No Fear Shakespeare

The Taming of the Shrew

William Shakespeare

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Act 4, Scene 2, Page 6

Original Text

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TRANIO
(as LUCENTIO) He is my father, sir, and sooth to say,
In count'nance somewhat doth resemble you.
TRANIO
(as LUCENTIO) He is my father, sir, and I have to tell you—you look a little like him.

105
BIONDELLO
(aside) As much as an apple doth an oyster, and all one.
BIONDELLO
(speaking to the audience) As much as an apple looks like an oyster, but whatever.





110




115
TRANIO
(as LUCENTIO) To save your life in this extremity,
This favor will I do you for his sake—
And think it not the worst of all your fortunes
That you are like to Sir Vincentio—
His name and credit shall you undertake,
And in my house you shall be friendly lodged.
Look that you take upon you as you should.
You understand me, sir. So shall you stay
Till you have done your business in the city.
If this be court’sy, sir, accept of it.
TRANIO
(as LUCENTIO) Under the circumstance, to save your life, here’s what I’m willing to do—and it’s actually not an unlucky thing that you happen to look like Sir Vincentio. We’ll pass you off as him—you can assume his name and reputation and stay in my house. You just have to act your part, you understand? You’ll stay here in the city until you’ve taken care of your business. If this is kindness, you’re welcome to it.


MERCHANT
O sir, I do, and will repute you ever
The patron of my life and liberty.
MERCHANT
Oh sir, I accept. And I’ll be eternally grateful to you.



120



TRANIO
(as LUCENTIO) Then go with me to make the matter good.
This, by the way, I let you understand:
My father is here looked for every day
To pass assurance of a dower in marriage
'Twixt me and one Baptista’s daughter here.
In all these circumstances I’ll instruct you.
Go with me to clothe you as becomes you.
TRANIO
(as LUCENTIO) Then come with me and we’ll set it up. And, by the way, I should probably tell you: my father himself is coming any day to vouch for me in the matter of a dowry—a marriage contract between me and the daughter of a fellow named Baptista. I’ll fill you in on the whole situation. Come, let’s go and get your costume.
Exeunt
They exit.

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