INDUCTION TO THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. SCENE I. Before an Alehouse on a Heath. Enter HOSTESS and SLY. SLY. 'LL pheese you, in faith. Hostess. A pair of stocks, you rogue! Sly. Y' are a baggage; the Slys are no rogues. Look in the chronicles, we came in with Richard Conqueror. Therefore, paucas pallabris; let the world slide: Sessa! Host. You will not pay for the glasses you have burst? Sly. No, not a denier! Go by, St. Jeronimy Go to thy cold bed, and warm thee. Host. I know my remedy, I must go fetch the thirdborough. [Exit. Sly. Third, or fourth, or fifth borough, I'll answer him by law I'll not budge an inch, boy; let him come, and kindly. [Lies down on the ground, and falls asleep Horns heard. Enter a LORD from hunting with his Train. Lord. Huntsman, I charge thee, tender well my hounds, (Brach Merriman, the poor cur, is emboss'd,) And couple Clowder with the deep-mouth'd brach. I would not lose the dog for twenty pound. 1 Hunter. Why, Belman is as good as he, my lord ; He cried upon it at the merest loss, And twice to-day pick'd out the dullest scent: Lord. Thou art a fool; if Echo were as fleet, I would esteem him worth a dozen such. But sup them well, and look unto them all; 1 Hun. I will, my lord. Lord. What's here? one dead, or drunk? See, doth he breathe? 2 Hun. He breathes, my lord. Were he not warm'd with ale, This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly. Lord. O monstrous beast! how like a swine he lies! Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image! Sirs, I will practise on this drunken man. What think you, if he were convey'd to bed, And brave attendants near him when he wakes, 1 Hun. Believe me, Lord, I think he cannot choose. 2 Hun. It would seem strange unto him when he wak'd. Lord. Even as a flatt'ring dream, or worthless fancy. And hang it round with all my wanton pictures: To make a dulcet and a heavenly sound; Say, What is it your honour will command? Full of rose-water, and bestrew'd with flowers; And say,-Will't please your lordship cool your hands? This do, and do it kindly, gentle sirs; It will be pastime passing excellent, If it be husbanded with modesty. 1 Hun. My lord, I warrant you, we will play our part, As he shall think, by our true diligence, He is no less than what we say he is. Lord. Take him up gently and to bed with him; And each one to his office, when he wakes. [Some bear out SLY. A trumpet sounds. Sirrah, go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds : [Exit Servant. Belike, some noble gentleman, that means, Now, fellows, you are welcome. ber, Since once he play'd a farmer's eldest son; 1 Play. I think, 'twas Soto that your honour means. Lord. 'Tis very true; thou didst it excellent. Well, you are come to me in happy time; 1 Play. Fear not, my lord; we can contain ourselves, Were he the veriest antic in the world. Lord. Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery, And give them friendly welcome every one: Let them want nothing that my house affords. [Exeunt Servant and Players. Sirrah, go you to Barthol'mew, my page, [To a Servant, And see him dress'd in all suits like a lady: See this despatch'd with all the haste thou canst; I long to hear him call the drunkard husband; Which otherwise would grow into extremes. [Exeunt. |