A pleasaunt conceited historie, called The taming of a shrew As it hath beene sundry times acted by the right Honourable the Earle of Pembrooke his Seruants.

G. STEEVENS ❧ A pleasant conceited Historie , called , The Taming of a Shrew . Enter a Tapster , beating out of his doores Slie drunken . Tapster . YOu whoreson drunken slaue you had best be gone , And empty your drunken panch somewhere else , For in this house thou shalt not rest to night . Exit Tapster . Slie Tilly vally , by crisee Tapster I le fese you anone , Fills the tother pot , and all 's paid for : looke you , I doe drinke it of mine owne instigation , Omne bene . Heere I le lie awhile : why Tapster I say , Fills a fresh cushen heere , Heigh ho , heere 's good warme lying . He falles asleepe . Enter a noble man and his men from hunting . Lord Now that the gloomy shadow of the night , Longing to view Orions drisling lookes , Leapes from th' antarticke world vnto the skie , And dims the welkin with her pitchie breath , And darkesome night oreshades the cristall heauens , Heere breake we off our hunting for to night . Couple vppe the hounds and let vs 〈…〉 And bid the huntsman lee them 〈…〉 For they haue all deseru'd it well to daie . But soft , what sleepie fellow is this ●res heere ? Or is he dead , see one what he 〈…〉 Seruing man . My Lord , t is nothing but a drunken sleepe His head is too heauie for his bodie , And he hath drunke so much that he can go no furder . Lord. Fie , how the slauish villaine stinkes of drinke . Ho , sirha arise . What so found asleepe ? Goe take him vp , and beare him to my house , And beare him easily for feare he wake , And in my fairest chamber make a fire , And set a sumptuous banquet on the boord , And put my richest garments on his backe , Then set him at the Table in a chaire : When that 〈◊〉 done , against he shall awake , Let heauenly musicke play about him still , Go two of you away , and beare him hence , And then I le tell you what I haue deuisde , But see in any case you wake him not . Exeunt two with Slie . Now take my cloke , and giue me one of yours , All fellowes now , and see you take me so : For we will waite vpon this drunken man , To see his countenance when he doth awake , And find himselfe clothed in such attire , With heauenly musicke sounding in his eares , And such a banquet set before his eyes , The fellow sure will thinke he is in heauen , But we will about him when he wakes , And see you call him Lord at euery word , And offer thou him his horse to ride abroad , And thou his hawkes and houndes to hunt the deere ▪ And I will aske what sutes he meanes to weare , And what so ere he saith see you doo not laugh , But still perswade him that he is a Lord . Enter one . Mes. And it please your honour your plaiers be come And doo attend your honours pleasure here . Lord. The fittest time they could haue chosen out , Bid one or two of them come hither straight , Now will I fit my selfe accordinglie , For they shall play to him when he awakes . Enter two of the plaiers with packs at their backs , and a boy . Now sirs , what store of plaies haue you ? San. Mary my lord you may haue a Tragicall , Or acommoditie , or what you will . The others A Comedie thou shouldst say , souns thou 'lt shame vs all . Lord. And what s the name of your Comedie ? San. Marrie my lord t is calde The taming of a Shrew . T is a good lesson for vs my L. for vs that are maried men Lord. The taming of a shrew , that s excellent sure , Go see that you make you readie straight , For you must plaie before a lord to night , Say you are his men and I your fellow , Hee 's something foolish , but what so ere he saies , See that you be not dasht out of countenance . And sirha , go you make you readie straight , And dresse your selfe like some louelie ladie , And when I cal , see that you come to me , For I will say to him thou art his wife , Dally with him and hug him in thine armes , And if he desire to got to bed with thee , Then faine some scuse and say thou wilt anon . Be gone I say , and see thou doost it well . Boy . Feare not my Lord , I le handle him well enough And make him thinke I loue him mightilie . Ex. boy Lord. Now sirs , go you and make you ready too , For you must play assoone as he doth wake . San. O braue , sirha Tom , we must play before A foolish Lord , come le ts go make vs ready ▪ Go get a dishclout to make cleane your shooes , And I le speake for the properties , My Lord , we must Haue a shoulder of mutton for a propertie , And a little vinegre to make our Diuell rore . Lord Very well sirha , see that they want nothing . Exeunt Omnes . Enter two with a table and a banquet on it , and two other , with Slie , asleepe in a chaire , richlie apparelled & the musick plaieng . One . So sirha , now go call my Lord , And tell him that all things are ready as he willd it . Another Set thou some wine vpon the boord , And then I le go fetch my Lord presently . Exit . Enter the Lord , and his men . Lord How now , what is all things readie ? One Yea my Lord . Lord Then sound the musicke and I le wake him strait , And see you doe as earst I gaue in charge . My Lord , my Lord , he sleepes soundly , my Lord . Slie Tapster , giues alittle smal ale : Heigh ho. Lord Heere 's wine , my Lord , the purest of the grape . Slie For which Lord ? Lord For your honor , my Lord . Slie . Who I , am I a Lord ? Iesus what fine apparell haue I got . Lord. More richer far your honour hath to weare , And if it please you I will fetch them straight . Wil. And if your honour please to ride abroad , I le fetch your lustie steedes more swift of pace Then winged Pegasus in all his pride , That ran so swiftlie ouer Persian plaines . Tom. And if your honour please to hunt the deere , Your hounds stands readie cuppled at the doore , Who in running will oretake the Row , And make the long breathde Tygre broken winded . Slie . By the masse I thinke I am a Lord indeed , What s thy name ? Lord. Simon and if it please your honour . Slie . Sim , that s as much to say Simion or Simon Put forth thy hand and fill the pot . Giue me thy hand , Sim am I a lord indeed ? Lord. I my gracious Lord , and your louely ladie Long time hath mourned for your absence heere . And now with ioy behold where she dooth come To gratulate your honours safe returne . Enter the boy in Womans attire . Slie . Sim. Is this she ? Lord. I my Lord . Slie . Masse t is a prettie wench , what s her name ? Boy . Oh that my louelie Lord would once vouchsafe To looke on me , and leaue these frantike fits , Or were I now but halfe so eloquent , To paint in words what I le performe in deedes , I know your honour then would pittie me . Slie . Harke you mistresse , will you eate a peece of bread ? Come sit downe on my knee , Sim drinke to hir Sim , For she and I will go to bed anon . Lord. May it please you , your honors plaiers be come To offer your honour a plaie . Slie . A plaie Sim , O braue , be they my plaiers ? Lord. I my Lord . Slie . Is there not a foole in the plaie ? Lord. Yes my Lord . Slie . When will they plaie Sim ? Lord. Euen when it please your honor , they be readie . Boy My Lord , I le go bid them begin their plaie . Slie . Doo , but looke that you come againe . Boy . I warrant you my lord , I will not leaue you thus . Exit boy . Slie Come Sim , where be the plaiers ? Sim stand by me , And wee le flowt the plaiers out of their coates . Lord. I le cal them my lord . Ho where are you there ? Sound Trumpets . Enter two yoong Gentlemen , and a man , and a boy . Pol. Welcome to Athens my beloued friend , To Platoes schoole and Aristotles walks , Welcome from Cestus famous for the loue Of good Leander and his Tragedie , For whome the Helespont weepes brinish teares , The greatest griefe is I cannot as I would Giue entertainment to my deerest friend . Aurel. Thankes noble Polidor my second selfe , The faithfull loue which I haue found in thee Hath made me leaue my fathers princelie court , The Duke of Cestus thrise renowmed seate , To come to Athens thus to find thee out , Which , since I haue so happily attaind , My fortune now I do account as great As earst did Caesar when he conquered most , But tel me noble friend , where shal we lodge , For I am vnacquainted in this place . Poli. My Lord , if you vouchsafe of schollers fare , My house , my selfe , and al is yours to vse , You and your men shall staie and lodge with me . Aurel. With all my heart , I wil requite thy loue . Enter Simon , Alphonsus , and his three daughters . But staie ; what dames are these so bright of hew Whose eies are brighter than the lampes of heauen ? Fairer then rocks of pearle and pretious stone , More louely far then is the morning sunne , When first she opes hir oriental gates . Alfon. Daughters , be gone , and hie you to the church , And I will hie me downe vnto the key To see what marchandise is come ashore . Ex. Omnes . Pol. Why how now my Lord , what , in adumpe , To see these damsels passe away so soone ? Aurel. Trust me my friend I must confesse to thee , I tooke so much delight in these faire dames As I do wish they had not gone so soone : But if thou canst , resolue me what they be , And what old man it was that went with them , For I do long to see them once againe . Pol. I cannot blame your honor , good my Lorde , For they are both louely , wise , faire , and yong , And one of them , the yongest of the three I long haue lou'd ( sweet frind ) and she lou'd me , But neuer yet we could not find a meanes How we might compasse our desired ioyes . Aurel. Why , is not her father willing to the match ? Pol. Yes trust me , but he hath solemnly sworne , His eldest daughter first shall be espowsde , Before he grants his yongest leaue to loue : And therefore he that meanes to get their loues ▪ Must first provide for her , if he wil speed , And he that hath her shall be fretted so , As good be wedded to the diuell himselfe , For such a skould as she did neuer liue , And til that she be sped , none else can speede : Which makes me thinke , that all my labors lost , And who soere can get hir firme good will , A large dowrie he shall be sure to haue , For hir father is a man of mightie wealth , And an antient Citizen of the towne , And that was he that went along with them . Aurel. But he shall keepe hir stil by my aduise , And yet I needes must loue his second daughter The image of honor and nobility , In whose sweet person is comprisde the summe Of Natures skill and heauenly maiesty . Pol. I like your choise , and glad you chose not mine , Then if you like to follow on your loue , We must deuise a meanes to find some one That will attempt to wed this deuilish skould , And I do know the man . Come hither boy , Go your waies sirha , to Ferandoes house , Desire him to take the paines to come to me , For I must speake with him immediatly . Boy . I will sir , and fetch him presently . Pol. A man I thinke will fit hir humour right , As blunt in speech as she is sharpe in tongue , And he I thinke will match hir euery way , And yet he is a man of wealth sufficient , And for his person worth as good as she : And if he compasse hir to be his wife , Then may we freely visit both our loues . Aurel. O might I see the censer of my loule Whose sacred beauty hath inchanted me , More faire then was the Grecian Helena For whose sweet sake so many princes dide ; That came with thousand ships to Tenedos . But when we come vnto hir fathers house , Tel him I am a Merchants sonne of Cestus , That comes for trafficke vnto Athens here , And here sirha , I wil change with you for once , And now be thou the Duke of Cestus sonne , Reuel and spend as if thou wert my felfe , For I will court thy loue in this disguise . Val. My Lord , how if the Duke your father should By some meanes come to Athens for to see How you do profit in these publike schooles , And find me clothed thus in your attire , How would he take it then thinke you my Lord ? Aurel. Tush feare not Valeria , let me alone , But stay , here comes some other company . Enter Ferando and his man Sander with a blew coate . Pol. Here comes them an that I did tel you of . Feran. Good morrow gentleman to al at once . How now Polidor , what man still in loue ? Euer wooing and canst thou neuer speed ? God send me better lucke when I shal woo . San. I warrant you master and you take my councel . Feran. Why sirha , are you so cunning ? San Who I t were better for you by siue ma●e And you could tel how to do it as wel os I. Pol. I would thy master once were in the vaine , To trie himselfe how he could woo a wench . Feran. Faith I am euen now a going . San. I faith sir , my master's going to this geere now Pol. Whither in faith Ferando ? tel me true . Fera. To bonie Kate , the patientst wench aliue , The Diuel himselfe dares scarce venture to woo her , Seignior Alfonsos eldest daughter , And he hath promisde me six thousand crownes If I can win her once to be my wife , And she and I must woo with skoulding sure , And I will hold hir too 't til she be wearie , Or else i le make her yeeld to grant me loue . Pol. How like you this Aurelius , I thinke he knew Our minds before we sent to him , But tell me , when do ye meane to speake with hir ? Feran. Faith presently , do you but stand aside , And I will make hir father bring hir hither : And she , and I , and he , will talke alone . Pol. With all my heart , come Aurelius , Let vs be gone and leaue him here alone . Feran. Ho Seignior Alfonso , who 's within there ? Alfon. Seignior Ferando y' are welcome hartily , You are a stranger sir vnto my house , Harke you sir , looke what I did promise you I le performe , if you get my daughters loue . Feran. Then when I haue talke a word or two with hir , Do you step in and giue her hand to me , And tell hir when the mariage day shall be , For I do know she would be maried faine , And When our nuptiall rites be once performde Let me alone to tame hir well inough , Now ●●ll her forth that I may speake with hir . Enter Kate. Alfon. Ha Kate , Come hither wench and list to me , Vse this gentleman friendly as thou canst . Feran. Twenty good morrows to my louely Kate. Kate. You jeast I am sure , is she yours already ? Feran. I tel thee Kate I know thou lou'st me wel . Kate. The Diuel you do , who told you so ? Feran. My mind sweet Kate doth say I am the man , Must wed , and bed , and marrie bonnie Kate. Kate. Was euer seene so grosse an asse as this . Feran. I , to stand so long and neuer get a kisse . Kate. Hands off I say , and get you from this place ; Or I will set my ten commandements in your face . Feran. I prithy do Kate , they say thou art a shrew . And I like thee the better , for I would haue thee so . Kate. Let go my hand , for feare it reach your eare . Feran. No Kate , this hand is mine , and I thy loue . Kate. Y faith sir no , the woodcoke wants his taile . Feran. But yet his bil will serue , if the other faile , Alfon. How now Feranda , what , my daughter ? Feran. Shee 's willing sir , and loues me as hir life . Kate. T is for your skin then , but not to be your wife . Alfon. Come hither Kate , and let me giue thy hand To him that I haue chosen for thy loue , And thou to morrow shalt be wed to him . Kate. Why father , what do you mean to do with me , To giue me thus vnto this brainsicke man , That in his mood cares not to murder me ? she turnes aside and speaks . But yet I will consent and marry him , ( For I me thinkes haue liu'de too long a maide , ) And match him too , or else his manhood a good . Alfon. Giue me thy hand , Ferando loues thee well , And will with wealth and ease maintaine thy state . Here Ferando , take her for thy wise . And sunday next shall be our wedding day . Feran. Why so , did I not tel thee I should be the man ? Father , I leaue my louely Kate with you , Prouide your selues against our mariage day , For I must hie me to my country house In haste , to see prouision may be made , To entertaine my Kate when she doth come . Alfon. Do so , come Kate , why dost thou looke So sad ? be mery wench , thy wedding daie's at hand , Sonne , fare you wel , and see you keepe your promise Exit Alfonso and Kate. Feran. So , al thus far goes well . Ho Sander . Enter Sander laughing San. Sander , I faith you are a beast , I crie God hartilie mercy , my harts ready to run out of my belly with laughing , I stood behinde the doore al this while , And heard what you said to hir . Feran. Why , doost thou thinke that I did not speake wel to hir ? San. You spoke like an asse to hir , i le tell you what , And I had been there to haue woo'd hir , and had this Cloke that you haue , I hud haue had hir before she Had gone a foot furder , and you talke of Woodcoks for al this . With hir , and I cannot tell you what . Feran. Well sirha , and yet thou seest I haue got hir San. I mary , t was more by hap then any good cunning , I hope shee le make you one of the head men of the parish shortly . Feran. Wel sirha , leaue your ieasting and go to Polidors house , The yong gentleman that was here with me , And tel him the circumstance of al thou knowst , Tel him on sunday next we must be married , And if he aske thee whither I am gone , Tel him into the countrey to my house , And vpon Sunday i le be here againe . Ex. Ferando . San. I warrant you maister , feare not me ▪ For doing of my businesse . Now hang him that has not a liuery cote To slash it out and swash it out amongst the prowdest On them . Why looke you now , i le scarce put vp Plaine Sander now at any of their hands , for and any Body haue any thing to do with my master , straight They come crouching vpon me , I beseech you good M. Sander speake a good word for me , and then I am so Stowt and take it vpon me , and stand vpon my pantofles To them out of all crie , why I haue a life like a giant Now , but that my master hath such a pestilent mind To a woman now of late , and I haue a prety wench To my sister , and I had thought to haue preferred my Master to hir , and that would haue bin a good Deale in my way , but that hee s sped already . Enter Polidors boy . Boy . Friend , well met . San. Souns friend , well met . I hold my life he ●ee● not my masters liuery coate , Plaine friend hop of my thum , know you who we are ? Boy . Trust me sir it is the vse where I was borne , To salute men after this manner , yet notwithstanding If you be angry with me for calling of you friend , I am the more sorry for it , hoping the stile Of a Foole wil make you amends for all . San. The slaue is sorie for his fault , now we cannot be angry , well what s the matter that you would do with vs ? Boy . Marry sir , I heare you pertaine to seignior Ferando . San. I and thou beest not blind thou maist ●ee , Ecce signum , here . Boy . Shal I intreat you to do me a message to your Master ? San. I , it may be , & you tell vs from whence you come . Boy . Marrie sir I serue young Polidor your maisters friend San. Do you serue him , and what s your name ? Boy . My name sirha ? I tel the sirha is cald Catapie . San. Cake and pie , O my teeth waters to haue a peece of thee . Boy . Why slaue , wouldst thou eate me ? San Eate thee , who would not eate Cake and pie ? Boy . Why villaine my name is Catapie , But wilt thou tel me where thy maister is . San. Nay thou must first tel me where thy maister is . For I haue good newes for him , I can tel thee . Boy . Why see where he comes . Enter Polidor , Aurelius , and Valeria . Pol. Come sweet Aurelius my faithfull friend , Now wil we go to see those louely dames , Richer in beauty then the orient pearle , Whiter than is the Alpine Christall mould , And far more louely than the terrene plant , That blushing in the aire turnes to a stone . What Sander , what newes with you ? San. Marry sir my maister sends you word That you must come to his wedding to morrow . Pol. What , shal he be married then ? San. Faith I , you thinke he standes as long about it as you do . Pol. Whither is thy maister gone now ? San. Marry hee 's gone to our house in the Countrey To make al things in a readinesse against my new Mistrisse comes thither , but hee le come againe to morrow . Pol. This is suddainly dispatcht belike : Wel , sirha boy , take Sander in with you , And haue him to the buttrey presentlie . Boy . I will sir : come Saunder . Exit Sander and the Boy . Aurel. Valeria , as erst wee did deuise , Take thou thy lute and go to Alfonsos house , And say that Polidor sent thee thither . Pol. I Valeria , for he spoke to me , To helpe him to some cunning Musition , To teach his eldest daughter on the lute , And thou I know wilt fitte his turne so well , As thou shalt get great fauour at his hands , Be gone Valeria , and say I sent thee to him . Valer. I will sir , and stay your comming at Alfonsos house . Exit Valeria . Pol. Now sweet Aurelius , by this deuise Shal we haue leisure for to court our loues , For whilst that she is learning on the lute , Hir sisters may take time to steale abrode , For otherwise shee le keepe them both within . And make them worke whilst she herselfe doth play . But come , le ts go vnto Alfonsos house , And see how Valeria and Kate agrees I doubt his musicke scarce will please his skoller , But stay , heere comes Alfonso . Enter Alfonso . Alfon. What M. Polidor ! you are wel met , I thanke you for the man you sent to me , A good Musition I thinke he is ; I haue set my daughter and him togither , But is this gentleman a friend of yours ? Pol. He is , I pray you sir bid him welcome , He 's a wealthy Marchants son of Cestus . Alfon. Y' are welcome sir , and if my house afforde You any thing that may content your mind , I pray you sir make bold with me . Aurel. I thanke you sir , and if what I haue got By marchandise or trauel on the seas , Sattins , or lawnes , or azure coloured silke , Or pretious fiery pointed stones of Indy , You shall command , both them , my self , and all . Alfon. Thanks gentle sir , Polidor take him in , And bid him welcome vnto my house , For thou I thinke must be my second sonne ; Ferando , Polidor doost thou not know Must marry Kate , and to morrow is the day . Pol. Such newes I heard , and I came now to know . Alfon. Polidor t is true , go let me alone , For I must see against the bridegroome come , That al things be according to his mind , And so i le leaue you for an houre or two . Exit . Pol. Come then Aurelius , come in with me , And wee le go sit a while and chat with them , And after bring them forth to take the aire . Exit . Then Slie speakes . Sli. Sim , when will the foole come againe ? Lord. Hee le come againe my Lord anon . Sil. Gis some more drinke here , souns where 's The Tapster , here Sim , eate some of these things . Lord. So I do my Lord . Slie . Heere Sim , I drinke to thee . Lord. My Lord heere comes the Plaiers againe . Slie . O braue , heer s two fine gentlewomen . Enter Valeria with a Lute and Kate with him . Vale. The sencelesse trees by musick haue bin mou'd , And at the sound of plesant tuned strings , Haue sauage beasts hung downe their listning heads , As though they had beene cast into a traunce . Then it may be , that she to whome naught can please , With Musickes sound , in time may be surprisde . Come louely Mistris , will you take your lute , And play the lesson that I taught you last ? Kate It is no matter whether I doe , or no , For trust me , I take no great delight in it . Val. I would , sweete Mistris , that it lay in me , To helpe you to that thing that 's your delight . Kate In you with a pestlence , are you so kind ? Then make a night-cap of your fiddles case , To warme your head , and hide your filthy face . Val. If that ( sweet Mistris ) were your harts content , You should commaund a greater thing than that , Although it were ten times to my disgrace . Kate Y' are so kind t' were pittie you should be hang'd , And yet me thinkes the foole doth looke asquint . Val. Why Mistris , doe you mocke me ? Kate No , but I meane to mooue thee . Val. Well , will you play alittle ? Kate Yea , giue me the Lute . Shee playes . Val. That stop was false , play it againe . Kate Then mend it thou , thou filthy asse . Val. What , doe you bid me kisse your arse ? Kate How now jacke sawce ? y' are a jolly mate , Y' are best be still lest I crosse your pate , And make your musicke flie about your cares ▪ I le make it and your coxcombe meet . She offers to strike him with the Lute . Val. Hold Mistris , sowns will you breake my Lute ? Kate Yea on thy head and if thou speake to me , There , take it vp , and fiddle somewhere else , She throwes it downe . And see you come no more into this place , Lest that I clap your fiddle on your face . Exit Kate Val. Sowns , teach her to play on the Lute ? The diuell shall teach her first , I am glad shee 's gone , For I was ne're so fraid in all my life , But that my Lute should flie about mine eares : My maister shall teach her himselfe for me , For I le keepe me farre enough without her reach , For he and Polidor sent me before , To be with her , and teach her on the Lute , Whilst they did court the other gentle women , And heere me thinkes they come together . Enter Aurelius , Polidor , Emelia , and Philena . Pol: How now Valeria , where 's your Mistris ? Val : At the vengeance , I thinke , and no where else . Aurel. Why Valeria , will she not learne apace ? Val : Yes berladie , she haz learn'd too much alreadie , And that I had felt , had I not spoke her faire , But she shall ne're be learnt for me againe . Aurel : Well Valeria go to my chamber , And beare him companie that came to daie From Cestus , where our aged father dwelles . Exit Valeria . Pol: Come faire Emelia , my louely loue , Brighter than the burnisht pallace of the Sunne , The eie-sight of the glorious firmament , In whose bright lookes sparkles the radiant fire . Wilie Prometheus slily stole from Ioue , Infusing breath , life , motion , soule , To euerie object stricken by thine eies . Oh faire Emelia , I pine for thee , And , either must enjoy thy loue , or die . Emel : Fie man , I know you will not die for loue , Ah Polider , thou need'st not to complaine , Eternall heauen sooner be dissolu'd , And all that pierceth Phoebus siluer eie , Before such hap befall to Polidor . Pol: Thankes faire Emelia for these sweet words : But what saith Philena to her friend ? Phil: Why I am buying marchandise of him . Aurel : Mistris , you shall not neede to buy of me : For when I cross'd the bubbling Canibey , And sailde along the cristall Hellispont , I fill'd my coffers of the wealthy mines , Where I did cause millions of labouring Moores To vndermine the cauerns of the earth , To seeke for strange and new found pretious stones , And diue into the Sea to gather pearle , As faire as Iuno offred Priams sonne , And you shall take your liberall choice of all . Phil: I thanke you sir , and would Philena might In any curtesie requite you so , As she with willing heart could well bestow . Enter Alfonso . Alfon : How now daughters , is Ferando come ? Eme : Not yet father , I wonder he staies so long . Alfon : And where 's your sister that she is not here ? Phil: She is making of her ready , father , To goe to church , and if that he were come . Pol . I warrant you hee 'l not be long away . Alfon : Go daughters , get you in , and bid your Sister prouide her selfe against that we do come , And see you goe to church along with vs . Exit Philena and Emelia . I maruell that Ferando comes not away . Pol. His Tailor , it may be , hath bin too slacke In his apparrell which he meanes to weare : For no question but some fantastike sutes He is determined to weare to day , And richly powdered with pretious stones , Spotted with liquide golde , thicke set with pearle , And such he meanes shall be his wedding sutes . Alfon. I car'd not I , what cost he did bestow , In golde , or silke , so he himselfe were here , For I had rather lose a thousand crownes , Than that he should deceiue vs heere to day : But soft , I thinke I see him come . Enter Ferando basely attired , and a red Cap on his head . Feran. Good morrow father : Polidor well met , You wonder , I know , that I haue staide so long . Alfon. Yea mary sonne , we were almost perswaded , That we should scarce haue had our Bridegroome heere : But say , why art thou thus basely attired ? Feran. Thus richly father you should haue saide , For when my wife and I are married once , Shee 's such a shrew , if we should once fall out , Shee le pull my costly sutes ouer mine eares , And therefore am I thus attir'd a while : For many things I tell you 's in my head , And none must know thereof , but Kate and I : For we shall liue like Lambes and Lions sure , Nor Lambs to Lions neuer were so tame , If once they be within the Lions pawes , As Kate to me , if we were married once , And therefore , come , le●● to church presently . Pol. Fie Ferando , not thus attired for shame , Come to my Chamber , and there 〈◊〉 thy selfe , Of twenty sutes that I did neuer weare . Feran. Tush Polidor , I haue as many sutes Fantastike made to fit my humor so , As any in Athens , and as richly wrought As was the Massie Robe that late adorn'd The stately legat of the Persian King , And this from them haue I made choise to weare . Alfon. I prethee Ferando let me intreat Before thou go'st vnto the church with vs , To put some other sute vpon thy backe . Feran. Not for the world , if I might gaine it so , And therefore take me thus , or not at al. Enter Kate. But soft , see where my Kate doth come , I must salute hir : how fares my louely Kate , What , art thou ready ? shal we go to church ? Kate Not I with one so mad , so basely tir'd , To marry such a filthy slauish groome , That as it seemes sometimes is from his wits , Or else he would not thus haue come to vs . Feran. Tush Kate these words adde greater loue in me , And makes me thinke thee fairer then before : Sweet Kate , thou louelier then Dianas purple to be , Whiter then are the snowie Apenis , Or icie haire that growes on Boreas chin . Father , I sweare by Ibis golden beale , More faire and Radiant is my bony Kate , Then siluer Zanthus when he doth imbrace The ruddie Simies at Id●s feete , And care not thou , sweet Kate , how I be clad , Thou shalt haue garments wrought of Median 〈◊〉 , Enchac'd with pretious iewels fetcht from far , By Italian marchants that with Russian stemes , Plowes vp huge furrowes in the 〈◊〉 Maine , And better far my louely Kate shal weare : Then come sweet loue , and let vs to the church , For this I sweare shal be my wedding sute . Exeunt omnes Alfon. Come gentlemen go along with vs , For thus , do what we can , he will be wed . Exit . Enter Polidors Boy and Sander . Boy . Come hither sirha , boy . San. Boy , oh disgrace to my person ! sounes , boy Of your face , you haue many boyes with such Pickadenaunts I am sure , souns would you Not haue a bloudy nose for this ? Boy . Come , come , I did but iest , where is that Same peece of pie that I gaue thee to keepe ? San. The pie ? I , you haue more mind of your belly Then to go see what your maister dooes . Boy Tush , t is no matter man , I prethee giue it me , I am very hungry I promise thee . San. Why you may take it , and the diuel burst You with it , one cannot saue a bit after supper , But you are alwaies ready to munch it vp . Boy . Why come man , we shall haue good cheere Anon at the bridehouse , for your maister 's gone to Church to be married already , and there s Such cheere as passeth . San. O braue , I would I had eate no meate this weeke , For I haue neuer a corner left in my belly To put a venson pastie in , I thinke I shall burst my selfe With eating , for i le so cram me down the tarts And the marchpanes out of all crie . Boy . I , but how wilt thou do now thy maister 's Maried , thy mistres is such a diuel , as shee le make Thee forget thy eating quickely , shee 'le beate thee so . San. Let my master alone with her for that , for Hee le make hir tame wel inongh ere long I warrant thee , For he 's such a churle waxen now of late , that and he be Neuer so little angry he thums me out of all cry , But in my mind sirha , the yongest is a very Prety wench , and if I thought thy master would Not haue hir , I de haue a fling at hir My selfe , i le see soone whether t will be a match Or no : and it will not , i le set the matter Hard for my selfe I warrant thee . Boy Souns you slaue , wil you be a Riuall with My master in his loue ? speake but such Another word and i le cut off one of thy legs . San. Oh cruel iudgement , nay then sirha , My tongue shal talke no more to you , marry my Timber shal tell the trusty message of his maister Euen on the very forehead on thee , thou abusious Villaine , therefore prepare thy selfe . Boy . Come hither thou imperfectious slaue , in Regard of thy beggery , hold thee , there s Two shillings for thee , to pay for the Healing of thy left leg which I meane Furiously to inuade , or to maime at the least . San. O supernodical foole ! wel , i le take your Two shillings , but i le bar striking at legs . Boy . Not I , for i le strike any where . San. Here take your two shillings againe , I le see thee hangd ere i le fight with thee , I gat a broken shin the other day , T is not whole yet , and therefore i le not fight . Come , come , why should we fal out ? Boy , Wel sirha , your faire words haue something Alaid my choler : I am content for this once To put it vp , and be friends with thee , But soft , see where they come al from church , Belike they be married already . Enter Ferando and Kate , and Alfonso , and Polidor , and Emilia , and Aurelius , and Phylema Feran. Father farewel , my Kate and I must home , Sirha , go make ready my horse presently . Alfon. Your horse ! what son , I hope you do but iest , I am sure you wil not go so suddainely . Kate Let him go or tarry , I am resolu'd to stay . And not to trauel on my wedding day . Feran. Tut Kate I tel thee we must needes go home , Vilaine , hast thou sadled my horse ? San. Which horse , your c●●all ? Feran. Souns you flaue , stand you prating here ? Saddle the bay gelding for your mistris . Kate. Not for me , for I wil not go . San. The Ostler wil not let me haue him , you owe ten pence For his meate and 6 pence for stuffing my mistris saddle . Feran. Here villaine , goe pay him strait . San. Shal I giue them another pecke of lauender ? Fera. Out slaue , and bring them presently to the dore . Alfon. Why son , I hope at least you le dine with vs . San. I pray you master le ts stay til dinner be done . Fera. Souns vilaine , art thou here yet ? Exit Sander Come Kate , our dinner is prouided at home . Kate. But not for me , for here I meane to dine : I le haue my wil in this as wel as you , Though you in madding mood would leaue your frinds , Despite of you i le tarry with them still . Fera. I Kate so thou shalt , but at some other time , Whenas thy sisters here shall be espousd , Then thou and I wil keepe our wedding day , In better sort then now we can prouide , For heere I promise thee before them all , We will ere long returne to them againe : Come Kate , stand not on termes , we will away , This is my day , to morrow thou shalt rule , And I will doe what euer thou commandes . Gentlemen , farewell , wee 'l take our leaues , It will be late before that we come home . Exeunt Ferando and Kate. Pol. Farewell Ferando , since you will be gone . Alfon. So mad a couple did I neuer see . Emel . Thei 're euen aswel matcht as I would wish . Phile : And yet I hardly thinke that he can tame her : For when he haz done , she will do what she list . Aurel : Her manhoode then is good I do beleeue . Pol: Aurelius , or else I misse my marke : Her tongue will walke , if she doe holde her hands . I am in doubt ere halfe a month be past Hee 'l curse the Priest that married him so soone , And yet it may be she will be reclaimde , For she is very patient growne of late . Alfon. God hold it , that it may continue still , I would be loath that they should disagree , But he ( I hope ) will hold her in a while . Pol: Within these two daies I will ride to him , And see how louingly they do agree . Alfon : Now Aurelius , what say you to this ? What , haue you sent to Cestus as you said ? To certifie your father of your loue , For I would gladly he would like of it , And if he be the man you tell to me , I ghesse he is a Merchant of great wealth : And I haue seene him oft at Athens here , And for his sake assure thee thou art welcome . Pol: And so to me whilst Polidor doth liue . Aurel : I find it so , right worthy gentlemen , And of that woorth your friendship I esteeme , I leaue censure of your seuerall thoughts , But for requitall of your fauours past Rests yet behinde , which when occasion serues , I vow shal be remembred to the full , And for my fathers comming to this place , I do exspect within this weeke at most . Alfon. Enough Aurelius : but we forget Our marriage dinner now the Bride is gone , Come , let vs see what there they left behind . Exeunt omnes Enter Sander with two or three Seruing men . San. Come sirs , prouide all things as fast as you can , For my maister 's hard at hand , and my new mistris And all , and he sent me before to see all things ready . Tom.

Welcome home Sander : sirrha how lookes our new mistris , they say shee 's a plaguy shrew ?

San.

Yea and that thou shalt find , I can tell thee and if thou dost not please her wel : why my master haz such ado with her , as it passeth , and hee 's euen like a mad man .

Wil. Why Sander , what doth he say ? San. Why I le tell you what : when they should Goe to church to be married , he puts on an olde Ierkin , and a paire of canuasse breeches downe to the Small of his leg , and a red cap on his head , and he Lookes as thou wouldst burst thy selfe with laughing When thou seest him : hee 's ee'n as good as a Foole for me : and then when they should goe to dinner , He made me saddle the horse , and away he came , And ne'r tarried for dinner , and therefore you had best Get supper ready against they come , for They be hard at hand I am sure by this time . Tom. Sowns , see where they be already . Enter Ferando and Kate. Feran. Now welcome Kate. Where 's these villaines Heere ? what , not supper yet vpon the boord ? Nor table spread , nor nothing done at all , Where 's that villaine that I sent before ? San. Now , adsum , sir . Feran. Come hither you villaine , I le cut your nose , You rogue , help me off with my bootes : wil't please You to lay the cloth ? Sowns the villaine Hurts my foote : pull easily I say , yet againe ? He beates them all . They couer the boord , and fetch in the meate . Sowns , burnt and scorch't , who drest this meate ? Wil. Forsooth Iohn Cooke . He throwes downe the table and meate , and all , and beates them all . Feran. Goe you villaines , bring me such meate ? Out of my sight I say , and beare it hence : Come Kate , wee 'l haue other meate prouided , Is there a fire in my chamber sir ? San. I forsooth . exeunt Ferando and Kate Manent Seruingmen and eate vp all the meate . Tom. Sownes , I thinke of my conscience my maister 's madde since he was married . Wil. I laft what a boxe he gaue Sander For pulling off his bootes . Enter Ferando againe . San. I hurt his foote for the nonce man . Feran. Did you so , you damned villaine ? He beates them all out againe . This humour must I holde me to a while , To bridle and hold backe my head strong wife , With curbes of hunger , ease , and want of sleepe : Nor sleepe , nor meate shall she enjoy to night , I le mew her vp as men doe mew their Hawkes , And make her gently come vnto the Lewre , Were she as stubborne , or as full of strength , As was the Thracian Horse Alcides tamde , That king Egeus fed with flesh of men , Yet would I pull her downe , and make her come , As hungry Hawkes doe flie vnto their Lewre . exit . Enter Aurelius and Valeria . Aurel : Valeria attend , I haue a louely loue , As bright as is the heauen cristalline , As faire as is the milke white way of Ioue , As chaste as Phoebe , in her summer sports , As soft and tender as the azure dowlne , That circles Cithereas siluer Doues . Her doe I meane to make my louely Bride , And in her bed to breathe the sweete content , That I , thou know'st , long time haue aimed at . Now Valeria , it rests in thee to helpe To compasse this , that I might gaine my loue , Which easily thou maist performe at will , If that the merchant which thou told'st me of , Will ( as he saide ) goe to Alfonsoes house , And say he is my father , and therewithall Passe ouer certaine deedes of land to me , That I thereby may gaine my hearts desire , And he is promised reward of me . Val : Feare not my Lord , I le fetch him strait to you , For hee 'l doe any thing that you commaund , But tell me , my Lord , is Ferando married then ? Aurel : He is , and Polidor shortly shal be wed , And he meanes to tame his wife ere long . Val. Hee saies so . Aurel. Faith he 's gon vnto the taming schoole . Val. The taming schoole ! why is there such a place ? Aurel. I : and Ferando is the maister of the schoole . Val. That 's rare : but what decorum doth he vse ? Aurel. Faith I know not : but by some odde deuise Or other , but come Valeria I long to see the man , By whom we must comprise our plotted drift , That I may tel him what we haue to do . Val. Then come my Lord and I will bring you to him straight . Aurel. Agreede then , le ts go . Exeunt Enter Sander and his mistris . San. Come mistris . Kate. Sander I prethee helpe me to some meat , I am so faint that I can scarcely stand . San. I marry mistris , but you know my maister Has giuen me a charge that you must eat nothing , But that which he himselfe giueth you . Kate. Why man , thy master needs neuer know it . San. You say true indeed . Why looke you mistris , What say you to a pece of bieffe and mustard now ? Kate. Why I say t is excellent meat , canst thou helpe me to some ? San. I , I could helpe you to some , but that I doubt the mustard is too chollerick for you . But what say you to a sheepes head and garlicke ? Kate. Why any thing , I care not what it be San. I but the garlicke I doubt will make your breath Stincke , and then my master wil course me for letting You eate it But what say you to a fat Capon ? Kate. That 's meat for a king , sweete Sander help me to some of it . San. Nay berlady then t is too deere for vs , we must Not meddle with the Kings meate . Kate. Our villaine , dost thou mocke me , Take that for thy sawsinesse . she beates him . San. Sounes are you so light fingred with a murrin , I le keepe you fasting for it these two daies . Kate. I tel thee villaine , i le teare the flesh off Thy face and eate it , and thou prate to me thus . San. Here comes my master now , hee le course you . Enter Ferando with a peece of meate vpon his . dagger point and Polidor with him . Feran. See heere Kate , I haue prouided meat for thee , Here take it : what , is t not worthy thanks ? Go sirha , take it away againe , you shall be Thankful for the next you haue . Kate Why I thanke you for it . Feran. Nay now t is not worth a pin , go sirha and take it hence I say . San. Yes sir i le carrie it hence : Master let hir Haue none , for she can fight as Hungry as she is . Pol. I pray you sir let it stand , for i le eate Some with her my selfe . Feran. Wel sirha , set it downe againe . Kate. Nay nay I pray you let him take it hence , And keepe it for your owne diet , for i le none , I le ne're be beholding to you for your meat , I tel thee flatly here vnto thy teeth , Thou shalt not keepe me nor feed me as thou list , For I will home againe vnto my fathers house . Feran. I , when ya 're meeke and gentle , but not Before , I know your stomacke is not yet come downe . Therefore , no maruel thou canst not eat , And I will go vnto your Fathers house , Come Polidor let vs go in againe , And Kate come in with vs , I know ere long , That thou and I shall louingly agree . Exit Omnes . Enter Aurelius , Valeria and Phylotus the Merchant . Aurel. Now Seignior Phylotus , we wil go Vnto Alfonsos house , and be sure you say As I did tel you , concerning the man That dwels at Cestus , whose son I said I was , For you do very much resemble him , And feare not : you may be bold to speake your mind . Phylo. I warrant you sir , take you no care , I le vse my selfe so cunning in the cause , As you shall soone inioy your harts delight . Aurel. Thanks sweet Phylotus , then stay you here , And I will go and fetch him hither strait . Ho , Seignior Alfonso : a word with you . Enter Alfonso . Alfonso . Who 's there ? what Aurelius what 's the matter That you stand so like a stranger at the doore ? Aurel. My father sir is newly come to towne , And I haue brought him here to speake with you , Concerning these matters that I told you of , And he can certifie you of the truth . Alfon. is this your father ? you are welcome sir . Phylo. Thanks Alfonso , for that s your name I gesse , I vnderstand my son hath set his mind And bent his liking to your daughters loue , And for because he is my only son , And I would gladly that he should do well , I tel you sir , I not mislike his choise , If you agree to giue him your consent , He shall haue liuing to maintaine his estate , Three hundred pounds a yeare , I will assure To him and to his heyres , and if they do ioyne , And knit themselues in holy wedlocke band , A thousand massie ingots of pure gold , And twise as many bars of siluer plate , I freely giue him , and in writing straight I wil confirme what I haue said in words . Alfon. Trust me , I must commend your liberal mind , And louing care you beare vnto your son , And here I giue him freely my consent . As for my daughter , I thinke he knowes her mind , And I will inlarge her dowry for your sake , And solemnise with ioy your nuptial rites . But is this gentleman of Cestus too ? Aurel. He is the Duke of Cestus thrise renowmed son , Who for the loue his honor beares to me , Hath thus accompanied mee to this place . Alfon. You were too blame you tolde me not before , Pardon me my Lord , for if I had knowne Your honor had bin here in place with me , I would haue don my duty to your honor . Val. Thanks good Alfonso . but I did come to see When these marriage rites should be performed . And if in these nuptials you vouchsafe , To honor thus the prince of Cestus friend , In celebration of his spousal rites , He shal remaine a lasting friend to you , What saies Aurelius father ? Phylo. I humbly thanke your honor , good my Lord , And ere we part , before your honor here , Shal articles of such content be drawne , As twixt our houses and posterities , Eternally this league of peace shall last Inuiolate and pure on either part . Alfonso . With al my heart , and if your honor please To walke along with vs vnto my house , We wil confirme these leagues of lasting loue . Val. Come then Aurelius I wil go with you . Ex. Omnes . Enter Ferando and Kate , and Sander . San. Master , the Haberdasher has brought my Mistris home hir cap here . Feran Come hither sirha : what haue you there ? Haber. A veluet cap sir , and it please you . Feran. Who spoke for it ? didst thou Kate ? Kate What if I did ? come hither sirha , giue me The cap , i le see if it wil fit me . She sets it on her head . Feran. O monstrous : why it becomes thee not , Let me see it Kate : here sirha take it hence , This cap is out of fashion quite . Kate. The fashion is good inough : belike you Meane to make a foole of me . Feran. Why true , he meanes to make a foole of thee , To haue thee put on such a curtald cap : Sirha , be gone with it . Enter the Taylor with a gowne . San. Here is the Taylor too with my mistris gowne . Feran. Let me see it Taylor : what , with cuts and jags ? Sounes thou vilaine , thou hast spoil'd the gowne . Taylor Why sir , I made it as your man gaue me direction , You may read the note here Feran. Come hither sirha : Taylor read the note . Taylor . Item a faire round compassd cape . San. I that s true . Taylor . And a large truncke sleeue . San. That 's a lie maister , I said two truncke sleeues . Feran. Wel sir , go forward . Taylor . Item a loose bodied gowne , San. Maister if euer I said loose bodies gowne , Sew me in a seame , and beat me to death With a bottome of browne thred . Taylor . I made it as the note bade me . San. I say the note lies in his throate and thou too , And thou saist it . Tailor Nay , nay , ne'r be so hot sirha , for I feare you not . San. Doost thou heare Tailor , thou hast braued Many men : braue not me . Th' ast fac'd many men . Tailor . Wel sir . San. Face not me , i 'le neither be fac'd nor braued At thy hands I can tell thee . Kate Come , come , I like the fashion of it wel inough , Heere 's more adoe than needes , I 'le haue it , I , And if you doe not like it , hide your eies , I thinke I shall haue nothing by your will . Feran. Go I say , and take it vp for your maisters vse . San. Souns villaine , not for thy life , touch it not : Souns , take vp my mistris gowne to his Maisters vse ! Feran : Well sir , what 's your conceit of it ? San : I haue a deeper conceit in it than you Thinke for , take vp my mistris gowne To his maisters vse . Feran : Tailer , come hither , for this time make it : Hence againe , and I le content thee for thy paines . Tailor I thanke you sir . exit Tailer Feran : Come Kate , wee now will goe see thy fathers house , Euen in these honest meane abiliments , Our purses shal be rich , our garments plaine , To shrowd our bodies from the winter rage , And that 's inough , what should we care for more ? Thy sisters , Kate , to morrow must be wed . And I haue promised them thou should'st be there , The morning is well , vp , le ts haste away , It wil be nine aclocke ere we come there . Kate Nine aclocke , why t is already past two In the afternoone by al the clockes in the towne . Feran : I say t is but nine aclocke in the morning . Kate I say t is two aclocke in the afternoone . Fera : It shal be nine then ere you go to your fathers : Come backe againe , we will not goe to day : Nothing but crossing me stil ? I le haue you say as I doe ere I goe . exeunt omnes . Enter Polidor , Emelia , Aurelius , and Philema . Pol: Faire Emelia , summers bright sun Queene , Brighter of hew than is the burning clime , Where Phoebus in his bright Aequator sits , Creating golde and pretious mineralls , What would Emelia doe if I were forc'd To leaue faire Athens , and to range the world ? Emel : Should thou assay to scale the feare of Ioue , Mounting the suttle airie regions , Or be snatcht vp as erst was Ganimede , Loue should giue wings vnto my swift desires , And prune my thoughts that I would follow thee , Or fall and perish as did Icarus . Aurel : Sweetly resolued , faire Emilia , But would Philema say as much to me , If I should aske a question now of thee ? What if the Duke of Cestus onely sonne , Which came with me vnto your fathers house , Should seeke to get Philemas loue from me , And make thee Dutchesse of that stately towne , Would'st thou not then forsake me for his loue ? Phil: Not for great Neptune , no not Ioue himselfe , Will Philema leaue Aurelius loue , Could he enstall me Empresse of the world , Or make me Queene and guidresse of the heauen , Yet would I not exchange my loue for his , Thy company is poore Phylemaes heauen , And without thee , heauen were hell to me . Emel : And should my loue , as earst did Hercules , Attempt the burning vaults of hell , I would with pitteous lookes , and pleasing words , As once did Orpheus with his harmony , And rauishing sound of his mellodious Harpe , Intreate grimme Pluto , and of him obtaine That thou might'st goe , and safe returne againe . Phil: And should my loue as erst Leander did , Attempt to swimme the boyling Hellispont For Heros loue : no Towers of brasse should hold , But I would follow thee through those raging flouds , With lockes dis-sheuered , and my breast all bare , With bended knees vpon Abidaes shore , I would with smokie sighs and brinish teares , Importune Neptune and the warry gods , To send a guard of siluer scaled Dolphins , With sounding Tritons to be our conuoy , And to transport vs safe vnto the shore , Whilst I would hang about thy louely necke , Redoubling kisse on kisse vpon thy cheekes , And with our pastime still the swelling waues . Emel : Should Polidor as Aehilles did , Onely imploy himselfe to follow Armes , Like to the warlike Amazonian Queene , Pentheselea Hectors paramour , Who foild the bloudy Pirrhus murd'rous Greeke , I le thrust my selfe amongst the thickest throngs , And with my vtmost force assist my loue . Phyle. Let Eole storme : be mild and quiet thou , Let Neptune swel , be Aurelius calme and pleased , I care not , I , betide what may betide , Let fates and fortune do the worst they can , I recke them not : they not discord with me , Whilest that my loue and I do well agree . Aurel. Sweet Phylema bewties minerall , From whence the sun exhales his glorious shine , And clad the heauen in thy reflected raies , And now my liefest loue , the time drawes nie , That Himen mounted in his saffron robe , Must with his torches waite vpon thy traine , As Hellens brothers on the horned moone . Now Iuno to thy number shal I adde , The fairest bride that euer marchant had . Pol. Come faire Emelia , the priest is gon , And at the church your father and the rest Do stay to see our marriage rites perform'd , And knit in sight of heauen this Gordian knot , That teeth of fretting Time may ne'r vntwist , Then come faire loue and gratulate with me This daies content and sweet solemnity . Exeunt omnes Slie . Sim , must they be married now ? Lord. I my Lord . Enter Ferando and Kate and Sander . Slie . Looke Sim , the foole is come againe now . Feran. Sirha , go fetch our horses forth , and bring Them to the backe gate presently . San. I will sir I warrant you . exit Sander . Feran. Come Kate , the moone shines cleere to night , me thinkes . Kate. The moone ? why husband you are deceiu'd , It is the sun . Feran. Yet againe , come backe againe , it shal be The moone ere we come at your fathers . Kate. Why i le say as you say , it is the moone . Feran. Iesus , saueth glorious moone . Kate. Iesus , saue the glorious moone . Feran. I am glad Kate your stomacke is come downe , I know it well thou knowst it is the sun , But I did trie to see if thou wouldst speake , And crosse me now as thou hast done before , And trust me Kate hadst thou not namde the moone , We had gone backe againe as sure as death . But soft , who 's this that s comming here ? Enter the Duke of Cestus alone Duke . Thus al alone from Cestus am I come , And left my princely court and noble traine , To come to Athens , and in this disguise , To see what course my son Aurelius takes . But stay , here s some it may be trauels thither , Good sir can you direct me the way to Athens ? Ferando speakes to the old man , Faire louely maide , yong and affable , More cleere of hew and far more beautifull Then pretious Sardonix or purple rockes , Of Amithests or glistering Hiasinth , More amiable far then is the plain , Where glistering Cepherus in siluer boures , Gaseth vpon the Giant Andromede , Sweet Kate entertaine this louely woman . Duke I thinke the man is mad he cals me a woman . Kate. Faire louely lady , bright and Christaline , Bewteous and stately as the eie-traind bird , As glorious as the morning washt with dew , Within whose eies she takes her dawning beames , And golden sommer sleepes vpon thy cheekes , Wrapt vp thy radiations in some cloud , Lest that thy bewty make this stately towne Inhabitable like the burning Zone , With sweet reflections of thy louely face . Duke What is she mad too ? or is my shape transformd That both of them perswade me I am a woman , But they are mad sure , and therefore i le be gone , And leaue their companies for feare of harme , And vnto Athens haste to seeke my son . Exit Duke . Feran. Why so , Kate , this was friendly done of thee , And kindly too ▪ why thus must we two liue , One minde , one heart , and one content for both , This good old man dos thinke that we are mad , And glad is he I am sure , that he is gone , But come sweet Kate , for we will after him , And now perswade him to his shape againe . Ex. Omnes . Enter Alfonso and Phylotus and Valeria , Polidor , Emelia , Aurdius and Phylema . Alfon. Come louely sonnes , your marriage rites Performed , Let s hie vs home to see what cheere we haue , I wonder that Ferando and his wife Come not to see this great solemnity . Pol. No maruel of Ferando be away , His wife I thinke hath troubled so his wits , That he remaines at home to keepe them warme , For forward wedlocke as the prouerbe sayes , Hath brought him to his nightcap long ago . Phylo. But Polidor , let my son and you take heed , That Ferando say not ere long as much to you . And now Alfonso , more to shew my loue , If vnto Cestus you do send your ships , My selfe wil fraught them with Arabian silkes , Rich Affricke spices , Arras counter pointes , Muske , Cassia , sweet smelling Ambergreece , Pearle , curtol , Christal , jet , and iuory , To gratulate the fauors of my son , And friendly loue that you haue shewne to him . Vale. And for to honor him and his faire bride . Enter the Duke of Cestus . I le yeerely send you from your fathers court , Chests of refind sugar seuerally , Ten tun of tunis wine , sucket , sweet drugs , To celebrate and solemnize this day , And custom-free , your marchants shal commerce And interchange the profits of your land , Sending you gold for brasse , siluer for lead , Casses of silke for packes of wol and cloth , To bind this friendship and confirme this league . Duke . I am glad sir that you would be so franke Are you become the Duke of Cestus son , And reuels with my treasure in the towne , Base villaine that thus dishonerest me ? Val. Sounes it is the Duke , what shall I do ? Dishonor thee ? why knowst thou what thou saist ? Duke . Her 's no villaine : he will not know me now , But what say you ? haue you forgot me too ? Phylo. Why sir , are you acquainted with my son ? Duke With thy son ? no trust me , if he be thine , I pray you sir , who am I ? Aurel. Pardon me father , humbly on my knees I do intreat your grace to heare me speake . Duke . Peace villaine , lay hands on th●● , And send them to prison straight . Phylotus and Valeria runnes away Then Slie speakes . Slie . I say wee le haue no ●●nding to prison . Lord My Lord this is but the play , the'y 't but in iest . Slie . I tel thee Sim wee le haue no sending , To prison that s flat : why Sim , am not I Don Christo Vari ? Therefore I say , they shal not goe to prison . Lord. No more they shal not , my Lord , They be runne away . Slie . Are they run away Sim ? that s wel , Then gis some more drinke , and let them play againe . Lord. Here my Lord . Slie . drinkes and then fals asleepe . Duke . Ah trecherous boy that durst presume , To wed thy selfe without thy fathers leaue , I sweare by faire Cintheas burning raies , By Merops head , and by seuen mouthed Nile , Had I but known ere thou hadst wedded her , Were in thy brest the worlds immortal soule , This Angry sworde should rip thy hateful chest , And hewd thee smaller then the Libian sandes , Turne hence thy face , oh cruel impious boy . Alfon. I did not thinke you would presume , To match your daughter with my princely house , And ne'r make mee acquainted with the cause . Alfo . My Lord , by heauens I sweare vnto your grace , I knew none other but Valeria your man , Had bin the Duke of Cestus noble son , Nor did my daughter I dare sware for her . Duke . That damned villaine that hath deluded me , Whom I did send for guide vnto my son , Oh that my furious force could cleaue the earth , That I might muster bands of hellish feends , To racke his heart and teare his impious soule . The ceaselesse turning of celestial orbes , Kindles not greater flames in flitting aire , Then passionate anguish of my raging brest . Aurel. Then let my death sweet father end your griefe , For I it is that thus haue wrought your woes , Then be reuengd on me , for here I sweare That they are innocent of what I did , Oh had I charge to cut off Hydraes head , To make the to plesse Alpes a champaine field , To kil vntamed monsters with my sword , To trauel daily in the hottest sun , And watch in winter when the nights be cold . I would with gladnes vndertake them all , And thinke the paine but pleasure that I felt , So that my noble father at my return , Would but forget and pardon me my offence . Phyle. Let me intreat your grace vpon my knees , To pardon him and let my death discharge The heauy wrath your grace hath vowd against him . Pol. And good my Lord , let vs intreat your grace To purge your stomacke of this Melancoly , Taint not your princely mind with griefe my Lord , But pardon and forgiue these louers faults , That kneeling craue your gratious fauor here . Emel . Great prince of Cestus , let a womans words Intreat a pardon in your Lordly brest , Both for your princely son , and vs my Lord . Duke Aurelius stand vp , I pardon thee , I see that vertue wil haue enemies , And fortune wil be thwarting honor stil . And you faire virgin too , I am content To accept you for my daughter since t is don , And see you princely vsde in Cestus court . Phyle. Thanks good my Lord , and I no longer liue , Then I obey and honor you in al. Alfon Let me giue thanks vnto your royall grace , For this great honor done to mee and mine , And if your grace wil walke vnto my house , I wil in humblest maner I can , shew The eternall seruice I do owe your grace . Duke . Thankes good Alfonso : but I came alone , And not as did beseeme the Cestian Duke , Nor would I haue it knowne within the towne , That I was here , and thus , without my traine : But as I came alone , so wil I go , And leaue my son to solemnise his feast , And ere 't be long I le come againe to you , And do him honor as beseemes the son Of mighty Ierobel the Cestian Duke , Til when i le leaue you , farewel Aurelius . Aurel. Not yet my Lord , i le bring you to your ship . Exeunt Omnes . Slie sleepes . Lord. Who 's within there ? come hither sirs , my Lords Asleepe againe , go take him easily vp , And put him in his own apparel againe , And lay him in the place where we did find him , Iust vnderneath the alehouse side below , But see you wake him not in any case . Boy . It shal be done my Lord , come help to beare him hence . Exit Enter Ferando Aurelius and Polidor and his boy , and Valeria and Sander . Feran. Come Gentlemen , nowe that supper 's done , How shall we spend the time til we go to bed ? Aurel. Faith if you wil , in trial of our wiues Who wil come soonest at their husbands cal . Pol. Nay then Ferando he must needes sit out , For he may cal I thinke til he be weary , Before his wife wil come before she list . Feran. T is wel for you that haue such gentle wiues , Yet in this trial wil I not sit out , It may be Kate wil come as soone as I do send . Aurel. My wife comes soonest for a hundred pound . Pol. I take it . I le lay as much to yours , That my wife comes as soone as I do send . Aurel. How now Ferando , you dare not lay belike . Feran. Why true , I dare not lay indeed : But how , so little mony on so sure a thing , A hundred pound : why I haue laid as much Vpon my Dog , in running at a Deere , She shal not come so far for such a trifle , But wil you lay fiue hundred markes with me , And whose wife soonest comes when he doth cal , And shewes her selfe most louing vnto him , Let him inioy the wager I haue laid , Now what say you ? dare you aduenture thus ? Pol. I , were it a thousand pounds I durst presume On my wiues loue : and I wil lay with thee . Enter Alfonso . Alfon. How now sons , what in conference so hard , May I without offence , know where about ? Aurel. Faith father a waighty cause , about our wiues , Fiue hundred markes already we haue laid , And he whose wife doth shew most loue to him , He must inioy the wager to himselfe . Alfon. Why then Ferando he is sure to lose it , I promise thee son , thy wife wil hardly come , And therefore I would not wish thee lay so much . Feran. Tush father , were it ten times more I durst aduenture on my louely Kate , But if I lose i le pay , and so shal you . Aur. Vpon mine honor , if I lose I le pay . Pol. And so wil I vpon my faith I vow . Feran. Then sit we downe and let vs send for them : Alf. I promise thee Ferando I am afraid thou wilt lose . Aurel. I le send for my wife first , Valeria , Go bid your mistris come to me . Val. I wil my Lord . Exit Valeria . Aurel. Now for my hundred pound , Would any lay ten hundred more with me I know I should obtaine it by her loue . Fera. I pray God you haue not laid too much already . Aurel. Trust me Ferando I am sure you haue , For you I dare presume haue lost it al. Enter Valeria againe . Now sir ha , what saies your mistris ? Val. She is somthing busie but shee le come anone . Feran. Why so , did not I tel you this before , She was busie and cannot come . Aur. I pray God your wife send you so good an answere She may be busie , yet she saies shee le come . Fera. Wel , wel : Polidor , send you for your wife . Poli. Agreed , Boy desire your mistris to come hither . Boy . I wil sir . exit Boy Feran. I , so , so , he desires hir to come . Alfon. Polidor , I dare presume for thee , I thinke thy wife wil not denie to come , And I do maruel much Aurelius , That your wife came not when you sent for her . Enter the Boy againe . Pol. Now , wher 's your mistris ? Boy . She bade mee tell you that shee will not come , And you haue any businesse , you must come to hir . Feran. O monstrous intollerable presumption , Worse then a blasing star , or snow at Midsummer , Earthquakes , or any thing vnseasonable , She will not come : but he must come to hir . Pol. Wel sir , I pray you le ts heare what Answere your wife will make . Feran. sirha , command your mistris to come To me presently . Exit Sander Aurel. I thinke my wife for all she did not come , Wil proue most kind , for now I haue no feare , For I am sure Ferandos wife , she will not come . Feran. The more 's the pitty , then I must lose . Enter Kate and Sander But I haue won , for see where Kate doth come . Kate Sweete husband did you send for me . Feran. I did my loue , I sent for thee to come , Come hither Kate , what s that vpon thy head ? Kate. Nothing husband but my cap I thinke . Feran. Pul it off and tread it vnder thy feet , T is foolish , I wil not haue thee weare it . She takes off her cap and treads on it . Pol. Oh wonderful metamorphosis . Aurel. This is a wonder , almost past beleefe . Feran. This is a token of her true loue to 〈◊〉 And yet I le try her further you shall see , Come hither Kate , where are thy sisters ? Kate. They be sitting in the bridal chamber . Feran. Fetch them hither , and if they wil not come , Bring them perforce and make them come with thee . Kate. I will . Alson . I promise thee Ferando I would haue sworne , Thy wife would ne'r haue done so much for thee . Feran. But you shal see she wil do more then this , For see where she brings her sisters forth by force . Enter Kate thrusting Phylema and Emelia before her , and makes them come vnto their husbands cal . Kate. See husband , I haue brought them both . Feran. T is wel done Kate. Eme. I sure , and like a louing peece , your worthy To haue great praise for this attempt . Phyle. I for making a foole of her selfe and vs , Aurel. Beshrew thee Phylema thou hast Lost me a hundred pound to night , For I did lay that thou wouldst first haue come . Pol. But thou Emelia hast lost me a great deale more . Eme. You might haue kept it better then , Who bade you lay ? Feran. Now louely Kate , before their husbands here , I prethee tel vnto these head-strong women , What dewty wiues do owe vnto their Husbands . Kate. Then you that liue thus by your pampered wils , Now list to me , and marke what I shal say , Th' eternal power that with his only breath , Shall cause this end , and this beginning frame , Not in time , nor before time , but with time confus'd , For al the course of yeares , of ages , months , Of seasons temperate , of dayes and houres , Are tun'd and stopt by measure of his hand , The first world was , a forme without a forme , A heape confus'd , a mixture al deform'd , A gulfe of gulfes , a body bodilesse . Where al the elements were orderlesse , Before the great Commander of the world . The King of kings , the glorious God of heauen , Who in six daies did frame his heauenly worke , And made al things to stand in perfect course , Then to his image he did make a man Olde Adam , and from his side asleepe A rib was 〈◊〉 , of which the Lord did make The woe of man so termd by Adam then , Woman , for that by her 〈◊〉 sinne to vs , And for her sinne was Adam doome to die . As Sara to her husband so should we , Obey them , loue them , keepe and nourish them , If they by any meanes do want our helpes , Laying our hands vnder their feet to tread , If that by that we might procure their ease , And for a president I le first begin ; And lay my hand vnder my husbands feet . She laies her hand vnder her husbands feet . Feran. Inough sweet , the wager thou hast won , And they I am sure cannot deny the same . Alfo . I Ferando , the wager thou hast won , And for to shew thee how I am pleasd in this , A hundred pounds I freely giue thee more . Another dowry for another daughter , For she is not the same she was before . Feran. Thanks , sweet father , gentlemen , good night , For Kate and I will leaue you for to night , T is Kate and I am wed , and you are sped : And so farewell , for we will to our beds . Exit Ferando , Kate , and Sander . Alfon. Now Aurelius , what say you to this ? Aurel. Beleeue me father , I rejoyce to see Ferando and his wife so louingly agree . Exeunt Aurelius , and Philema , and Alfonso , and Valeria . Emel . How now Polidor ? in a dumpe ? what saist thou man ? Phi. I say thou arte a shrew . Emel : That 's better than a sheepe . Pol. Well , since t is done , come , le ts goe . Exeunt Polidor and Emelia ▪ Then enter two bearing of She in his owne apparrell againe , and leaues him where they found him , and then goes out : then enters the Tapster . Tapster Now that the darkesome night is ouerpast , And dawning day appeares in cristall skie , Now must I haste abroade : but soft , who 's this ? What Slie , O wondrous ! hath he laine heere all night ? I le wake him , I thinke hee 's starued by this , But that his belly was so stufft with ale : What now Slie , awake for shame . Slie

Sim , giues some more wine , what all the Players gone ? am not I a Lord ?

Tapster

A Lord with a murrin : come , art thou drunken still ?

Slie

Who 's this ? Tapster , O Lord sirrha , I haue had the brauest dreame to night , that euer thou heardest in all thy life .

Tapster

Yea mary , but you had best get you home , For your wife will course you for dreaming heere to night .

Slie . Wil she ? I know now how to tame a shrew , I dreamt vpon it all this night till now , And thou hast wakt me out of the best dreame That euer I had in my life : but I le to my wife presently , and tame her too if she anger me . Tapster Nay tarry Slie , for I le goe home with thee , And heare the rest that thou hast dreamt to night . Exeunt omnes . G. STEEVENS . FINIS .