Act 5, Scene 1

Original Text

SCENE I. Padua. Before Lucentio's house. Enter on one side Biondello, Lucentio and Bianca; Gremio walking on other side.

Modern English

Scene 1. Padua. In front of Lucentio's house. Biondello, Lucentio, and Bianca enter from one side; Gremio enters from the other.

Original Text

BIONDELLO. Softly and swiftly, sir, for the priest is ready. LUCENTIO. I fly, Biondello; but they may chance to need thee at home, therefore leave us.

Modern English

BIONDELLO. Quietly, quickly, sir — the priest is waiting. LUCENTIO. I'm coming, Biondello. But they may need you back at the house — you can leave us here.

Original Text

BIONDELLO. Nay, faith, I'll see the church o' your back; and then come back to my master's as soon as I can. [_Exeunt Lucentio, Bianca and Biondello._] GREMIO. I marvel Cambio comes not all this while.

Modern English

BIONDELLO. Not a chance. I'm seeing this through to the church door, then I'll head back to my master's as fast as I can. [_Lucentio, Bianca, and Biondello exit._] GREMIO. Strange that Cambio hasn't shown up by now.

Original Text

Enter Petruchio, Katherina, Vincentio and Attendants. PETRUCHIO. Sir, here's the door; this is Lucentio's house: My father's bears more toward the market-place; Thither must I, and here I leave you, sir.

Modern English

Petruchio, Katherina, Vincentio, and attendants enter. PETRUCHIO. Sir, here's the house — this is Lucentio's. My father's place is further on toward the market square. That's where I need to be, so I'll leave you here.

Original Text

VINCENTIO. You shall not choose but drink before you go. I think I shall command your welcome here, And by all likelihood some cheer is toward. [_Knocks._] GREMIO. They're busy within; you were best knock louder.

Modern English

VINCENTIO. You're not getting away without a drink first. I expect I can secure you a warm welcome here, and from the look of things, there's a celebration in the making. [_He knocks._] GREMIO. They're busy in there. You'd better knock louder.

Original Text

Enter Pedant above, at a window. PEDANT. What's he that knocks as he would beat down the gate? VINCENTIO. Is Signior Lucentio within, sir? PEDANT. He's within, sir, but not to be spoken withal.

Modern English

The Pedant appears above, leaning out a window. PEDANT. Who's that hammering at the gate like he means to knock it down? VINCENTIO. Is Signior Lucentio in, sir? PEDANT. He's in, sir, but he's not available for visitors.

Original Text

VINCENTIO. What if a man bring him a hundred pound or two to make merry withal? PEDANT. Keep your hundred pounds to yourself: he shall need none so long as I live.

Modern English

VINCENTIO. What if a man brought him a hundred pounds or two — a gift to celebrate with? PEDANT. Keep your hundred pounds. He won't be needing anything from anyone as long as I'm alive.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Nay, I told you your son was well beloved in Padua. Do you hear, sir? To leave frivolous circumstances, I pray you tell Signior Lucentio that his father is come from Pisa, and is here at the door to speak with him. PEDANT. Thou liest: his father is come from Padua, and here looking out at the window.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. See? I told you your son was well regarded in Padua. Listen, sir — to get to the point: please tell Signior Lucentio that his father has come from Pisa, and is here at the door wishing to speak with him. PEDANT. You're lying. His father came from Padua, and is right here looking out of this very window.

Original Text

VINCENTIO. Art thou his father? PEDANT. Ay, sir; so his mother says, if I may believe her. PETRUCHIO. [_To Vincentio_] Why, how now, gentleman! why, this is flat knavery to take upon you another man's name.

Modern English

VINCENTIO. You're his father? PEDANT. I am, sir. So his mother tells me, and I have no reason to doubt her. PETRUCHIO. [_To Vincentio_] Well, this is something. This is outright fraud — passing yourself off as another man.

Original Text

PEDANT. Lay hands on the villain: I believe a means to cozen somebody in this city under my countenance. Re-enter Biondello. BIONDELLO. I have seen them in the church together: God send 'em good shipping! But who is here? Mine old master, Vincentio! Now we are undone and brought to nothing.

Modern English

PEDANT. Grab that man — he's trying to swindle someone in this city by pretending to be me. Biondello re-enters. BIONDELLO. I've seen them married in the church — God speed them! But wait — who's that? My old master Vincentio! We're finished. We're completely done for.

Original Text

VINCENTIO. [_Seeing Biondello._] Come hither, crack-hemp. BIONDELLO. I hope I may choose, sir. VINCENTIO. Come hither, you rogue. What, have you forgot me?

Modern English

VINCENTIO. [_Spotting Biondello._] Get over here, you gallows-bait. BIONDELLO. I'd rather not, sir, if it's all the same to you. VINCENTIO. Get over here, you rogue. What's this — you don't know me?

Original Text

BIONDELLO. Forgot you! No, sir: I could not forget you, for I never saw you before in all my life. VINCENTIO. What, you notorious villain! didst thou never see thy master's father, Vincentio?

Modern English

BIONDELLO. Don't know you? No sir, I can say that honestly — I've never laid eyes on you in my life. VINCENTIO. You shameless wretch! You have never seen your master's father? Vincentio? Never?

Original Text

BIONDELLO. What, my old worshipful old master? Yes, marry, sir; see where he looks out of the window. VINCENTIO. Is't so, indeed? [_He beats Biondello._]

Modern English

BIONDELLO. My old and most worshipful master? Oh, certainly, sir — there he is, looking right out of that window. VINCENTIO. Is that right? [_He strikes Biondello._]

Original Text

BIONDELLO. Help, help, help! here's a madman will murder me. [_Exit._] PEDANT. Help, son! help, Signior Baptista! [_Exit from the window._] PETRUCHIO. Prithee, Kate, let's stand aside and see the end of this controversy. [_They retire._]

Modern English

BIONDELLO. Help, help, help! There's a lunatic trying to kill me! [_He runs off._] PEDANT. Help! My son! Someone fetch Signior Baptista! [_He withdraws from the window._] PETRUCHIO. Kate, let's step aside and watch how this plays out. [_They move back._]

Original Text

Re-enter Pedant, below; Baptista, Tranio and Servants. TRANIO. Sir, what are you that offer to beat my servant? VINCENTIO. What am I, sir! nay, what are you, sir? O immortal gods! O fine villain! A silken doublet, a velvet hose, a scarlet cloak, and a copatain hat! O, I am undone! I am undone! While I play the good husband at home, my son and my servant spend all at the university.

Modern English

The Pedant enters below; Baptista, Tranio, and servants come out. TRANIO. Who are you, sir, and what do you mean by striking my servant? VINCENTIO. Who am I? Who are you, more to the point? Good God — look at him! Silk doublet, velvet breeches, scarlet cloak, high-crowned hat! I am ruined, utterly ruined! I scrimp and save at home, and my son and my servant blow everything on their time at university.

Original Text

TRANIO. How now! what's the matter? BAPTISTA. What, is the man lunatic? TRANIO. Sir, you seem a sober ancient gentleman by your habit, but your words show you a madman. Why, sir, what 'cerns it you if I wear pearl and gold? I thank my good father, I am able to maintain it.

Modern English

TRANIO. What's happening here? What's the trouble? BAPTISTA. Is the man out of his mind? TRANIO. Sir, your clothes say sober gentleman, but your words say madman. What business is it of yours if I wear pearls and gold? My good father keeps me comfortable, I'll have you know.

Original Text

VINCENTIO. Thy father! O villain! he is a sailmaker in Bergamo. BAPTISTA. You mistake, sir; you mistake, sir. Pray, what do you think is his name? VINCENTIO. His name! As if I knew not his name! I have brought him up ever since he was three years old, and his name is Tranio.

Modern English

VINCENTIO. Your father! Your father is a sailmaker in Bergamo, you rascal. BAPTISTA. You're mistaken, sir — quite mistaken. Tell me, then: what do you think his name is? VINCENTIO. What do I think his name is! As if I could be wrong about that. I've raised him since he was three years old. His name is Tranio.

Original Text

PEDANT. Away, away, mad ass! His name is Lucentio; and he is mine only son, and heir to the lands of me, Signior Vincentio. VINCENTIO. Lucentio! O, he hath murdered his master! Lay hold on him, I charge you, in the Duke's name. O, my son, my son! Tell me, thou villain, where is my son, Lucentio?

Modern English

PEDANT. Away with you, you raving fool! His name is Lucentio. He is my only son and the heir to my estate — I am Signior Vincentio. VINCENTIO. Lucentio! Then he has murdered his master! Seize him — I demand it, in the Duke's name. Oh, my son, my son! Tell me where he is, you villain. Where is Lucentio?

Original Text

TRANIO. Call forth an officer. Enter one with an Officer. Carry this mad knave to the gaol. Father Baptista, I charge you see that he be forthcoming. VINCENTIO. Carry me to the gaol!

Modern English

TRANIO. Fetch an officer. An officer is brought in. Take this raving troublemaker to the jail. Father Baptista, I'll hold you responsible for producing him when he's needed. VINCENTIO. Take me to the jail? Me?

Original Text

GREMIO. Stay, officer; he shall not go to prison. BAPTISTA. Talk not, Signior Gremio; I say he shall go to prison. GREMIO. Take heed, Signior Baptista, lest you be cony-catched in this business; I dare swear this is the right Vincentio.

Modern English

GREMIO. Hold on, officer — this man isn't going to prison. BAPTISTA. Stay out of it, Signior Gremio. I say he goes. GREMIO. Be careful, Signior Baptista. You may be being played for a fool here. I'd wager this is the real Vincentio.

Original Text

PEDANT. Swear if thou darest. GREMIO. Nay, I dare not swear it. TRANIO. Then thou wert best say that I am not Lucentio. GREMIO. Yes, I know thee to be Signior Lucentio. BAPTISTA. Away with the dotard! to the gaol with him! VINCENTIO. Thus strangers may be haled and abus'd: O monstrous villain!

Modern English

PEDANT. Wager it, then, if you dare. GREMIO. Well — I don't quite dare swear to it. TRANIO. Then you'd better not claim I'm not Lucentio either. GREMIO. But I do know you as Signior Lucentio — I'm certain of that. BAPTISTA. Enough from the old fool — take the other one to jail! VINCENTIO. So this is how strangers are dragged about and abused in this city. Monstrous!

Original Text

Re-enter Biondello, with Lucentio and Bianca. BIONDELLO. O! we are spoiled; and yonder he is: deny him, forswear him, or else we are all undone. LUCENTIO. [_Kneeling._] Pardon, sweet father. VINCENTIO. Lives my sweetest son? [_Biondello, Tranio and Pedant run out._]

Modern English

Biondello returns, with Lucentio and Bianca. BIONDELLO. We're done for! There he is — deny him, swear you don't know him, or we're all finished. LUCENTIO. [_Kneeling._] Forgive me, dear father. VINCENTIO. My boy — you're alive? [_Biondello, Tranio, and the Pedant bolt._]

Original Text

BIANCA. [_Kneeling._] Pardon, dear father. BAPTISTA. How hast thou offended? Where is Lucentio? LUCENTIO. Here's Lucentio, Right son to the right Vincentio; That have by marriage made thy daughter mine, While counterfeit supposes blear'd thine eyne.

Modern English

BIANCA. [_Kneeling._] Forgive me, dear father. BAPTISTA. What have you done? And where is Lucentio? LUCENTIO. I am Lucentio — the real one, true son to the true Vincentio. I have married your daughter, and made her my wife, while our tricks kept the wool over your eyes.

Original Text

GREMIO. Here 's packing, with a witness, to deceive us all! VINCENTIO. Where is that damned villain, Tranio, That fac'd and brav'd me in this matter so? BAPTISTA. Why, tell me, is not this my Cambio? BIANCA. Cambio is chang'd into Lucentio.

Modern English

GREMIO. There's a conspiracy here, plain as day — we've all been made fools of! VINCENTIO. And where is that villain Tranio, who stood there and brazened it out to my face? BAPTISTA. Wait — is this not my Cambio? BIANCA. Cambio has become Lucentio.

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Love wrought these miracles. Bianca's love Made me exchange my state with Tranio, While he did bear my countenance in the town; And happily I have arriv'd at the last Unto the wished haven of my bliss. What Tranio did, myself enforc'd him to; Then pardon him, sweet father, for my sake.

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Love did all of this. Bianca's love made me trade places with Tranio — he played the young master around town, while I found my way, at last, to the harbor I'd been sailing toward all along. Everything Tranio did, I made him do. Please forgive him, father — for my sake.

Original Text

VINCENTIO. I'll slit the villain's nose that would have sent me to the gaol. BAPTISTA. [_To Lucentio._] But do you hear, sir? Have you married my daughter without asking my good will? VINCENTIO. Fear not, Baptista; we will content you, go to: but I will in, to be revenged for this villainy. [_Exit._] BAPTISTA. And I to sound the depth of this knavery. [_Exit._]

Modern English

VINCENTIO. That villain nearly had me thrown in jail. I'll be cutting off his nose. BAPTISTA. [_To Lucentio._] And another thing, young man — you married my daughter without so much as asking my permission? VINCENTIO. Don't worry, Baptista — we'll make it right with you, I promise. But first I'm going inside to settle some scores of my own. [_He exits._] BAPTISTA. And I'm going in to figure out exactly how deep this scheme ran. [_He exits._]

Original Text

LUCENTIO. Look not pale, Bianca; thy father will not frown. [_Exeunt Lucentio and Bianca._] GREMIO. My cake is dough, but I'll in among the rest; Out of hope of all but my share of the feast. [_Exit._]

Modern English

LUCENTIO. Don't look so frightened, Bianca — your father won't stay angry. [_Lucentio and Bianca exit._] GREMIO. My chances are well and truly cooked. But I'll go in with the rest of them — there's nothing left for me but a seat at the table. [_He exits._]

Original Text

Petruchio and Katherina advance. KATHERINA. Husband, let's follow to see the end of this ado. PETRUCHIO. First kiss me, Kate, and we will. KATHERINA. What! in the midst of the street?

Modern English

Petruchio and Katherina come forward. KATHERINA. Husband, let's follow them — I want to see how this all ends. PETRUCHIO. Kiss me first, Kate, and then we will. KATHERINA. What — right here in the middle of the street?

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. What! art thou ashamed of me? KATHERINA. No, sir; God forbid; but ashamed to kiss. PETRUCHIO. Why, then, let's home again. Come, sirrah, let's away. KATHERINA. Nay, I will give thee a kiss: now pray thee, love, stay.

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. What — are you ashamed of me? KATHERINA. No, sir, God forbid — ashamed to be kissing in public, is all. PETRUCHIO. Fine, then. We'll go home. Come on, let's be off. KATHERINA. No — wait. Here. [_She kisses him._] Now please, love, stay.

Original Text

PETRUCHIO. Is not this well? Come, my sweet Kate: Better once than never, for never too late. [_Exeunt._]

Modern English

PETRUCHIO. Now that's more like it. Come, my sweet Kate: better late than never — and it's never too late to start. [_They exit._]

The Taming of the Shrew

Act 5, Scene 1

Act 5, Scene 1