_Luc._ Whate'er I read to her, I'll plead for you As for my patron, stand you so assured, 150 As firmly as yourself were still in place: Yea, and perhaps with more successful words Than you, unless you were a scholar, sir. _Gre._ O this learning, what a thing it is! _Gru._ O this woodcock, what an ass it is! 155 _Pet._ Peace, sirrah! _Hor._ Grumio, mum! God save you, Signior Gremio. _Gre._ And you are well met, Signior Hortensio. Trow you whither I am going? To Baptista Minola. I promised to inquire carefully 160 About a schoolmaster for the fair Bianca: And by good fortune I have lighted well On this young man, for learning and behaviour Fit for her turn, well read in poetry And other books, good ones, I warrant ye. 165 _Hor._ 'Tis well; and I have met a gentleman Hath promised me to help me to another, A fine musician to instruct our mistress; So shall I no whit be behind in duty To fair Bianca, so beloved of me. 170 _Gre._ Beloved of me; and that my deeds shall prove. _Gru._ And that his bags shall prove. _Hor._ Gremio, 'tis now no time to vent our love: Listen to me, and if you speak me fair, I'll tell you news indifferent good for either. 175 Here is a gentleman whom by chance I met, Upon agreement from us to his liking, Will undertake to woo curst Katharine, Yea, and to marry her, if her dowry please. _Gre._ So said, so done, is well. 180 Hortensio, have you told him all her faults? _Pet._ I know she is an irksome brawling scold: If that be all, masters, I hear no harm. _Gre._ No, say'st me so, friend? What countryman? _Pet._ Born in Verona, old Antonio's son: 185 My father dead, my fortune lives for me; And I do hope good days and long to see. _Gre._ O sir, such a life, with such a wife, were strange! But if you have a stomach, to't i' God's name: You shall have me assisting you in all. 190 But will you woo this wild-cat? _Pet._ Will I live? _Gru._ Will he woo her? ay, or I'll hang her.