The Woman's Prize -- Complete Text: First Folio

The Woman's Prize:
or, The Tamer Tamed.

First Folio Edition (1647): Full Text Version

Act One Act Two Act Three Act Four Act Five Prologue/Epilogue

Note on the Text

THE
WOMANS PRIZE:
O R,
T he Tamer Tamed.

Actus Primus----------------------Scæna Prima.

Enter Moroso, Sophocles, and Tranio, with Rosemary,
as from a wedding.

                Moroso.

Od give 'em joy.
     Tra. Amen.
     Soph. Amen, say I to:            (wench,
The Puddings now i'th proof; alas poor
Through what a mine of patience must
        thou worke,

Ere thou know'st good houre more?              [10]
     Tra. Tis too true : Certaine,
Me thinks her father has dealt harshly with her,
Exceeding harshly, and not like a Father,
To match her to this Dragon; I protest
I pity the poore Gentlewoman.
     Mor. Me thinks now,
He's not so terrible as people think him.
     Soph. This old thiefe flatters, out of meere devotion,
To please the father for his second daughter.
     Tra. But shall he have her?               [20]
     Soph. Yes, when I have Rome.
And yet the father's for him.
     Mor. Ile assure ye,
I hold him a good man.
     Soph. Yes sure a wealthy,
But whether a good womans man, is doubtfull.
     Tra. Would 'twere no worse.
     Mor. What though his other wife,
Out of her most abundant sobernesse,
Out of her daily huy and cries upon him,        [30]
(For sure she was a Rebell) turn'd his temper,
And forc'd him blow as high as she? do'st follow
He must retain that long since buried Tempest,
To this soft maid?
     Soph. I feare it.
     Tra. So do I too :
And so far, that if God had made me woman,
And his wife that must be _____
     Mor. What would you doe sir?
     Tra. I would learn to eate Coales with an angry Cat,        [40]
And spit fire at him: I would (to prevent him)

[end column one, begin column two page 97]

Do all the ramping, roaring tricks, a whore
Being drunke, and tumbling ripe, would tremble at :
There is no safety else, nor morall wisdome,
To be a wife, and his.
     Soph. So I should think too.
     Tra. For yet the bare remembrance of his first wife
(I tell ye on my knowledge, and a truth too)
Will make him start in's sleep, and very often
Cry out for Cudgels, Colstaves, any thing;        [50]
Hiding his Breeches, out of feare her Ghost
Should walk, and weare 'em yet. Since his first marriage,
He is no more the still Petruchio,
Then I am Babylon.
     Soph. He's a good fellow,
And on my word I love him: but to think
A fit match for this tender soule _____
     Tra. His very frowne, if she but say her prayers
Louder then men talk treason, makes him tindar;
The motion of a Diall, when he's testy,        [60]
Is the same trouble to him as a water-worke;
She must do nothing of her selfe; not eate,
Drink, say sir how do ye, make her ready, unready,
Unlesse he bid her.
     Soph. He will bury her
Ten ponnd to twenty shillings, within these three
     Tra: Ile be your halfe.                              (weeks.
             Enter Jaques with a pot of Wine.
     Mor. He loves her most extreamly,
And so long 'twil be honey-moon. Now Jaques        [70]
You are a busie man I am sure.
     Jaq. Yes certaine,
This old sport must have egges,
     Soph. Not yet this ten daies.
     Jaq. Sweet Gentlemen with Muskadell.
     Tra. That's right sir.
     Mor. This fellow broods his Master: speed ye Jaques.
     Soph. We shall be for you presently.
     Jaq. Your worships
Shal have it rich and neat: and o' my conscience        [80]
As welcom as our Lady day: O my old sir,
When shall we see your worship run at Ring?
That houre a standing were worth money.

[Signature Nnnnn, end page 97, Catchword: Mor., EEBO 305/473 ]

     Mor. So sir.
     Jaq. Upon my little honesty, your Mistris,
If I have any speculation, must thinke
This single thrumming of a Fiddle,
Without a Bow, but ev'n poore sport.
     Mor. Y'are merry.
     Ja. Would I were wise too: so God bless your worship.        [90]
     Tra. The fellow tels you true.                            Exit Jaq.
     Soph. When is the day man?
Come, come, you'l steale a marriage.
     Mor. Nay believe me:
But when her father pleases I am ready,
And all my friends shall know it.
     Tra. Why not now?
One charge had serv'd for both.
     Mor. There's reason in't.
     Soph. Call'd Rowland.        [100]
     Mor. Will ye walke ?
They'l think we are lost: Come Gentlemen.
     Tra. You have wip't him now.
     Soph. So will he never the wench I hope.
     Tra. I wish it.                                  Exeunt.

[Bowers line numbers 1-72]

Scæna secunda. [Act One, Scene Two]

                         Enter Rowland, and Livia.

     Row. Now Livia, if you'l goe away to night,
If your affections be not made of words.
     Liv. I love you, and you know how dearly Rowland,        [110]
Is there none neere us? my affections ever
Have been your servants; with what superstition
I have ever Sainted you ____
     Row. Why then take this way.
     Liv. Twill be a childish and a lesse prosperous course,
Then his that knows not care: why should we do
Our honest and our hearty love such wrong,
To over-run our fortunes?
     Row. Then you flatter.
     Liv. Alas you know I cannot.        [120]
     Row. What hopes left else
But flying to enjoy ye?
     Liv. None so far,
For let it be admitted we have time,
And all things now in other expectation,
My father's bent against us; what but ruine,
Can such a by-way bring us? if your feares
Would let you look with my eyes, I would shew you,
And certain, how our staying here would win us
A course, though somewhat longer, yet far surer.        [130]
     Row. And then Moroso h'as ye.
     Liv. No such matter:
For hold this certaine, begging, stealing, whoring,
Selling, (which is a sin unpardonable)
Of counterfeit Cods, or musty English Cracus,
Switches, or stones for th'toothache sooner finds me,
Then that drawn Fox and Moroso.
     Row. But his money,
If wealth may win you ____
     Liv. If a Hog may be        [140]
High Priest among the Jewes: his money Rowland?
Oh Love forgive me, what faith hast thou?
Why, can his money kisse me?
     Row. Yes.
     Liv. Behind,
Lasd out upon a Petticote: or graspe me
While I cry, O good thank you? o' my troth
Thou makst me merry with thy feare: or lie with me,
As you may do? alas, what fooles you men are?

[end column one, begin column two page 98]

His mouldy money? half a dozen Riders,        [150]
That cannot sit but stampt fast to their Saddles?
No Rowland, no man shall make use of me;
My beauty was born free, and free Ile give it
To him that loves, not buys me. You yet doubt me.
     Row. I cannot say I doubt ye.
     Liv. Goe thy waies,
Thou art the prettiest puling piece of passion :
Yfaith I will not faile thee.
     Row. I had rather ____
     Liv. Prethee believe me, if I do not carry it,        [160]
For both our goods ____
     Row. But ____
     Liv. What but?
     Row. I would tell you.
     Liv. I know all you can tell me; all's but this,
You would have me, and lie with me; is't not so ?
     Row. Yes.
     Liv. Why you shall ; will that content you? Goe.
     Row. I am very loth to goe.                Enter Byancha,
     Liv. Now o' my conscience                    and Maria.        [170]
Thou art an honest fellow: here's my sister;
Go, prethee goe; this kisse, and credit me,
Ere I am three nights older, I am for thee:
You shall heare what I do.
Farewell.
     Row. Farewell.                           Exit Rowland.
     Liv. Alas poore foole, how it looks?
It would ev'n hang it selfe, should I but crosse it.
For pure love to the matter I must hatch it.
     Bya. Nay never look for merry houre Maria,        [180]
If now you make it not; let not your blushes,
Your modesty, and tendernesse of spirit,
Make you continuall Anvile to his anger:
Believe me, since his first wife set him going,
Nothing can bind his rage: Take your own Councell,
You shall not say that I perswaded you.
But if you suffer him ____
     Mar. Stay, shall I do it?
     Bya. Have you a stomack to't?
     Mar. I never shew'd it.        [190]
     Bya. Twill shew the rarer, and the stronger in you.
But do not say I urg'd you.
     Mar. I am perfect,
Like Curtius to redeeme my Countrey, have I
Leap'd into this gulph of marriage, and Ile do it.
Farewell all poorer thoughts, but spight & anger,
Till I have wrought a miracle. Now cosen,
I am no more the gentle tame Maria;
Mistake me not; I have a new soule in me
Made of a North-wind, nothing but tempest;        [200]
And like a tempest shall it make all ruins,
Till I have run my will out.
     Bya. This is brave now,
If you continue it; but your own will lead you.
     Mar. Adieu all tendernesse, I dare continue;
Maides that are made of feares and modest blushes,
View me, and love example.
     Bya. Here is your sister.
     Mar. Here is the brave old mans love.
     Bya. That loves the young man.        [210]
     Mar. I and hold thee there wench: what a grief of heart
When Paphos Rebels should up rowse old night,       (is't,
To sweat against a Cork; to lie and tell
The clock o'th longs, to rise sport-starv'd?
     Liv. Deere sister,
Where have you been you talke thus?
     Mar. Why at Church, wench;

[End page 98, catchword: Where]

Where I am tide to talke thus: I am a wife now.
     Liv. It seems so, and a modest.
     Mar. You are an asse;        [220]
When thou art married once, thy modesty
Will never buy thee Pins.
     Liv. 'Blesse me.
     Mar. From what?
     Bya. From such a tame foole as our cozen Livia?
     Liv. You are not mad.
     Mar. Yes wench, and so must you be,
Or none of our acquantance, marke me Livia.
Or indeed sit for our sex: Tis bed time.
Pardon me yellow Hymen, that I meane        [230]
Thine offrings to protract, or to keepe fasting
My valiant Bridegroome.
     Liv. Whether will this woman?
     Bya. You may perceive her end.
     Liv. Or rather feare it.
     Mar. Dare you be partner in't?
     Liv. Leave it Maria,
I feare I have mark'd too much, for goodnesse leave it;
Devest you with obedient hands; to bed.
     Mar. To bed? No Livia, there are Comets hang        [240]
Prodigious over that yet; there's a fellow
Must yet before I know that heat (nere start wench )
Be made a man, for yet he is a monster;
Here must his head be Livia.
     Liv. Never hope it.
Tis as easie with a Sive to scoope the Ocean, as
To tame Petruchio.
     Mar. Stay: Lucina heare me,
Never unlock the treasure of my womb
For humane fruit, to make it capable;        [250]
Nor never with thy secret hand make briefe
A mothers labour to me; if I doe
Give way unto my married husbands will,
Or be a wife, in any thing but hopes,
Till I have made him easie as a child,
And tame as feare, he shall not win a smile,
Or a pleas'd look, from this austerity,
Though it would pull another Joynture from him,
And make him ev'ry day another man;
And when I kisse him, till I have my will,        [260]
May I be barren of delights, and know
Onely what pleasures are in dreams, and guesses.
     Liv. A strange Exordium.
     Bya. All the severall wrongs
Done by Emperious husbands to their wives
These thousand yeeres and upwards, strengthen thee :
Thou hast a brave cause.
     Mar. And Ile doe it bravely
Or may I knit my life out ever after.
     Liv. In what part of the world got she this spirit?        [270]
Yet pray Maria, looke before you truly,
Besides the obedience of a wife,
Which you will finde a heavy imputation,
Which yet I cannot thinke your own, it shews
So distant from your sweetnesse.
     Mar. Tis I sweare.
     Liv. Weigh but the person, and the hopes you have,
To worke this disperate cure.
     Mar. A weaker subject
Would shame the end I aime at, disobedience.        [280]
You talk too tamely: By the faith I have
In mine own Noble will, that childish woman
That lives a prisoner to her husbands pleasure,
Has lost her making, and becomes a beast,
Created for his use, not fellowship.

[End column one, begin column two page 99]

     Liv. His first wife said as much.
     Mar. She was a foole,
And took a scurvy course; let her be nam'd
'Mongst those that wish for things, but dare not do 'em:
I have a new daunce for him.        [290]
     Liv. Are you of this faith?
     Bya. Yes truly, and wil die in't.
     Liv. Why then let's all weare breeches.
     Mar. Now thou comst neere the nature of a woman;
Hang these tame hearted Eyasses, that no sooner
See the Lure out, and heare their husbands halla,
But cry like Kites upon 'em: The free Haggard
(Which is that woman, that hath wing, and knowes it,
Spirit, and plume) wil make an hundred checks,
To shew her freedome, saile in ev'ry ayre,        [300]
And look out ev'ry pleasure; not regarding
Lure, nor quarry, till her pitch command
What she desires, making her foundred keeper
Be glad to fling out traines, and golden ones,
To take her down again.
     Liv. You are learned sister;
Yet I say still take heed.
     Mar. A witty saying ;
Ile tell thee Livia, had this fellow tired
As many wives as horses under him,        [310]
With spurring of their patience; had he got
A Patent, with an Office to reclaime us
Confirm'd by Parliament; had he all the malice
And subtilty of Devils, or of us,
Or any thing that's worse then both.
     Liv. Hey, hey boyes, this is excellent.
     Mar. Or could he
Cast his wives new again, like Bels to make 'em
Sound to his will; or had the fearfull name
Of the first breaker of wilde women: yet,        [320]
Yet would I undertake this man, thus single,
And spight of all the freedom he has reach'd to,
Turn him and bend him as I list, and mold him
Into a babe again; that aged women,
Wanting both teeth & spleen, may Master him.
     Bya. Thou wilt be chronicl'd.
     Mar. That's all I aime at.
     Liv. I must confesse, I do with all my heart
Hate an Emperious husband, and in time
Might be so wrought upon.        [330]
     Bya. To make him cuckold?
     Mar. If he deserve it.
     Liv. Then Ile leave ye Ladies.
     Bya. Thou hast not so much Noble anger in thee.
     Mar. Goe sleep, goe sleep, what we intend to do,
Lies not for such starv'd soules as thou hast Livia.
     Liv. Good night : the Bridegroom will be with you
     Mar. That's more then you know.         (presently.
     Liv. If ye worke upon him,
As you have promised, ye may give example,        [340]
Which no doubt will be followed.
     Mar. So.
     By. Good night: we'l trouble you no further.
     Mar. If you intend no good, pray doe no harm.
     Liv. None, but pray for you.                    Exit Livia.
     Bya. 'Cheere wench?
     Mar. Now Byancha,
Those wits we have let's wind 'em to the height,
My rest is up wench, and I pull for that
Will make me ever famous. They that lay        [350]
Foundations, are halfe builders all men say.
                          Enter Jaques.
     Jaq. My Master forsooth.

[Signature Nnnnn 2, end page 99, catchword: Mar., EEBO 306/473 ]

     Mar. Oh how do's thy Master? prethee commend me
     Jaq. How's this? my Master staies forsooth.    (to him.
     Mar. Why let him stay, who hinders him forsooth?
     Jaq. The Revel's ended now,
To visit you.
     Mar. I am not sick.
     Jaq. I mean to see his chamber, forsooth. (sooth?        [360]
     Mar. Am I his Groom? where lay he last night, for-
     Jaq. In the low matted Parlour.
     Mar. There lies his way by the long Gallery.
     Jaq. I mean your chamber: y'ar very merry Mistris.
     Mar. Tis a good signe I am sound hearted Jaques:
But if you'l know where I lie, follow me;
And what thou seest, deliver to thy Master.
     Bya. Do gentle Jaques.                                  Exeunt.
     Ja. Ha, is the wind in that dore?
By'r Lady we shall have foule weather then:        [370]
I doe not like the shuffling of these women,               (ther:
They are mad beasts when they knock their heads toge-
I have observ'd them all this day; their whispers,
One in anothers eare, their signes, and pinches,
And breaking often into violent laughters :
As if the end they purpos'd were their own.
Call you this weddings? Sure this is a knavery,
A very trick, and dainty knavery,
Marvellous finely carried, that's the comfort:
What would these women doe in waies of honour,        [380]
That are such Masters this way. Well, my Sir
Has been as good at finding out these toyes,
As any living; if he lose it now,
At his own perill be it. I must follow.                     Exit.

[Bowers line numbers 1-222. ]

Scena tertia. [Act One, Scene Three]

Enter Servants with lights, Petruchio, Petronius, Moroso,
Tranio, and Sophocles.

     Petru. You that are married, Gentlemen, home at ye
For a round wager now.
     Soph. Of this nights Stage?        [390]
     Petru. Yes.                                                   ( shillings.
     Soph. I am your first man: a paire of Gloves of twenty
     Petru. Done: who takes me up next? I am for all bets.
     Mor. Well lusty Laurence, were but my night now,
Old as I am, I would make you clap on Spurs,
But I would reach you, and bring you to your trot too:
I would Gallants.                                                   (ha?
     Petru. Well said good Will; but where's the staffe boy,
Old father time, your houre-glasse is empty.              (ces ;
     Tra. A good tough traine would break thee all to pie-        [400]
Thou hast not breath enough to say thy prayers.
     Petron. See how these boyes despise us. Will you to bed
This pride will have a fall.                                         ( sonne?
     Petru. Upon your daughter;
But I shall rise again, if there be truth
In Egges, and butter'd Pasnips.
     Petro. Wil you to bed son, & leave talking;
To morrow morning we shall have you looke,
For all your great words, like St. George at Kingston,
Running a foot-back from the furious Dragon,        [410]
That with her angry tayle belabours him
For being lazie.
     Tra. His courage quench'd, and so far quench'd____
     Petru. Tis well sir.
What then?
     Soph. Fly, fly, quoth then the fearfull dwarfe;
Here is no place for living man.
     Petru. Well my masters, if I doe sinke under my busi-

[end column one, begin column two page 100]

nesse, as I finde tis very possible, I am not the first that has
miscarried; So that's my comfort, what may be done        [420]
without impeach or waste, I can and will doe.
                          Enter Jaques.
How now is my faire Bride a bed?
     Jaq. No truly sir.
     Petron. Not a bed yet? body o'me: we'l up and rifle
her: here's a coyle with a mayden-head, tis not intayl'd,
is it?
     Petru. If it be, ile try all the Law i'th Land, but Ile cut
it off: let's up, let's up, come.
     Jaq. That you cannot neither.        [430]
     Petru. Why?
     Jaq. Unlesse you'll drop through the Chimney like a
Daw, or force a breach i'th windows: you may untile
the house, tis possible.
     Petru. What dost thou meane?
     Jaq. A morall sir, the Ballat will expresse it:
The wind and the rain has turnd you back again,
And you cannot be lodged there. The truth is all the doores
Are baracadoed; not a Cathole, but holds a murd'rer in't.
She's victual'd for this moneth.        [440]
     Petru. Art not thou drunk?
     Soph. He's drunk, he's drunk; come, come, let's up.
     Jaq. Yes, yes, I am drunke: ye may goe up, ye may
Gentlemen, but take heed to your heads: I say no more.
     Soph. Ile try that.                                        Exit Soph.
     Petron. How dost thou say? the door fast lock'd fellow?
     Jaq. Yes truly sir, tis lock'd, and guarded too; and
two as desperate tongues planted behind it, as ere yet
batterd: they stand upon their honours, and will not
give up without strange composition, Ile assure you;        [450]
marching away with their Pieces cockt, and Bullets in
their mouthes will not satisfie them.
     Petru. How's this? how's this they are?
Is there another with her?
     Jaq. Yes marry is there, and an Engineir.
     Mor. Who's that for Heavens sake?
     Jaq. Colonell Byancha, she commands the workes:
Spinala's but a ditcher to her, there's a halfe-moon: I am
but a poore man, but if you'l give me leave, Ile venture a
yeeres wages, draw all your force before it, and mount        [460]
your ablest piece of battery, you shall not enter it these
three nights yet.
                               Enter Sophocles.
     Petru. I should laugh at that good Jaques.
     Soph. Beat back again, she's fortified for ever.
     Jaq. Am I drunk now sir?
     Soph. He that dares most, goe up now, and be cool'd.
I have scap'd a pretty scowring.
     Petru. What are they mad? have we another Bedlam?
They doe not talke I hope?        [470]
     Soph. Oh terribly, extreamly fearfull, the noise at Lon-
don-bridge is nothing neere her.
     Petru. How got she tongue?
     Soph. As you got taile, she was born to't.
     Petru. Lock'd out a doors, and on my wedding-night?
Nay, and I suffer this, I may goe graze:
Come Gentlemen, Ile batter; are these vertues?
     Soph. Do, and be beaten off with shame, as I was: I went
up, came to th' doore, knockd, no body answered;
knock'd lowder, yet heard nothing: would have broke        [480]
in by force; when suddenly a water-worke flew from
the window with such violence, that had I not duck'd
quickly like a Fryer, cætera quis nescit? The chamber's
nothing but a meere Ostend, in every window Pewter
cannons mounted, you'l quickly finde with what they
are charg'd, sir.

[End page 100, catchword: Petru. ]

     Petru. Why then tantara for us.
     Soph. And all the lower works lin'd sure with small
shot, long tongues with Fire-locks, that at twelve score
blanke hit to the heart: now and ye dare go up        [490]
                Enter Maria and Byanca above.
     Mor. The window opens, beat a parley first;
I am so much amaz'd my very haire stands.
     Petron. Why how now daughter: what intrenc'd?
     Mar. A little guarded for my safety sir.
     Petru. For your safety Sweet-heart? why who offends
I come not to use violence.                                       (you?
     Mar. I thinke you cannot sir, I am better fortified.
     Petru. I know your end,
You would faine reprieve your Maiden-head        [500]
A night, or two.
     Mar. Yes, or ten, or twenty, or say an hundred;
Or indeed, till I list lie with you.
     Soph. That's a shrewd saying; from this present houre,
I never will believe a silent woman.
When they break out they are bonfires.
     Petro. Till you list lie with him? why who are you
     Bya. That trim Gentlemans wife, sir.        (Madam?
     Petru. Cry you mercy, do you command too?
     Mar. Yes marry do's she, and in chiefe.        [510]
     Bya. I doe command, and you shall go without:
(I mean your wife, for this night)
     Mar. And for the next too wench, and so as't follows.
     Petro. Thou wilt not, wilt 'a?
     Mar. Yes indeed deere father,
And till he seale to what I shall set down,
For any thing I know, for ever.
     Soph. Indeed these are Bugs-words.
     Tra. You heare sir, she can talke, God be thanked.
     Petru. I would I heard it not sir.                          (man,        [520]
     Soph. I finde that all the pity bestowd upon this wo-
Makes but an Anagram of an ill wife,
For she was never vertuous.
     Petru. Youl let me in I hope, for all this jesting.
     Mar. Hope still Sir.
     Petron. You will come down I am sure.
     Mar. I am sure I will not.
     Petron. Ile fetch you then.
     Bya. The power of the whole County cannot sir,
Unlesse we please to yield, which yet I thinke        [530]
We shal not; charge when you please, you shall
Heare quickly from us.
     Mor. Blesse me from a Chicken of thy hatching,
Is this wiving?
     Petru. Prethee Maria tell me what's the reason,
And do it freely, you deale thus strangely with me?
You were not forc'd to marry, your consent
Went equally with mine, if not before it:
I hope you do not doubt I want that mettle
A man should have to keepe a woman waking;        [540]
I would be sorry to be such a Saint yet:
My person, as it is not excellent,
So tis not old, nor lame, nor weak with Physick,
But wel enough to please an honest woman,
That keeps her house, and loves her husband.
     Mar. Tis so.
     Petru. My means and my conditions are no shamers
Of him that owes 'em, all the world knows that,
And my friends no reliers on my fortunes.
     Mar. All this I believe, and none of all these parcels        [550]
I dare except against; nay more, so far
I am from making these the ends I aime at,
These idle outward things, these womens feares,
That were I yet unmarried, free to choose

[end column one, begin column two page 101]

Through all the Tribes of man, i'ld take Petruchio
In's shirt, with one ten Groats to pay the Priest,
Before the best man living, or the ablest               (ones.
That ev'r leap'd out of Lancashire, and they are right
     Petron. Why do you play the foole then, and stand pra-
Out of the window like a broken Miller!                    (ting        [560]
     Petru. If you wil have me credit you Maria,
Come down, and let your love confirme it.
     Mar. Stay there sir, that bargain's yet to make.
     Bya. Play sure wench, the packs in thine own hand.
     Soph. Let me die lowsie, if these two wenches
Be not brewing knavery to stock a Kingdome.
     Petru. Why this is a Riddle:
I love you, and I love you not.
     Mar. It is so:
And till your own experience do untie it,        [570]
This distance I must keep.
     Petru. If you talk more,
I am angry, very angry.
     Mar. I am glad on't, and I wil talke.
     Petru. Prethee peace,
Let me not think thou art mad. I tell thee woman,
If thou goest forward, I am still Petruchio.
     Mar. And I am worse, a woman that can feare
Neither Petruchio Furius, nor his fame,
Nor any thing that tends to our allegeance;        [580]
There's a short method for you, now you know me.
     Petru. If you can carry't so, tis very wel.
     Bya. No you shall carry it, sir.
     Petru. Peace gentle Low-bel.
     Petron. Use no more words, but come down instantly,
I charge thee by the duty of a child.
     Petru. Prethee come Maria, I forgive all.
     Mar. Stay there; That duty, that you charge me by
(If you consider truly what you say)
Is now another mans, you gave't away        [590]
I'th Church, if you remember, to my husband:
So all you can exact now, is no more
But onely a due reverence to your person,
Which thus I pay: Your blessing, and I am gone
To bed for this night.
     Petron. This is monstrous:
That blessing that St. Dunstan gave the Devil,
If I were neere thee, I would give thee___
Pull thee down by th' nose.
     Bya. Saints should not rave, sir;        [600]
A little Rubarb now were excellent.
     Petru. Then by that duty you owe to me Maria,
Open the doore, and be obedient: I am quiet yet.
     Mar. I do confesse that duty; make your best on't.
     Petru. Why give me leave, I will.
     Bya. Sir, there's no learning
An old stiffe Jade to trot: you know the morall.
     Mar. Yet as I take it sir, I owe no more
Then you owe back again.
     Petru. You wil not Article?        [610]
All I owe, presently, let me but up, ile pay.
     Mar. Y'are too hot, and such prove Jades at length;
You do confesse a duty or respect to me from you again:
That's very neere, or full the same with mine?
     Petru. Yes.
     Mar. Then by that duty, or respect, or what
You please to have it, goe to bed and leave me,
And trouble me no longer with your fooling;
For know, I am not for you.
     Petru. Well, what remedy?        [620]
     Petron. A fine smart Cudgell. Oh that I were neer thee.
     Bya. If you had teeth now, what a case were we in?

[End page 101, catchword: Mor., EEBO 307/437]

     Mor. These are the most authentique Rebels, next
Tyrone, I ever read of.
     Mar. A weeke hence, or a fortnight, as you beare you,
And as I finde my will observ'd, I may
With intercession of some friends be brought
May be to kisse you; and so quarterly
To pay a little rent by composition,
You understand me?        [630]
     Soph. Thou Boy, thou.
     Petru. Well there are more Maides then Maudlin, that's
my comfort.
     Mar. Yes, and more men then Michael. (meat Lady.
     Petru. I must not to bed with this stomach, and no
     Mar. Feed where you will, so it be sound, and whol-
Else live at livery, for i'le none with you.            (some,
     By. You had best back one of the dairy maids, they'l
        carry
But take heed to your girthes, you'l get a bruise else.        [640]
     Petru. Now if thou would'st come down, and tender
All the delights due to a marriage bed,                  (me:
Studdy such kisses as would melt a man,
And turne thy selfe into a thousand figures,
To adde new flames unto me, I would stand
Thus heavy, thus regardlesse, thus despising
Thee, and thy best allurings: all thy beauty
That's laid upon your bodies, mark me well,
For without doubt your mind's are miserable,
You have no maskes for them: all this rare beauty,        [650]
Lay but the Painter, and the silke worme by,
The Doctor with his dyets, and the Taylor,
And you appeare like flead Cats, not so handsome.
     Mar. And we appeare like her that sent us hither,
That onely excellent and beauteous nature;
Truly our selves, for men to wonder at,
But too divine to handle; we are Gold,
In our own natures pure; but when we suffer
The husbands stamp upon us then alayes,
And bas ones of you, men are mingled with us,        [660]
And make us blush like Copper.
     Petru. Then, and never
Till then are women to be spoken of,
For till that time you have no soules I take it :
Good night: come Gentlemen; i'le fast for this night,
But by this hand -- well: I shall come up yet ?
     Mar. Noe.
     Petru. There will I watch thee like a wither'd Jewry,
Thou shalt neither have meat, fire, nor Candle,
Nor any thing that's easie: doe you rebell so soone?        [670]
Yet take mercy.
     By. Put up your Pipes: to bed sir; i'le assure you
A moneths seige will not shake us.
     Moro. Well said Colonell.
     Mar. To bed to bed Petruchio: good night Gentlemen,
You'l make my Father sicke with sitting up:
Here you shall finde us any time these ten dayes,
Unlesse we may march off with our contentment.
     Petru. Ile hang first.
     Mar. And i'le quarter if I doe not,        [680]
Ile make you know, and feare a wife Petruchio,
There my cause lies.
You have been famous for a woman tamer,
And beare the fear'd-name of a brave wife-breaker :
A woman now shall take those honours off, (leeve me,
And tame you; nay, never look so bigge, she shall be-
And I am she: what thinke ye; good night to all,
Ye shall finde Centinels
     By. If ye dare sally.                                Exeunt above.
     Petro. The devill's in 'em, ev'n the very devill, the        [690]
downe right devill.

[end column one, begin column two page 102]

     Petru. Ile devill 'em: by these ten bones I will: i'le
bring it to the old Proverb, no sport no pie: ____
taken down i'th top of all my speed; this is fine danc-
ing: Gentlemen, stick to me. You see our Freehold's
touch'd, and by this light, we will beleaguer 'em, and
either starve 'em out, or make 'em recreant.
     Petro. Ile see all passages stopt, but those about 'em:
If the good women of the Towne dare succour 'em,
We shall have warres indeed.        [700]
     Soph. Ile stand perdue upon 'em.
     Mor. My regiment shall lye before.
     Iaq. I think so, 'tis grown too old to stand.
     Petru. Let's in, and each provide his tackle,
We'l fire 'em out, or make 'em take their pardons,
Heare what I say, on their bare knees ____
Am I Petruchio, fear'd, and spoken of,
And on my wedding night am I thus jaded? Exe. Omnes.

Bowers line numbers 1-292

Scæna quarta. [Act One, Scene Four]

Enter Rowland, and Pedro, at severall doores. [710]

     Row. Now Pedro ?
     Ped. Very busie Master Rowland.
     Row. What haste man?
     Ped. I beseech you pardon me,
I am not mine own man.
     Row. Thou art not mad?
     Ped. No; but beleeve me, as hasty____
     Row. The cause good Pedro?
     Ped. There be a thousand sir; you are not married?
     Row. Not yet.        [720]
     Ped. Keepe your selfe quiet then.
     Row. Why?
     Ped. You'l finde a Fiddle
That never will be tun'd else: from all women___     Exit.
     Row. What ailes the fellow tro? Iaques?          Enter
     Iaq. Your friend sir.                                       Iaques,
But very full of businesse.
     Row. Nothing but businesse?
Prethee the reason, is there any dying?
     Jaq. I would there were sir.        [730]
     Row. But thy businesse?
     Iaq. Ile tell you in a word,
I am sent to lay
An imposition upon Sowse and Puddings,
Pasties, and Penny Custards, that the women
May not releeve yon Rebels: Fare ye well sir.
     Row. How does my Mistresse?
     Iaq. Like a resty jade.
She's spoil'd for riding.                               Exit Iaques.
     Row. What a devill ayle they?        Enter Sophocles.        [740]
Custards, and penney Pasties, Fooles and Fiddles,
What's' this to'th purpose? O well met.
     Soph. Now Rowland.
I cannot stay to talk long.
     Row. What's the matter?
Here's stirring, but to what end? whether goe you?
     Soph. To view the works.
     Row. What workes ?
     Soph. The womens Trenches.
     Row. Trenches ? are such to see?        [750]
     Soph. I doe not jest sir.
     Row. I cannot understand you.
     Soph. Doe not you heare
In what a state of quarrell the new Bride
Stands with her husband?

[End page 102, catchword: Row. ]

     Row. Let him stand with her, and there's an end.
     Soph. It should be, but by'r Lady
She holds him out at Pikes end, and defies him,
And now is fortifide; such a Regiment of Rutters
Never defied men braver: I am sent        [760]
To view their preparation.
     Row. This is newes
Stranger then Armes in the ayre, you saw not
My gentle Mistresse?
     Soph. Yes, and meditating
Upon some secret businesse, when she had found it
She leapt for joy, and laugh'd and straight retir'd
To shun Moroso.
     Row. This may be for me.
     Soph. Will you along ?        [770]
     Row. No.
     Soph. Farewell.                                Exit Sophocles.
     Row. Farewell sir.
What should her musing meane, and what her joy in't,
If not for my advantage? stay ye; may not                 Enter
That Bob-taile Jade Moroso, with his Gold,            Livia at
His gew-gaudes, and the hope she has to send him         one
Quickly to dust, excite this? here she comes,      doore, and
And yonder walkes the Stallion to discover:        Moroso at
Yet i'le salute her: save you beauteous mistresse.     another        [780]
     Livi. The Fox is kennell'd for me: save you sir.        hark-
     Row. Why doe you looke so strange?                      ning.
     Liv. I use to looke sir
Without examination.
     Moro. Twenty Spur-Royals for that word.
     Row. Belike then
The object discontents you?
     Liv. Yes it does.
     Row. Is't come to this? you know me, doe you not?
     Liv. Yes as I may know many by repentance.              [790]
     Row. Why doe you breake your faith?
     Liv. Ile tell you that too,
You are under age, and no band holds upon you.
     Moro. Excellent wench.
     Liv. Sue out your understanding,
And get more haire, to cover your bare knuckle
(For Boyes were made for nothing, but dry kisses, )
And if you can, more manners.
     Moro. Better still.
     Liv. And then if I want Spanish gloves, or stockings,        [800]
A ten-pound waste-coate, or a Nag to hunt on,
It may be I shall grace you to accept 'em.
     Row. Farewell, and when I credit women more,
May I to Smith-field, and there buy a Jade,
(And know him to be so) that breakes my neck.
     Liv. Because I have knowne you, Ile be thus kinde to
Farewell, and be a man, and i'le provide you,       (you;
Because I see y'are desperate, some staid Chamber-maid
That may relieve your youth, with wholesome doctrin.
     Mor. She's mine from all the world: ha wench?        [810]
     Liv. Ha Chicken ? ____ gives him a box o'th eare and Ex.
     Mor. How's this? I do not love these favours: save you.
     Row. The devill take thee____ wrings him byth' nose.
     Mor. Oh!
     Row. There's a love token for you: thank me now.
     Mor. Ile thinke on some of ye, and if I live,
My nose alone shall not be plaid withall.               Exit.

Bowers line numbers 1-75

Actus secundus. Scæna prima.

Enter Petronius, and Moroso.

Petro. A Box o'th eare doe you say? [820]
Mor. Yes sure a sound one,

[end column one, begin column two page 103]

Beside my nose blown to my hand; if Cupid
Shoot Arrows of that waight, i'le sweare devoutly,
Has sude his liverie, and no more a Boy.
     Petro. You gave her some ill language?
     Mor. Not a word,
     Petro. Or might be you weare fumbling?
     Mor. Would I had sir.
I had been a forehand then; but to be baffel'd,
And have no feeling of the cause ___        [830]
     Petro. Be patient,
I have a medicine clapt to her back will cure her.
     Mor. No sure it must be afore sir.
     Petro. O' my Conscience,
When I got these two wenches (who till now
Ne'r shew'd their riding) I was drunck with Bastard,
Whose nature is to forme things like it selfe
Heady, and monstrous: did she slight him too?
     Mor. That's all my comfort: a meere Hobby-horse
She made childe Rowland: s'foot she would not know        [840]
Not give him a free look, not reckon him             (him,
Among her thoughts, which I held more then wonder,
I having seene her within's three dayes kisse him
With such an appetite as though she would eat him.
     Petro. There is some trick in this: how did he take it?
     Mor. Ready to cry ; he ran away.
     Petro. I feare her.
And yet I tell you, ever to my anger,
She is as tame as Innocency; it may be
This blow was but a favour.        [850]
     Mor. Ile be sworne
'Twas well tye'd on then.
     Petro. Goe too, pray forget it,
I have bespoke a Priest: and within's two houres
Ile have ye married; will that please you?
     Mor. Yes.
     Petro. Ile see it done my selfe, and give the Lady
Such a sound exhortation for this knavery
Ile warrant you, shall make her smell this Moneth on't,
     Mor. Nay good sir, be not violent.        [860]
     Petro. Neither____
     Mor. It may be
Out of her earnest love, there grew a longing
(As you know women have such toyes) in kindnesse,
To give me a box o'th eare or so.
     Petro. It may be.
     Mor. I reckon for the best still: this night then
I shall enjoy her.
     Petro. You shall hansell her.
     Mor. Old as I am, i'le give her one blow for't        [870]
Shall make her groane this twelve-moneth.
     Petro. Where's your joynture?
     Mor. I have a joynture for her.
     Petro. Have your Councell
Perus'd it yet?
     Mor. No Councell, but the night, and your sweet
Shall ere peruse that Joynture.               (daughter
     Petro. Very well sir.
     Moro. Ile no demurrers on't nor no rejoynders.
The other's ready seal'd.        [880]
     Petro. Come then let's comfort
My Son Petruchio, he's like little Children
That loose their Bables, crying ripe.
     Mor. Pray tell me,
Is this stern woman still upon the flaunt
Of bold defiance?
     Petro. Still, and still she shall be
Till she be starv'd out: you shall see such justice,
That women shall be glad after this tempest

[End page 103, catchword: To, EEBO 308/473]

To tye their husbands shooes, and walke their horses ;        [890]
That were a merry world: doe you heare the rumour,
They say the women are in Insurrection,
And meane to make a ____
     Petro. They'l sooner
Draw upon walls as we doe: Let 'em, let 'em,
We'l ship 'em out in Cuck-stooles, there they'l saile
As brave Columbus did, till they discover
The happy Islands of obedience.
We stay too long, Come.
     Mor. Now Saint George be with us.            Exeunt.        [900]

Bowers line numbers 1-60

Scæna Secunda. [Act Two, Scene Two]

Enter Livia alone

     Liv. Now if I can but get in hansomely,
Father I shall deceive you, and this night
For all your private plotting, i'le no wedlock ;
I have shifted saile, and finde my Sisters safety
A sure retirement; pray to heaven that Rowland
Do not beleeve too farre, what I said to him,
For y'on old Foxcase forc'd me, that's my feare.
Stay, let me see, this quarter fierce Petruchio        [910]
Keepes with his Myrmidons: I must be suddaine,
If he seize on me, I can looke for nothing
But Marshall Law; to this place have I scap'd him;
Above there.                Enter Maria, and Byancha above.
     Mar. Cheval'a.
     Liv. A Friend.
     By. Who are you ?
     Liv. Looke out and know.
     Mar. Alas poore wench who sent thee,
What weake foole made thy tongue his Orator?        [920]
I know you come to parly.
     Liv. Y'are deceiv'd,
Urg'd by the goodnes of your cause I come
To doe as you doe.
     Mar. Y'are too weake, too foolish,
To cheat us with your smoothnesse: doe not we know
Thou hast been kept up tame?
     Liv Beleeve me.
     Mar. No, prethee good Livia
Utter thy Eloquence somewhere else.        [930]
     By. Good Cosen
Put up your Pipes; we are not for your palat,
Alas we know who sent you.
     Liv. O' my word ____
     By. Stay there ; you must not thinke your word,
Or by your Maydenhead, or such Sonday oathes
Sworne after Even-Song, can inveigle us
To loose our hand-fast: did their wisdomes thinke
That sent you hither, we would be so foolish,
To entertaine our gentle Sister Sinon,        [940]
And give her credit, while the woodden Jade
Petruchio stole upon us: no good Sister,
Goe home, and tell the merry Greekes that sent you,
Iium shall burn, and I, as did Æneas,
will on my back, spite of the Myrmidons,
Carry this warlike Lady, and through Seas
Unknown, and unbeleev'd, seek out a Land,
Where like a race of noble Amazons,
We'le root our selves and to our endlesse glory
Live, and despise base men.        [950]
     Liv. Ile second ye.
     By. How long have you been thus?
     Liv. That's all one Cosen.

[end column one, begin column two page 104]

I stand for freedome now.
     By. Take heed of lying;
For by this light, if we doe credit you,
And finde you tripping, his infliction
That kill'd the Prince of Orenge, will be sport
To what we purpose.
     Liv. Let me feele the heaviest.            (mayden-head,        [960]
     Mar. Swear by thy Sweet-heart Rowland (for by your
I feare 'twill be too late to swear) you meane
Nothing but faire and safe, and honourable
To us, and to your selfe.
     Liv. I sweare.
     By. Stay yet,
Sweare as you hate Moroso, that's the surest,
And as you have a certaine feare to finde him
Worse then a poore dride Jack, full of more Aches
Then Autumne has; more knavery, and usury,        [970]
And foolery, and brokery, then doggs-ditch:
As you doe constantly beleeve he's nothing
But an old empty bagge with a grey beard,
And that beard such a Bob-taile, that it lookes
Worse then a Mares taile eaten off with Fillyes :
As you acknowledge, that young hansome wench
That lyes by such a Bilbo blade, that bends
With ev'ry passe he makes to'th hilts, most miserable,
A dry nurse to his Coughes, a fewterer
To such a nasty fellow, a rob'd thing        [980]
Of all delights youth lookes for: and to end,
One cast away on course beef, born to brush
That everlasting Cassock that has worne
As many Servants out, as the Northeast passage
Has consum'd Saylors: if you sweare this, and truly
Without the reservation of a gowne
Or any meritorious Petticoate,
'Tis like we shall beleeve you.
     Liv. I doe sweare it.
     Mar. Stay yet a little; came this wholesome motion        [990]
(Deale truly Sister) from your own opinion,
Or some suggestion of the Foe?
     Liv. Nev'r feare me,
For by that little faith I have in husbands,
And the great zeale I beare your cause, I come
Full of that liberty, you stand for, Sister.
     Mar. If we beleeve, and you prove recreant Livia,
Think what a maym you give the noble Cause
We now stand up for: Thinke what women shall
An hundred yeare hence speak thee, when examples        [1000]
Are look'd for, and so great ones, whose relations
Spoke as we doe th'em wench, shall make new customs.
     By. If you be false, repent, goe home, and pray,
And to the serious women of the City
Confesse your selfe; bring not a sinne so heynous
To load thy soule, to this place: mark me Livia,
If thou bee'st double, and betray'st our honours,
And we fail in our purpose: get thee where
There is no women living, nor no hope
There ever shall be.        [1010]
     Mar. If a Mothers daughter,
That ever heard the name of stubborn husband
Found thee, and know thy sinne.
     By. Nay, if old age,
One that has worne away the name of woman,
And no more left to know her by, but railing,
No teeth, nor eyes nor legges, but woodden ones ( thee
Come but i'th wind-ward of thee, for sure she'l smell
Thou'lt be so ranck, she'l ride thee like a night-mare,
And say her Prayers back-ward to undoe thee,        [1020]
She'l curse thy meat and drink, and when thou marriest,

[catchword: Clap]

Clap a sound spell for ever on thy pleasures.
     Mar. Children of five yeare old, like little Fayries
Will pinch thee into motley, all that ever
Shall live, and heare of thee, I meane all women ;
Will (like so many furies) shake their Keyes,
And tosse their flaming distaffes o're their heads,
Crying Revenge: take heed, 'tis hideous:
Oh 'tis a fearefull office, if thou had'st
(Though thou bee'st perfect now) when thou cam'st        [1030]
A false Imagination, get thee gone,                (hither,
And as my learned Cozen said repent,
This place is sought by soundnesse.
     Liv. So I seeke it,
Or let me be a most despis'd example.
     Mar. I doe beleeve thee, be thou worthy of it.
You come not empty?
     Liv. No, Here's Cakes, and cold meat,
And tripe of proofe: behold here's wine, and beere,
Be suddaine I shall be surpriz'd else.                    (way:        [1040]
     Mar. Meet at the low Parlor doore, there lyes a close
What fond obedience you have living in you,
Or duty to a man, before you enter,
Fling it away, 'twill but defile our Offrings.
     By. Be wary as you come,
     Liv. I warrant ye.                        Exeunt.

Bowers line numbers 1-122

Scæna Tertia. [Act Two, Scene Three]

Enter three Maides.

     1   Mai. How goes your businesse Girles?
     2   A foot, and faire.        [1050]
     3   If fortune favour us: away to your strength
The Country Forces are ariv'd, be gone.
We are discover'd else.
     1   Arme, and be valiant.
     2   Think of our cause.
     3   Our Justice.
     1   'Tis sufficient.                               Exeunt.

Bowers line numbers: Act two, scene five 1-5

Scæna quarta. [Act Two, Scene Four]

Enter Rowland and Tranio at severall doores.

        Tra. Now Rowland?        [1060]
     Row. How yoe you?
     Tra. How do'st thou man,
Thou look'st ill:
     Row. Yes, pray can you tell me Tranio,
Who knew the devill first?
     Tra. A woman.
     Row. Thou hast heard I am sure of Esculapius.
So were they not well acquainted?
     Tra. May be so,
For they had certaine Dialogues together.        [1070]
     Row. He sold her fruit, I take it?
     Tra. Yes, and Cheese
That choak'd all mankinde after.
     Row. Canst thou tell me
Whether that woman ever had a faith
After she had eaten?
     Tra. That's a Schoole question
     Row. No
'Tis no question, for beleeve me Tranio,
That cold fruit after eating bread naught in her        [1080]
But windy promises, and chollick vowes
That broke out both wayes.

[end column one, begin column two page 105]

     Row. Thou ha'st heard I am sure
Of Esculapius, a farre famed Surgeon,
One that could set together quarter'd Traytors,
And make 'em honest men.
     Tra. How do'st thou Rowland?
     Row. Let him but take, (if he dare doe a cure
Shall get him fame indeed) a faithlesse woman,
There will be credit for him, that will speake him,        [1090]
A broken woman Tranio, a base woman,
And if he can cure snch a rack of honour
Let him come here, and practise.
     Tra. Now for honours sake
Why what ayl'st thou Rowland?
     Row. I am ridden Tranio.
And Spur-gald to the life of patience
(Heaven keepe my wits together) by a thing
Our worst thoughts are too noble for, a woman.
     Tra. Your Mistresse has a little frown'd it may be?        [1100]
     Row. She was my Mistresse.
     Tra. Is she not ?
     Row. No Tranio.
She has done me such disgrace, so spitefully,
So like a woman bent to my undoing,
That henceforth a good horse shall be my Mistresse,
A good Sword, or a Booke: and if you see her,
Tell her I doe beseech you, even for love sake. ____
     Tra. I will Rowland.
     Row. She may sooner        [1110]
Count the good I have thought her,
Our old love and our friend-ship,
Shed one true teare, meane one houre constantly,
Be old, and honest, married, and a maide,
Then make me see her more, or more beleeve her:
And now I have met a Messenger, farewell sir.      Exit.
     Tra. Alas poore Rowland, I will doe it for thee:
This is that dogge Moroso, but I hope
To see him cold i'th mouth first 'er he enjoy her: (him,
Ile watch this young man, desperate thoughts may seize        [1120]
And if my purse, or councell can, i'le ease him.     Exit.

Bowers line numbers: Act two, scene three 1-43

Scæna quinta. [Act Two, Scene Five]

Enter Petruchio, Petronius, Moroso, and
Sophocles.

     Petru. For looke you Gentlemen, say that I grant her
Out of my free and liberall love, a pardon,
Which you and all men else know she deserves not,
(Teneatis amici ) can all the world leave laughing?
     Petro. I thinke not.
     Petru. No by ____ they cannot;        [1130]
For pray consider, have you ever read,
Or heard of, or can any man imagine.
So stiffe a Tomb.boy, of so set a ma ice,
And such a brazen resolution,
As this young Crab-tree? and then answer me,
And marke but this too friends, without a cause,
Not a foule word comes crosse her, not a feare,
She justly can take hold on, and doe you thinke
I must sleepe out my anger, and endure it,
Sow pillows to her ease, and lull her mischiefe?              [1140]
Give me a Spindle first: no, no my Masters,
Were she as faire as Nell a Greece, and house-wife,
As good as the wise Saylors wife, and young still,
Never above fifteene; and these tricks to it,
She should ride the wild Mare once a week, she should.

[Begin signature Ooooo; catchword: (beleeve, EEBO 309/473]

(Believe me friends she should) I would tabor her,
Till all the Legions that are crept into her,
Flew out with fire i'th tailes.
     Soph. Methinks you erre now,
For to me seems, a little sufferance              [1150]
Were a far surer cure.
     Petru. Yes, I can suffer,
Where I see promises of peace and amendment.
     Mor. Give her a few conditions.
     Petru. Ile be hangd first.
     Petron. Give her a crab-tree cudgell.
     Petru. So I will;
And after it a flock-bed for her bones.
And hard egges, till they brace her like a Drum,
She shall be pamperd with ____              [1160]
She shall not know a stoole in ten moneths Gentlemen.
     Soph. This must not be.                Enter Jaques.
     Jaq. Arme, arme, out with your weapons,
For all the women in the Kingdom's on ye; Enter Pedro.
They swarm like waspes, and nothing can destroy 'em,
But stopping of their hive, and smothering of 'em.
     Ped. Stand to your guard sir, all the devils extant
Are broke upon us, like a cloud of thunder;
There are more women, marching hitherward,
In rescue of my Mistris, then ere turn'd taile              [1170]
At Sturbridge Faire; and I believe, as fiery.
     Jaq. The forlorn-hope's led by a Tanners wife,
I know her by her hide; a desperate woman:
She flead her husband in her youth, and made     (ther,
Raynes of his hide to ride the Parish. Take 'em all toge-
They are a genealogy of Jennets, gotten
And born thus, by the boysterous breath of husbands;
They serve sure, and are swift to catch occasion,
(I meane their foes, or husbands) by the fore-locks,
And there they hang like favours; cry they can,              [1180]
But more for Noble spight, then feare: and crying
Like the old Gyants that were foes to Heaven,
They heave ye stoole on stoole, and fling main Potlids
Like massie rocks, dart ladles, tossing Irons,
And tongs like Thunderbolts, till overlayd,
They fall beneath the waight; yet still aspiring
At those Emperious Codheads, that would tame 'em.
There's nere a one of these, the worst and weakest,
(Choose where you will) but dare attempt the raysing
Against the soveraigne peace of Puritans,              [1190]
A May-pole, and a Morris, maugre mainly
Their zeale, and Dudgeon-daggers: and yet more,
Dares plant a stand of battring Ale against 'em,
And drinke 'em out o'th Parish                                  (tience.
     Soph. Lo you fierce Petruchio, this comes of your impa-
     Ped. There's one brought in the Beares against the Ca-
Of the Town, made it good, and fought 'em         (nons
     Jaq. Another, to her everlasting fame, erected
Two Ale-houses of ease: the quarter-sessions
Running against her roundly; in which businesse              [1200]
Two of the disannullers lost their night-caps:
A third stood excommunicate by the cudgell.
The Cunstable, to her eternall glory,
Drunke hard, and was converted, and she victor.
     Ped. Then are they victualed with pies and puddings,
(The trappings of good stomacks) noble Ale
the true defendor, Sawsages, and smoak'd ones,
If need be, such as serve for Pikes; and Porke,
(Better the Jewes never hated: ) here and there
A bottle of Metheglin, a stout Britaine              [1210]
That wil stand to 'em; what else they want, they war for.
     Petru. Come to councell,
     Soph. Now you must grant conditions or the Kingdom

[end column one, begin column two page 106]

Will have no other talke but this.
     Petron. Away then, and let's advise the best.
     Soph: Why doe you tremble?
     Mor. Have I liv'd thus long to be knockt o'th head,
With halfe a washing beetle? pray be wise sir.
     Petru. Come, something Ile doe; but what it is I know
not.              [1220]
     Soph. To councel then, and let's avoyd their follies.
Guard all the doors, or we shal not have a cloke left. Exe
               Enter three mayds, at severall doors.
     1. How goes the businesse, girles?
     2. A foot, and faire.
     3. If fortune favour us: away to your strength,
The Country forces are ariv'd; be gon we are discove-
        red else.
     1. Arme, and be valiant.
     2. Think of our cause.              [1230]
     3. Our iustice.
     1. Tis sufficient.                                           Exeunt.

Bowers line numbers: Act two, scene four 1-94, and Act two, scene five 1-5 (see note below).

Scena tertia. [Act Two, Scene Six]

Enter Petronius, Petruchio. Moroso, Sophocles, and Tranio.

     Petro. I am indifferent, though I must confesse,
I had rather see her carted.
     Tra. No more of that sir.
     Soph. Are ye resolv'd to give her fair conditions?
Twill be the safest way.
     Petru. I am distracted,              [1240]
Would I had run my head into a halter
When I first woo'd her: if I offer peace,
She'l urge her own conditions, that's the devil.
     Soph. Why say she do?
     Petru: Say, I am made an Asse, then;
I know her aime: may I with reputation
(Answer me this) with safety of mine honour,
(After the mighty mannage of my first wife,
Which was indeed a fury to this Filly,
After my twelve strong labours to reclaime her,              [1250]
Which would have made Don Hercules horn mad,
And hid him in his hide) suffer this Sicely,
Ere she have warm'd my sheets, ere grappel'd with me,
This Pinck, this painted Foyst, this Cockle-boat,
To hang her Fights out, and defie me friends,
A wel known man of war? if this be equal,
And I may suffer, say, and I have done?
     Petron. I do not think you may.
     Tra. You'l make it worse sir.
     Soph. Pray heare me good Petruchio: but ev'n now,              [1260]
You were contented to give all conditions,
To try how far she would carry: Tis a folly,
(And you wil find it so) to clap the curb on,
Er you be sure it proves a naturall wildnesse,
And not a forc'd. Give her conditions,
For on my life this tricke is put into her.
     Petron. I should believe so too.
     Soph. And not her own.
     Tra. You'l finde it so.
     Soph. Then if she flownder with you,              [1270]
Clap spurs on, and in this you'l deale with temperance,
Avoyd the hurry of the world.
     Tra. And loose                   Musick above.
     Mor. No honour on my life, sir.
     P

THE WOMANS PRIZE: O R, T he Tamer Tamed.

THE
WOMANS PRIZE:
O R,
T he Tamer Tamed.