Act 1, Scene 2

Original Text

SCENE II. Padua. Before Hortensio's house. Enter Petruchio and his man Grumio.

Modern English

Scene 2. Padua. Outside Hortensio's house. Petruchio enters with his servant Grumio.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Verona, for a while I take my leave, To see my friends in Padua; but of all My best beloved and approved friend, Hortensio; and I trow this is his house. Here, sirrah Grumio, knock, I say.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. I've said my goodbyes to Verona for now — I'm here to visit friends in Padua, and above all My dearest and most trusted friend, Hortensio. And I believe this is his house. Go on, Grumio, knock on the door.

Original Text

GRUMIO. Knock, sir? Whom should I knock? Is there any man has rebused your worship?

Modern English

GRUMIO. Knock, sir? Who should I knock? Has someone wronged your worship?

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Villain, I say, knock me here soundly.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. You rascal — knock on this door, I tell you.

Original Text

GRUMIO. Knock you here, sir? Why, sir, what am I, sir, that I should knock you here, sir?

Modern English

GRUMIO. Knock you, sir? Why, sir, who am I, sir, that I should go around knocking you, sir?

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Villain, I say, knock me at this gate; And rap me well, or I'll knock your knave's pate.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. You villain, knock on that gate, I said! Do it properly, or I'll knock you on the head.

Original Text

GRUMIO. My master is grown quarrelsome. I should knock you first, And then I know after who comes by the worst.

Modern English

GRUMIO. My master's in a fighting mood. If I knock first, I know perfectly well who'll come off worse from it.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Will it not be? Faith, sirrah, and you'll not knock, I'll ring it; I'll try how you can sol, fa, and sing it. [_He wrings Grumio by the ears._]

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Are you going to do it or not? Fine — if you won't knock, I'll ring you like a bell; I'll see how well you can carry a tune. [_He twists Grumio by the ears._]

Original Text

GRUMIO. Help, masters, help! my master is mad.

Modern English

GRUMIO. Help! Someone help! My master's gone mad!

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Now, knock when I bid you, sirrah villain!

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Now knock on the door when I tell you, you wretch!

Original Text

Enter Hortensio. HORTENSIO. How now! what's the matter? My old friend Grumio! and my good friend Petruchio! How do you all at Verona?

Modern English

Hortensio enters. HORTENSIO. What's all this? What's the matter? My old friend Grumio! And my good friend Petruchio! How is everyone back in Verona?

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Signior Hortensio, come you to part the fray? _Con tutto il cuore ben trovato_, may I say.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Signior Hortensio, have you come out to break up the fight? "With all my heart, well met," I say.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. _Alla nostra casa ben venuto; molto honorato signor mio Petruchio._ Rise, Grumio, rise: we will compound this quarrel.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. "Welcome to our house; you do us great honor, my dear Signior Petruchio." Get up, Grumio — we'll settle this dispute.

Original Text

GRUMIO. Nay, 'tis no matter, sir, what he 'leges in Latin. If this be not a lawful cause for me to leave his service, look you, sir, he bid me knock him and rap him soundly, sir: well, was it fit for a servant to use his master so; being, perhaps, for aught I see, two-and-thirty, a pip out? Whom would to God I had well knock'd at first, then had not Grumio come by the worst.

Modern English

GRUMIO. Never mind whatever he's saying in Italian, sir. If this isn't good enough reason for me to quit his service, I don't know what is. He told me to knock him and rap him soundly — well, is it right for a servant to lay hands on his own master? The man's half out of his mind, if you ask me. God knows I wish I'd knocked first, so at least Grumio wouldn't have come off the worse for it.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. A senseless villain! Good Hortensio, I bade the rascal knock upon your gate, And could not get him for my heart to do it.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. The fool has lost his mind! Good Hortensio, I told the idiot to knock on your gate, And I couldn't get him to do it for the life of me.

Original Text

GRUMIO. Knock at the gate! O heavens! Spake you not these words plain: 'Sirrah knock me here, rap me here, knock me well, and knock me soundly'? And come you now with 'knocking at the gate'?

Modern English

GRUMIO. Knock at the gate! Good heavens! Didn't you say — plain as day — "Knock me here, rap me here, knock me well, knock me soundly"? And now you're saying "knock at the gate"?

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Sirrah, be gone, or talk not, I advise you.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Get out of here, or keep quiet — one of the two.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Petruchio, patience; I am Grumio's pledge; Why, this's a heavy chance 'twixt him and you, Your ancient, trusty, pleasant servant Grumio. And tell me now, sweet friend, what happy gale Blows you to Padua here from old Verona?

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Easy, Petruchio — I'll vouch for Grumio. It's a shame to quarrel with your oldest, Faithful, good-natured servant Grumio. But tell me, dear friend — what lucky wind Has blown you here to Padua from Verona?

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Such wind as scatters young men through the world To seek their fortunes farther than at home, Where small experience grows. But in a few, Signior Hortensio, thus it stands with me: Antonio, my father, is deceas'd, And I have thrust myself into this maze, Haply to wive and thrive as best I may; Crowns in my purse I have, and goods at home, And so am come abroad to see the world.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. The same wind that scatters young men across the world To seek their fortunes somewhere beyond home, Where little ever happens. In short, Signior Hortensio, here's my situation: My father Antonio is dead, And I've thrown myself into this adventure With some hope of finding a wife and prospering. I have money in my pocket and property at home, So I've come out into the world to see what's here.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Petruchio, shall I then come roundly to thee And wish thee to a shrewd ill-favour'd wife? Thou'dst thank me but a little for my counsel; And yet I'll promise thee she shall be rich, And very rich: but th'art too much my friend, And I'll not wish thee to her.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Petruchio, shall I come straight out with it then And point you toward a nasty, ugly wife? You'd thank me very little for the advice — And yet I'll tell you she'll be rich, Extraordinarily rich. But you're too good a friend, And I won't do that to you.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Signior Hortensio, 'twixt such friends as we Few words suffice; and therefore, if thou know One rich enough to be Petruchio's wife, As wealth is burden of my wooing dance, Be she as foul as was Florentius' love, As old as Sibyl, and as curst and shrewd As Socrates' Xanthippe or a worse, She moves me not, or not removes, at least, Affection's edge in me, were she as rough As are the swelling Adriatic seas: I come to wive it wealthily in Padua; If wealthily, then happily in Padua.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Signior Hortensio, between close friends like us Plain speaking will do. So: if you know A woman rich enough to be Petruchio's wife — For wealth is the whole melody of my courtship — She can be as hideous as Florentius' hag, As ancient as the Sibyl, as vicious and sharp-tongued As Socrates' Xanthippe — or worse — She won't put me off in the slightest. Not even The wild surging of the Adriatic Sea Would make me flinch. I've come to Padua to marry money. Money means happiness — that's the whole of it.

Original Text

GRUMIO. Nay, look you, sir, he tells you flatly what his mind is: why, give him gold enough and marry him to a puppet or an aglet-baby; or an old trot with ne'er a tooth in her head, though she have as many diseases as two-and-fifty horses: why, nothing comes amiss, so money comes withal.

Modern English

GRUMIO. You see, sir — he's telling you flat out what he wants. Give him enough gold and he'll marry a scarecrow, a rag doll, some toothless old wreck with more ailments than a sick horse. Nothing bothers him as long as the cash is there.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Petruchio, since we are stepp'd thus far in, I will continue that I broach'd in jest. I can, Petruchio, help thee to a wife With wealth enough, and young and beauteous; Brought up as best becomes a gentlewoman: Her only fault,—and that is faults enough,— Is, that she is intolerable curst, And shrewd and froward, so beyond all measure, That, were my state far worser than it is, I would not wed her for a mine of gold.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Petruchio, since we've come this far, I'll follow through on what I raised as a joke. I can, Petruchio, set you up with a wife Who has plenty of money, is young, and beautiful, Raised exactly as a proper gentlewoman should be. Her one flaw — and it's a serious one — Is that she is unbearably difficult, Vicious and contrary beyond all measure. Even if I were far worse off than I am, I wouldn't marry her for a fortune.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Hortensio, peace! thou know'st not gold's effect: Tell me her father's name, and 'tis enough; For I will board her, though she chide as loud As thunder when the clouds in autumn crack.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Enough, Hortensio — you don't understand what gold can do. Just tell me her father's name. That's enough. I'll pursue her even if she screams as loud As thunder splitting the autumn sky.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Her father is Baptista Minola, An affable and courteous gentleman; Her name is Katherina Minola, Renown'd in Padua for her scolding tongue.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Her father is Baptista Minola, A pleasant and courteous gentleman. Her name is Katherina Minola, Famous throughout Padua for her sharp and vicious tongue.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. I know her father, though I know not her; And he knew my deceased father well. I will not sleep, Hortensio, till I see her; And therefore let me be thus bold with you, To give you over at this first encounter, Unless you will accompany me thither.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. I know her father well, though not the girl — He and my late father were old friends. I won't rest, Hortensio, until I've met her. So you'll forgive me if I leave you right now And head straight there on my own, Unless you'll come with me.

Original Text

GRUMIO. I pray you, sir, let him go while the humour lasts. O' my word, and she knew him as well as I do, she would think scolding would do little good upon him. She may perhaps call him half a score knaves or so; why, that's nothing; and he begin once, he'll rail in his rope-tricks. I'll tell you what, sir, and she stand him but a little, he will throw a figure in her face, and so disfigure her with it that she shall have no more eyes to see withal than a cat. You know him not, sir.

Modern English

GRUMIO. Let him go, sir, while he's in the mood for it. Trust me — if she knew him half as well as I do, she'd figure out pretty quickly that shouting at him does no good. She might call him a dozen names, maybe — but so what? Once he gets going, he'll out-rave her every time. I tell you, sir, if she gives him even a little trouble, he'll come back at her with something so clever it'll leave her speechless — blinder than a cat in the dark. You don't know him, sir.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Tarry, Petruchio, I must go with thee, For in Baptista's keep my treasure is: He hath the jewel of my life in hold, His youngest daughter, beautiful Bianca, And her withholds from me and other more, Suitors to her and rivals in my love; Supposing it a thing impossible, For those defects I have before rehears'd, That ever Katherina will be woo'd: Therefore this order hath Baptista ta'en, That none shall have access unto Bianca Till Katherine the curst have got a husband.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Wait, Petruchio — I have to go with you. My greatest treasure is locked inside Baptista's house: He holds the jewel of my life, His youngest daughter, beautiful Bianca. And he's keeping her from me and every other suitor Who's in love with her and competing for her hand. He thinks it impossible — given everything I've said about Kate — That anyone will ever court her successfully. So Baptista has decreed That no one may see Bianca Until Katherine the shrew has found a husband.

Original Text

GRUMIO. Katherine the curst! A title for a maid of all titles the worst.

Modern English

GRUMIO. Katherine the shrew! The worst title a girl could have.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Now shall my friend Petruchio do me grace, And offer me disguis'd in sober robes, To old Baptista as a schoolmaster Well seen in music, to instruct Bianca; That so I may, by this device at least Have leave and leisure to make love to her, And unsuspected court her by herself.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. So here's my plan: my friend Petruchio will introduce me In disguise — dressed soberly as a schoolmaster — To old Baptista, as someone skilled in music Who can teach Bianca. That way I'll have, at least through this scheme, The time and access to court her privately And woo her without being suspected.

Original Text

GRUMIO. Here's no knavery! See, to beguile the old folks, how the young folks lay their heads together!

Modern English

GRUMIO. Oh, that's a bit of mischief! Look at how the young ones Put their heads together to trick the old folks!

Original Text

Enter Gremio and Lucentio disguised, with books under his arm. Master, master, look about you: who goes there, ha?

Modern English

Gremio and Lucentio enter in disguise, books under his arm. Master, master, look out! Who's that coming?

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Peace, Grumio! It is the rival of my love. Petruchio, stand by awhile.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Quiet, Grumio — that's my rival in love. Petruchio, step aside a moment.

Original Text

GRUMIO. A proper stripling, and an amorous!

Modern English

GRUMIO. A fine young man — and quite the romantic!

Original Text

GREMIO. O! very well; I have perus'd the note. Hark you, sir; I'll have them very fairly bound: All books of love, see that at any hand, And see you read no other lectures to her. You understand me. Over and beside Signior Baptista's liberality, I'll mend it with a largess. Take your papers too, And let me have them very well perfum'd; For she is sweeter than perfume itself To whom they go to. What will you read to her?

Modern English

GREMIO. Very good — I've looked over the list. Now listen: I want them beautifully bound. Love poetry, above all — only love poetry, mind you, And read nothing else to her. You understand me? On top of what Signior Baptista is already paying you, I'll add a bonus from my own pocket. Take the papers, And have them nicely perfumed — For she who receives them is sweeter than any perfume. Now, what will you read to her?

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Whate'er I read to her, I'll plead for you, As for my patron, stand you so assur'd, As firmly as yourself were still in place; Yea, and perhaps with more successful words Than you, unless you were a scholar, sir.

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Whatever I read to her, I'll speak for you As your devoted advocate — count on that As if you were there in the room yourself. And perhaps I'll do it with more success Than you could yourself — unless you happen to be a scholar, sir.

Original Text

GREMIO. O! this learning, what a thing it is.

Modern English

GREMIO. Ah, learning — what a wonderful thing it is.

Original Text

GRUMIO. O! this woodcock, what an ass it is.

Modern English

GRUMIO. Ah, what a fool this woodcock is.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Peace, sirrah!

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Quiet, you!

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Grumio, mum! God save you, Signior Gremio!

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Grumio, hush! God save you, Signior Gremio!

Original Text

GREMIO. And you are well met, Signior Hortensio. Trow you whither I am going? To Baptista Minola. I promis'd to enquire carefully About a schoolmaster for the fair Bianca; And by good fortune I have lighted well On this young man; for learning and behaviour Fit for her turn, well read in poetry And other books, good ones, I warrant ye.

Modern English

GREMIO. And well met to you, Signior Hortensio. Do you know where I'm going? To Baptista Minola's. I'd promised to look carefully For a tutor for the lovely Bianca, And I've been lucky enough to find This young man here — educated and well-mannered, Perfect for her needs, widely read in poetry And other fine books, I assure you.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. 'Tis well; and I have met a gentleman Hath promis'd me to help me to another, A fine musician to instruct our mistress: So shall I no whit be behind in duty To fair Bianca, so belov'd of me.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Good timing — I've met a gentleman as well Who's promised to connect me with another candidate, An accomplished musician to teach our lady. So I'll be no less devoted in my service To fair Bianca, whom I love deeply.

Original Text

GREMIO. Belov'd of me, and that my deeds shall prove.

Modern English

GREMIO. Whom I love deeply — and my actions will prove it.

Original Text

GRUMIO. [_Aside._] And that his bags shall prove.

Modern English

GRUMIO. [_Aside._] And his money bags will prove it.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Gremio, 'tis now no time to vent our love: Listen to me, and if you speak me fair, I'll tell you news indifferent good for either. Here is a gentleman whom by chance I met, Upon agreement from us to his liking, Will undertake to woo curst Katherine; Yea, and to marry her, if her dowry please.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Gremio, now is not the time to argue about our feelings. Listen to me — if you'll hear me out civilly, I have some news that's fairly good for both of us. Here is a gentleman I happened to meet, Who — for terms we can agree on — Is willing to court Kate the shrew, And even marry her, if her dowry is satisfactory.

Original Text

GREMIO. So said, so done, is well. Hortensio, have you told him all her faults?

Modern English

GREMIO. Well said and well done. But Hortensio — have you told him all her faults?

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. I know she is an irksome brawling scold; If that be all, masters, I hear no harm.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. I know she's an infuriating, shrieking scold. If that's the worst of it, gentlemen, I call that fine.

Original Text

GREMIO. No, say'st me so, friend? What countryman?

Modern English

GREMIO. Is that what you say, friend? Where are you from?

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Born in Verona, old Antonio's son. My father dead, my fortune lives for me; And I do hope good days and long to see.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Born in Verona, old Antonio's son. My father is gone; his fortune now belongs to me. I expect to enjoy many long and good years yet.

Original Text

GREMIO. O sir, such a life, with such a wife, were strange! But if you have a stomach, to't a God's name; You shall have me assisting you in all. But will you woo this wild-cat?

Modern English

GREMIO. Ha — a good life with a wife like that would be something! But if you've got the stomach for it, go in God's name — You'll have my full support in everything. But will you really court this wildcat?

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Will I live?

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Will I breathe?

Original Text

GRUMIO. Will he woo her? Ay, or I'll hang her.

Modern English

GRUMIO. Will he court her? He will — or I'll personally wring her neck.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Why came I hither but to that intent? Think you a little din can daunt mine ears? Have I not in my time heard lions roar? Have I not heard the sea, puff'd up with winds, Rage like an angry boar chafed with sweat? Have I not heard great ordnance in the field, And heaven's artillery thunder in the skies? Have I not in a pitched battle heard Loud 'larums, neighing steeds, and trumpets' clang? And do you tell me of a woman's tongue, That gives not half so great a blow to hear As will a chestnut in a farmer's fire? Tush, tush! fear boys with bugs.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Why did I come here if not for exactly this? Do you think a little noise can frighten me? I've heard lions roar. I've heard the sea, swollen with wind, Raging like a wild boar foaming at the mouth. I've heard cannons thunder across a battlefield, And lightning cracking open the sky. I've been in pitched battle with alarms blaring, Horses screaming, trumpets clanging all around. And you're warning me about a woman's tongue — Which makes less noise in the end Than a chestnut popping in a fire? Nonsense. Scarecrows are for children.

Original Text

GRUMIO. [_Aside_] For he fears none.

Modern English

GRUMIO. [_Aside_] Because he fears nothing.

Original Text

GREMIO. Hortensio, hark: This gentleman is happily arriv'd, My mind presumes, for his own good and yours.

Modern English

GREMIO. Hortensio, listen — This gentleman has arrived at a very fortunate moment, I'd say, both for his sake and yours.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. I promis'd we would be contributors, And bear his charge of wooing, whatsoe'er.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. I promised we'd cover his costs of courting, Whatever they turn out to be.

Original Text

GREMIO. And so we will, provided that he win her.

Modern English

GREMIO. We will — provided he actually wins her.

Original Text

GRUMIO. I would I were as sure of a good dinner.

Modern English

GRUMIO. I just wish I were as sure of a decent meal.

Original Text

Enter Tranio brave, and Biondello. TRANIO. Gentlemen, God save you! If I may be bold, Tell me, I beseech you, which is the readiest way To the house of Signior Baptista Minola?

Modern English

Tranio enters smartly dressed, with Biondello. TRANIO. Gentlemen, good day to you! If I may be so bold, Could you tell me the quickest way To the house of Signior Baptista Minola?

Original Text

BIONDELLO. He that has the two fair daughters; is't he you mean?

Modern English

BIONDELLO. The one with the two lovely daughters — is that who you mean?

Original Text

TRANIO. Even he, Biondello!

Modern English

TRANIO. That's exactly who I mean, Biondello!

Original Text

GREMIO. Hark you, sir, you mean not her to—

Modern English

GREMIO. Listen here, sir — you don't mean to court her—

Original Text

TRANIO. Perhaps him and her, sir; what have you to do?

Modern English

TRANIO. Perhaps him and her, sir. What's it to you?

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Not her that chides, sir, at any hand, I pray.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Not the screaming one, I hope, sir, for your sake.

Original Text

TRANIO. I love no chiders, sir. Biondello, let's away.

Modern English

TRANIO. I have no interest in screamers, sir. Biondello, let's go.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. [_Aside_] Well begun, Tranio.

Modern English

LUCENTIO. [_Aside_] Off to a good start, Tranio.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Sir, a word ere you go. Are you a suitor to the maid you talk of, yea or no?

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Sir, a word before you leave. Are you a suitor to the girl you mentioned — yes or no?

Original Text

TRANIO. And if I be, sir, is it any offence?

Modern English

TRANIO. And if I am, sir, is that a crime?

Original Text

GREMIO. No; if without more words you will get you hence.

Modern English

GREMIO. No — as long as you leave without further argument.

Original Text

TRANIO. Why, sir, I pray, are not the streets as free For me as for you?

Modern English

TRANIO. Are the streets not as free For me as they are for you, sir?

Original Text

GREMIO. But so is not she.

Modern English

GREMIO. The streets, yes. The girl — no.

Original Text

TRANIO. For what reason, I beseech you?

Modern English

TRANIO. On what grounds, may I ask?

Original Text

GREMIO. For this reason, if you'll know, That she's the choice love of Signior Gremio.

Modern English

GREMIO. On this ground, since you want to know: She is the chosen love of Signior Gremio.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. That she's the chosen of Signior Hortensio.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. And the chosen love of Signior Hortensio.

Original Text

TRANIO. Softly, my masters! If you be gentlemen, Do me this right; hear me with patience. Baptista is a noble gentleman, To whom my father is not all unknown; And were his daughter fairer than she is, She may more suitors have, and me for one. Fair Leda's daughter had a thousand wooers; Then well one more may fair Bianca have; And so she shall: Lucentio shall make one, Though Paris came in hope to speed alone.

Modern English

TRANIO. Gentlemen, easy! If you're the honorable men you appear to be, Do me the courtesy of hearing me out. Baptista is a man of great standing, Known to my father as well. Even if his daughter were twice as beautiful, She could have twice as many suitors, and I'd be one. Helen of Troy had a thousand men pursuing her — Surely fair Bianca can have one more. And so she shall: Lucentio will be among them, Even if Paris himself comes thinking he'll win her alone.

Original Text

GREMIO. What, this gentleman will out-talk us all.

Modern English

GREMIO. This fellow will talk us all into the ground.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Sir, give him head; I know he'll prove a jade.

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Let him run on, sir — a horse that bolts always tires out.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Hortensio, to what end are all these words?

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Hortensio, what's the point of all this bickering?

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Sir, let me be so bold as ask you, Did you yet ever see Baptista's daughter?

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Sir, let me ask you directly — Have you ever laid eyes on Baptista's daughter?

Original Text

TRANIO. No, sir, but hear I do that he hath two, The one as famous for a scolding tongue As is the other for beauteous modesty.

Modern English

TRANIO. No, sir, but I've heard he has two — One famous for a sharp and abusive tongue, The other for gentle beauty.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Sir, sir, the first's for me; let her go by.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. The first one is mine — leave her aside.

Original Text

GREMIO. Yea, leave that labour to great Hercules, And let it be more than Alcides' twelve.

Modern English

GREMIO. Yes, leave that labor for Hercules — A thirteenth labor beyond even his twelve.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Sir, understand you this of me, in sooth: The youngest daughter, whom you hearken for, Her father keeps from all access of suitors, And will not promise her to any man Until the elder sister first be wed; The younger then is free, and not before.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Here's the truth of it, gentlemen: Bianca, the youngest — the one you're all after — Her father is keeping her away from every suitor And won't promise her to anyone Until the older sister is married first. Only then is Bianca available, and not a moment before.

Original Text

TRANIO. If it be so, sir, that you are the man Must stead us all, and me amongst the rest; And if you break the ice, and do this feat, Achieve the elder, set the younger free For our access, whose hap shall be to have her Will not so graceless be to be ingrate.

Modern English

TRANIO. If that's the case, sir, then you're the man Who can save us all — including me. If you break through, pull it off, marry the elder, And set the younger free for the rest of us — Whoever is lucky enough to win her Won't be too ungrateful to forget what you did.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. Sir, you say well, and well you do conceive; And since you do profess to be a suitor, You must, as we do, gratify this gentleman, To whom we all rest generally beholding.

Modern English

HORTENSIO. Well said, sir, and you understand the situation perfectly. And since you've declared yourself a suitor, You should, like the rest of us, show gratitude to this man, To whom we all owe a considerable debt.

Original Text

TRANIO. Sir, I shall not be slack; in sign whereof, Please ye we may contrive this afternoon, And quaff carouses to our mistress' health; And do as adversaries do in law, Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.

Modern English

TRANIO. I won't hang back, sir. To prove it — What if we spent the afternoon together Drinking toasts to our lady's health? Let's be rivals the way lawyers are: Fight hard in court, but eat and drink as friends.

Original Text

GRUMIO, BIONDELLO. O excellent motion! Fellows, let's be gone.

Modern English

GRUMIO, BIONDELLO. Excellent idea! Come on, let's go.

Original Text

HORTENSIO. The motion's good indeed, and be it so:— Petruchio, I shall be your _ben venuto_. [_Exeunt._]

Modern English

HORTENSIO. A fine proposal, and so be it — Petruchio, I'll be your host and welcome you properly. [_They exit._]

The Taming of the Shrew

Act 1, Scene 2

Act 1, Scene 2