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Speeches (Lines) for Baptista Minola
in "Taming of the Shrew"

Total: 68

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# Act, Scene, Line
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Speech text

1

I,1,344

Tranio. Master, some show to welcome us to town.

Baptista Minola. Gentlemen, importune me no farther,
For how I firmly am resolv'd you know;
That is, not to bestow my youngest daughter
Before I have a husband for the elder.
If either of you both love Katherina,
Because I know you well and love you well,
Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure.


2

I,1,370

Tranio. Well said, master; mum! and gaze your fill.

Baptista Minola. Gentlemen, that I may soon make good
What I have said- Bianca, get you in;
And let it not displease thee, good Bianca,
For I will love thee ne'er the less, my girl.


3

I,1,387

Gremio. Why will you mew her up,
Signior Baptista, for this fiend of hell,
And make her bear the penance of her tongue?

Baptista Minola. Gentlemen, content ye; I am resolv'd.
Go in, Bianca. Exit BIANCA
And for I know she taketh most delight
In music, instruments, and poetry,
Schoolmasters will I keep within my house
Fit to instruct her youth. If you, Hortensio,
Or, Signior Gremio, you, know any such,
Prefer them hither; for to cunning men
I will be very kind, and liberal
To mine own children in good bringing-up;
And so, farewell. Katherina, you may stay;
For I have more to commune with Bianca. Exit


4

II,1,860

(stage directions). Enter BAPTISTA

Baptista Minola. Why, how now, dame! Whence grows this insolence?
Bianca, stand aside- poor girl! she weeps.
[He unbinds her]
Go ply thy needle; meddle not with her.
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?


5

II,1,869

(stage directions). [Flies after BIANCA]

Baptista Minola. What, in my sight? Bianca, get thee in.


6

II,1,877

Katherina. What, will you not suffer me? Nay, now I see
She is your treasure, she must have a husband;
I must dance bare-foot on her wedding-day,
And for your love to her lead apes in hell.
Talk not to me; I will go sit and weep,
Till I can find occasion of revenge. Exit KATHERINA

Baptista Minola. Was ever gentleman thus griev'd as I?
But who comes here?


7

II,1,881

Gremio. Good morrow, neighbour Baptista.

Baptista Minola. Good morrow, neighbour Gremio.
God save you, gentlemen!


8

II,1,885

Petruchio. And you, good sir! Pray, have you not a daughter
Call'd Katherina, fair and virtuous?

Baptista Minola. I have a daughter, sir, call'd Katherina.


9

II,1,903

Petruchio. You wrong me, Signior Gremio; give me leave.
I am a gentleman of Verona, sir,
That, hearing of her beauty and her wit,
Her affability and bashful modesty,
Her wondrous qualities and mild behaviour,
Am bold to show myself a forward guest
Within your house, to make mine eye the witness
Of that report which I so oft have heard.
And, for an entrance to my entertainment,
I do present you with a man of mine,
[Presenting HORTENSIO]
Cunning in music and the mathematics,
To instruct her fully in those sciences,
Whereof I know she is not ignorant.
Accept of him, or else you do me wrong-
His name is Licio, born in Mantua.

Baptista Minola. Y'are welcome, sir, and he for your good sake;
But for my daughter Katherine, this I know,
She is not for your turn, the more my grief.


10

II,1,908

Petruchio. I see you do not mean to part with her;
Or else you like not of my company.

Baptista Minola. Mistake me not; I speak but as I find.
Whence are you, sir? What may I call your name?


11

II,1,912

Petruchio. Petruchio is my name, Antonio's son,
A man well known throughout all Italy.

Baptista Minola. I know him well; you are welcome for his sake.


12

II,1,925

Gremio. I doubt it not, sir; but you will curse your wooing.
Neighbour, this is a gift very grateful, I am sure of it. To
express the like kindness, myself, that have been more kindly
beholding to you than any, freely give unto you this young
scholar [Presenting LUCENTIO] that hath been long studying at
Rheims; as cunning in Greek, Latin, and other languages, as the
other in music and mathematics. His name is Cambio. Pray accept
his service.

Baptista Minola. A thousand thanks, Signior Gremio. Welcome, good Cambio.
[To TRANIO] But, gentle sir, methinks you walk like a stranger.
May I be so bold to know the cause of your coming?


13

II,1,942

Tranio. Pardon me, sir, the boldness is mine own
That, being a stranger in this city here,
Do make myself a suitor to your daughter,
Unto Bianca, fair and virtuous.
Nor is your firm resolve unknown to me
In the preferment of the eldest sister.
This liberty is all that I request-
That, upon knowledge of my parentage,
I may have welcome 'mongst the rest that woo,
And free access and favour as the rest.
And toward the education of your daughters
I here bestow a simple instrument,
And this small packet of Greek and Latin books.
If you accept them, then their worth is great.

Baptista Minola. Lucentio is your name? Of whence, I pray?


14

II,1,944

Tranio. Of Pisa, sir; son to Vincentio.

Baptista Minola. A mighty man of Pisa. By report
I know him well. You are very welcome, sir.
Take you the lute, and you the set of books;
You shall go see your pupils presently.
Holla, within!
[Enter a SERVANT]
Sirrah, lead these gentlemen
To my daughters; and tell them both
These are their tutors. Bid them use them well.
[Exit SERVANT leading HORTENSIO carrying the lute and LUCENTIO with the books]
We will go walk a little in the orchard,
And then to dinner. You are passing welcome,
And so I pray you all to think yourselves.


15

II,1,964

Petruchio. Signior Baptista, my business asketh haste,
And every day I cannot come to woo.
You knew my father well, and in him me,
Left solely heir to all his lands and goods,
Which I have bettered rather than decreas'd.
Then tell me, if I get your daughter's love,
What dowry shall I have with her to wife?

Baptista Minola. After my death, the one half of my lands
And, in possession, twenty thousand crowns.


16

II,1,971

Petruchio. And for that dowry, I'll assure her of
Her widowhood, be it that she survive me,
In all my lands and leases whatsoever.
Let specialities be therefore drawn between us,
That covenants may be kept on either hand.

Baptista Minola. Ay, when the special thing is well obtain'd,
That is, her love; for that is all in all.


17

II,1,981

Petruchio. Why, that is nothing; for I tell you, father,
I am as peremptory as she proud-minded;
And where two raging fires meet together,
They do consume the thing that feeds their fury.
Though little fire grows great with little wind,
Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all.
So I to her, and so she yields to me;
For I am rough, and woo not like a babe.

Baptista Minola. Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed
But be thou arm'd for some unhappy words.


18

II,1,986

(stage directions). Re-enter HORTENSIO, with his head broke

Baptista Minola. How now, my friend! Why dost thou look so pale?


19

II,1,988

Hortensio. For fear, I promise you, if I look pale.

Baptista Minola. What, will my daughter prove a good musician?


20

II,1,991

Hortensio. I think she'll sooner prove a soldier:
Iron may hold with her, but never lutes.

Baptista Minola. Why, then thou canst not break her to the lute?


21

II,1,1007

Petruchio. Now, by the world, it is a lusty wench;
I love her ten times more than e'er I did.
O, how I long to have some chat with her!

Baptista Minola. Well, go with me, and be not so discomfited;
Proceed in practice with my younger daughter;
She's apt to learn, and thankful for good turns.
Signior Petruchio, will you go with us,
Or shall I send my daughter Kate to you?


22

II,1,1132

Petruchio. Marry, so I mean, sweet Katherine, in thy bed.
And therefore, setting all this chat aside,
Thus in plain terms: your father hath consented
That you shall be my wife your dowry greed on;
And will you, nill you, I will marry you.
Now, Kate, I am a husband for your turn;
For, by this light, whereby I see thy beauty,
Thy beauty that doth make me like thee well,
Thou must be married to no man but me;
For I am he am born to tame you, Kate,
And bring you from a wild Kate to a Kate
Conformable as other household Kates.
[Re-enter BAPTISTA, GREMIO, and TRANIO]
Here comes your father. Never make denial;
I must and will have Katherine to my wife.

Baptista Minola. Now, Signior Petruchio, how speed you with my daughter?


23

II,1,1135

Petruchio. How but well, sir? how but well?
It were impossible I should speed amiss.

Baptista Minola. Why, how now, daughter Katherine, in your dumps?


24

II,1,1169

Petruchio. Be patient, gentlemen. I choose her for myself;
If she and I be pleas'd, what's that to you?
'Tis bargain'd 'twixt us twain, being alone,
That she shall still be curst in company.
I tell you 'tis incredible to believe.
How much she loves me- O, the kindest Kate!
She hung about my neck, and kiss on kiss
She vied so fast, protesting oath on oath,
That in a twink she won me to her love.
O, you are novices! 'Tis a world to see,
How tame, when men and women are alone,
A meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew.
Give me thy hand, Kate; I will unto Venice,
To buy apparel 'gainst the wedding-day.
Provide the feast, father, and bid the guests;
I will be sure my Katherine shall be fine.

Baptista Minola. I know not what to say; but give me your hands.
God send you joy, Petruchio! 'Tis a match.


25

II,1,1178

Gremio. Was ever match clapp'd up so suddenly?

Baptista Minola. Faith, gentlemen, now I play a merchant's part,
And venture madly on a desperate mart.


26

II,1,1182

Tranio. 'Twas a commodity lay fretting by you;
'Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas.

Baptista Minola. The gain I seek is quiet in the match.


27

II,1,1194

Tranio. But youth in ladies' eyes that flourisheth.

Baptista Minola. Content you, gentlemen; I will compound this strife.
'Tis deeds must win the prize, and he of both
That can assure my daughter greatest dower
Shall have my Bianca's love.
Say, Signior Gremio, what can you assure her?


28

II,1,1239

Tranio. Why, then the maid is mine from all the world
By your firm promise; Gremio is out-vied.

Baptista Minola. I must confess your offer is the best;
And let your father make her the assurance,
She is your own. Else, you must pardon me;
If you should die before him, where's her dower?


29

II,1,1245

Gremio. And may not young men die as well as old?

Baptista Minola. Well, gentlemen,
I am thus resolv'd: on Sunday next you know
My daughter Katherine is to be married;
Now, on the Sunday following shall Bianca
Be bride to you, if you make this assurance;
If not, to Signior Gremio.
And so I take my leave, and thank you both.


30

III,2,1364

(stage directions). Enter BAPTISTA, GREMIO, TRANIO as LUCENTIO, KATHERINA, BIANCA, LUCENTIO as CAMBIO, and ATTENDANTS

Baptista Minola. [To TRANIO] Signior Lucentio, this is the 'pointed day
That Katherine and Petruchio should be married,
And yet we hear not of our son-in-law.
What will be said? What mockery will it be
To want the bridegroom when the priest attends
To speak the ceremonial rites of marriage!
What says Lucentio to this shame of ours?


31

III,2,1391

(stage directions). Exit, weeping, followed by BIANCA and others

Baptista Minola. Go, girl, I cannot blame thee now to weep,
For such an injury would vex a very saint;
Much more a shrew of thy impatient humour.
[Enter BIONDELLO]
Master, master! News, and such old news as you never heard of!


32

III,2,1396

Baptista Minola. Go, girl, I cannot blame thee now to weep,
For such an injury would vex a very saint;
Much more a shrew of thy impatient humour.
[Enter BIONDELLO]
Master, master! News, and such old news as you never heard of!

Baptista Minola. Is it new and old too? How may that be?


33

III,2,1398

Biondello. Why, is it not news to hear of Petruchio's coming?

Baptista Minola. Is he come?


34

III,2,1400

Biondello. Why, no, sir.

Baptista Minola. What then?


35

III,2,1402

Biondello. He is coming.

Baptista Minola. When will he be here?


36

III,2,1422

Biondello. Why, Petruchio is coming- in a new hat and an old
jerkin; a pair of old breeches thrice turn'd; a pair of boots
that have been candle-cases, one buckled, another lac'd; an old
rusty sword ta'en out of the town armoury, with a broken hilt,
and chapeless; with two broken points; his horse hipp'd, with an
old motley saddle and stirrups of no kindred; besides, possess'd
with the glanders and like to mose in the chine, troubled with
the lampass, infected with the fashions, full of windgalls, sped
with spavins, rayed with the yellows, past cure of the fives,
stark spoil'd with the staggers, begnawn with the bots, sway'd in
the back and shoulder-shotten, near-legg'd before, and with a
half-cheek'd bit, and a head-stall of sheep's leather which,
being restrained to keep him from stumbling, hath been often
burst, and now repaired with knots; one girth six times piec'd,
and a woman's crupper of velure, which hath two letters for her
name fairly set down in studs, and here and there piec'd with
pack-thread.

Baptista Minola. Who comes with him?


37

III,2,1431

Tranio. 'Tis some odd humour pricks him to this fashion;
Yet oftentimes lie goes but mean-apparell'd.

Baptista Minola. I am glad he's come, howsoe'er he comes.


38

III,2,1433

Biondello. Why, sir, he comes not.

Baptista Minola. Didst thou not say he comes?


39

III,2,1435

Biondello. Who? that Petruchio came?

Baptista Minola. Ay, that Petruchio came.


40

III,2,1437

Biondello. No, sir; I say his horse comes with him on his back.

Baptista Minola. Why, that's all one.


41

III,2,1445

Petruchio. Come, where be these gallants? Who's at home?

Baptista Minola. You are welcome, sir.


42

III,2,1447

Petruchio. And yet I come not well.

Baptista Minola. And yet you halt not.


43

III,2,1456

Petruchio. Were it better, I should rush in thus.
But where is Kate? Where is my lovely bride?
How does my father? Gentles, methinks you frown;
And wherefore gaze this goodly company
As if they saw some wondrous monument,
Some comet or unusual prodigy?

Baptista Minola. Why, sir, you know this is your wedding-day.
First were we sad, fearing you would not come;
Now sadder, that you come so unprovided.
Fie, doff this habit, shame to your estate,
An eye-sore to our solemn festival!


44

III,2,1474

Petruchio. Not I, believe me; thus I'll visit her.

Baptista Minola. But thus, I trust, you will not marry her.


45

III,2,1487

Tranio. He hath some meaning in his mad attire.
We will persuade him, be it possible,
To put on better ere he go to church.

Baptista Minola. I'll after him and see the event of this.


46

III,2,1552

Petruchio. Gentlemen and friends, I thank you for your pains.
I know you think to dine with me to-day,
And have prepar'd great store of wedding cheer
But so it is- my haste doth call me hence,
And therefore here I mean to take my leave.

Baptista Minola. Is't possible you will away to-night?


47

III,2,1607

(stage directions). Exeunt PETRUCHIO, KATHERINA, and GRUMIO

Baptista Minola. Nay, let them go, a couple of quiet ones.


48

III,2,1613

Gremio. I warrant him, Petruchio is Kated.

Baptista Minola. Neighbours and friends, though bride and bridegroom wants
For to supply the places at the table,
You know there wants no junkets at the feast.
Lucentio, you shall supply the bridegroom's place;
And let Bianca take her sister's room.


49

III,2,1619

Tranio. Shall sweet Bianca practise how to bride it?

Baptista Minola. She shall, Lucentio. Come, gentlemen, let's go.


50

IV,4,2197

Pedant. Soft, son!
Sir, by your leave: having come to Padua
To gather in some debts, my son Lucentio
Made me acquainted with a weighty cause
Of love between your daughter and himself;
And- for the good report I hear of you,
And for the love he beareth to your daughter,
And she to him- to stay him not too long,
I am content, in a good father's care,
To have him match'd; and, if you please to like
No worse than I, upon some agreement
Me shall you find ready and willing
With one consent to have her so bestow'd;
For curious I cannot be with you,
Signior Baptista, of whom I hear so well.

Baptista Minola. Sir, pardon me in what I have to say.
Your plainness and your shortness please me well.
Right true it is your son Lucentio here
Doth love my daughter, and she loveth him,
Or both dissemble deeply their affections;
And therefore, if you say no more than this,
That like a father you will deal with him,
And pass my daughter a sufficient dower,
The match is made, and all is done-
Your son shall have my daughter with consent.


51

IV,4,2210

Tranio. I thank you, sir. Where then do you know best
We be affied, and such assurance ta'en
As shall with either part's agreement stand?

Baptista Minola. Not in my house, Lucentio, for you know
Pitchers have ears, and I have many servants;
Besides, old Gremio is heark'ning still,
And happily we might be interrupted.


52

IV,4,2221

Tranio. Then at my lodging, an it like you.
There doth my father lie; and there this night
We'll pass the business privately and well.
Send for your daughter by your servant here;
My boy shall fetch the scrivener presently.
The worst is this, that at so slender warning
You are like to have a thin and slender pittance.

Baptista Minola. It likes me well. Cambio, hie you home,
And bid Bianca make her ready straight;
And, if you will, tell what hath happened-
Lucentio's father is arriv'd in Padua,
And how she's like to be Lucentio's wife. Exit LUCENTIO


53

IV,4,2232

Tranio. Dally not with the gods, but get thee gone.
[Exit BIONDELLO]
Signior Baptista, shall I lead the way?
Welcome! One mess is like to be your cheer;
Come, sir; we will better it in Pisa.

Baptista Minola. I follow you. Exeunt


54

V,1,2412

Tranio. How now! what's the matter?

Baptista Minola. What, is the man lunatic?


55

V,1,2418

Vincentio. Thy father! O villain! he is a sailmaker in Bergamo.

Baptista Minola. You mistake, sir; you mistake, sir. Pray, what do you
think is his name?


56

V,1,2433

Gremio. Stay, Officer; he shall not go to prison.

Baptista Minola. Talk not, Signior Gremio; I say he shall go to prison.


57

V,1,2440

Gremio. Yes, I know thee to be Signior Lucentio.

Baptista Minola. Away with the dotard; to the gaol with him!


58

V,1,2450

Bianca. Pardon, dear father.

Baptista Minola. How hast thou offended?
Where is Lucentio?


59

V,1,2459

Vincentio. Where is that damned villain, Tranio,
That fac'd and brav'd me in this matter so?

Baptista Minola. Why, tell me, is not this my Cambio?


60

V,1,2470

Vincentio. I'll slit the villain's nose that would have sent me to
the gaol.

Baptista Minola. [To LUCENTIO] But do you hear, sir? Have you married my
daughter without asking my good will?


61

V,1,2474

Vincentio. Fear not, Baptista; we will content you, go to; but I
will in to be revenged for this villainy. Exit

Baptista Minola. And I to sound the depth of this knavery. Exit


62

V,2,2501

Petruchio. Nothing but sit and sit, and eat and eat!

Baptista Minola. Padua affords this kindness, son Petruchio.


63

V,2,2529

(stage directions). [Drinks to HORTENSIO]

Baptista Minola. How likes Gremio these quick-witted folks?


64

V,2,2549

Tranio. 'Tis well, sir, that you hunted for yourself;
'Tis thought your deer does hold you at a bay.

Baptista Minola. O, O, Petruchio! Tranio hits you now.


65

V,2,2555

Petruchio. 'A has a little gall'd me, I confess;
And, as the jest did glance away from me,
'Tis ten to one it maim'd you two outright.

Baptista Minola. Now, in good sadness, son Petruchio,
I think thou hast the veriest shrew of all.


66

V,2,2574

Biondello. I go. Exit

Baptista Minola. Son, I'll be your half Bianca comes.


67

V,2,2604

(stage directions). Re-enter KATHERINA

Baptista Minola. Now, by my holidame, here comes Katherina!


68

V,2,2617

Petruchio. Marry, peace it bodes, and love, and quiet life,
An awful rule, and right supremacy;
And, to be short, what not that's sweet and happy.

Baptista Minola. Now fair befall thee, good Petruchio!
The wager thou hast won; and I will add
Unto their losses twenty thousand crowns;
Another dowry to another daughter,
For she is chang'd, as she had never been.


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