lucentio [25]
Made me acquainted with a weighty cause
Of love between your daughter and himself.
And, for the good report I hear of you,
And for the love he beareth to your daughter,
And she to him, to stay him not too long, [30]
I am content, in a good father’s care,
To have him match’d; and, if you please to like
No worse than I, upon some agreement
Me shall you find ready and willing
With one consent to have her so bestow’d. [35]
For curious I cannot be with you,
Signor Baptista, of whom I hear so well.