The Taming of the Shrew. Уильям Шекспир

        PLAYERS. We thank your honour.

        LORD. Do you intend to stay with me to-night?

        PLAYER. So please your lordship to accept our duty.

        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

          Was aptly fitted and naturally perform'd.

        PLAYER. I think 'twas Soto that your honour means.

        LORD. 'Tis very true; thou didst it excellent.

          Well, you are come to me in happy time,

          The rather for I have some sport in hand

          Wherein your cunning can assist me much.

          There is a lord will hear you play to-night;

          But I am doubtful of your modesties,

          Lest, over-eying of his odd behaviour,

          For yet his honour never heard a play,

          You break into some merry passion

          And so offend him; for I tell you, sirs,

          If you should smile, he grows impatient.

        PLAYER. Fear not, my lord; we can contain ourselves,

          Were he the veriest antic in the world.

        LORD. Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery,

          And give them friendly welcome every one;

          Let them want nothing that my house affords.

                                             Exit one with the PLAYERS

          Sirrah, go you to Bartholomew my page,

          And see him dress'd in all suits like a lady;

          That done, conduct him to the drunkard's chamber,

          And call him 'madam,' do him obeisance.

          Tell him from me- as he will win my love-

          He bear himself with honourable action,

          Such as he hath observ'd in noble ladies

          Unto their lords, by them accomplished;

          Such duty to the drunkard let him do,

          With soft low tongue and lowly courtesy,

          And say 'What is't your honour will command,

          Wherein your lady and your humble wife

          May show her duty and make known her love?'

          And then with kind embracements, tempting kisses,

          And with declining head into his bosom,

          Bid him shed tears, as being overjoyed

          To see her noble lord restor'd to health,

          Who for this seven years hath esteemed him

          No better than a poor and loathsome beggar.

          And if the boy have not a woman's gift

          To rain a shower of commanded tears,

          An onion will do well for such a shift,

          Which, in a napkin being close convey'd,

          Shall in despite enforce a watery eye.

          See this dispatch'd with all the haste thou canst;

          Anon I'll give thee more instructions. Exit a SERVINGMAN

          I know the boy will well usurp the grace,

          Voice, gait, and action, of a gentlewoman;

          I long to hear him call the drunkard 'husband';

          And how my men will stay themselves from laughter

          When they do homage to this simple peasant.

          I'll in to counsel them; haply my presence

          May well abate the over-merry spleen,

          Which otherwise would grow into extremes. Exeunt

      SCENE II

      A bedchamber in the LORD'S house