No Fear Shakespeare
The Taming of the Shrew
Get this No Fear to go!
Act 4, Scene 2, Page 2
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HORTENSIO
Mistake no more. I am not Litio,
Nor a musician as I seem to be,
But one that scorn to live in this disguise
For such a one as leaves a gentlema
And makes a god of such a cullion.
Know, sir, that I am called Hortensio.
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HORTENSIO
Let me come clean. I’m not really Litio. I’m not
even a musician, really. In fact, I refuse to go on with this
charade for a woman who would choose a lower-class guy like this
over a gentleman of my stature. My name is Hortensio, sir.
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TRANIO
(as
LUCENTIO) Signior Hortensio, I have
often heard
Of your entire affection to Bianca,
And since mine eyes are witness of her lightness,
I will with you, if you be so contented,
Forswear Bianca and her love for ever.
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TRANIO
(as
LUCENTIO) Signior Hortensio,
I’ve often heard of your total devotion to Bianca. So, now
that I’ve seen with my own eyes proof of her worthlessness,
I’m willing to join you in swearing her off for good, if
you like.
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HORTENSIO
See how they kiss and court! Signior Lucentio,
Here is my hand, and here I firmly vow
Never to woo her more, but do forswear her
As one unworthy all the former favors
That I have fondly flattered her withal.
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HORTENSIO
Look how they kiss and carry on! Signior Lucentio, it’s a
deal. I hereby swear to have nothing more to do with this girl. I
formally declare her unworthy of all the attention and expense I
have wasted on her.
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TRANIO
And here I take the like unfeignèd oath
Never to marry with her, though she would entreat.
Fie on her! See how beastly she doth court him!
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TRANIO
And I hereby make the same promise—never to marry her,
not even if she begs me. The hell with her! Look how she carries on
with him! It’s revolting!
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HORTENSIO
Would all the world but he had quite forsworn!
For me, that I may surely keep mine oath,
I will be married to a wealthy widow,
Ere three days pass, which hath as long loved me
As I have loved this proud disdainful haggard.
And so farewell, Signior Lucentio.
Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks,
Shall win my love, and so I take my leave,
In resolution as I swore before.
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HORTENSIO
I wish all her lovers had given her up. Well, to be on the safe
side—so I don’t go back on my
promise—I plan to get myself married to a wealthy widow
within the next three days. She’s been after me for
years—the way I’ve been for this proud, haughty
hag. Farewell, then, Signior Lucentio. From now on, goodness in
women, not superficial beauty, will win my heart. I bid you all
goodbye. I’ve made up my mind, and I’m going to
stick to it.
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Exit |
He exits. |
