Taming of the Shrew | Page 80

Information prepared by the Project Gutenberg legal advisor 80
Bianca for my patrimony.
PEDANT. Soft, son! Sir, by your leave: having come to Padua To gather in some debts, my son Lucentio Made me acquainted with a weighty cause Of love between your daughter and himself: And,--for the good report I hear of you, And for the love he beareth to your daughter, And she to him,--to stay him not too long, I am content, in a good father ' s care, To have him match ' d; and, if you please to like No worse than I, upon some agreement Me shall you find ready and willing With one consent to have her so bestow ' d; For curious I cannot be with you, Signior Baptista, of whom I hear so well.
BAPTISTA. Sir, pardon me in what I have to say. Your plainness and your shortness please me well. Right true it is your son Lucentio here Doth love my daughter, and she loveth him, Or both dissemble deeply their affections; And therefore, if you say no more than this, That like a father you will deal with him, And pass my daughter a sufficient dower, The match is made, and all is done: Your son shall have my daughter with consent.
TRANIO. I thank you, sir. Where then do you know best We be affied, and such assurance ta ' en As shall with either part ' s agreement stand?
BAPTISTA. Not in my house, Lucentio, for you know Pitchers have ears, and I have many servants; Besides, old Gremio is hearkening still, And happily we might be interrupted.
TRANIO. Then at my lodging, an it like you: There doth my father lie; and there this night We ' ll pass the business privately and well. Send for your daughter by your servant here; My boy shall fetch the scrivener presently. The worst is this, that at so slender warning You are like to have a thin and slender pittance.
BAPTISTA. It likes me well. Cambio, hie you home, And bid Bianca make her ready straight; And, if you will, tell what hath happened: Lucentio ' s father is arriv ' d in Padua, And how she ' s like to be Lucentio ' s wife.