Taming of the Shrew | Page 39

Information prepared by the Project Gutenberg legal advisor 39
PETRUCHIO. 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.
BAPTISTA. Ay, when the special thing is well obtain ' d, That is, her love; for that is all in all.
PETRUCHIO. 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.
BAPTISTA. Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed! But be thou arm ' d for some unhappy words.
PETRUCHIO. Ay, to the proof, as mountains are for winds, That shake not though they blow perpetually.
[ Re-enter HORTENSIO, with his head broke.] BAPTISTA. How now, my friend! Why dost thou look so pale? HORTENSIO. For fear, I promise you, if I look pale. BAPTISTA. What, will my daughter prove a good musician?
HORTENSIO. I think she ' ll sooner prove a soldier: Iron may hold with her, but never lutes.
BAPTISTA. Why, then thou canst not break her to the lute?
HORTENSIO. 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