Page 1502 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

BAPT IST A

Sir, pardon me in what I have to say.
Your plainness and your shortness please me well.
Right true it is your son Lucentio here [40]
Doth love my daughter, and she loveth him,
Or both dissemble deeply their affections.
And therefore if you say no more than this,
That like a father you will deal with him,
And pass my daughter a sufficient dower, [45]
The match is made, and all is done,
Your son shall have my daughter with consent.

T RANIO

I thank you, sir. Where then do you know best
We be affied and such assurance ta’en
As shall with either part’s agreement stand? [50]

BAPT IST A

Not in my house, Lucentio, for you know
Pitchers have ears, and I have many servants.
Besides, old Gremio is hearkening still,
And happily we might be interrupted.

T RANIO

Then at my lodging, and it like you. [55]
There doth my father lie; and there this night
We’ll pass the business privately and well.
Send for your daughter by your servant here.
My boy shall fetch the scrivener presently.
The worst is this, that at so slender warning [60]
You are like to have a thin and slender pittance.

BAPT IST A

It likes me well. Cambio, hie you home,
And bid Bianca make her ready straight.
And, if you will, tell what hath happened:
Lucentio’s father is arriv’d in Padua, [65]
And how she’s like to be Lucentio’s wife.

[Exit Lucentio.]