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Gre. I cannot tell; but I had as lief take her dowry with this condition: to be whipt at the high cross every morning.

Hor. Faith, as you say, there’s small choice in rotten apples. But come, since this bar in law makes us friends, it shall be so far forth friendly maintain’d till by helping Baptista’s eldest daughter to a husband we set his youngest free for a husband, and then have to’t afresh. Sweet Bianca, happy man be his dole! He that runs fastest gets the ring. How say you, Signior Gremio?

Gre. I am agreed, and would I had given him the best horse in Padua to begin his wooing that would thoroughly woo her, wed her, and bed her, and rid the house of her! Come on.

Exeunt ambo [Gremio and Hortensio]. Manent Tranio and Lucentio.

Tra.

I pray, sir, tell me, is it possible

That love should of a sudden take such hold?

Luc.

O Tranio, till I found it to be true,

I never thought it possible or likely.

But see, while idly I stood looking on,

I found the effect of love in idleness,

And now in plainness do confess to thee,