Information prepared by the Project Gutenberg legal advisor 55
PETRUCHIO. Were it better, I should rush in thus. But where is Kate? Where is my lovely bride? How does my father? Gentles, methinks you frown; And wherefore gaze this goodly company, As if they saw some wondrous monument, Some comet or unusual prodigy?
BAPTISTA. Why, sir, you know this is your wedding-day: First were we sad, fearing you would not come; Now sadder, that you come so unprovided. Fie! doff this habit, shame to your estate, An eye-sore to our solemn festival.
TRANIO. And tell us what occasion of import Hath all so long detain ' d you from your wife, And sent you hither so unlike yourself?
PETRUCHIO. Tedious it were to tell, and harsh to hear; Sufficeth, I am come to keep my word, Though in some part enforced to digress; Which at more leisure I will so excuse As you shall well be satisfied withal. But where is Kate? I stay too long from her; The morning wears, ' tis time we were at church.
TRANIO. See not your bride in these unreverent robes; Go to my chamber, put on clothes of mine.
PETRUCHIO. Not I, believe me: thus I ' ll visit her. BAPTISTA. But thus, I trust, you will not marry her.
PETRUCHIO. Good sooth, even thus; therefore ha ' done with words; To me she ' s married, not unto my clothes. Could I repair what she will wear in me As I can change these poor accoutrements, ' Twere well for Kate and better for myself. But what a fool am I to chat with you When I should bid good-morrow to my bride, And seal the title with a lovely kiss!
[ Exeunt PETRUCHIO, GRUMIO, and BIODELLO.]
TRANIO. He hath some meaning in his mad attire. We will persuade him, be it possible, To put on better ere he go to church.