The Taming of the Shrew

Balm his foul head in warm distilled waters,

And burn sweet wood to make the lodging sweet;

Procure me music ready when he wakes,

To make a dulcet and a heavenly sound;

And with a low submissive reverence

Say ‘What is it your honour will command?’

Let one attend him with a silver basin

Full of rose-water and bestrew’d with flowers;

And say ‘Will’t please your lordship cool your hands?’

Some one be ready with a costly suit,

And ask him what apparel he will wear;

Another tell him of his hounds and horse,

Persuade him that he hath been lunatic,

And, when he says he is, say that he dreams,

For he is nothing but a mighty lord.

This do, and do it kindly, gentle sirs;

If it be husbanded with modesty.

1 Huntsman

My lord, I warrant you we will play our part

As he shall think by our true diligence

He is no less than what we say he is.

Lord

And each one to his office when he wakes.

[SLY is carried out. A trumpet sounds.]

Sirrah, go see what trumpet ’tis that sounds –

[Exit Servant.]

Belike some noble gentleman that means,

Travelling some journey, to repose him here.

[Re-enter a Servant.]

How now! who is it?

Servant

That offer service to your lordship.

Lord

Bid them come near.

[Enter Players.]

Now, fellows, you are welcome.

Players

We thank your honour.

Lord

Do you intend to stay with me to-night?

Player

Lord

With all my heart. This fellow I remember

Since once he play’d a farmer’s eldest son;

’Twas where you woo’d the gentlewoman so well.

I have forgot your name; but, sure, that part

Player

I think ’twas Soto that your honour means.

Lord

’Tis very true; thou didst it excellent.