Good sister, wrong me not, nor wrong yourself,
To make a bondmaid and a slave of me;
That I disdain; but for these other gawds,
Unbind my hands, I’ll pull them off myself,
Yea, all my raiment, to my petticoat;
Or what you will command me will I do,
So well I know my duty to my elders.
Sister, don't hurt me and don't hurt yourself. I'm not a servant or a slave. I won't accept that treatment.
Sister, don't do this to me or yourself. I'm not your property. I won't be treated that way.
don't do this i'm not your slave please
Of all thy suitors here I charge thee tell
Whom thou lov’st best: see thou dissemble not.
Tell me—of all the men trying to court you, who do you love? And don't lie to me.
Who do you actually like? Of all these guys trying to court you, who's your favorite? Don't lie.
which guy do you actually like don't lie to me
Believe me, sister, of all the men alive
I never yet beheld that special face
Which I could fancy more than any other.
Sister, I swear I've never seen any man I prefer more than any other. I haven't found anyone special.
I'm serious—I haven't seen anyone I like more than the others. Nobody stands out.
none of them i haven't picked anyone
Minion, thou liest. Is’t not Hortensio?
You're lying! Isn't it Hortensio you love?
BS. You love Hortensio, don't you?
you're lying it's hortensio right
If you affect him, sister, here I swear
I’ll plead for you myself but you shall have him.
If that's who you want, sister, I'll help you get him. I'll even speak for you.
If you want him, I'll help you get him. I'll put in a good word for you.
if you want him i'll help you get him
O! then, belike, you fancy riches more:
You will have Gremio to keep you fair.
Or maybe it's money you care about? Are you saving yourself for Gremio because he's rich?
Or maybe you're after money? Are you going for Gremio because he's loaded?
maybe it's money are you after gremio bc he's rich
Is it for him you do envy me so?
Nay, then you jest; and now I well perceive
You have but jested with me all this while:
I prithee, sister Kate, untie my hands.
No, I'm not interested in him because of money. You're joking with me, aren't you? I can see you're just testing me now.
No, it's not about money. You're messing with me, aren't you? You're just messing with my head.
no i don't care about money you're just messing with me
If that be jest, then all the rest was so.
If that's a joke, then everything else you've said was a joke too.
If that's a joke, everything you said was a lie.
if you're joking now you're lying about everything
Why, how now, dame! Whence grows this insolence?
Bianca, stand aside. Poor girl! she weeps.
Go ply thy needle; meddle not with her.
For shame, thou hilding of a devilish spirit,
Why dost thou wrong her that did ne’er wrong thee?
When did she cross thee with a bitter word?
What? Where is this behavior coming from? Bianca, step away. Poor girl, she's crying. Go work on your lessons.
What is this? Where is this coming from? Bianca, go. You're safe. Go study.
what is happening bianca go go study
Her silence flouts me, and I’ll be reveng’d.
Your silence is mocking me, and I'm going to get back at you for it.
You're being quiet on purpose to hurt me. You think you're better than me with your silence.
you're mocking me with your silence i'll make you pay
What! in my sight? Bianca, get thee in.
You're doing this in front of me? Bianca, get out of here now.
In my presence? Bianca, go. Now.
not in front of me bianca leave
What! will you not suffer me? Nay, now I see
She is your treasure, she must have a husband;
I must dance bare-foot on her wedding-day,
And, for your love to her, lead apes in hell.
Talk not to me: I will go sit and weep
Till I can find occasion of revenge.
You won't let me stay? Fine. I see it now—she's your favorite, she's your treasure. She gets a husband and a life, and I'm left alone. This is my reward for everything.
That's it, isn't it? She's your favorite. She gets married and a future. And me? I get nothing. This is what I get.
she's your favorite she gets everything i get nothing that's fair
Was ever gentleman thus griev’d as I?
But who comes here?
Has any gentleman ever had to deal with this? But who's coming?
How am I supposed to deal with this? But who's that coming?
what do i do who's that
Good morrow, neighbour Baptista.
Good morning, neighbor Baptista.
Good morning, sir.
hey
Good morrow, neighbour Gremio. God save you, gentlemen!
Good morning, Gremio. Good morning, gentlemen.
Good morning, Gremio. You all.
morning everyone
Petruchio speaks in relentless forward motion — he never defends, never retreats, and treats every objection as confirmation of what he already knows. Watch for how he rephrases Kate's insults as compliments without pausing, as if he's genuinely mishearing her.
And you, good sir! Pray, have you not a daughter
Call’d Katherina, fair and virtuous?
And you, good sir! Pray, have you not a daughter Call’d Katherina, fair and virtuous?
And you, good sir! Pray, have you not a daughter Call’d Katherina, fair and virtuous?
And you, good sir! Pray, have you not a daughter Call’d Katherina, fair and virtuous?
I have a daughter, sir, call’d Katherina.
I have a daughter, sir, call’d Katherina.
I have a daughter, sir, call’d Katherina.
I have a daughter, sir, call’d Katherina.
You are too blunt: go to it orderly.
Good morning, Katherina. You're looking well.
Hey, Katherina. You look good.
hey you look good
You wrong me, Signior Gremio: give me leave.
I am a gentleman of Verona, sir,
That, hearing of her beauty and her wit,
Her affability and bashful modesty,
Her wondrous qualities and mild behaviour,
Am bold to show myself a forward guest
Within your house, to make mine eye the witness
Of that report which I so oft have heard.
And, for an entrance to my entertainment,
I do present you with a man of mine,
I don't know who you are, and I don't care what you think about how I look.
I don't know you, and I don't want your opinion.
i don't know you keep your opinion
Y’are welcome, sir, and he for your good sake;
But for my daughter Katherine, this I know,
She is not for your turn, the more my grief.
Because I already love you, and I can't stay away from you. That's why.
Because I like you already. I can't help it.
i already like you i can't help it
I see you do not mean to part with her;
Or else you like not of my company.
I see you do not mean to part with her; Or else you like not of my company.
I see you do not mean to part with her; Or else you like not of my company.
I see you do not mean to part with her; Or else you like not of my company.
Mistake me not; I speak but as I find.
Whence are you, sir? What may I call your name?
Mistake me not; I speak but as I find. Whence are you, sir? What may I call your name?
Mistake me not; I speak but as I find. Whence are you, sir? What may I call your name?
Mistake me not; I speak but as I find. Whence are you, sir? What may I call your name?
Petruchio is my name, Antonio’s son;
A man well known throughout all Italy.
Petruchio is my name, Antonio’s son; A man well known throughout all Italy.
Petruchio is my name, Antonio’s son; A man well known throughout all Italy.
Petruchio is my name, Antonio’s son; A man well known throughout all Italy.
I know him well: you are welcome for his sake.
I know him well: you are welcome for his sake.
I know him well: you are welcome for his sake.
I know him well: you are welcome for his sake.
Saving your tale, Petruchio, I pray,
Let us, that are poor petitioners, speak too.
Backare! you are marvellous forward.
Saving your tale, Petruchio, I pray, Let us, that are poor petitioners, speak too. Backare! you are marvellous forward.
Saving your tale, Petruchio, I pray, Let us, that are poor petitioners, speak too. Backare! you are ...
Saving your tale, Petruchio, I pray, Let us, that are poor petitioners, speak too. Backare! you are marvellous forward.
O, pardon me, Signior Gremio; I would fain be doing.
O, pardon me, Signior Gremio; I would fain be doing.
O, pardon me, Signior Gremio; I would fain be doing.
O, pardon me, Signior Gremio; I would fain be doing.
I doubt it not, sir; but you will curse your wooing. Neighbour, this is
a gift very grateful, I am sure of it. To express the like kindness,
myself, that have been more kindly beholding to you than any, freely
give unto you this young scholar,
I doubt it not, sir; but you will curse your wooing. Neighbour, this is a gift very grateful, I am sure of it. To express the like kindness, myself, t...
I doubt it not, sir; but you will curse your wooing. Neighbour, this is a gift very grateful, I am s...
I doubt it not, sir; but you will curse your wooing. Neighbour, this is a...
A thousand thanks, Signior Gremio; welcome, good Cambio. [_To Tranio._]
But, gentle sir, methinks you walk like a stranger. May I be so bold to
know the cause of your coming?
A thousand thanks, Signior Gremio; welcome, good Cambio. [_To Tranio._] But, gentle sir, methinks you walk like a stranger. May I be so bold to know t...
A thousand thanks, Signior Gremio; welcome, good Cambio. [_To Tranio._] But, gentle sir, methinks yo...
A thousand thanks, Signior Gremio; welcome, good Cambio. [_To Tranio._] But, gentle sir, methinks you...
Tranio plays Lucentio with the confidence of someone who has studied how to be rich rather than actually being it — his bids escalate past all plausibility. Watch for the moment his bluffing outruns his plan.
Pardon me, sir, the boldness is mine own,
That, being a stranger in this city here,
Do make myself a suitor to your daughter,
Unto Bianca, fair and virtuous.
Nor is your firm resolve unknown to me,
In the preferment of the eldest sister.
This liberty is all that I request,
That, upon knowledge of my parentage,
I may have welcome ’mongst the rest that woo,
And free access and favour as the rest:
And, toward the education of your daughters,
I here bestow a simple instrument,
And this small packet of Greek and Latin books:
If you accept them, then their worth is great.
Pardon me, sir, the boldness is mine own, That, being a stranger in this city here, Do make myself a suitor to your daughter, Unto Bianca, fair and vi...
Pardon me, sir, the boldness is mine own, That, being a stranger in this city here, Do make myself a...
Pardon me, sir, the boldness is mine own, That, being a stranger in this city...
Lucentio is your name, of whence, I pray?
Lucentio is your name, of whence, I pray?
Lucentio is your name, of whence, I pray?
Lucentio is your name, of whence, I pray?
Of Pisa, sir; son to Vincentio.
Of Pisa, sir; son to Vincentio.
Of Pisa, sir; son to Vincentio.
Of Pisa, sir; son to Vincentio.
A mighty man of Pisa: by report
I know him well: you are very welcome, sir.
A mighty man of Pisa: by report I know him well: you are very welcome, sir.
A mighty man of Pisa: by report I know him well: you are very welcome, sir.
A mighty man of Pisa: by report I know him well: you are very welcome, sir.
Signior Baptista, my business asketh haste,
And every day I cannot come to woo.
You knew my father well, and in him me,
Left solely heir to all his lands and goods,
Which I have bettered rather than decreas’d:
Then tell me, if I get your daughter’s love,
What dowry shall I have with her to wife?
Signior Baptista, my business asketh haste, And every day I cannot come to woo. You knew my father well, and in him me, Left solely heir to all his la...
Signior Baptista, my business asketh haste, And every day I cannot come to woo. You knew my father w...
Signior Baptista, my business asketh haste, And every day I cannot come to woo. You...
After my death, the one half of my lands,
And in possession twenty thousand crowns.
After my death, the one half of my lands, And in possession twenty thousand crowns.
After my death, the one half of my lands, And in possession twenty thousand crowns.
After my death, the one half of my lands, And in possession twenty thousand crowns.
And, for that dowry, I’ll assure her of
Her widowhood, be it that she survive me,
In all my lands and leases whatsoever.
Let specialities be therefore drawn between us,
That covenants may be kept on either hand.
And, for that dowry, I’ll assure her of Her widowhood, be it that she survive me, In all my lands and leases whatsoever. Let specialities be therefore...
And, for that dowry, I’ll assure her of Her widowhood, be it that she survive me, In all my lands an...
And, for that dowry, I’ll assure her of Her widowhood, be it that she survive...
The Petruchio-Katherine exchange in this scene is structured almost exactly like a formal Elizabethan flyting — a competitive exchange of insults governed by implicit rules. Each participant must pick up the other's word or image and redirect it. Katherine does this brilliantly: she takes 'moveable,' returns 'joint-stool,' takes 'buz,' returns 'buzzard,' takes 'wasp,' and keeps it in play. What's remarkable is that they are equally matched for the entire middle section — she wins as many rounds as he does. The tactic Petruchio deploys to break the impasse is not superior wit but a refusal to play by the rules: he simply declares himself the winner. This is what unsettles modern audiences. It's not that he out-debates her. It's that he stops debating and announces a result.
Ay, when the special thing is well obtain’d,
That is, her love; for that is all in all.
Ay, when the special thing is well obtain’d, That is, her love; for that is all in all.
Ay, when the special thing is well obtain’d, That is, her love; for that is all in all.
Ay, when the special thing is well obtain’d, That is, her love; for that is all in all.
Why, that is nothing; for I tell you, father,
I am as peremptory as she proud-minded;
And where two raging fires meet together,
They do consume the thing that feeds their fury:
Though little fire grows great with little wind,
Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all;
So I to her, and so she yields to me;
For I am rough and woo not like a babe.
Why, that is nothing; for I tell you, father, I am as peremptory as she proud-minded; And where two raging fires meet together, They do consume the th...
Why, that is nothing; for I tell you, father, I am as peremptory as she proud-minded; And where two ...
Why, that is nothing; for I tell you, father, I am as peremptory as she...
Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed!
But be thou arm’d for some unhappy words.
Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed! But be thou arm’d for some unhappy words.
Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed! But be thou arm’d for some unhappy words.
Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed! But be thou arm’d for some unhappy words.
Ay, to the proof, as mountains are for winds,
That shake not though they blow perpetually.
Ay, to the proof, as mountains are for winds, That shake not though they blow perpetually.
Ay, to the proof, as mountains are for winds, That shake not though they blow perpetually.
Ay, to the proof, as mountains are for winds, That shake not though they blow perpetually.
How now, my friend! Why dost thou look so pale?
How now, my friend! Why dost thou look so pale?
How now, my friend! Why dost thou look so pale?
How now, my friend! Why dost thou look so pale?
For fear, I promise you, if I look pale.
For fear, I promise you, if I look pale.
For fear, I promise you, if I look pale.
For fear, I promise you, if I look pale.
What, will my daughter prove a good musician?
What, will my daughter prove a good musician?
What, will my daughter prove a good musician?
What, will my daughter prove a good musician?
I think she’ll sooner prove a soldier:
Iron may hold with her, but never lutes.
I think she’ll sooner prove a soldier: Iron may hold with her, but never lutes.
I think she’ll sooner prove a soldier: Iron may hold with her, but never lutes.
I think she’ll sooner prove a soldier: Iron may hold with her, but never lutes.
Why, then thou canst not break her to the lute?
Why, then thou canst not break her to the lute?
Why, then thou canst not break her to the lute?
Why, then thou canst not break her to the lute?
Why, no; for she hath broke the lute to me.
I did but tell her she mistook her frets,
And bow’d her hand to teach her fingering;
When, with a most impatient devilish spirit,
‘Frets, call you these?’ quoth she ‘I’ll fume with them’;
And with that word she struck me on the head,
And through the instrument my pate made way;
And there I stood amazed for a while,
As on a pillory, looking through the lute;
While she did call me rascal fiddler,
And twangling Jack, with twenty such vile terms,
As had she studied to misuse me so.
Why, no; for she hath broke the lute to me. I did but tell her she mistook her frets, And bow’d her hand to teach her fingering; When, with a most imp...
Why, no; for she hath broke the lute to me. I did but tell her she mistook her frets, And bow’d her ...
Why, no; for she hath broke the lute to me. I did but tell her...
Now, by the world, it is a lusty wench!
I love her ten times more than e’er I did:
O! how I long to have some chat with her!
Now, by the world, it is a lusty wench! I love her ten times more than e’er I did: O! how I long to have some chat with her!
Now, by the world, it is a lusty wench! I love her ten times more than e’er I did: O! how I long to ...
Now, by the world, it is a lusty wench! I love her ten times more...
Proceed in practice with my younger daughter;
She’s apt to learn, and thankful for good turns.
Signior Petruchio, will you go with us,
Or shall I send my daughter Kate to you?
Proceed in practice with my younger daughter; She’s apt to learn, and thankful for good turns. Signior Petruchio, will you go with us, Or shall I send...
Proceed in practice with my younger daughter; She’s apt to learn, and thankful for good turns. Signi...
Proceed in practice with my younger daughter; She’s apt to learn, and thankful for good...
I pray you do.
I pray you do.
I pray you do.
I pray you do.
Well have you heard, but something hard of hearing:
They call me Katherine that do talk of me.
Well have you heard, but something hard of hearing: They call me Katherine that do talk of me.
Well have you heard, but something hard of hearing: They call me Katherine that do talk of me.
Well have you heard, but something hard of hearing: They call me Katherine that do talk of me.
You lie, in faith, for you are call’d plain Kate,
And bonny Kate, and sometimes Kate the curst;
But, Kate, the prettiest Kate in Christendom,
Kate of Kate Hall, my super-dainty Kate,
For dainties are all Kates, and therefore, Kate,
Take this of me, Kate of my consolation;
Hearing thy mildness prais’d in every town,
Thy virtues spoke of, and thy beauty sounded,—
Yet not so deeply as to thee belongs,—
Myself am mov’d to woo thee for my wife.
You lie, in faith, for you are call’d plain Kate, And bonny Kate, and sometimes Kate the curst; But, Kate, the prettiest Kate in Christendom, Kate of ...
You lie, in faith, for you are call’d plain Kate, And bonny Kate, and sometimes Kate the curst; But,...
You lie, in faith, for you are call’d plain Kate, And bonny Kate, and sometimes...
Mov’d! in good time: let him that mov’d you hither
Remove you hence. I knew you at the first,
You were a moveable.
Mov’d! in good time: let him that mov’d you hither Remove you hence. I knew you at the first, You were a moveable.
Mov’d! in good time: let him that mov’d you hither Remove you hence. I knew you at the first, You we...
Mov’d! in good time: let him that mov’d you hither Remove you hence. I knew...
Why, what’s a moveable?
Why, what’s a moveable?
Why, what’s a moveable?
Why, what’s a moveable?
A joint-stool.
A joint-stool.
A joint-stool.
A joint-stool.
Thou hast hit it: come, sit on me.
Thou hast hit it: come, sit on me.
Thou hast hit it: come, sit on me.
Thou hast hit it: come, sit on me.
Asses are made to bear, and so are you.
Asses are made to bear, and so are you.
Asses are made to bear, and so are you.
Asses are made to bear, and so are you.
Women are made to bear, and so are you.
Women are made to bear, and so are you.
Women are made to bear, and so are you.
Women are made to bear, and so are you.
No such jade as bear you, if me you mean.
No such jade as bear you, if me you mean.
No such jade as bear you, if me you mean.
No such jade as bear you, if me you mean.
Alas! good Kate, I will not burden thee;
For, knowing thee to be but young and light,—
Alas! good Kate, I will not burden thee; For, knowing thee to be but young and light,—
Alas! good Kate, I will not burden thee; For, knowing thee to be but young and light,—
Alas! good Kate, I will not burden thee; For, knowing thee to be but young and light,—
Too light for such a swain as you to catch;
And yet as heavy as my weight should be.
Too light for such a swain as you to catch; And yet as heavy as my weight should be.
Too light for such a swain as you to catch; And yet as heavy as my weight should be.
Too light for such a swain as you to catch; And yet as heavy as my weight should be.
Should be! should buz!
Should be! should buz!
Should be! should buz!
Should be! should buz!
Well ta’en, and like a buzzard.
Well ta’en, and like a buzzard.
Well ta’en, and like a buzzard.
Well ta’en, and like a buzzard.
O, slow-wing’d turtle! shall a buzzard take thee?
O, slow-wing’d turtle! shall a buzzard take thee?
O, slow-wing’d turtle! shall a buzzard take thee?
O, slow-wing’d turtle! shall a buzzard take thee?
Ay, for a turtle, as he takes a buzzard.
Ay, for a turtle, as he takes a buzzard.
Ay, for a turtle, as he takes a buzzard.
Ay, for a turtle, as he takes a buzzard.
Come, come, you wasp; i’ faith, you are too angry.
Come, come, you wasp; i’ faith, you are too angry.
Come, come, you wasp; i’ faith, you are too angry.
Come, come, you wasp; i’ faith, you are too angry.
If I be waspish, best beware my sting.
If I be waspish, best beware my sting.
If I be waspish, best beware my sting.
If I be waspish, best beware my sting.
My remedy is then to pluck it out.
My remedy is then to pluck it out.
My remedy is then to pluck it out.
My remedy is then to pluck it out.
Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies.
Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies.
Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies.
Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies.
Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting?
In his tail.
Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail.
Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail.
Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail.
In his tongue.
In his tongue.
In his tongue.
In his tongue.
Whose tongue?
Whose tongue?
Whose tongue?
Whose tongue?
Yours, if you talk of tales; and so farewell.
Yours, if you talk of tales; and so farewell.
Yours, if you talk of tales; and so farewell.
Yours, if you talk of tales; and so farewell.
What! with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again,
Good Kate; I am a gentleman.
What! with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again, Good Kate; I am a gentleman.
What! with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again, Good Kate; I am a gentleman.
What! with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again, Good Kate; I am a gentleman.
That I’ll try.
That I’ll try.
That I’ll try.
That I’ll try.
I swear I’ll cuff you if you strike again.
I swear I’ll cuff you if you strike again.
I swear I’ll cuff you if you strike again.
I swear I’ll cuff you if you strike again.
So may you lose your arms:
If you strike me, you are no gentleman;
And if no gentleman, why then no arms.
So may you lose your arms: If you strike me, you are no gentleman; And if no gentleman, why then no arms.
So may you lose your arms: If you strike me, you are no gentleman; And if no gentleman, why then no ...
So may you lose your arms: If you strike me, you are no gentleman; And...
A herald, Kate? O! put me in thy books.
A herald, Kate? O! put me in thy books.
A herald, Kate? O! put me in thy books.
A herald, Kate? O! put me in thy books.
What is your crest? a coxcomb?
What is your crest? a coxcomb?
What is your crest? a coxcomb?
What is your crest? a coxcomb?
A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen.
A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen.
A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen.
A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen.
No cock of mine; you crow too like a craven.
No cock of mine; you crow too like a craven.
No cock of mine; you crow too like a craven.
No cock of mine; you crow too like a craven.
Nay, come, Kate, come; you must not look so sour.
Nay, come, Kate, come; you must not look so sour.
Nay, come, Kate, come; you must not look so sour.
Nay, come, Kate, come; you must not look so sour.
It is my fashion when I see a crab.
It is my fashion when I see a crab.
It is my fashion when I see a crab.
It is my fashion when I see a crab.
The Bianca subplot — Gremio and Tranio bidding escalating wealth against each other — sits directly after the most emotionally charged scene in the play, and the contrast is deliberate. Baptista runs the auction with the candor of a merchant: 'Tis deeds must win the prize.' Bianca's love is the prize; she has no voice in the transaction. This mirrors what has just happened to Katherine, except Katherine had a voice and it was ignored. The play puts both sisters into the same market: one resists and is labeled a shrew, the other performs softness and is bid for. Tranio's bluff — fabricating a fleet of argosies he doesn't own — sets up the subplot's engine for the rest of the play: he needs a fake father to back a fake fortune. Watch for the moment the bluff collapses.
Why, here’s no crab, and therefore look not sour.
Why, here’s no crab, and therefore look not sour.
Why, here’s no crab, and therefore look not sour.
Why, here’s no crab, and therefore look not sour.
There is, there is.
There is, there is.
There is, there is.
There is, there is.
Then show it me.
Then show it me.
Then show it me.
Then show it me.
Had I a glass I would.
Had I a glass I would.
Had I a glass I would.
Had I a glass I would.
What, you mean my face?
What, you mean my face?
What, you mean my face?
What, you mean my face?
Well aim’d of such a young one.
Well aim’d of such a young one.
Well aim’d of such a young one.
Well aim’d of such a young one.
Now, by Saint George, I am too young for you.
Now, by Saint George, I am too young for you.
Now, by Saint George, I am too young for you.
Now, by Saint George, I am too young for you.
Yet you are wither’d.
Yet you are wither’d.
Yet you are wither’d.
Yet you are wither’d.
’Tis with cares.
’Tis with cares.
’Tis with cares.
’Tis with cares.
I care not.
I care not.
I care not.
I care not.
Nay, hear you, Kate: in sooth, you ’scape not so.
Nay, hear you, Kate: in sooth, you ’scape not so.
Nay, hear you, Kate: in sooth, you ’scape not so.
Nay, hear you, Kate: in sooth, you ’scape not so.
I chafe you, if I tarry; let me go.
I chafe you, if I tarry; let me go.
I chafe you, if I tarry; let me go.
I chafe you, if I tarry; let me go.
No, not a whit; I find you passing gentle.
’Twas told me you were rough, and coy, and sullen,
And now I find report a very liar;
For thou art pleasant, gamesome, passing courteous,
But slow in speech, yet sweet as spring-time flowers.
Thou canst not frown, thou canst not look askance,
Nor bite the lip, as angry wenches will,
Nor hast thou pleasure to be cross in talk;
But thou with mildness entertain’st thy wooers;
With gentle conference, soft and affable.
Why does the world report that Kate doth limp?
O sland’rous world! Kate like the hazel-twig
Is straight and slender, and as brown in hue
As hazel-nuts, and sweeter than the kernels.
O! let me see thee walk: thou dost not halt.
No, not a whit; I find you passing gentle. ’Twas told me you were rough, and coy, and sullen, And now I find report a very liar; For thou art pleasant...
No, not a whit; I find you passing gentle. ’Twas told me you were rough, and coy, and sullen, And no...
No, not a whit; I find you passing gentle. ’Twas told me you were rough,...
Go, fool, and whom thou keep’st command.
Go, fool, and whom thou keep’st command.
Go, fool, and whom thou keep’st command.
Go, fool, and whom thou keep’st command.
Did ever Dian so become a grove
As Kate this chamber with her princely gait?
O! be thou Dian, and let her be Kate,
And then let Kate be chaste, and Dian sportful!
Did ever Dian so become a grove As Kate this chamber with her princely gait? O! be thou Dian, and let her be Kate, And then let Kate be chaste, and Di...
Did ever Dian so become a grove As Kate this chamber with her princely gait? O! be thou Dian, and le...
Did ever Dian so become a grove As Kate this chamber with her princely gait?...
Where did you study all this goodly speech?
Where did you study all this goodly speech?
Where did you study all this goodly speech?
Where did you study all this goodly speech?
It is extempore, from my mother-wit.
It is extempore, from my mother-wit.
It is extempore, from my mother-wit.
It is extempore, from my mother-wit.
A witty mother! witless else her son.
A witty mother! witless else her son.
A witty mother! witless else her son.
A witty mother! witless else her son.
Am I not wise?
Am I not wise?
Am I not wise?
Am I not wise?
Yes; keep you warm.
Yes; keep you warm.
Yes; keep you warm.
Yes; keep you warm.
Marry, so I mean, sweet Katherine, in thy bed;
And therefore, setting all this chat aside,
Thus in plain terms: your father hath consented
That you shall be my wife your dowry ’greed on;
And will you, nill you, I will marry you.
Now, Kate, I am a husband for your turn;
For, by this light, whereby I see thy beauty,—
Thy beauty that doth make me like thee well,—
Thou must be married to no man but me;
For I am he am born to tame you, Kate,
And bring you from a wild Kate to a Kate
Conformable as other household Kates.
Marry, so I mean, sweet Katherine, in thy bed; And therefore, setting all this chat aside, Thus in plain terms: your father hath consented That you sh...
Marry, so I mean, sweet Katherine, in thy bed; And therefore, setting all this chat aside, Thus in p...
Marry, so I mean, sweet Katherine, in thy bed; And therefore, setting all this chat...
Now, Signior Petruchio, how speed you with my daughter?
Now, Signior Petruchio, how speed you with my daughter?
Now, Signior Petruchio, how speed you with my daughter?
Now, Signior Petruchio, how speed you with my daughter?
How but well, sir? how but well?
It were impossible I should speed amiss.
How but well, sir? how but well? It were impossible I should speed amiss.
How but well, sir? how but well? It were impossible I should speed amiss.
How but well, sir? how but well? It were impossible I should speed amiss.
Why, how now, daughter Katherine, in your dumps?
Why, how now, daughter Katherine, in your dumps?
Why, how now, daughter Katherine, in your dumps?
Why, how now, daughter Katherine, in your dumps?
Call you me daughter? Now I promise you
You have show’d a tender fatherly regard
To wish me wed to one half lunatic,
A mad-cap ruffian and a swearing Jack,
That thinks with oaths to face the matter out.
Call you me daughter? Now I promise you You have show’d a tender fatherly regard To wish me wed to one half lunatic, A mad-cap ruffian and a swearing ...
Call you me daughter? Now I promise you You have show’d a tender fatherly regard To wish me wed to o...
Call you me daughter? Now I promise you You have show’d a tender fatherly regard...
Father, ’tis thus: yourself and all the world
That talk’d of her have talk’d amiss of her:
If she be curst, it is for policy,
For she’s not froward, but modest as the dove;
She is not hot, but temperate as the morn;
For patience she will prove a second Grissel,
And Roman Lucrece for her chastity;
And to conclude, we have ’greed so well together
That upon Sunday is the wedding-day.
Father, ’tis thus: yourself and all the world That talk’d of her have talk’d amiss of her: If she be curst, it is for policy, For she’s not froward, b...
Father, ’tis thus: yourself and all the world That talk’d of her have talk’d amiss of her: If she be...
Father, ’tis thus: yourself and all the world That talk’d of her have talk’d amiss...
I’ll see thee hang’d on Sunday first.
I’ll see thee hang’d on Sunday first.
I’ll see thee hang’d on Sunday first.
I’ll see thee hang’d on Sunday first.
Hark, Petruchio; she says she’ll see thee hang’d first.
Hark, Petruchio; she says she’ll see thee hang’d first.
Hark, Petruchio; she says she’ll see thee hang’d first.
Hark, Petruchio; she says she’ll see thee hang’d first.
Is this your speeding? Nay, then good-night our part!
Is this your speeding? Nay, then good-night our part!
Is this your speeding? Nay, then good-night our part!
Is this your speeding? Nay, then good-night our part!
Be patient, gentlemen. I choose her for myself;
If she and I be pleas’d, what’s that to you?
’Tis bargain’d ’twixt us twain, being alone,
That she shall still be curst in company.
I tell you, ’tis incredible to believe
How much she loves me: O! the kindest Kate
She hung about my neck, and kiss on kiss
She vied so fast, protesting oath on oath,
That in a twink she won me to her love.
O! you are novices: ’tis a world to see,
How tame, when men and women are alone,
A meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew.
Give me thy hand, Kate; I will unto Venice,
To buy apparel ’gainst the wedding-day.
Provide the feast, father, and bid the guests;
I will be sure my Katherine shall be fine.
Be patient, gentlemen. I choose her for myself; If she and I be pleas’d, what’s that to you? ’Tis bargain’d ’twixt us twain, being alone, That she sha...
Be patient, gentlemen. I choose her for myself; If she and I be pleas’d, what’s that to you? ’Tis ba...
Be patient, gentlemen. I choose her for myself; If she and I be pleas’d, what’s...
I know not what to say; but give me your hands.
God send you joy, Petruchio! ’Tis a match.
I know not what to say; but give me your hands. God send you joy, Petruchio! ’Tis a match.
I know not what to say; but give me your hands. God send you joy, Petruchio! ’Tis a match.
I know not what to say; but give me your hands. God send you joy, Petruchio! ’Tis a match.
Amen, say we; we will be witnesses.
Amen, say we; we will be witnesses.
Amen, say we; we will be witnesses.
Amen, say we; we will be witnesses.
Father, and wife, and gentlemen, adieu.
I will to Venice; Sunday comes apace;
We will have rings and things, and fine array;
And kiss me, Kate; we will be married o’ Sunday.
Father, and wife, and gentlemen, adieu. I will to Venice; Sunday comes apace; We will have rings and things, and fine array; And kiss me, Kate; we wil...
Father, and wife, and gentlemen, adieu. I will to Venice; Sunday comes apace; We will have rings and...
Father, and wife, and gentlemen, adieu. I will to Venice; Sunday comes apace; We will...
Was ever match clapp’d up so suddenly?
Was ever match clapp’d up so suddenly?
Was ever match clapp’d up so suddenly?
Was ever match clapp’d up so suddenly?
Faith, gentlemen, now I play a merchant’s part,
And venture madly on a desperate mart.
Faith, gentlemen, now I play a merchant’s part, And venture madly on a desperate mart.
Faith, gentlemen, now I play a merchant’s part, And venture madly on a desperate mart.
Faith, gentlemen, now I play a merchant’s part, And venture madly on a desperate mart.
’Twas a commodity lay fretting by you;
’Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas.
’Twas a commodity lay fretting by you; ’Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas.
’Twas a commodity lay fretting by you; ’Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas.
’Twas a commodity lay fretting by you; ’Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas.
The gain I seek is, quiet in the match.
The gain I seek is, quiet in the match.
The gain I seek is, quiet in the match.
The gain I seek is, quiet in the match.
No doubt but he hath got a quiet catch.
But now, Baptista, to your younger daughter:
Now is the day we long have looked for;
I am your neighbour, and was suitor first.
No doubt but he hath got a quiet catch. But now, Baptista, to your younger daughter: Now is the day we long have looked for; I am your neighbour, and ...
No doubt but he hath got a quiet catch. But now, Baptista, to your younger daughter: Now is the day ...
No doubt but he hath got a quiet catch. But now, Baptista, to your younger...
And I am one that love Bianca more
Than words can witness or your thoughts can guess.
And I am one that love Bianca more Than words can witness or your thoughts can guess.
And I am one that love Bianca more Than words can witness or your thoughts can guess.
And I am one that love Bianca more Than words can witness or your thoughts can guess.
Youngling, thou canst not love so dear as I.
Youngling, thou canst not love so dear as I.
Youngling, thou canst not love so dear as I.
Youngling, thou canst not love so dear as I.
Greybeard, thy love doth freeze.
Greybeard, thy love doth freeze.
Greybeard, thy love doth freeze.
Greybeard, thy love doth freeze.
But thine doth fry.
Skipper, stand back; ’tis age that nourisheth.
But thine doth fry. Skipper, stand back; ’tis age that nourisheth.
But thine doth fry. Skipper, stand back; ’tis age that nourisheth.
But thine doth fry. Skipper, stand back; ’tis age that nourisheth.
But youth in ladies’ eyes that flourisheth.
But youth in ladies’ eyes that flourisheth.
But youth in ladies’ eyes that flourisheth.
But youth in ladies’ eyes that flourisheth.
Content you, gentlemen; I’ll compound this strife:
’Tis deeds must win the prize, and he of both
That can assure my daughter greatest dower
Shall have my Bianca’s love.
Say, Signior Gremio, what can you assure her?
Content you, gentlemen; I’ll compound this strife: ’Tis deeds must win the prize, and he of both That can assure my daughter greatest dower Shall have...
Content you, gentlemen; I’ll compound this strife: ’Tis deeds must win the prize, and he of both Tha...
Content you, gentlemen; I’ll compound this strife: ’Tis deeds must win the prize, and he...
First, as you know, my house within the city
Is richly furnished with plate and gold:
Basins and ewers to lave her dainty hands;
My hangings all of Tyrian tapestry;
In ivory coffers I have stuff’d my crowns;
In cypress chests my arras counterpoints,
Costly apparel, tents, and canopies,
Fine linen, Turkey cushions boss’d with pearl,
Valance of Venice gold in needlework;
Pewter and brass, and all things that belong
To house or housekeeping: then, at my farm
I have a hundred milch-kine to the pail,
Six score fat oxen standing in my stalls,
And all things answerable to this portion.
Myself am struck in years, I must confess;
And if I die tomorrow this is hers,
If whilst I live she will be only mine.
First, as you know, my house within the city Is richly furnished with plate and gold: Basins and ewers to lave her dainty hands; My hangings all of Ty...
First, as you know, my house within the city Is richly furnished with plate and gold: Basins and ewe...
First, as you know, my house within the city Is richly furnished with plate and...
That ‘only’ came well in. Sir, list to me:
I am my father’s heir and only son;
If I may have your daughter to my wife,
I’ll leave her houses three or four as good
Within rich Pisa’s walls as anyone
Old Signior Gremio has in Padua;
Besides two thousand ducats by the year
Of fruitful land, all which shall be her jointure.
What, have I pinch’d you, Signior Gremio?
That ‘only’ came well in. Sir, list to me: I am my father’s heir and only son; If I may have your daughter to my wife, I’ll leave her houses three or ...
That ‘only’ came well in. Sir, list to me: I am my father’s heir and only son; If I may have your da...
That ‘only’ came well in. Sir, list to me: I am my father’s heir and...
Two thousand ducats by the year of land!
My land amounts not to so much in all:
That she shall have, besides an argosy
That now is lying in Marseilles’ road.
What, have I chok’d you with an argosy?
Two thousand ducats by the year of land! My land amounts not to so much in all: That she shall have, besides an argosy That now is lying in Marseilles...
Two thousand ducats by the year of land! My land amounts not to so much in all: That she shall have,...
Two thousand ducats by the year of land! My land amounts not to so much...
Gremio, ’tis known my father hath no less
Than three great argosies, besides two galliasses,
And twelve tight galleys; these I will assure her,
And twice as much, whate’er thou offer’st next.
Gremio, ’tis known my father hath no less Than three great argosies, besides two galliasses, And twelve tight galleys; these I will assure her, And tw...
Gremio, ’tis known my father hath no less Than three great argosies, besides two galliasses, And twe...
Gremio, ’tis known my father hath no less Than three great argosies, besides two galliasses,...
Nay, I have offer’d all; I have no more;
And she can have no more than all I have;
If you like me, she shall have me and mine.
Nay, I have offer’d all; I have no more; And she can have no more than all I have; If you like me, she shall have me and mine.
Nay, I have offer’d all; I have no more; And she can have no more than all I have; If you like me, s...
Nay, I have offer’d all; I have no more; And she can have no more...
Why, then the maid is mine from all the world,
By your firm promise; Gremio is out-vied.
Why, then the maid is mine from all the world, By your firm promise; Gremio is out-vied.
Why, then the maid is mine from all the world, By your firm promise; Gremio is out-vied.
Why, then the maid is mine from all the world, By your firm promise; Gremio is out-vied.
I must confess your offer is the best;
And let your father make her the assurance,
She is your own; else, you must pardon me;
If you should die before him, where’s her dower?
I must confess your offer is the best; And let your father make her the assurance, She is your own; else, you must pardon me; If you should die before...
I must confess your offer is the best; And let your father make her the assurance, She is your own; ...
I must confess your offer is the best; And let your father make her the...
That’s but a cavil; he is old, I young.
That’s but a cavil; he is old, I young.
That’s but a cavil; he is old, I young.
That’s but a cavil; he is old, I young.
And may not young men die as well as old?
And may not young men die as well as old?
And may not young men die as well as old?
And may not young men die as well as old?
Well, gentlemen,
I am thus resolv’d. On Sunday next, you know,
My daughter Katherine is to be married;
Now, on the Sunday following, shall Bianca
Be bride to you, if you make this assurance;
If not, to Signior Gremio.
And so I take my leave, and thank you both.
Well, gentlemen, I am thus resolv’d. On Sunday next, you know, My daughter Katherine is to be married; Now, on the Sunday following, shall Bianca Be b...
Well, gentlemen, I am thus resolv’d. On Sunday next, you know, My daughter Katherine is to be marrie...
Well, gentlemen, I am thus resolv’d. On Sunday next, you know, My daughter Katherine is...
Adieu, good neighbour.
Adieu, good neighbour.
Adieu, good neighbour.
Adieu, good neighbour.
A vengeance on your crafty wither’d hide!
Yet I have fac’d it with a card of ten.
’Tis in my head to do my master good:
I see no reason but suppos’d Lucentio
Must get a father, call’d suppos’d Vincentio;
And that’s a wonder: fathers commonly
Do get their children; but in this case of wooing
A child shall get a sire, if I fail not of my cunning.
A vengeance on your crafty wither’d hide! Yet I have fac’d it with a card of ten. ’Tis in my head to do my master good: I see no reason but suppos’d L...
A vengeance on your crafty wither’d hide! Yet I have fac’d it with a card of ten. ’Tis in my head to...
A vengeance on your crafty wither’d hide! Yet I have fac’d it with a card...
The Reckoning
This is the scene the whole play has been building toward: two people who are both, in different ways, impossible to handle, locked in a room together. Petruchio's tactic is bewildering — he simply refuses to accept reality as Kate presents it, praising her mildness while she fumes, announcing a wedding she hasn't agreed to. Kate has no counter-move for someone who won't acknowledge her anger. The audience leaves unsure whether to laugh or feel disturbed.
If this happened today…
Imagine a woman with a reputation for being 'difficult' at work — the kind who pushes back, argues in meetings, won't smile on demand. A new hire shows up, hears the reputation, and decides it means she's secretly great. He tells her boss she's charming, tells HR the date they're getting coffee, and tells her face-to-face that he's already decided. She says no. He announces yes. Her objections become evidence of how much she likes him. Everyone around her just... goes along with it.