Passage: The Taming of the Shrew 3.2.8-26

KATHARINA: No shame but mine: I must, forsooth, be forced

To give my hand opposed against my heart

Unto a mad-brain rudesby full of spleen;     [10]

Who woo'd in haste and means to wed at leisure.

I told you, I, he was a frantic fool,

Hiding his bitter jests in blunt behavior:

And, to be noted for a merry man,

He'll woo a thousand, 'point the day of marriage,     [15]

Make feasts, invite friends, and proclaim the banns;

Yet never means to wed where he hath woo'd.

Now must the world point at poor Katharina,

And say, 'Lo, there is mad Petruchio's wife,

If it would please him come and marry her!'     [20]

TRANIO: Patience, good Katharina, and Baptista too.

Upon my life, Petruchio means but well,

Whatever fortune stays him from his word:

Though he be blunt, I know him passing wise;

Though he be merry, yet withal he's honest.     [25]

KATHARINA: Would Katharina had never seen him though!

[Exit weeping, followed by BIANCA and others]

Send queries to Michael Best, English Department, University of Victoria, Victoria B.C. V8W 3W1, Canada.