Taming of the Shrew | Page 42

Information prepared by the Project Gutenberg legal advisor 42
KATHERINA. If I be waspish, best beware my sting.
PETRUCHIO. My remedy is, then, to pluck it out. KATHERINA. Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies.
PETRUCHIO. Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail.
KATHERINA. In his tongue. PETRUCHIO. Whose tongue? KATHERINA. Yours, if you talk of tales; and so farewell.
PETRUCHIO. What! with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again, Good Kate; I am a gentleman.
KATHERINA. That I ' ll try. [ Striking him.] PETRUCHIO. I swear I ' ll cuff you if you strike again.
KATHERINA. So may you lose your arms: If you strike me, you are no gentleman; And if no gentleman, why then no arms.
PETRUCHIO. A herald, Kate? O! put me in thy books. KATHERINA. What is your crest? a coxcomb? PETRUCHIO. A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen. KATHERINA. No cock of mine; you crow too like a craven. PETRUCHIO. Nay, come, Kate, come; you must not look so sour.