(to
BIANCA) Go ply thy needle; meddle not
with her.
(to
KATHERINE) For shame, thou hilding of
a devilish spirit!
Why dost thou wrong her that did ne'er wrong thee?
When did she cross thee with a bitter word?
BAPTISTA
What in the world is going on! (to
KATHERINE) Young lady, where do you
get the nerve!—(to
BIANCA) Get behind me,
Bianca.—Poor girl, she's
hysterical!—Go do some sewing. Don't even talk
to her. (to
KATHERINE) You monstrous,
good-for-nothing fiend! Why would you want to hurt your sister? She
never did you any harm! When has she spoken even one cross word to
you?
KATHERINE
Her silence flouts me, and I'll be revenged.
KATHERINE
She mocks me with her silence, and I'll get my revenge on
her.
Flies after BIANCA
She runs at BIANCA as if she's
going to strike her.
BAPTISTA
30
What, in my sight?—Bianca, get thee in.
BAPTISTA
What, in my presence? How dare you!—Bianca, go
inside.
Exit BIANCA
BIANCA exits.
KATHERINE
What, will you not suffer me? Nay, now I see
She is your treasure, she must have a husband,
I must dance barefoot on her wedding day
And, for your love to her, lead apes in hell.
35
Talk not to me. I will go sit and weep
Till I can find occasion of revenge.
KATHERINE
You mean you don't even want to hear my side? Of course!
She's your treasure. She must have a husband and I must
dance barefoot on her wedding day. You like her best and so
I'll die an old maid. Don't talk to me.
I'll just go cry myself sick and think of some way to get
back at all of you.
Exit
She exits.
BAPTISTA
Was ever gentleman thus grieved as I?
But who comes here?
BAPTISTA
Has any man ever had to put up with what I do? Now what?
