Induction Scene 1 Location: rural England
1 pheeze fix, get even with
2 A…stocks i.e., I’ll put you in the stocks (instrument of punishment in which the arms or legs were confined)
3 baggage good-for-nothing woman, harlot chronicles historical account
4 Richard Conqueror Sly may confuse Richard Coeur-de-lion (Lionheart) with William the Conquerer paucas pallabris “few words” (corruption of the Spanish) Sessa! Be off! (cry used in hunting)/be quiet
5 burst broken
6 denier tenth of a penny Go…Jeronimy Sly confuses Saint Jerome with Hieronimo, a character in Thomas Kyd’s The Spanish Tragedy who cautioned himself with “Hieronimo, beware! Go by, go by!” cold bed perhaps a beggar’s bed, the damp ground
7 thirdborough parish constable
8 by law in court
9 kindly by all means
10 charge order tender well take good care of
11 Brach bitch-hound (given that Merriman would seem a more suitable name for a male dog, some editors emend to “breathe”—i.e., “give breathing space to”—thus also improving the grammar) cur dog embossed exhausted, foaming at the mouth
12 couple leash together deep-mouthed brach bitch with a loud bark
13 made it good i.e., picked up the scent
14 coldest fault when the scent was lost
17 cried…loss howled upon discovering the scent when it had been completely lost merest total
20 fleet swift
22 sup feed unto after
27 bed but cold cold bed in which
29 Grim…image in his drunken stupor Sly resembles a corpse
30 practise on trick
32 sweet delightful/perfumed
33 banquet light meal
34 brave fine
35 forget himself behave inappropriately/forget who he was
36 cannot choose is bound to
37 strange odd/wonderful
38 fancy fanciful thought/imagining
41 hang it round adorn it wanton lively
42 Balm anoint, bathe foul dirty/unattractive distillèd fragrant
43 sweet scented
45 dulcet sweet
46 straight straight away
47 low humble reverence bow/servitude
51 ewer jug containing water for handwashing diaper cloth
56 disease illness/derangement
58 is must be (mad)
60 kindly naturally
61 passing exceedingly
62 husbanded managed modesty care/moderation
63 warrant assure
64 As so that
67 office duty, role
68 Sirrah sir (used to an inferior)
69 Belike perhaps
72 An’t if it
77 So please if it please duty services
82 fitted suited (to you)
85 happy fortunate
86 rather for more so because
87 cunning professional skill
89 doubtful apprehensive about modesties propriety, self-control
90 over-eyeing of observing/staring at
92 merry passion fit of laughter
94 impatient angry
96 veriest antic most complete buffoon
97 buttery storeroom for provisions
99 want lack affords has to offer
101 all suits every aspect (puns on sense of “outfits”)
103 do him obeisance bow/be submissive
104 as he will if he wishes to
105 bear must conduct honourable action dignified behavior
107 by them accomplishèd performed by them (the ladies)
108 duty reverence
109 tongue voice lowly humble
114 with…bosom bowing his head to his chest
117 esteemèd him believed himself to be
120 commanded tears tears on command
121 shift purpose/trick
122 napkin handkerchief close conveyed secretly carried
123 in despite notwithstanding anything
124 dispatched carried out
125 Anon shortly
126 usurp the grace take on the elegance
129 how to see how stay prevent
131 in go in Haply perhaps/hopefully
132 spleen i.e., mood, impulse (the spleen was thought to be the seat of laughter)
Induction Scene 2 most editions assume a shift of location from “outside an ale-house” to “a bedroom in the lord’s house,” but the text suggests that the location of the whole induction is the lord’s house, the only move being from outside (the main stage) to the bedroom (above space)
1 small weak (hence cheap) sack Spanish white wine
3 conserves confections, sweetmeats
4 raiment clothing
6 conserves of beef salted beef
7 doublets close-fitting jackets
9 look …over-leather i.e., peep through holes
10 idle humour mad whim
13 spirit temperament/mood/fiend
15 Burtonheath possibly Barton-on-the-heath, a village near Stratford-upon-Avon cardmaker maker of cards, instruments for combing wool transmutation change of condition
16 bear-herd keeper of a performing bear tinker pot-mender
17 ale-wife woman who keeps an ale-house Wincot village four miles south of Stratford-upon-Avon on the score in debt
18 score tally kept by marking notches on a piece of wood sheer weak/drunk without food score…for reckon me to be
19 bestraught out of my mind
21 droop become despondent
23 As as if
25 ancient former
26 dreams delusions
29 Apollo Greek god of music
32 lustful arousing desire
33 trimmed up decked out Semiramis legendary queen of Assyria, famous for her voluptuousness
34 bestrow scatter (probably with rushes)
35 trapped adorned/fitted out
37 hawking hunting with hawks
39 welkin sky
41 course hunt the hare
42 breathèd exercised, strong-winded roe small deer
44 Adonis in classical mythology, a beautiful huntsman, pursued by Cytherea (Venus); when he was killed by a boar while hunting, she changed him into an anemone
45 Cytherea more commonly known as Venus, the goddess of love sedges coarse grass growing by rivers
46 wanton grow playful/flourishing/lustful
48 Io in classical myth, a girl raped by Jove/Jupiter, then turned into a heifer maid virgin
49 beguilèd bewitched/deceived surprised attacked
50 lively lifelike
51 Daphne in classical mythology, a girl pursued by the god Apollo; she prayed for help and was turned into a laurel tree
54 workmanly skillfully
57 waning degenerate/declining from the perfection of Eden
59 envious cruel
61 yet even now
71 wit senses
72 knew but only knew
75 fay faith
76 of in
80 rail upon rant, complain about hostess…house landlady of the inn
81 present…leet bring accusations against her at the manorial court (leet)
82 stone…quarts unlike sealed quarts, stone jugs had no official mark upon them guaranteeing they contained the specified amount of ale
84 woman’s…house landlady’s maid
86 reckoned up listed
87 Greece possibly a corruption of “Greet,” a small village not far from Stratford
91 amends recovery
95 Marry by the Virgin Mary fare am getting along (plays on the sense of “food and drink”) cheer hospitality (plays on the sense of “food and drink”)
98 goodman husband
103 Al’ce Alice
108 abandoned banished
115 In…malady due to the risk of bringing on your old illness
117 stands for is valid as
118 it stands my penis is erect hardly plays on the idea of erectile hardness
119 despite spite
121 pleasant merry
122 meet fitting
126 frame adjust
127 bars prevents
128 comonty…gambold Sly’s mispronunciation of “comedy” and “gambol” (entertainment) tumbling trick acrobatic trick
130 stuff matter (Sly responds to the literal sense of “furnishings”)
132 history story
133 slip slide by
1.1 Location: Padua Lucentio name suggests “light,” making him a fitting partner for “Bianca” (the white/fair)
2 Padua city in northern Italy nursery training ground (the university of Padua was one of the oldest in Europe)
3 for in Lombardy Padua is not in Lombardy, which is probably, however, intended here to denote all of northern Italy
5 leave permission
7 approved tested, proved
8 breathe rest haply perhaps/fortunately institute begin
9 ingenious intellectual
10 grave learned
11 Gave…first i.e., both I and my father were born there
12 great traffic extensive trade
13 come of descended from Bentivolii a powerful Italian family who were, in fact, from Bologna rather than Pisa
14 Vincentio’s…deeds it is appropriate that Vincentio’s son, who was brought up in Florence, should fulfil the expectations of him by adding to his fortune with acts of virtue
19 treats of concerns
23 plash pool
24 satiety excess
25 Mi perdonato “pardon me”(Italian)
26 affected disposed
31 stoics rigorous individuals practicing abstinence and endurance stocks stupid, senseless people
32 Aristotle Greek philosopher checks recommendations of moral restraint
33 As that Ovid Roman poet, author of The Art of Love abjured rejected
34 Balk argue, quibble over
35 common everyday
36 quicken enliven
38 Fall to apply yourself/begin eating stomach serves you inclination/appetite requires
39 No…ta’en a version of Horace’s famous statement that “he who has mixed usefulness with pleasure has gained every point”
40 affect like
41 Gramercies many thanks
42 wert were to
45 beget create Bianca Italian for “white” pantaloon in Italian comedy, the foolish old man
48 importune urge
50 bestow give in marriage
55 cart her drive her around in a cart (usual punishment for a prostitute) rough violent/uncontrollable
56 will you do you want
58 stale bait/laughing-stock/prostitute (puns on the chess term “stalemate”) mates fellows (plays on the sense of “husbands”)
62 Iwis indeed not…heart i.e., marriage is not something I even consider
63 her care my chief desire
64 noddle head
65 paint i.e., redden with scratching use treat
68 toward about to begin
69 wonderful froward remarkably obstinate
73 Mum hush
78 peat pet
79 Put…why make herself cry if she could think of an excuse
80 content you be satisfied
81 pleasure will subscribe submit
84 Minerva goddess of wisdom
85 strange distant, unfriendly
86 effects causes
88 mew her up confine her
89 for on account of
90 her i.e., Bianca her i.e., Kate’s (sharp)
93 for because
98 Prefer recommend cunning skillful
102 commune discuss
103 appointed hours given a timetable
104 belike perhaps
105 dam mother gifts qualities (ironic) here’s…you no one here will detain you
106 Their love i.e., women’s love blow our nails wait patiently/waste time
107 fast…out manage to survive/endure it as cordially as we can Our…sides i.e., we have both failed
108 light on come across
109 wish recommend
111 brooked parle tolerated conversation/negotiation advice consideration toucheth concerns
113 labour and effect work for and bring about
120 pass surpass
121 alarums noise (literally, a military call to arms) an if
123 had as lief would as willingly
124 high cross cross set on a pedestal in the town center
126 bar in law legal impediment (i.e., Baptista’s refusal to let Bianca marry until Kate is married) it…maintained it shall progress in a friendly manner
128 have…afresh renew our combat once again Happy…dole! Happiness to the winner! (proverbial)
129 ring alludes to the jousting game in which competitors tried to lift a ring with their lances (puns on senses of “wedding ring” and “vagina”)
138 love in idleness puns on “love-in-idleness,” a pansy thought to have power to stimulate love
140 secret trusted
141 Anna…Carthage Dido, Queen of Carthage, confided in her sister Anna that she was in love with Aeneas
147 rated driven out through rebuke
149 Redime…minimo “free yourself from bondage for as little ransom as you can” (Latin, inaccurately quoted, as in the standard Elizabethan grammar textbook, from Terence’s play Eunuchus)
150 Go forward carry on This i.e., what you have said so far
152 so longly for such a long time/so longingly
153 marked not did not notice pith essence
155 daughter of Agenor Europa, daughter of the King of Tyre; she was loved by Jove, who turned himself into a bull in order to abduct her
156 him himself
157 kissed i.e., knelt on Cretan strand shore of Crete (in fact, Europa was taken to, rather than from, Crete)
166 Bend apply, direct
167 curst bad-tempered shrewd shrewish, disagreeable
169 maid unmarried virgin
170 closely securely
171 annoyed vexed/distracted
173 advised aware
177 for my hand by my hand/for my part
178 inventions meet plans agree jump coincide
182 device plot
184 bear play
186 Keep house entertain ply his book study
188 Basta “enough”(Italian) full in full
193 port position, dignity
195 meaner lower-ranking
197 Uncase undress coloured as opposed to the plainer, often blue, livery worn by Elizabethan servants
199 charm persuade
201 sith since
202 tied obliged
203 charged instructed
210 Whose sudden sight the sudden sight of whom thralled enslaved wounded i.e., pierced by Cupid’s arrow
216 frame fit
218 count’nance manner/appearance
221 descried witnessed/denounced
222 becomes is suitable
232 discreetly prudently
235 rests remains that thyself execute which is for you to carry out make become
236 sufficeth let it suffice Presenters above i.e., the remaining characters from the Induction
238 mind attend to
239 matter subject
243 Would I wish mark attend, observe
1.2 Grumio connotations of “groom”—i.e., servingman
1 Verona city in northern Italy
2 of all especially
4 trow know/believe
6 knock Grumio plays on the sense of “strike (a person)” rebused malapropism for “abused”
11 Villain wicked one/servant me for me gate door
12 pate head
13 I…worst if I hit you first I know that I shall come off the worst for it
16 ring i.e., with a circular knocker or bell; puns on “wring”
17 I’ll…it i.e., I’ll see how you can shriek sol-fa sing a scale
18 mistress some editors emend to “masters”
21 How…all what are you both doing
23 Con…trovato “with all my heart well met” (Italian)
24 Alla…Petruchio “Welcome to our house, most worshipful Petruchio” (Italian)
25 compound settle
26 ’leges alleges in Latin despite his Italian name, Grumio does not know the difference between Latin and Italian
28 use treat
29 aught anything two…out i.e., overshooting the mark/not in his right mind/drunk (thirty-one was a card game, the object of which was to collect cards with a total value of thirty-one; it was also a term for being drunk) pip one of the spots on a card
34 heart i.e., life
39 pledge guarantor
40 this’ this is heavy chance sad situation
41 ancient long-standing
42 happy fortunate
46 in a few briefly
50 wive marry
51 Crowns gold coins
53 come roundly speak plainly
54 wish commend ill-favoured foul-tempered
55 Thou’ldst you would
62 burden refrain/bass accompaniment (in a song)
63 Florentius’ love in Gower’s Confessio Amantis Florentius is a knight who agrees to marry an ugly hag if she helps him solve the riddle on which his life depends
64 Sibyl ancient prophetess; in classical mythology, Apollo gave the Sibyl of Cumae as many years of life as she held grains of sand in her hand, but he did not grant her accompanying youth
65 Xanthippe wife of Socrates, notorious for her bad temper
66 moves me not does not affect me not…me cannot blunt the edge of my desire
71 mind opinion/intention
72 aglet-baby small figure ornamenting the tag of a lace or cord trot hag
74 so…withal so long as money comes with it
75 are…in have gone this far
76 that I broached what I began
81 intolerable intolerably
83 state financial situation
87 board accost (naval metaphor referring to attacking a ship; plays on the sense of “have sex with”)
88 crack roar, explode
97 give you over leave you
99 humour whim O’ on an if
101 half a score ten
102 rail rant rope-tricks possibly Grumio’s version of “rhetoric” or “rope rhetoric,” or implying tricks deserving of punishment by hanging stand resist, withstand
103 figure figure of speech/rhetorical trick
104 withal with
106 keep safe-keeping (literally, fortified tower) treasure plays on the sense of “(Bianca’s) vagina”
107 hold custody
109 other more others besides
112 defects faults rehearsed related
114 order measure
119 grace favor
122 seen skilled
124 make love to woo/seduce
126 Here’s no knavery! i.e., this does not look like a trick (sarcastic) beguile deceive
130 proper stripling fine, handsome youth
131 note presumably, a list of required books
132 fairly handsomely
133 at any hand in any case
134 read…lectures give no other lessons
136 liberality generosity
137 mend…largesse add to it with a donation
138 them i.e., the books
143 yourself…place if you yourself were present
147 woodcock proverbially stupid bird
150 you…met I am glad to meet you
151 Trow you do you know
156 Fit…turn suited to her needs (plays on the sense of “suitable for sex”)
159 help me to assist me in obtaining
164 bags money-bags
165 vent proclaim
166 me fair courteously to me
167 indifferent…either that is equally good for both of us
169 agreement…liking our agreeing to his conditions (Hortensio later explains that he and Gremio are to pay for the cost of wooing Kate)
172 So…well if what you say were to be achieved, it would be all very well
176 What countryman? Where are you from?
181 stomach appetite to’t begin eating, go ahead
184 Will I live? i.e., of course
190 chafèd irritated
191 ordnance artillery
193 pitchèd planned
194 ’larums calls to arms
197 chestnut…fire chestnuts crackle when they burn
198 Fear frighten bugs imaginary terrors
204 charge expense brave finely dressed
208 readiest quickest
212 to— the implied missing word is “woo,” though some editors emend to “too?”
213 What…do? What is it to do with you?
215 chiders quarrellers, rebukers
216 begun said
217 ere before
226 choice chosen/special
231 all altogether
234 Leda’s daughter Helen of Troy, supposedly the most beautiful woman in the world
237 Though even if Paris the Trojan prince who snatched Helen from her husband speed alone be the only one to succeed
239 head free reign jade worn-out horse
246 let…by leave her alone
247 Hercules…twelve in Greek mythology, Hercules (also called Alcides) carried out twelve seemingly impossible tasks
248 let it be grant that it is
249 sooth truth
250 hearken for seek to win/inquire after
256 stead help
259 whose hap he whose good fortune it
260 Will…ingrate will not be so ill-mannered as to be ungrateful
261 conceive understand
263 gratify show gratitude to/reward
264 rest remain beholding indebted
266 contrive spend, use
267 quaff carouses drink toasts
268 adversaries opposing lawyers
269 Strive compete
270 motion proposal
272 ben venuto “welcome” (Italian); sense here is “host”
2 bondmaid slave-girl
3 goods ornaments, jewels, love tokens
4 Unbind if you will unbind
5 raiment clothing
9 dissemble lie
11 special particular
13 Minion hussy
14 affect love
17 fair well dressed
18 envy despise
23 dame madam (accusatory)
25 ply thy needle sew/embroider meddle not have nothing to do
26 hilding good-for-nothing
28 cross provoke, thwart
29 flouts mocks
31 suffer listen to/permit/endure
33 dance…day traditionally the fate of an unmarried elder sister
34 lead…hell proverbially old maids did so because they had no children to lead in heaven
36 occasion of opportunity for habit clothing mean humble
45 Go…orderly apply yourself to the business with decorum
46 give me leave excuse me/let me explain myself
48 wit intelligence
51 forward eager/presumptuous
54 for…entertainment as an entrance-fee for my reception
57 sciences fields of learning
59 Accept of accept
60 Litio Second Folio and many later editions emend to “Licio” throughout Mantua city in northern Italy
63 turn purpose/needs
71 Saving with respect for
72 poor petitioners humble suitors
73 Baccare! “Stand back!” (mock-Latin)
74 I…doing I am eager for action (perhaps plays on the sense of “having sex”)
76 grateful agreeable like same
77 kindly fittingly/affectionately
78 Rheims northern French town with a well-known university
79 Cambio Italian for “exchange”
83 walk…stranger seem like a newcomer/seem as if you are not one of the group/stand aside
90 preferment precedence (i.e., offering Kate before Bianca)
92 upon knowledge when you know
99 Lucentio…name? perhaps Baptista learns this by opening one of the books in which Lucentio’s name is written
101 mighty renowned, noble
104 presently at once
105 Holla a shout to attract attention
109 orchard garden
110 dinner the main meal of the day, served between eleven and noon passing extremely
112 asketh haste is urgent
120 in possession i.e., on marriage
121 assure…widowhood provide for her after my death/guarantee her rights as a widow
123 leases property that is let
124 specialities a special contract
125 covenants formal agreements
126 special unique/particular
128 father i.e., father-in-law
134 So I so I shall behave (like an extreme gust)
136 happy…speed may the outcome be happy/fortunate
138 to the proof so as to be invulnerable broke grazed, bleeding
143 prove become/test the skill of
144 hold with resist, withstand
145 break her to teach her to play
146 broke…me i.e., broken the lute over my head
147 frets ridges for guiding the fingers (Kate shifts the sense to “vexations”)
150 fume show anger
152 pate head
153 amazèd perplexed, dumbstruck
154 As…pillory as if in the stocks (in which the head was confined by wooden boards)
155 fiddler lute-player/meddler
156 Jack base fellow
157 studied practiced, planned
158 lusty lively
161 discomfited disheartened
162 in practice with your lessons
166 attend wait for
170 clear serene, faultless
174 piercing moving
175 pack leave
177 crave demand
178 banns public proclamations of intended marriages
181 hard puns on heard (which was pronounced similarly)
187 dainties…Kates puns on “cates” (i.e., dainties, delicacies)
188 of from
190 sounded proclaimed/fathomed
191 deeply…belongs loudly/in such depth as you deserve
192 moved compelled (Kate shifts to the literal sense)
193 In good time! Indeed!
194 you…first from the start
195 movable piece of furniture/changeable person
197 joint stool low stool made by a joiner (“I took you for a joint stool” was a way of mockingly apologizing for ignoring someone)
198 sit on me i.e., as I am a stool (with sexual innuendo)
199 Asses puns on “arses” bear carry loads (Petruchio plays on the sense of “bear the weight of a man’s body/of a baby”)
202 burden lie on top of/accuse
203 light not heavy/promiscuous
204 light quick swain rustic (contemptuous)
205 as…be the right weight/of sound social standing
206 be puns on “bee” buzz rumor—i.e., you should hear what actually is said about you; also a noise of impatience; wasp then shifts sense to insect noise
207 ta’en seized upon, used buzzard fool (literally useless bird of prey)/rumor-monger
208 turtle turtle-dove (symbol of faithful love)
209 turtle…buzzard i.e., only a fool will take me for a faithful wife, just as the turtle-dove mistakenly swallows an insect
211 waspish spiteful/wasp-like
214 sting plays on the sense of genitals/sexual urge
217 tails puns on “tales”
218 with…tail i.e., leaving me with the last word (tail puns on the sense of “vagina”) come plays on the sense of “have an orgasm” again back/once more
220 try test
221 cuff hit
222 lose your arms waste your strength/loosen your grip/forfeit your coat of arms (the sign of being a gentleman)
223 strike plays on the sense of “have sex with”
225 books book of heraldry, where gentlemen’s coats of arms were recorded (plays on the notion of “good books” and on “vagina”)
226 crest identifying feature on a coat of arms/tuft on the head of an animal (with phallic connotations) coxcomb fool’s cap (similar in appearance to a cock’s crest; plays on “cock”—i.e., penis)
227 combless i.e., unthreatening cock cockerel/penis so provided that hen i.e., wife/harlot
228 craven cock with no fighting spirit
230 fashion manner crab sour crab-apple
234 glass mirror
236 Well…one well guessed for one so inexperienced
237 young youthful/strong
239 cares troubles
241 scape escape
242 chafe annoy, inflame
244 rough harsh/unmanageable coy disdainful, unresponsive
246 pleasant merry gamesome sportive, playful
247 slow easygoing, without a quick tongue
248 askance scornfully
250 cross combative/ill-tempered
251 entertain’st receive
252 conference conversation
257 halt limp
258 whom…command order you servants about (rather than me)
259 Dian Diana, goddess of chastity, the moon, and hunting become suit, enhance
260 gait manner, bearing, way of walking
262 sportful lively/playful/amorous
263 study learn/practice goodly splendid (sarcastic)
264 extempore spontaneous, improvised mother-wit natural intelligence
265 A…son your mother must have had some wit, as left to yourself you would have none at all
266 wise…warm “he is wise enough that can keep himself warm” (proverbial)
268 mean intend to
272 will…you whether you will or not
273 for your turn right for you (plays on the sense of “for sex with you”)
278 wild Kate puns on “wild-cat”
279 Conformable pliant, obedient
280 Never make denial do not refuse me
282 speed you do you succeed, fare
284 amiss adversely, without progress
285 In your dumps? Down-hearted?
290 face …out brazenly get his own way
293 policy strategic purposes
295 temperate moderate, gentle
296 Grissel Patient Griselda was, in Boccaccio and Chaucer, a model of wifely obedience
297 Lucrece raped by the Roman king Tarquin, Lucrece was so ashamed she committed suicide
298 ’greed got along
302 speeding progress/success goodnight our part our part in this business is over
305 ’twixt us twain between we two
310 vied redoubled (gambling term for raising the stakes) protesting declaring
311 twink twinkling
312 a …see wonderful to see
314 meacock feeble
316 gainst in preparation for
317 bid invite
318 fine finely dressed
319 hands …witnesses joining of hands in front of witnesses (the “pre-contract”) prevented either party from becoming engaged to another
323 apace swiftly
326 clapped up settled
328 desperate mart risky business endeavor
329 ’Twas…you it (Kate) was a piece of merchandise that was losing its value (fretting plays on the sense of “aggravating”)
331 quiet peace of mind
332 quiet catch (ironic)
339 freeze possibly implies impotence
340 fry burn lecherously
341 Skipper frivolous wastrel nourisheth sustains life
343 compound settle
344 deeds actions/legal deeds he of both whichever of the two of you
345 dower settlement made to the wife on the death of the husband
349 plate gold or silver tableware
350 lave wash
351 hangings wallcoverings Tyrian from Tyre, an ancient trading city on the Mediterranean
352 coffers chests
353 cypress made from cypress wood arras counterpoints tapestried bed coverings from Arras
354 tents hangings for a bed
355 Turkey Turkish bossed embossed, adorned
356 Valance…needlework valences (borders on the sides or canopy of a bed) embroidered with Venetian gold thread
359 milch-kine dairy cows to the pail (specifically) for milking
361 answerable…portion appropriate to an estate of this size
362 struck old
365 came well in is to the point list listen
369 walls i.e., the walls forming the city limits
371 two…land i.e., the land brings in an annual income of two thousand ducats (gold coins)
372 jointure widow’s settlement
373 pinched distressed/belittled
376 argosy large merchant ship
377 Marseillis’ road the harbor at Marseilles
380 galliases heavy low-built vessels
381 tight efficient, seaworthy
387 out-vied outbid (card-playing term)
389 let providing assurance (financial) guarantee
390 else otherwise
392 cavil quibble
402 gamester gambler, foolish adventurer were would be
404 Set…table i.e., become dependent upon you toy piece of nonsense
407 faced …ten bluffed, brazened it out with a card only worth ten
408 ’Tis…head I have a plan
410 get beget, conceive
413 sire father
1 Fiddler …sir implies that Hortensio is holding Bianca’s fingers as he teaches her the lute
2 entertainment reception
3 withal with
6 prerogative priority
8 lecture lesson
9 Preposterous unreasonable/placing last what should be first
10 ordained created
12 usual pain habitual labor
14 serve in serve up (contemptuous)
15 braves blustering threats
17 resteth …choice is up to me
18 breeching …schools schoolboy liable to be whipped (breeched)
19 ’pointed appointed
22 the whiles in the meantime
28 ‘Hic…senis’ “here ran the [river] Simois; here is the Sigeian land [Troy]; here stood the lofty palace of old Priam [King of Troy]” (from Ovid’s Heroides)
30 Conster translate/analyze grammatically/expound
34 port station, dignity pantaloon foolish old man (i.e., Gremio)
36 fie expression of impatience or disgust jars sounds discordant
37 Spit…again possibly a perversion of the proverb “spit in your hands and take a better hold” (sequence instrument’s…spit in the hole … tune…fingering may have sexual connotations)
43 jars quarrels
44 pedant schoolmaster/quibbler
46 Pedascule little pedant
48 Aeacides …grandfather the Greek hero Ajax was also known as Aeacides, after his grandfather Aeacus (Lucentio has moved to the next line of Ovid’s Heroides)
50 master tutor
51 doubt point
54 pleasant merry, playful
55 give me leave leave me
56 three parts i.e., the company of three people
57 formal punctilious
58 withal at the same time but unless
61 order method
63 gamut the musical scale briefer sort quicker way
66 fairly drawn neatly set out
69 ground …accord basis of all harmony
73 one …I perhaps Hortensio’s love (one clef) and his real and assumed personalities (two notes); may also have sexual connotations (“one vagina,” “two testicles”—notes playing on “nuts”) leading to play on die in next line
76 Old established nice capricious
77 true legitimate, constant
83 pry into spy on, investigate
86 stale decoy (specifically, one that distracts a poorly trained hawk)
87 Seize …list let those who want you have you ranging straying (like a hawk)/unfaithful
88 quit with rid of/even with
5 want lack
8 forsooth in truth
10 rudesby insolent ruffian spleen temper, passion
11 wooed …leisure varies the proverbial “he who marries in haste repents at leisure”
12 frantic insane, frenzied
14 noted for known as
19 Lo look
23 fortune …word event prevents him from keeping his word
29 humour temperament
30 Old plentiful (Baptista plays on the more familiar sense)
39 to of
40 jerkin close-fitting jacket
41 turned i.e., inside out (to make them last longer) candle-cases containers for candle ends (i.e., too worn out to wear)
43 chapeless without a sheath points laces for fastening the doublet to the hose hipped lame, with an injured hip
44 of no kindred that do not match glanders horse disease affecting the nostrils and jaws like…chine of unclear meaning; perhaps a corruption of “like to mourn in the chine“—i.e., likely to be in the final stages of the glanders—or possibly “likely to have a weak spine (chine)”
45 lampass horse disease affecting the mouth fashions farcins (horse disease causing tumors)
46 windgalls tumors on a horse’s leg sped with spavins rendered useless by swelling of the leg joints rayed disfigured yellows jaundice fives horse disease affecting the parotid glands stark utterly
47 staggers horse disease marked by a staggering movement begnawn gnawed at bots intestinal worms swayed…back with a bowed spine
48 shoulder-shotten with a dislocated shoulder near-legged before knock-kneed in the front legs half-checked bit restraining bit with a broken side-ring (so, ineffective) head-stall part of the horse’s bridle that goes over the head
49 sheep’s leather i.e., weak leather restrained pulled tight
50 girth leather band that goes under the horse’s stomach to hold the saddle in place pieced mended
51 crupper leather strap that prevents the saddle from slipping velure velvet hath…studs is adorned with her initials in (brass or silver) studs
52 packthread string
54 lackey servant caparisoned dressed
55 stock stocking kersey coarse cloth boot-hose over-stocking covering the whole of the lower leg
56 list strip of cloth humour…fancies unclear; possibly refers to an old ballad, or to a fanciful ornament—the general sense is that the hat is adorned in an elaborate and whimsical manner pricked…feather pinned in it in place of
57 footboy page, servant on foot
59 pricks spurs
60 mean-apparelled dressed humbly/moderately
68 Saint Jamy probably Saint James of Compostella, whose shrine was a popular object of pilgrimage
69 hold bet
73 gallants fashionable, fine young gentlemen
75 come not well am not welcome (Baptista responds to the sense of “walk with difficulty”)
76 halt limp
80 Gentles gentlemen
81 wherefore why goodly fine
82 monument portent
83 comet thought be a bad omen prodigy omen
86 unprovided ill-dressed, unprepared
87 doff take off habit clothing estate rank
88 solemn ceremonious
89 occasion of import important event
98 wears is passing, being wasted
99 unreverent disrespectful
103 Good sooth truly ha’ have
105 wear wear out (with sexual connotations)
106 accoutrements clothes
110 lovely loving
114 event outcome
116 liking approval to pass about
119 skills matters fit adapt
126 steps movements narrowly closely
127 steal our marriage marry secretly
131 watch our vantage look for a favorable opportunity
132 overreach outwit
133 narrow-prying inquisitive
134 quaint crafty
139 groom lowly character/servingman
141 Curster more quarrelsome
144 a fool to innocent compared to
145 Sir respectful term of address
147 gogs-wouns God’s wounds (a common oath)
148 book i.e., Bible
150 took gave
152 them probably refers to the priest and, his book; possibly refers to the hem of Kate’s skirt with Petruchio claiming to suspect the priest of peeping at her undergarments any list anyone is listening/wants to
154 for why because
155 cozen cheat
156 many various
159 quaffed off drank up, drained muscadel a sweet wine
160 sops pieces of bread or cake placed in wine
162 hungerly sparsely
163 him him for
168 rout company
170 minstrels musicians
172 think expect
173 cheer food and drink
178 Make …wonder don’t be surprised
180 honest worthy, kind
193 not stay not content to stay
196 oats…horses i.e., the horses are more than ready to gallop (as they have been so well fed)
201 be…green go while your boots are still fresh
203 jolly self-confident, arrogant
204 take…roundly behaves so presumptuously from the start
206 hast …do is it to do with you
207 stay my leisure wait until I’m ready
208 it …work things are beginning to happen
214 domineer feast riotously
215 Carouse full measure drink heartily maidenhead virginity
216 mad high-spirited
218 big threatening, irate
220 my …anything an echo of the Tenth Commandment, which lists the possessions one should not covet chattels movable possessions
221 stuff furnishings
224 bring mine action take legal action against/respond with physical force proudest he bravest/most self-assured man
229 buckler defend (a buckler was a small round shield)
231 Went they not if they had not gone
235 Kated mated with Kate/infected with “the Kate”
236 wants For to are lacking to
238 junkets sweetmeats
240 room place
241 bride it play the bride
3.3 Location: a country estate
1 foul ways muddy roads
2 rayed dirtied
4 little …hot small pot that boils rapidly—i.e., small man who is quick to become angry (proverbial)
7 taller braver/nobler/less short
8 coldly unenthusiastically/like one who is physically chilly
10 run running start
12 fire…water refers to the musical round “Scotland’s burning, Scotland’s burning / See yonder! See yonder! / Fire, fire! Fire, fire! / Cast on water! Cast on water!”
13 hot fiery tempered
14 winter…beast “winter and wedlock tame both man and beast” (proverbial)
17 beast Curtis objects to the implication that he is Grumio’s fellow after Grumio compares himself to a beast
18 horn cuckold’s horn (the sign of a man with an unfaithful wife) so…least i.e., I/my penis must be at least as long to have made you a cuckold (picking up on the three-inch insult)
21 hot office fire-making duty
23 do…duty do your duty and take your dues (wages)
26 Jack…news alludes to the musical round “Jack boy, ho boy, News: / The cat is in the well”
27 cony-catching trickery (puns on “catch”—i.e., a musical round, such as that quoted by Grumio)
29 trimmed decked out, prepared strewed i.e., on the floor, the usual Elizabethan practice
30 fustian type of coarse cloth
31 jacks male servants/leather drinking vessels jills female servants/metal drinking vessels (which would need polishing without) laid usually on tables or hung on walls
37 ha’t have it, hear it
42 sensible felt by the senses/easily understood
43 Imprimis first (Latin)
45 of on
48 crossed interrupted/irritated
50 miry boggy bemoiled covered with mud
53 burst broken
54 worthy memory worth remembering
55 unexperienced in ignorance
57 proudest bravest
58 what why
59 blue traditional color of a servant’s livery
60 indifferent knit modest/matching pattern curtsy bow left legs as a show of subservience (to put your right foot forward was considered arrogant)
61 kiss their hands to kiss your own hand was a mark of respect to a superior
65 countenance honor (in the next line Grumio puns on the sense of “face”)
69 credit respect (in the next line Grumio puns on the sense of “provide financial credit for”)
77 spruce lively/smart neat spotless/elegant
79 this this time Cock’s passion by God’s passion
86 logger-headed stupid
90 swain yokel whoreson rogue, son-of-a-whore malt-horse drudge plodding idiot (literally, heavy brewer’s horse used to grind malt by working a treadmill)
91 park enclosed hunting ground
93 made finished
94 unpinked lacking ornamentation
95 link blacking (from a burnt torch)
96 come from sheathing returned from being fitted with a scabbard
97 fine properly dressed
101 ‘Where…those—’ lines from an old (lost) ballad
103 Soud unclear; possibly an exclamation of impatience or despair (many editors emend to “Food”)
105 when exclamation of impatience
106 It …way fragment of a ballad (possibly bawdy, now lost) friar…grey Gray friar or Franciscan
108 Out exclamation of anger pluck…awry pull my foot the wrong way (as you remove my boot)
109 mend make a better job of
110 water for handwashing
111 Troilus a name associated with fidelity
112 Ferdinand no such character ever appears
118 beetle-headed thick-headed (a “beetle” is a heavy wooden mallet) flap-eared with long hanging ears
119 stomach appetite
120 give thanks say grace
127 dresser kitchen table on which food was prepared/sideboard from which food was served
129 trenchers plates
130 joltheads blockheads unmannered insolent
131 be …straight deal with you immediately
133 well satisfactory
136 choler anger (associated with heat and dryness)
138 of ourselves by our natures
141 for company together
144 kills …humour defeats her with her own temperament
146 continency moderation, self-restraint
147 rates scolds
149 new-risen newly woken
151 politicly shrewdly, strategically
153 falcon i.e., Kate; methods used in training a wild hawk involved continual observation, sleep deprivation, and hunger sharp keenly hungry
154 stoop swoops directly to the prey/submits full-gorged fully fed
155 looks upon takes notice of lure bait used in training a hawk
156 man control haggard female hawk/wild woman
158 watch her keep her awake kites birds of prey
159 bate and beat flutter and flap
160 eat ate
166 hurly commotion intend pretend
168 watch remain awake
174 charity to show public duty to reveal it
3.4 Location: Padua
3 bears …hand encourages me
4 satisfy convince
7 resolve answer
8 I profess which I practice/claim knowledge of Art to Love Ovid’s erotic poem Ars Amatoria
11 Quick proceeders apt/rapid students (plays on the scholarly sense of to “proceed” from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree)
15 wonderful extraordinary
19 such a one i.e., Bianca
20 cullion wretch
23 entire wholehearted
24 lightness inconstancy/promiscuity
26 Forswear reject
31 fondly foolishly/dotingly
32 unfeignèd genuine
34 beastly abominably/lecherously
35 Would …foresworn! If only the whole world, other than he, would forsake her!
36 that so that
43 In resolution determinedly
45 ’longeth belongs
46 ta’en you napping caught you off guard
51 lusty lively/eager/merry/lustful
59 eleven…long i.e., exactly right (alludes to the card game “thirty-one”)
60 charm silence with a spell
62 dog-weary exhausted
63 ancient angel old guardian angel
66 mercatante merchant (Italian) pedant schoolmaster
71 seem pretend to be
74 let me alone i.e., rely on me
81 What countryman where are you from
85 goes hard is significant
88 stayed detained
89 For on account of a
90 published publicly announced
91 marvel remarkable newly come have only just arrived
93 than so even than this
94 bills …exchange money orders, promissory notes
106 and all one but never mind
111 credit reputation undertake assume
113 Look …should make sure that you play your part properly
117 repute consider, esteem
119 make …good put the plan into action
121 looked for expected
125 becomes befits
4.1 Location: a country estate
2 my wrong injustice I undergo
5 present immediate
9 meat food
11 spites mortifies, vexes
13 who one who
16 so so long as
17 neat’s ox’s
19 choleric likely to induce choler (anger)
20 broiled grilled
22 cannot tell am not sure
32 very mere
36 sweeting sweetheart amort dispirited
37 what cheer how are you (in the next line Kate plays on the sense of “food/hospitality” and Petruchio continues the wordplay with cheerfully)
38 cold poor, inadequate
44 pains …proof efforts are wasted
46 stand remain
50 to blame at fault
54 apace quickly
56 bravely splendidly
58 ruffs elaborate starched neck-wear cuffs decorative bands sewn onto the sleeves farthingales boned petticoats worn underneath the back of the dress
60 knavery showy adornment
62 ruffling treasure frilled, lacy clothing
65 bespeak order
66 porringer porridge bowl
67 lewd vile, cheap filthy contemptible
68 cockle cockleshell
69 A…trick i.e., trinkets, trifles
71 fit the time is fashionable
73 gentle mild
78 endured me permitted me to
85 custard-coffin pastry crust for custard
90 masquing stuff clothes fit for a masque (i.e., elaborate, theatrical)
91 demi-cannon large cannon
92 up and down in every respect carved…tart i.e., slashed to reveal a different fabric beneath (like the slits on tart crusts)
94 censer perfuming vessel with a perforated lid
99 did I did
100 mar ruin
101 hop…home hop home over every street gutter (kennel)
103 make …it do what you can with it
105 quaint elegant, skillfully made
106 Belike perhaps puppet i.e., fool
110 yard yardstick, measuring rod nail measure of length for cloth (two and a quarter inches)
112 Braved defied
113 quantity scrap
114 be-mete measure (quibbles on “mete out punishment”)
115 on prating of prattling like this again
120 stuff material
124 faced adorned (Grumio’s next usage puns on the sense of “confront”)
126 braved provided clothes for/defied
128 Ergo “therefore” (Latin)
131 The…throat the note lies outrageously (punning on the sense of a musical note that emanates from the throat)
132 loose-bodied gown loose-fitting/designed for sexually “loose” women
134 bottom ball
136 compassed cut with a curved edge
138 trunk full, puffed
140 curiously elaborately/skilfully
142 bill the note detailing the nature of the dress
143 prove upon thee i.e., by fighting you
145 an if place where suitable place
146 for thee straight ready for you now mete-yard yardstick
148 odds advantage
151 take…use take it away and let your master use it how he will (in his response, Grumio interprets take up as “pull up” and use as “sexual usage”)
153 conceit idea (puns on “con”—i.e., “vagina”)
154 think for think
160 of from
163 mean habiliments poor, humble clothes
164 proud bulging
167 peereth appears/peeps through
171 painted colored, patterned
173 furniture clothing
174 lay blame
175 frolic be joyous
176 sport us make merry
181 dinnertime noon
183 suppertime i.e., about six
185 what whatever
186 crossing contradicting let’t alone leave it
4.2 Location: Padua
2 but unless
5 Pegasus i.e., at an inn with the sign of Pegasus, the winged horse of classical mythology
6 hold your own play your part
7 ’longeth belongs
9 schooled instructed/practiced (in his part)
11 throughly thoroughly
12 right real
16 looked for expected
17 tall fine hold…drink take this to buy a drink
18 set your countenance assume the appearance (of a father)
21 stand show yourself a
22 patrimony inheritance
23 Soft wait a moment
28 for because of
30 stay delay
32 please…I are as satisfied as I am
35 one consent absolute agreement bestowed given in marriage
36 curious particular, awkward
45 pass confirm
48 know deem, think
49 affied betrothed formally assurance…stand pledges made as will be agreeable to both parties
52 Pitchers have ears i.e., there may be eavesdroppers (proverbial) Pitchers jugs with large handles (“ears”) on either side
53 heark’ning still continues to wait for his opportunity
54 haply perhaps
56 lie lodge
57 pass settle
59 scriv’ner scribe authorized to draw up legal contracts
61 pittance sustenance, food
62 hie hurry
66 like soon, likely
70 mess dish, basic meal
77 has he has
78 tokens signals
79 moralize explain
85 command service
87 counterfeit assurance invalid legal settlement
88 assurance pledge cum…solum “with the sole right to print” (Latin), a copyright phrase found in the title pages of books but here applied to the idea of marriage and reproduction
89 sufficient right amount/competent that…for what you want
95 against you come in anticipation of your arrival appendix appendage (i.e., Bianca; also continues the printing metaphor)
98 Hap happen roundly…her approach her plainly, without further ado (may also have sexual connotations)
99 go hard be unfortunate (plays on the sense of “get erect”)
4.3 Location: on the road
2 goodly splendidly
7 list please
8 Or ere before
14 rush-candle candle dipped in tallow wax, which gave a dim light
24 go thy ways well done/carry on field battle
25 bowl should run refers to the game of bowls in which balls are rolled toward a central ball
26 against the bias against its natural course (the bias is the weight in the ball that enables it to be bowled in a curve)
28 Where away? Where are you going?
30 fresher more blooming
32 spangle shine, adorn
36 A he
40 whom to whom
47 green young, fresh (also alludes to the optical effect of looking at and then away from the sun)
54 encounter greeting
62 father father-in-law
64 this this time
65 esteem reputation
67 beseem befit
70 honest virtuous, noble (ironically plays on the sense of “truthful”)
73 pleasant jovial break a jest play a joke
77 jealous suspicious
78 put…heart encouraged me
79 Have to now for/here’s to
80 untoward stubborn, perverse
4.4 Location: Padua
4 o’your back behind you (i.e., I’ll see you safely into the church)
8 father’s i.e., Baptista’s house bears lies
10 You …but i.e., I insist that
11 command authorize, ascertain
12 cheer is toward entertainment is in place
20 frivolous circumstances trivial matters
22 from Padua i.e., where we are right now (some editors emend to “from Mantua,” or “to Padua”)
28 cozen cheat
29 under my countenance by pretending to be me
30 good shipping happy fortune, a good journey (perhaps also “good sex”)
31 undone ruined
33 crack-hemp rogue who deserves to be hanged (literally, who causes the hempen rope to strain)
34 choose do as I choose/have a choice when it comes to being hanged
46 offer attempt
47 fine richly dressed
48 copatain high-crowned
54 ’cerns it you does it concern you
55 maintain afford
56 Bergamo town near Milan
67 forthcoming available to stand trial
71 cony-catched tricked
77 dotard old fool
78 hailed dragged about/greeted
79 spoiled ruined
88 counterfeit supposes false appearances eyne eyes
89 packing plotting, conspiracy with a witness that’s for certain
93 changed plays on the meaning of cambio (“change”)
95 state situation/status
104 go to exclamation of mild impatience and dismissal
106 sound probe
108 cake is dough i.e., I’ve failed
109 Out …all with no hope of anything
118 once at some time
5.1 banquet fruit, sweetmeats, and wine, served after the main meal
1 long after a long time
3 scapes escapes overblown now past
5 kindness kinship/good will
8 with on
9 close fill
10 great good cheer presumably the main wedding feast at Baptista’s
16 fears is frightened of/frightens
17 Then …afeard i.e., I can assure you I am not frightened
18 sensible perceptive
20 He …round i.e., you attribute your own feelings to others—you, Petruchio, are afraid of your wife
21 Roundly boldly, soundly
23 Thus…him that’s how I understand him (Petruchio picks up on roundly and conceive to make a joke about pregnancy)
25 conceives her tale interprets her remark/is impregnated (tale puns on “tail”—i.e., vagina)
26 mended retorted/rectified
32 mean average/poor
34 mean …you moderate compared to you
35 To her attack her (a cry used to urge on animals in hunting or fighting)
37 marks coins, each worth two thirds of a pound put her down outdo her (Gremio plays on the sense of “have sex with her”)
38 office role/sexual duty
41 butt lock horns/thrust sexually
42 butt bottom hasty-witted body quick-witted person
43 head and horn a horned head (i.e., that of a cuckold; horn plays on the sense of “penis/hunting horn”)
47 Have at you be prepared for bitter shrewd, keen
48 bird prey shift my bush fly to another bush to hide in (plays on the idea of pubic hair)
49 bow refers to fowling— hunting sitting birds with bow and arrow (with phallic connotations)
51 prevented thwarted
52 hit shot with an arrow/penetrated sexually
53 health toast
54 slipped unleashed
56 currish ignoble/dog-like
58 deer puns on “dear” does…bay turns on you and holds you off with its horns/denies you sex
60 gird taunt
62 galled scratched, irritated
63 glance away from bounce off
65 good sadness all seriousness
66 veriest truest
67 assurance proof
75 of on
84 be your half put up half your bet
89 How? What?
97 needs necessarily
110 The …mine then I have the worst luck
111 by my holidame by Our Lady/by all that I hold holy
114 conferring chatting
116 Swinge thrash
121 awful worthy of respect right rightful
122 what not everything
123 fair befall thee good luck to you
127 as …been as if the former Kate had never existed
136 pass state of affairs
137 foolish stupid (Lucentio shifts the sense to “fond, doting”)
141 laying betting
148 Unknit relax unkind harsh/unnatural
151 meads meadows
152 Confounds thy fame destroys your reputation
153 meet appropriate
154 moved angered
155 ill-seeming ugly
161 painful grueling
162 watch be awake during
169 peevish stubborn, perverse
170 honest virtuous, upright
172 graceless sinful
173 simple foolish
175 sway authority, influence
176 bound i.e., by duty/in marriage
178 Unapt not designed
179 soft gentle, fragile conditions constitutions/qualities
181 unable incapable
182 big strong/contentious/determined/proud
183 haply perhaps
184 bandy exchange
187 That …be seeming to be that
188 vail your stomachs lower your pride/surrender your inclinations boot use
191 do him ease give him pleasure/ease his burden
193 go thy ways well done ha’t have it (win the wager)
194 ’Tis…toward it is a good thing to hear when children are compliant
197 three three men you…sped you two (Lucentio and Hortensio) are done for
198 white center of the target (puns on Bianca’s name, “white” in Italian)
200 shrew pronounced “shrow,” the word provides the rhyme for this final couplet