(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.
BIONDELLO
105
(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.
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—
110
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.
115
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.
TRANIO
(as
LUCENTIO) Then go with me to make the
matter good.
This, by the way, I let you understand:
120
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.
