The Taming of the Shrew. Уильям Шекспир

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ

He cried upon it at the merest loss,

20

      And twice to-day pick’d out the dullest scent;

      Trust me, I take him for the better dog.

       Lord

      Thou art a fool; if Echo were as fleet,

      I would esteem him worth a dozen such.

But sup them well, and look unto them all;

25

      To-morrow I intend to hunt again.

      1 Huntsman

      I will, my lord.

       Lord

      What’s here? One dead, or drunk?

      See, doth he breathe?

      2 Huntsman

He breathes, my lord. Were he not warm’d with ale,

30

      This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly.

       Lord

      O monstrous beast, how like a swine he lies!

      Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!

      Sirs, I will practise on this drunken man.

What think you, if he were convey’d to bed,

35

      Wrapp’d in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers,

      A most delicious banquet by his bed,

      And brave attendants near him when he wakes,

      Would not the beggar then forget himself?

      1 Huntsman

Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose.

40

      2 Huntsman

      It would seem strange unto him when he wak’d.

       Lord

      Even as a flatt’ring dream or worthless fancy.

      Then take him up, and manage well the jest:

      Carry him gently to my fairest chamber,

And hang it round with all my wanton pictures;

45

      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 if he chance to speak, be ready straight,

50

      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;

Another bear the ewer, the third a diaper,

55

      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,

And that his lady mourns at his disease;

60

      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;

It will be pastime passing excellent,

65

      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

Take him up gently, and to bed with him;

70

      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

An’t please your honour, players

75

      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

So please your lordship to accept our duty.

80

       Lord

      With all my heart. This fellow I remember

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

      ’Twas СКАЧАТЬ