第4章

Sowewillleavethisoldkingintheprotectionofhisdutifulandlovingchild，where，bythehelpofsleepandmedicine，sheandherphysiciansatlengthsucceededinwindinguptheuntunedandjarringsenseswhichthecrueltyofhisotherdaughtershadsoviolentlyshaken。Letusreturntosayawordortwoaboutthosecrueldaughters。

Thesemonstersofingratitude，whohadbeensofalsetotheiroldfather，couldnotbeexpectedtoprovemorefaithfultotheirownhusbands。Theysoongrewtiredofpayingeventheappearanceofdutyandaffection，andinanopenwayshowedtheyhadfixedtheirlovesuponanother。Ithappenedthattheobjectoftheirguiltyloveswasthesame。ItwasEdmund，anaturalsonofthelateEarlofGloucester，whobyhistreacherieshadsucceededindisinheritinghisbrotherEdgar，thelawfulheir，fromhisearldom，andbyhiswickedpracticeswasnowearlhimself；awickedman，andafitobjectfortheloveofsuchwickedcreaturesasGonerilandRegan。ItfallingoutaboutthistimethattheDukeofCornwall，Regan”shusband，died，ReganimmediatelydeclaredherintentionofweddingthisEarlofGloucester，whichrousingthejealousyofhersister，towhomaswellastoReganthiswickedearlhadatsundrytimesprofessedlove，Gonerilfoundmeanstomakeawaywithhersisterbypoison；

butbeingdetectedinherpractices，andimprisonedbyherhusband，theDukeofAlbany，forthisdeed，andforherguiltypassionfortheearlwhichhadcometohisears，she，inafitofdisappointedloveandrage，shortlyputanendtoherownlife。

ThusthejusticeofHeavenatlastovertookthesewickeddaughters。

Whiletheeyesofallmenwereuponthisevent，admiringthejusticedisplayedintheirdeserveddeaths，thesameeyesweresuddenlytakenofffromthissighttoadmireatthemysteriouswaysofthesamepowerinthemelancholyfateoftheyoungandvirtuousdaughter，theLadyCordelia，whosegooddeedsdidseemtodeserveamorefortunateconclusion。Butitisanawfultruththatinnocenceandpietyarenotalwayssuccessfulinthisworld。

TheforceswhichGonerilandReganhadsentoutunderthecommandofthebadEarlofGloucesterwerevictorious，andCordelia，bythepracticesofthiswickedearl，whodidnotlikethatanyshouldstandbetweenhimandthethrone，endedherlifeinprison。Thusheaventookthisinnocentladytoitselfinheryoungyears，aftershowinghertotheworldanillustriousexampleoffilialduty。Leardidnotlongsurvivethiskindchild。

Beforehedied，thegoodEarlofKent，whohadstillattendedhisoldmaster”sstepsfromthefirstofhisdaughters”ill-usagetothissadperiodofhisdecay，triedtomakehimunderstandthatitwashewhohadfollowedhimunderthenameofCaius；butLear”scare-crazedbrainatthattimecouldnotcomprehendhowthatcouldbe，orhowKentandCaiuscouldbethesameperson，soKentthoughtitneedlesstotroublehimwithexplanationsatsuchatime；and，Learsoonafterexpiring，thisfaithfulservanttotheking，betweenageandgriefforhisoldmaster”svexations，soonfollowedhimtothegrave。

HowthejudgmentofHeavenovertookthebadEarlofGloucester，whosetreasonswerediscovered，andhimselfslaininsinglecombatwithhisbrother，thelawfulearl，andhowGoneril”shusband，theDukeofAlbany，whowasinnocentofthedeathofCordelia，andhadneverencouragedhisladyinherwickedproceedingsagainstherfather，ascendedthethroneofBritainafterthedeathofLear，itisneedlessheretonarrate，Learandhisthreedaughtersbeingdead，whoseadventuresaloneconcernourstory。

MACBETH

WhenDuncantheMeekreignedKingofScotlandtherelivedagreatthane，orlord，calledMacbeth。ThisMacbethwasanearkinsmantotheking，andingreatesteematcourtforhisvalorandconductinthewars，anexampleofwhichhehadlatelygivenindefeatingarebelarmyassistedbythetroopsofNorwayinterriblenumbers。

ThetwoScottishgenerals，MacbethandBanquo，returningvictoriousfromthisgreatbattle，theirwaylayoverablastedheath，wheretheywerestoppedbythestrangeappearanceofthreefigureslikewomen，exceptthattheyhadbeards，andtheirwitheredskinsandwildattiremadethemlooknotlikeanyearthlycreatures。Macbethfirstaddressedthem，whenthey，seeminglyoffended，laideachoneherchoppyfingeruponherskinnylips，intokenofsilence；andthefirstofthemsalutedMacbethwiththetitleofThaneofGlamis。Thegeneralwasnotalittlestartledtofindhimselfknownbysuchcreatures；buthowmuchmore，whenthesecondofthemfollowedupthatsalutebygivinghimthetitleofThaneofCawdor，towhichhonorhehadnopretensions；andagainthethirdbidhim，“Allhail！thatshaltbekinghereafter！“Suchapropheticgreetingmightwellamazehim，whoknewthatwhiletheking”ssonslivedhecouldnothopetosucceedtothethrone。ThenturningtoBanquo，theypronouncedhim，inasortofriddlingterms，tobeLESSERTHANMACBETH，AND

GREATER！NOTSOHAPPY，BUTMUCHHAPPIER！andprophesiedthatthoughheshouldneverreign，yethissonsafterhimshouldbekingsinScotland。Theythenturnedintoairandvanished；bywhichthegeneralsknewthemtobetheweirdsisters，orwitches。

Whiletheystoodponderingonthestrangenessofthisadventuretherearrivedcertainmessengersfromtheking，whowereempoweredbyhimtoconferuponMacbeththedignityofThaneofCawdor。AneventsomiraculouslycorrespondingwiththepredictionofthewitchesastonishedMacbeth，andhestoodwrappedinamazement，unabletomakereplytothemessengers；andinthatpointoftimeswellinghopesaroseinhismindthatthepredictionofthethirdwitchmightinlikemannerhaveitsaccomplishment，andthatheshouldonedayreignkinginScotland。

TurningtoBanquo，hesaid，“Doyounothopethatyourchildrenshallbekings，whenwhatthewitchespromisedtomehassowonderfullycometopass？“

“Thathope，“answeredthegeneral，“mightenkindleyoutoaimatthethrone；butoftentimestheseministersofdarknesstellustruthsinlittlethings，tobetrayusintodeedsofgreatestconsequence。”

ButthewickedsuggestionsofthewitcheshadsunktoodeepintothemindofMacbethtoallowhimtoattendtothewarningsofthegoodBanquo。FromthattimehebentallhisthoughtshowtocompassthethroneofScotland。

Macbethhadawife，towhomhecommunicatedthestrangepredictionoftheweirdsistersanditspartialaccomplishment。

Shewasabad，ambitiouswoman，andsoasherhusbandandherselfcouldarriveatgreatnessshecarednotmuchbywhatmeans。ShespurredonthereluctantpurposeofMacbeth，whofeltcompunctionatthethoughtsofblood，anddidnotceasetorepresentthemurderofthekingasastepabsolutelynecessarytothefulfilmentoftheflatteringprophecy。

Ithappenedatthistimethattheking，whooutofhisroyalcondescensionwouldoftentimesvisithisprincipalnobilityupongraciousterms，cametoMacbeth”shouse，attendedbyhistwosons，MalcolmandDonalbain，andanumeroustrainofthanesandattendants，themoretohonorMacbethforthetriumphalsuccessofhiswars。

ThecastleofMacbethwaspleasantlysituatedandtheairaboutitwassweetandwholesome，whichappearedbythenestswhichthemartlet，orswallow，hadbuiltunderallthejuttingfriezesandbuttressesofthebuilding，whereveritfoundaplaceofadvantage；forwherethosebirdsmostbreedandhaunttheairisobservedtobedelicate。Thekingentered，wellpleasedwiththeplace，andnotlesssowiththeattentionsandrespectofhishonoredhostess，LadyMacbeth，whohadtheartofcoveringtreacherouspurposeswithsmiles，andcouldlookliketheinnocentflowerwhileshewasindeedserpentunderit。

Theking，beingtiredwithhisjourney，wentearlytobed，andinhisstate-roomtwogroomsofhischamber(aswasthecustom)

besidehim。Hehadbeenunusuallypleasedwithhisreception，andhadmadepresentsbeforeheretiredtohisprincipal；andamongtheresthadsentadiamondtoLadyMacbeth，greetingthenameofhismostkindhostess。

Nowwasthemiddleofnight，whenoverhalftheworldnatureseemsdead，andwickeddreamsabusemen”smindsasleep，andnonebutthewolfandthemurdererareabroad。ThiswasthetimewhenLadyMacbethwakedtoplotthemurderoftheking。Shewouldnothaveundertakenadeedsoabhorrenttohersexbutthatshefearedherhusband”snature，thatitwastoofullofthemilkofhumankindnesstodoacontrivedmurder。Sheknewhimtobeambitious，butwithaltobescrupulous，andnotyetpreparedforthatheightofcrimewhichcommonlyintheendaccompaniesinordinateambition。Shehadwonhimtoconsenttothemurder，butshedoubtedhisresolution；andshefearedthatthenaturaltendernessofhisdisposition(morehumanethanherown)wouldcomebetweenanddefeatthepurpose。Sowithherownhandsarmedwithadaggersheapproachedtheking”sbed，havingtakencaretoplythegroomsofhischambersowithwinethattheysleptintoxicatedandcarelessoftheircharge。TherelayDuncaninasoundsleepafterthefatiguesofhisjourney，andassheviewedhimearnestlytherewassomethinginhisface，asheslept，whichresembledherownfather，andshehadnotthecouragetoproceed。

Shereturnedtoconferwithherhusband。Hisresolutionhadbeguntostagger。Heconsideredthattherewerestrongreasonsagainstthedeed。Inthefirstplace，hewasnotonlyasubject，butanearkinsmantotheking；andhehadbeenhishostandentertainerthatday，whoseduty，bythelawsofhospitality，itwastoshutthedooragainsthismurderers，notbeartheknifehimself。ThenheconsideredhowjustandmercifulakingthisDuncanhadbeen，howclearofoffensetohissubjects，howlovingtohisnobility，andinparticulartohim；thatsuchkingsarethepeculiarcareofHeaven，andtheirsubjectsdoublyboundtorevengetheirdeaths。Besides，bythefavorsoftheking，Macbethstoodhighintheopinionofallsortsofmen，andhowwouldthosehonorsbestainedbythereputationofsofoulamurder！

IntheseconflictsofthemindLadyMacbethfoundherhusbandincliningtothebetterpartandresolvingtoproceednofurther。

Butshe，beingawomannoteasilyshakenfromherevilpurpose，begantopourinathisearswordswhichinfusedaportionofherownspiritintohismind，assigningreasonuponreasonwhyheshouldnotshrinkfromwhathehadundertaken；howeasythedeedwas；howsoonitwouldbeover；andhowtheactionofoneshortnightwouldgivetoalltheirnightsanddaystocomesovereignswayandroyalty！Thenshethrewcontemptonhischangeofpurpose，andaccusedhimofficklenessandcowardice；anddeclaredthatshehadgivensuck，andknewhowtenderitwastolovethebabethatmilkedher，butshewould，whileitwassmilinginherface，havepluckeditfromherbreastanddasheditsbrainsoutifshehadsosworntodoitashehadsworntoperformthatmurder。Thensheadded，howpracticableitwastolaytheguiltofthedeeduponthedrunken，sleepygrooms。Andwiththevalorofhertongueshesochastisedhissluggishresolutionsthatheoncemoresummonedupcouragetothebloodybusiness。

So，takingthedaggerinhishand，hesoftlystoleinthedarktotheroomwhereDuncanlay；andashewenthethoughthesawanotherdaggerintheair，withthehandletowardhim，andonthebladeandatthepointofitdropsofblood；butwhenbetriedtograspatititwasnothingbutair，amerephantasmproceedingfromhisownhotandoppressedbrainandthebusinesshehadinhand。

Gettingridofthisfear，heenteredtheking”sroom，whomhedespatchedwithonestrokeofhisdagger。justashehaddonethemurderoneofthegroomswhosleptinthechamberlaughedinhissleep，andtheothercried，“Murder，“whichwokethemboth。

Buttheysaidashortprayer；oneofthemsaid，“Godlessus！“

andtheotheranswered，“Amen“；andaddressedthemselvestosleepagain。Macbeth，whostoodlisteningtothem，triedtosay“Amen“

whenthefellowsaid“Godblessus！“but，thoughhehadmostneedofablessing，thewordstuckinhisthroatandhecouldnotpronounceit。

Againhethoughtheheardavoicewhichcried：“Sleepnomore！

Macbethdothmurdersleep，theinnocentsleep，thatnourisheslife。”Stillitcried，“Sleepnomore！“toallthehouse。“Glamishathmurderedsleep，andthereforeCawdorshallsleepnomore，Macbethshallsleepnomore。”

WithsuchhorribleimaginationsMacbethreturnedtohislisteningwife，whobegantothinkhehadfailedofhispurposeandthatthedeedwassomehowfrustrated。Hecameinsodistractedastatethatshereproachedhimwithhiswantoffirmnessandsenthimtowashhishandsofthebloodwhichstainedthem，whileshetookhisdagger，withpurposetostainthecheeksofthegroomswithblood，tomakeitseemtheirguilt。

Morningcame，andwithitthediscoveryofthemurder，whichcouldnotbeconcealed；andthoughMacbethandhisladymadegreatshowofgrief，andtheproofsagainstthegrooms(thedaggerbeingproducedagainstthemandtheirfacessmearedwithblood)weresufficientlystrong，yettheentiresuspicionfelluponMacbeth，whoseinducementstosuchadeedweresomuchmoreforciblethansuchpoorsillygroomscouldbesupposedtohave；

andDuncan”stwosonsfled。Malcolm，theeldest，soughtforrefugeintheEnglishcourt；andtheyoungest，Donalbain，madehisescapetoIreland。

Theking”ssons，whoshouldhavesucceededhim，havingthusvacatedthethrone，Macbethasnextheirwascrownedking，andthusthepredictionoftheweirdsisterswasliterallyaccomplished。

Thoughplacedsohigh，Macbethandhisqueencouldnotforgettheprophecyoftheweirdsistersthat，thoughMacbethshouldbeking，yetnothischildren，butthechildrenofBanquo，shouldbekingsafterhim。Thethoughtofthis，andthattheyhaddefiledtheirhandswithblood，anddonesogreatcrimes，onlytoplacetheposterityofBanquouponthethrone，sorankledwithinthemthattheydeterminedtoputtodeathbothBanquoandhisson，tomakevoidthepredictionsoftheweirdsisters，whichintheirowncasehadbeensoremarkablybroughttopass。

Forthispurposetheymadeagreatsupper，towhichtheyinvitedallthechiefthanes；andamongtherest，withmarksofparticularrespect，BanquoandhissonFleancewereinvited。ThewaybywhichBanquowastopasstothepalaceatnightwasbesetbymurderersappointedbyMacbeth，whostabbedBanquo；butinthescuffleFleanceescaped。FromthatFleancedescendedaraceofmonarchswhoafterwardfilledtheScottishthrone，endingwithJamestheSixthofScotlandandtheFirstofEngland，underwhomthetwocrownsofEnglandandScotlandwereunited。

Atsupper，thequeen，whosemannerswereinthehighestdegreeaffableandroyal，playedthehostesswithagracefulnessandattentionwhichconciliatedeveryonepresent，andMacbethdiscoursedfreelywithhisthanesandnobles，sayingthatallthatwashonorableinthecountrywasunderhisroof，ifhehadbuthisgoodfriendBanquopresent，whomyethehopedheshouldratherhavetochideforneglectthantolamentforanymischance。justatthesewordstheghostofBanquo，whomhehadcausedtobemurdered，enteredtheroomandplacedhimselfonthechairwhichMacbethwasabouttooccupy。ThoughMacbethwasaboldman，andonethatcouldhavefacedthedevilwithouttrembling，atthishorriblesighthischeeksturnedwhitewithfearandhestoodquiteunmanned，withhiseyesfixedupontheghost。Hisqueenandallthenobles，whosawnothing，butperceivedhimgazing(astheythought)uponanemptychair，tookitforafitofdistraction；andshereproachedhim，whisperingthatitwasbutthesamefancywhichmadehimseethedaggerintheairwhenhewasabouttokillDuncan。ButMacbethcontinuedtoseetheghost，andgavenoheedtoalltheycouldsay，whileheaddresseditwithdistractedwords，yetsosignificantthathisqueen，fearingthedreadfulsecretwouldbedisclosed，ingreathastedismissedtheguests，excusingtheinfirmityofMacbethasdisorderhewasoftentroubledwith。

TosuchdreadfulfanciesMacbethwassubject。Hisqueenandhehadtheirsleepsafflictedwithterribledreams，andthebloodofBanquotroubledthemnotmorethantheescapeofFleance，whomnowtheylookeduponasfathertoalineofkingswhoshouldkeeptheirposterityoutofthethrone。Withthesemiserablethoughtstheyfoundnopeace，andMacbethdeterminedoncemoretoseekouttheweirdsistersandknowfromthemtheworst。

Hesoughttheminacaveupontheheath，wherethey，whoknewbyforesightofhiscoming，wereengagedinpreparingtheirdreadfulcharmsbywhichtheyconjuredupinfernalspiritstorevealtothemfuturity。Theirhorridingredientsweretoads，bats，andserpents，theeyeofanewtandthetongueofadog，thelegofalizardandthewingofthenight-owl，thescaleofadragon，thetoothofawolf，themawoftheravenoussalt-seashark，themummyofawitch，therootofthepoisonoushemlock(thistohaveeffectmustbediggedinthedark)，thegallofagoat，andtheliverofaJew，withslipsoftheyew-treethatrootsitselfingraves，andthefingerofadeadchild。Alltheseweresetontoboilinagreatkettle，orcaldron，which，asfastasitgrewtoohot，wascooledwithababoon”sblood。Tothesetheypouredinthebloodofasowthathadeatenheryoung，andtheythrewintotheflamethegreasethathadsweatenfromamurderer”sgibbet。

Bythesecharmstheyboundtheinfernalspirittoanswertheirquestions。

ItwasdemandedofMacbethwhetherhewouldhavehisdoubtsresolvedbythemorbytheirmasters，thespirits。

He，nothingdauntedbythedreadfulceremonieswhichbesaw，boldlyanswered：“Wherearethey？Letmeseethem。”

Andtheycalledthespirits，whichwerethree。Andthefirstaroseinthelikenessofanarmedhead，andhecalledMacbethbynameandbidhimbewareoftheThaneofFife；forwhichcautionMacbeththankedhim；forMacbethhadentertainedajealousyofMacduff，theThaneofFife。

Andthesecondspiritaroseinthelikenessofabloodychild，andhecalledMacbethbynameandbidhimhavenofear，butlaughtoscornthepowerofman，fornoneofwomanbornshouldhavepowertohurthim；andheadvisedhimtobebloody，bold，andresolute。

“Thenlive，Macduff！“criedtheking。“WhatneedIfearthee？ButyetIwillmakeassurancedoublysure。Thoushaltnotlive，thatImaytellpale-heartedfearitlies，andsleepinspiteofthunder。”

Thatspiritbeingdismissed，athirdaroseintheformofachildcrowned，withatreeinhishand。HecalledMacbethbynameandcomfortedhimagainstconspiracies，sayingthatheshouldneverbevanquisheduntilthewoodofBirnamtoDunsinanehillshouldcomeagainsthim。

“Sweetbodements！good！“criedMacbeth；“whocanunfixtheforest，andmoveitfromitsearth-boundroots？IseeIshalllivetheusualperiodofman”slife，andnotbecutoffbyaviolentdeath。Butmyheartthrobstoknowonething。Tellme，ifyourartcantellsomuch，ifBanquo”sissueshalleverreigninthiskingdom？“

Herethecaldronsankintotheground，andanoiseofmusicwasheard，andeightshadows，likekings，passedbyMacbeth，andBanquolast，whoboreaglasswhichshowedthefiguresofmanymore，andBanquo，allbloody，smileduponMacbeth，andpointedtothem；bywhichMacbethknewthattheseweretheposterityofBanquo，whoshouldreignafterhiminScotland；andthewitches，withasoundofsoftmusic，andwithdancing，makingashowofdutyandwelcometoMacbeth，vanished。AndfromthistimethethoughtsofMacbethwereallbloodyanddreadful。Thefirstthingheheardwhenhegotoutofthewitches”cavewasthatMacduff，ThaneofFife，hadfledtoEnglandtojointhearmywhichwasformingagainsthimunderMalcolm，theeldestsonofthelateking，withintenttodisplaceMacbethandsetMalcolm，therightheir，uponthethrone。Macbeth，stungwithrage，setuponthecastleofMacduffandputhiswifeandchildren，whomthethanehadleftbehind，tothesword，andextendedtheslaughtertoallwhoclaimedtheleastrelationshiptoMacduff。

Theseandsuch-likedeedsalienatedthemindsofallhischiefnobilityfromhim。SuchascouldfledtojoinwithMalcolmandMacduff，whowerenowapproachingwithapowerfularmywhichtheyhadraisedinEngland；andtherestsecretlywishedsuccesstotheirarms，though，forfearofMacbeth，theycouldtakenoactivepart。Hisrecruitswentonslowly。Everybodyhatedthetyrant；nobodylovedorhonoredhim；butallsuspectedhim；andhebegantoenvytheconditionofDuncan，whomhehadmurdered，whosleptsoundlyinhisgrave，againstwhomtreasonhaddoneitsworst。Steelnorpoison，domesticmalicenorforeignlevies，couldhurthimanylonger。

Whilethesethingswereacting，thequeen，whohadbeenthesolepartnerinhiswickedness，inwhosebosomhecouldsometimesseekamomentaryreposefromthoseterribledreamswhichafflictedthembothnightly，died，itissupposed，byherownhands，unabletobeartheremorseofguiltandpublichate；bywhicheventhewasleftalone，withoutasoultoloveorcareforhim，orafriendtowhomhecouldconfidehiswickedpurposes。

Hegrewcarelessoflifeandwishedfordeath；butthenearapproachofMalcolm”sarmyrousedinhimwhatremainedofhisancientcourage，andhedeterminedtodie(asheexpressedit)

“witharmoronhisback。”Besidesthis，thehollowpromisesofthewitcheshadfilledhimwithafalseconfidence，andherememberedthesayingsofthespirits，thatnoneofwomanbornwastohurthim，andthathewasnevertobevanquishedtillBirnamwoodshouldcometoDunsinane，whichhethoughtcouldneverbe。Soheshuthimselfupinhiscastle，whoseimpregnablestrengthwassuchasdefiedasiege。HerehesullenlywaitedtheapproachofMalcolm。When，uponaday，therecameamessengertohim，paleandshakingwithfear，almostunabletoreportthatwhichhehadseen；forheaverred，thatashestooduponhiswatchonthehillhelookedtowardBirnam，andtohisthinkingthewoodbegantomove！

“Liarandslave！“criedMacbeth。“Ifthouspeakestfalse，thoushalthangaliveuponthenexttree，tillfamineendthee。Ifthytalebetrue，Icarenotifthoudostasmuchbyme“；forMacbethnowbegantofaintinresolution，andtodoubttheequivocalspeechesofthespirits。HewasnottofeartillBirnamwoodshouldcometoDunsinane；andnowawooddidmove！“However，“

saidhe，“ifthiswhichheavouchesbetrue，letusarmandout。

Thereisnoflyinghence，norstayinghere。Ibegintobewearyofthesun，andwishmylifeatanend。”Withthesedesperatespeecheshesalliedforthuponthebesiegers，whohadnowcomeuptothecastle。

Thestrangeappearancewhichhadgiventhemessengeranideaofawoodmovingiseasilysolved。WhenthebesiegingarmymarchedthroughthewoodofBirnam，Malcolm，likeaskilfulgeneral，instructedhissoldierstohewdowneveryoneaboughandbearitbeforehim，bywayofconcealingthetruenumbersofhishost。

Thismarchingofthesoldierswithboughshadatadistancetheappearancewhichhadfrightenedthemessenger。Thuswerethewordsofthespiritbroughttopass，inasensedifferentfromthatinwhichMacbethhadunderstoodthem，andonegreatholdofhisconfidencewasgone。

Andnowasevereskirmishingtookplace，inwhichMacbeth，thoughfeeblysupportedbythosewhocalledthemselveshisfriends，butinrealityhatedthetyrantandinclinedtothepartyofMalcolmandMacduff，yetfoughtwiththeextremeofrageandvalor，cuttingtopiecesallwhowereopposedtohim，tillhecametowhereMacduffwasfighting。SeeingMacduff，andrememberingthecautionofthespiritwhohadcounseledhimtoavoidMacduff，aboveallmen，hewouldhaveturned，butMacduff，whohadbeenseekinghimthroughthewholefight，opposedhisturning，andafiercecontestensued，Macduffgivinghimmanyfoulreproachesforthemurderofhiswifeandchildren。Macbeth，whosesoulwaschargedenoughwithbloodofthatfamilyalready，wouldstillhavedeclinedthecombat；butMacduffstillurgedhimtoit，callinghimtyrant，murderer，hell-hound，andvillain。

ThenMacbethrememberedthewordsofthespirit，hownoneofwomanbornshouldhurthim；and，smilingconfidently，hesaidtoMacduff：

“Thoulosestthylabor，Macduff。Aseasilythoumayestimpresstheairwiththyswordasmakemevulnerable。Ibearacharmedlife，whichmustnotyieldtooneofwomanborn。”

“Despairthycharm，“saidMacduff，“andletthatlyingspiritwhomthouhastservedtelltheethatMacduffwasneverbornofwoman，neverastheordinarymannerofmenistobeborn，butwasuntimelytakenfromhismother。”

“Accursedbethetonguewhichtellsmeso，“saidthetremblingMacbeth，whofelthislastholdofconfidencegiveway；“andletnevermaninfuturebelievethelyingequivocationsofwitchesandjugglingspiritswhodeceiveusinwordswhichhavedoublesenses，and，whiletheykeeptheirpromiseliterally，disappointourhopeswithadifferentmeaning。Iwillnotfightwiththee。”

“Thenlive！“saidthescornfulMacduff。“Wewillhaveashowofthee，asmenshowmonsters，andapaintedboard，onwhichallbewritten，”Heremenmayseethetyrant！”“

“Never，“saidMacbeth，whosecouragereturnedwithdespair。“I

willnotlivetokissthegroundbeforeyoungMalcolm”sfeettobebaitedwiththecursesoftherabble。ThoughBirnamwoodbecometoDunsinane，andthouopposedtome，whowastbornofwoman，yetwillItrythelast。”

WiththesefranticwordshethrewhimselfuponMacduff，who，afteraseverestruggle，intheendovercamehim，and，cuttingoffhishead，madeapresentofittotheyoungandlawfulking，Malcolm，whotookuponhimthegovernmentwhich，bythemachinationsoftheusurper，hehadsolongbeendeprivedof，andascendedthethroneofDuncantheMeekamongtheacclamationsofthenoblesandthepeople。

ALL”SWELLTHATENDSWELL

Bertram，CountofRousillon，hadnewlycometohistitleandestatebythedeathofhisfather。TheKingofFrancelovedthefatherofBertram，andwhenheheardofhisdeathhesentforhissontocomeimmediatelytohisroyalcourtinParis，intending，forthefriendshipheborethelatecount，tograceyoungBertramwithhisespecialfavorandprotection。

Bertramwaslivingwithhismother，thewidowedcountess，whenLafeu，anoldlordoftheFrenchcourt，cametoconducthimtotheking。TheKingofFrancewasanabsolutemonarchandtheinvitationtocourtwasintheformofaroyalmandate，orpositivecommand，whichnosubject，ofwhathighdignitysoever，mightdisobey；therefore，thoughthecountess，inpartingwiththisdearson，seemedasecondtimetoburyherhusband，whoselossshehadsolatelymourned，yetshedarednottokeephimasingleday，butgaveinstantordersforhisdeparture。Lafeu，whocametofetchhim，triedtocomfortthecountessforthelossofherlatelordandherson”ssuddenabsence；andhesaid，inacourtier”sflatteringmanner，thatthekingwassokindaprince，shewouldfindinhisMajestyahusband，andthathewouldbeafathertoherson；meaningonlythatthegoodkingwouldbefriendthefortunesofBertram。Lafeutoldthecountessthatthekinghadfallenintoasadmalady，whichwaspronouncedbyhisphysicianstobeincurable。Theladyexpressedgreatsorrowonhearingthisaccountoftheking”sillhealth，andsaidshewishedthefatherofHelena(ayounggentlewomanwhowaspresentinattendanceuponher)werelivingthatshedoubtednothecouldhavecuredhisMajestyofhisdisease。AndshetoldLafeusomethingofthehistoryofHelena，sayingshewastheonlydaughterofthefamousphysician，GerarddeNarbon，andthathehadrecommendedhisdaughtertohercarewhenhewasdying，sothatsincehisdeathshehadtakenHelenaunderherprotection；

thenthecountesspraisedthevirtuousdispositionandexcellentqualitiesofHelena，sayingsheinheritedthesevirtuesfromherworthyfather。Whileshewasspeaking，Helenaweptinsadandmournfulsilence，whichmadethecountessgentlyreproveherfortoomuchgrievingforherfather”sdeath。

Bertramnowbadehismotherfarewell。Thecountesspartedwiththisdearsonwithtearsandmanyblessings，andcommendedhimtothecareofLafeu，saying：

“Goodmylord，advisehim，forheisanunseasonedcourtier。”

Bertram”slastwordswerespokentoHelena，buttheywerewordsofmerecivility，wishingherhappiness；andheconcludedhisshortfarewelltoherwithsaying：

“Becomfortabletomymother，yourmistress，andmakemuchofher。”

HelenahadlonglovedBertram，andwhensheweptinsadandmournfulsilencethetearssheshedwerenotforGerarddeNarbon……Helenalovedherfather，butinthepresentfeelingofadeeperlove，theobjectofwhichshewasabouttolose，shehadforgottentheveryformandfeaturesofherdeadfather，herimaginationpresentingnoimagetohermindbutBertram”s。

HelenahadlonglovedBertram，yetshealwaysrememberedthathewastheCountofRousillon，descendedfromthemostancientfamilyinFrance。Sheofhumblebirth。Herparentsofnonoteatall。Hisancestorsallnoble。Andthereforeshelookeduptothehigh-bornBertramastohermasterandtoherdearlord，anddarednotformanywishbuttolivehisservant，and，soliving，todiehisvassal。Sogreatthedistanceseemedtoherbetweenhisheightofdignityandherlowlyfortunesthatshewouldsay：

“ItwereallonethatIshouldloveabrightparticularstar，andthinktowedit，Bertramissofaraboveme。”

Bertram”sabsencefilledhereyeswithtearsandherheartwithsorrow；forthoughshelovedwithouthope，yetitwasaprettycomforttohertoseehimeveryhour，andHelenawouldsitandlookuponhisdarkeye，hisarchedbrow，andthecurlsofhisfinehairtillsheseemedtodrawhisportraitonthetabletofherheart，thathearttoocapableofretainingthememoryofeverylineinthefeaturesofthatlovedface。

GerarddeNarbon，whenhedied，lefthernootherportionthansomeprescriptionsofrareandwell-provedvirtue，which，bydeepstudyandlongexperienceinmedicine，hehadcollectedassovereignandalmostinfallibleremedies。AmongtheresttherewasonesetdownasanapprovedmedicineforthediseaseunderwhichLafeusaidthekingatthattimelanguished；andwhenHelenaheardoftheking”scomplaint，she，whotillnowhadbeensohumbleandsohopeless，formedanambitiousprojectinhermindtogoherselftoParisandundertakethecureoftheking。

ButthoughHelenawasthepossessorofthischoiceprescription，itwasunlikely，asthekingaswellashisphysicianswasofopinionthathisdiseasewasincurable，thattheywouldgivecredittoapoorunlearnedvirginifsheshouldoffertoperformacure。ThefirmhopesthatHelenahadofsucceeding，ifshemightbepermittedtomakethetrial，seemedmorethanevenherfather”sskillwarranted，thoughhewasthemostfamousphysicianofhistime；forshefeltastrongfaiththatthisgoodmedicinewassanctifiedbyalltheluckieststarsinheaventobethelegacythatshouldadvanceherfortune，eventothehighdignityofbeingCountRousillon”swife。

BertramhadnotbeenlonggonewhenthecountesswasinformedbyherstewardthathehadoverheardHelenatalkingtoherself，andthatheunderstood，fromsomewordssheuttered，shewasinlovewithBertramandthoughtoffollowinghimtoParis。Thecountessdismissedthestewardwiththanks，anddesiredhimtotellHelenashewishedtospeakwithher。WhatshehadjustheardofHelenabroughttheremembranceofdayslongpastintothemindofthecountess；thosedays，probably，whenherloveforBertram”sfatherfirstbegan；andshesaidtoherself：

“EvensoitwaswithmewhenIwasyoung。Loveisathornthatbelongstotheroseofyouth；forintheseasonofyouth，ifeverweareNature”schildren，thesefaultsareours，thoughthenwethinknottheyarefaults。”

Whilethecountesswasthusmeditatingonthelovingerrorsofherownyouth，Helenaentered，andshesaidtoher，“Helena，youknowIamamothertoyou。”

Helenareplied，“Youaremyhonorablemistress。”

“Youaremydaughter，“saidthecountessagain。“IsayIamyourmother。Whydoyoustartandlookpaleatmywords？“

Withlooksofalarmandconfusedthoughts，fearingthecountesssuspectedherlove，Helenastillreplied，“Pardonme，madam，youarenotmymother；theCountRousilloncannotbemybrother，norIyourdaughter。”

“Yet，Helena，“saidthecountess，“youmightbemydaughter-in-law；andIamafraidthatiswhatyoumeantobe，thewordsMOTHERandDAUGHTERsodisturbyou。Helena，doyoulovemyson？“

“Goodmadam，pardonme，“saidtheaffrightedHelena。

Againthecountessrepeatedherquestion。“Doyoulovemyson？“

“Donotyoulovehim，madam？“saidHelena。

Thecountessreplied：“Givemenotthisevasiveanswer，Helena。

Come，come，disclosethestateofyouraffections，foryourlovehastothefullappeared。”

Helena，onherkneesnow，ownedherlove，andwithshameandterrorimploredthepardonofhernoblemistress；andwithwordsexpressiveofthesenseshehadoftheinequalitybetweentheirfortunessheprotestedBertramdidnotknowshelovedhim，comparingherhumble，unaspiringlovetoapoorIndianwhoadoresthesunthatlooksuponhisworshiperbutknowsofhimnomore。

ThecountessaskedHelenaifshehadnotlatelyanintenttogotoParis。HelenaownedthedesignshehadformedinhermindwhensheheardLafeuspeakoftheking”sillness。

“ThiswasyourmotiveforwishingtogotoParis，“saidthecountess，“wasit？Speaktruly。”

Helenahonestlyanswered，“Mylordyoursonmademetothinkofthis；elseParis。andthemedicineandthekinghadfromtheconversationofmythoughtsbeenabsentthen。”

Thecountessheardthewholeofthisconfessionwithoutsayingawordeitherofapprovalorofblame，butshestrictlyquestionedHelenaastotheprobabilityofthemedicinebeingusefultotheking。ShefoundthatitwasthemostprizedbyGerarddeNarbonofallhepossessed，andthathehadgivenittohisdaughteronhisdeath-bed；andrememberingthesolemnpromiseshehadmadeatthatawfulhourinregardtothisyoungmaid，whosedestiny，andthelifeofthekinghimself，seemedtodependontheexecutionofaproject(which，thoughconceivedbythefondsuggestionsofalovingmaiden”sthoughts，thecountessknewnotbutitmightbetheunseenworkingsofProvidencetobringtopasstherecoveryofthekingandtolaythefoundationofthefuturefortunesofGerarddeNarbon”sdaughter)，freeleaveshegavetoHelenatopursueherownway，andgenerouslyfurnishedherwithamplemeansandsuitableattendants；andHelenasetoutforPariswiththeblessingsofthecountessandherkindestwishesforhersuccess。

HelenaarrivedatParis，andbytheassistanceofherfriend，theoldLordLafeu，sheobtainedanaudienceoftheking。Shehadstillmanydifficultiestoencounter，forthekingwasnoteasilyprevailedontotrythemedicineofferedhimbythisfairyoungdoctor。ButshetoldhimshewasGerarddeNarbon”sdaughter(withwhosefamethekingwaswellacquainted)，andsheofferedthepreciousmedicineasthedarlingtreasurewhichcontainedtheessenceofallherfather”slongexperienceandskill，andsheboldlyengagedtoforfeitherlifeifitfailedtorestorehisMajestytoperfecthealthinthespaceoftwodays。Thekingatlengthconsentedtotryit，andintwodays”timeHelenawastoloseherfifeifthekingdidnotrecover；butifshesucceeded，hepromisedtogiveherthechoiceofanymanthroughoutallFrance(theprincesonlyexcepted)whomshecouldlikeforahusband；thechoiceofahusbandbeingthefeeHelenademandedifshecuredthekingofhisdisease。

Helenadidnotdeceiveherselfinthehopesheconceivedoftheefficacyofherfather”smedicine。Beforetwodayswereatanendthekingwasrestoredtoperfecthealth，andheassembledalltheyoungnoblemenofhiscourttogether，inordertoconferthepromisedrewardofahusbanduponhisfairphysician；andhedesiredHelenatolookroundonthisyouthfulparcelofnoblebachelorsandchooseherhusband。Helenawasnotslowtomakeherchoice，foramongtheseyounglordsshesawtheCountRousillon，and，turningtoBertram，shesaid：

“Thisistheman。Idarenotsay，mylord，Itakeyou，butIgivemeandmyserviceeverwhilstIliveintoyourguidingpower。”

“Why，then，“saidtheking，“youngBertram，takeher；sheisyourwife。”

Bertramdidnothesitatetodeclarehisdisliketothispresentoftheking”softheself-offeredHelena，who，hesaid，wasapoorphysician”sdaughter，bredathisfather”scharge，andnowlivingadependentonhismother”sbounty。

Helenaheardhimspeakthesewordsofrejectionandofscorn，andshesaidtotheking：“Thatyouarewell，mylord，Iamglad。Lettherestgo。”

Butthekingwouldnotsufferhisroyalcommandtobesoslighted，forthepowerofbestowingtheirnoblesinmarriagewasoneofthemanyprivilegesofthekingsofFrance，andthatsamedayBertramwasmarriedtoHelena，aforcedanduneasymarriagetoBertram，andofnopromisinghopetothepoorlady，who，thoughshegainedthenoblehusbandshehadhazardedherlifetoobtain，seemedtohavewonbutasplendidblank，herhusband”slovenotbeingagiftinthepoweroftheKingofFrancetobestow。

HelenawasnosoonermarriedthanshewasdesiredbyBertramtoapplytothekingforhimforleaveofabsencefromcourt；andwhenshebroughthimtheking”spermissionforhisdeparture，Bertramtoldherthathewasnotpreparedforthissuddenmarriage，ithadmuchunsettledhim，andthereforeshemustnotwonderatthecourseheshouldpursue。IfHelenawonderednot，shegrievedwhenshefounditwashisintentiontoleaveher。Heorderedhertogohometohismother。WhenHelenaheardthisunkindcommand，shereplied：

“Sir，IcannothingsaytothisbutthatIamyourmostobedientservant，andshalleverwithtrueobservanceseektoekeoutthatdesertwhereinmyhomelystarshavefailedtoequalmygreatfortunes。”

ButthishumblespeechofHelena”sdidnotatallmovethehaughtyBertramtopityhisgentlewife，andhepartedfromherwithouteventhecommoncivilityofakindfarewell。

BacktothecountessthenHelenareturned。Shehadaccomplishedthepurportofherjourney，shehadpreservedthelifeoftheking，andshehadweddedherheart”sdearlord，theCountRousillon；butshereturnedbackadejectedladytohernoblemother-in-law，andassoonassheenteredthehouseshereceivedaletterfromBertramwhichalmostbrokeherheart。

Thegoodcountessreceivedherwithacordialwelcome，asifshehadbeenherson”sownchoiceandaladyofahighdegree，andshespokekindwordstocomfortherfortheunkindneglectofBertraminsendinghiswifehomeonherbridaldayalone。ButthisgraciousreceptionfailedtocheerthesadmindofHelena，andshesaid：

“Madam，mylordisgone，forevergone。”ShethenreadthesewordsoutofBertram”sletter：

“Whenyoucangettheringfrommyfinger，whichnevershallcomeoff，thencallmehusband，butinsuchaThenIwriteaNever。”

“Thisisadreadfulsentence！“saidHelena。

Thecountessbeggedhertohavepatience，andsaid，nowBertramwasgone，sheshouldbeherchildandthatshedeservedalordthattwentysuchrudeboysasBertrammighttendupon，andhourlycallhermistress。Butinvainbyrespectfulcondescensionandkindflatterythismatchlessmothertriedtosoothethesorrowsofherdaughter-in-law。

Helenastillkepthereyesfixedupontheletter，andcriedoutinanagonyofgrief，“TILLIHAVENOWIFE，IHAVENOTHINGIN

FRANCE。”Thecountessaskedherifshefoundthosewordsintheletter。

“Yes，madam，“wasallpoorHelenacouldanswer。

ThenextmorningHelenawasmissing。Sheleftalettertobedeliveredtothecountessaftershewasgone，toacquaintherwiththereasonofhersuddenabsence。InthislettersheinformedherthatshewassomuchgrievedathavingdrivenBertramfromhisnativecountryandhishome，thattoatoneforheroffense，shehadundertakenapilgrimagetotheshrineofSt。

JaquesleGrand，andconcludedwithrequestingthecountesstoinformhersonthatthewifehesohatedhadlefthishouseforever。

Bertram，whenheleftParis，wenttoFlorence，andtherebecameanofficerintheDukeofFlorence”sarmy，andafterasuccessfulwar，inwhichhedistinguishedhimselfbymanybraveactions，BertramreceivedlettersfromhismothercontainingtheacceptabletidingsthatHelenawouldnomoredisturbhim；andhewaspreparingtoreturnhome，whenHelenaherself，cladinherpilgrim”sweeds，arrivedatthecityofFlorence。

FlorencewasacitythroughwhichthepilgrimsusedtopassontheirwaytoSt。JaquesleGrand；andwhenHelenaarrivedatthiscitysheheardthatahospitablewidowdwelttherewhousedtoreceiveintoherhousethefemalepilgrimsthatweregoingtovisittheshrineofthatsaint，givingthemlodgingandkindentertainment。Tothisgoodlady，therefore，Helenawent，andthewidowgaveheracourteouswelcomeandinvitedhertoseewhateverwascuriousinthatfamouscity，andtoldherthatifshewouldliketoseetheduke”sarmyshewouldtakeherwhereshemighthaveafullviewofit。

“Andyouwillseeacountrymanofyours，“saidthewidow。“HisnameisCountRousillon，whohasdoneworthyserviceintheduke”swars。”Helenawantednosecondinvitation，whenshefoundBertramwastomakepartoftheshow。Sheaccompaniedherhostess；andasadandmournfulpleasureitwastohertolookoncemoreuponherdearhusband”sface。

“Ishenotahandsomeman？“saidthewidow。

“Ilikehimwell，“repliedHelena，withgreattruth。

Allthewaytheywalkedthetalkativewidow”sdiscoursewasallofBertram。ShetoldHelenathestoryofBertram”smarriage，andhowhehaddesertedthepoorladyhiswifeandenteredintotheduke”sarmytoavoidlivingwithher。TothisaccountofherownmisfortunesHelenapatientlylistened，andwhenitwasendedthehistoryofBertramwasnotyetdone，forthenthewidowbegananothertale，everywordofwhichsankdeepintothemindofHelena；forthestoryshenowtoldwasofBertram”sloveforherdaughter。

ThoughBertramdidnotlikethemarriageforcedonhimbytheking，itseemshewasnotinsensibletolove，forsincehehadbeenstationedwiththearmyatFlorencehehadfalleninlovewithDiana，afairyounggentlewoman，thedaughterofthiswidowwhowasHelena”shostess；andeverynight，withmusicofallsorts，andsongscomposedinpraiseofDiana”sbeauty，hewouldcomeunderherwindowandsolicitherlove；andallhissuittoherwasthatshewouldpermithimtovisitherbystealthafterthefamilywereretiredtorest。ButDianawouldbynomeansbepersuadedtograntthisimproperrequest，norgiveanyencouragementtohissuit，knowinghimtobeamarriedman；forDianahadbeenbroughtupunderthecounselsofaprudentmother，who，thoughshewasnowinreducedcircumstances，waswellbornanddescendedfromthenoblefamilyoftheCapulets。

AllthisthegoodladyrelatedtoHelena，highlypraisingthevirtuousprinciplesofherdiscreetdaughter，whichshesaidwereentirelyowingtotheexcellenteducationandgoodadviceshehadgivenher；andshefurthersaidthatBertramhadbeenparticularlyimportunatewithDianatoadmithimtothevisithesomuchdesiredthatnight，becausehewasgoingtoleaveFlorenceearlythenextmorning。

ThoughitgrievedHelenatohearofBertram”sloveforthewidow”sdaughter，yetfromthisstorytheardentmindofHelenaconceivedaproject(nothingdiscouragedattheillsuccessofherformerone)torecoverhertruantlord。ShedisclosedtothewidowthatshewasHelena，thedesertedwifeofBertram，andrequestedthatherkindhostessandherdaughterwouldsufferthisvisitfromBertramtotakeplace，andallowhertopassherselfuponBertramforDiana，tellingthemherchiefmotivefordesiringtohavethissecretmeetingwithherhusbandwastogetaringfromhim，which，hehadsaid，ifevershewasinpossessionofhewouldacknowledgeherashiswife。

Thewidowandherdaughterpromisedtoassistherinthisaffair，partlymovedbypityforthisunhappy，forsakenwifeandpartlywonovertoherinterestbythepromisesofrewardwhichHelenamadethem，givingthemapurseofmoneyinearnestofherfuturefavor。InthecourseofthatdayHelenacausedinformationtobesenttoBertramthatshewasdead，hopingthat，whenhethoughthimselffreetomakeasecondchoicebythenewsofherdeath，hewouldoffermarriagetoherinherfeignedcharacterofDiana。

Andifshecouldobtaintheringandthispromise，too，shedoubtednotsheshouldmakesomefuturegoodcomeofit。

Intheevening，afteritwasdark，BertramwasadmittedintoDiana”schamber，andHelenawastherereadytoreceivehim。TheflatteringcomplimentsandlovediscourseheaddressedtoHelenawereprecioussoundstoherthoughsheknewtheyweremeantforDiana；andBertramwassowellpleasedwithherthathemadeherasolemnpromisetobeherhusband，andtoloveherforever；

whichshehopedwouldbepropheticofarealaffection，whenheshouldknowitwashisownwife，thedespisedHelena，whoseconversationhadsodelightedhim。

BertramneverknewhowsensiblealadyHelenawas，elseperhapshewouldnothavebeensoregardlessofher；andseeinghereveryday，hehadentirelyoverlookedherbeauty；afaceweareaccustomedtoseeconstantlylosingtheeffectwhichiscausedbythefirstsighteitherofbeautyorofplainness；andofherunderstandingitwasimpossibleheshouldjudge，becauseshefeltsuchreverence，mixedwithherloveforhim，thatshewasalwayssilentinhispresence。Butnowthatherfuturefate，andthehappyendingofallherlove-projects，seemedtodependonherleavingafavorableimpressiononthemindofBertramfromthisnight”sinterview，sheexertedallherwittopleasehim；andthesimplegracesofherlivelyconversationandtheendearingsweetnessofhermannerssocharmedBertramthatbevowedsheshouldbehiswife。Helenabeggedtheringfromoffhisfingerasatokenofhisregard，andhegaveittoher；andinreturnforthisring，whichitwasofsuchimportancetohertopossess，shegavehimanotherring，whichwasonethekinghadmadeherapresentof。BeforeitwaslightinthemorningshesentBertramaway；andheimmediatelysetoutonhisjourneytowardhismother”shouse。

HelenaprevailedonthewidowandDianatoaccompanyhertoParis，theirfurtherassistancebeingnecessarytothefullaccomplishmentoftheplanshehadformed。Whentheyarrivedthere，theyfoundthekingwasgoneuponavisittotheCountessofRousillon，andHelenafollowedthekingwithallthespeedshecouldmake。

Thekingwasstillinperfecthealth，andhisgratitudetoherwhohadbeenthemeansofhisrecoverywassolivelyinhismindthatthemomenthesawtheCountessofRousillonhebegantotalkofHelena，callingherapreciousjewelthatwaslostbythefollyofherson；butseeingthesubjectdistressedthecountess，whosincerelylamentedthedeathofHelena，hesaid：

“Mygoodlady，Ihaveforgivenandforgottenall。”

Butthegood-naturedoldLafeu，whowaspresent，andcouldnotbearthatthememoryofhisfavoriteHelenashouldbesolightlypassedover，said，“ThisImustsay，theyounglorddidgreatoffensetohisMajesty，hismother，andhislady；buttohimselfhedidthegreatestwrongofall，forhehaslostawifewhosebeautyastonishedalleyes，whosewordstookallearscaptive，whosedeepperfectionmadeallheartswishtoserveher。”

Thekingsaid：“Praisingwhatislostmakestheremembrancedear。

Well——callhimhither“；meaningBertram，whonowpresentedhimselfbeforetheking，andonhisexpressingdeepsorrowfortheinjurieshehaddonetoHelenatheking，forhisdeadfather”sandhisadmirablemother”ssake，pardonedhimandrestoredhimoncemoretohisfavor。Butthegraciouscountenanceofthekingwassoonchangedtowardhim，forheperceivedthatBertramworetheveryringuponhisfingerwhichhehadgiventoHelena；andhewellrememberedthatHelenahadcalledallthesaintsinheaventowitnessshewouldneverpartwiththatringunlessshesentittothekinghimselfuponsomegreatdisasterbefallingher；andBertram，ontheking”squestioninghimhowhecamebythering，toldanimprobablestoryofaladythrowingittohimoutofawindow，anddeniedeverhavingseenHelenasincethedayoftheirmarriage。Theking，knowingBertram”sdisliketohiswife，fearedhehaddestroyedher，andheorderedhisguardstoseizeBertram，saying：

“Iamwraptindismalthinking，forIfearthelifeofHelenawasfoullysnatched。”

AtthismomentDianaandhermotherenteredandpresentedapetitiontotheking，whereintheybeggedhisMajestytoexerthisroyalpowertocompelBertramtomarryDiana，hehavingmadeherasolemnpromiseofmarriage。Bertram，fearingtheking”sanger，deniedhehadmadeanysuchpromise；andthenDianaproducedthering(whichHelenahadputintoherhands)toconfirmthetruthofherwords；andshesaidthatshehadgivenBertramtheringhethenwore，inexchangeforthat，atthetimehevowedtomarryher。Onhearingthisthekingorderedtheguardstoseizeheralso；and，heraccountoftheringdifferingfromBertram”s，theking”ssuspicionswereconfirmed，andhesaidiftheydidnotconfesshowtheycamebythisringofHelena”stheyshouldbebothputtodeath。Dianarequestedhermothermightbepermittedtofetchthejewelerofwhomsheboughtthering，which，beinggranted，thewidowwentout，andpresentlyreturned，leadinginHelenaherself。

Thegoodcountess，whoinsilentgriefhadbeheldherson”sdanger，andhadevendreadedthatthesuspicionofhishavingdestroyedhiswifemightpossiblybetrue，findingherdearHelena，whomshelovedwithevenamaternalaffection，wasstillliving，feltadelightshewashardlyabletosupport；andtheking，scarcebelievingforjoythatitwasHelena，said：

“IsthisindeedthewifeofBertramthatIsee？“

Helena，feelingherselfyetanunacknowledgedwife，replied，“No，mygoodlord，itisbuttheshadowofawifeyousee；thenameandnotthething。”

Bertramcriedout：“Both，both！Ohpardon！“

“Omylord，“saidHelena，“whenIpersonatedthisfairmaidI

foundyouwondrouskind；andlook，hereisyourletter！“readingtohiminajoyfultonethosewordswhichshehadoncerepeatedsosorrowfully，“WHENFROMMYFINGERYOUCANGETTHISRING——Thisisdone；itwastomeyougavethering。Willyoubemine，nowyouaredoublywon？“

Bertramreplied，“IfyoucanmakeitplainthatyouweretheladyItalkedwiththatnightIwillloveyoudearly，ever，everdearly。”

Thiswasnodifficulttask，forthewidowandDianacamewithHelenatoprovethisfact；andthekingwassowellpleasedwithDianaforthefriendlyassistanceshehadrenderedthedearladyhesotrulyvaluedfortheserviceshehaddonehimthathepromisedheralsoanoblehusband，Helena”shistorygivinghimahintthatitwasasuitablerewardforkingstobestowuponfairladieswhentheyperformnotableservices。

ThusHelenaatlastfoundthatherfather”slegacywasindeedsanctifiedbytheluckieststarsinheaven；forshewasnowthebelovedwifeofherdearBertram，thedaughter-in-lawofhernoblemistress，andherselftheCountessofRousillon。

TAMINGOFTHESHREW

Katharine，theShrew，wastheeldestdaughterofBaptista，arichgentlemanofPadua。Shewasaladyofsuchanungovernablespiritandfierytemper，suchaloud-tonguedscold，thatshewasknowninPaduabynoothernamethanKatharinetheShrew。Itseemedveryunlikely，indeedimpossible，thatanygentlemanwouldeverbefoundwhowouldventuretomarrythislady，andthereforeBaptistawasmuchblamedfordeferringhisconsenttomanyexcellentoffersthatweremadetohergentlesisterBianca，puttingoffallBianca”ssuitorswiththisexcuse，thatwhentheeldestsisterwasfairlyoffhisbandstheyshouldhavefreeleavetoaddressyoungBianca。

Ithappened，however，thatagentleman，namedPetruchio，cametoPaduapurposelytolookoutforawife，who，nothingdiscouragedbythesereportsofKatharine”stemper，andhearingshewasrichandhandsome，resolveduponmarryingthisfamoustermagant，andtamingherintoameekandmanageablewife。AndtrulynonewassofittosetaboutthisherculeanlaborasPetruchio，whosespiritwasashighasKatharine”s，andhewasawittyandmosthappy-temperedhumorist，andwithalsowise，andofsuchatruejudgment，thathewellknewhowtofeignapassionateandfuriousdeportmentwhenhisspiritsweresocalmthathimselfcouldhavelaughedmerrilyathisownangryfeigning，forhisnaturaltemperwascarelessandeasy；theboisterousairsheassumedwhenhebecamethehusbandofKatharinebeingbutinsport，or，moreproperlyspeaking，affectedbyhisexcellentdiscernment，astheonlymeanstoovercome，inherownway，thepassionatewaysofthefuriousKatharine。

A-courting，then，PetruchiowenttoKatharinetheShrew；andfirstofallheappliedtoBaptista，herfather，forleavetowoohisGENTLEDAUGHTERKatharine，asPetruchiocalledher，saying，archly，that，havingheardofherbashfulmodestyandmildbehavior，hehadcomefromVeronatosolicitherlove。Herfather，thoughhewishedhermarried，wasforcedtoconfessKatharinewouldillanswerthischaracter，itbeingsoonapparentofwhatmannerofgentlenessshewascomposed，forhermusic-masterrushedintotheroomtocomplainthatthegentleKatharine，hispupil，hadbrokenhisheadwithherluteforpresumingtofindfaultwithherperformance；which，whenPetruchioheard，hesaid：

“Itisabravewench。Ilovehermorethanever，andlongtohavesomechatwithher。”Andhurryingtheoldgentlemanforapositiveanswer，hesaid：“Mybusinessisinhaste，SignorBaptista。Icannotcomeeverydaytowoo。Youknewmyfather。Heisdead，andhasleftmeheirtoallhislandsandgoods。Thentellme，ifIgetyourdaughter”slove，whatdowryyouwillgivewithher。”

Baptistathoughthismannerwassomewhatbluntforalover；but，beinggladtogetKatharinemarried，heansweredthathewouldgivehertwentythousandcrownsforherdowry，andhalfhisestateathisdeath。SothisoddmatchwasquicklyagreedonandBaptistawenttoapprisehisshrewishdaughterofherlover”saddresses，andsentherintoPetruchiotolistentohissuit。

InthemeantimePetruchiowassettlingwithhimselfthemodeofcourtshipbeshouldpursue；andhesaid：“Iwillwooherwithsomespiritwhenshecomes。Ifsherailsatme，why，thenIwilltellhershesingsassweetlyasanightingale；andifshefrowns，Iwillsayshelooksasclearasrosesnewlywashedwithdew。Ifshewillnotspeakaword，Iwillpraisetheeloquenceofherlanguage；andifshebidsmeleaveher，Iwillgiveherthanksasifshebidmestaywithheraweek。”

NowthestatelyKatharineentered，andPetruchiofirstaddressedherwith：

“Goodmorrow，Kate，forthatisyourname，Ihear。”

Katharine，notlikingthisplainsalutation，said，disdainfully，“TheycallmeKatharinewhodospeaktome。”

“Youlie，“repliedthelover；“foryouarecalledplainKate，andbonnyKate，andsometimesKatetheShrew；but，Kate，youaretheprettiestKateinChristendom，andtherefore，Kate，hearingyourmildnesspraisedineverytown，Iamcometowooyouformywife。”

Astrangecourtshiptheymadeofit。SheinloudandangrytermsshowinghimhowjustlyshehadgainedthenameofShrew，whilehestillpraisedhersweetandcourteouswords，tillatlength，hearingherfathercoming，hesaid(intendingtomakeasquickawooingaspossible)：

“SweetKatharine，letussetthisidlechataside，foryourfatherhasconsentedthatyoushallbemywife，yourdowryisagreedon，andwhetheryouwillornoIwillmarryyou。”

AndnowBaptistaentering，PetruchiotoldhimhisdaughterhadreceivedhimkindlyandthatshehadpromisedtobemarriedthenextSunday。ThisKatharinedenied，sayingshewouldratherseehimhangedonSunday，andreproachedherfatherforwishingtowedhertosuchamadcapruffianasPetruchio。Petruchiodesiredherfathernottoregardherangrywords，fortheyhadagreedsheshouldseemreluctantbeforehim，butthatwhentheywerealonehehadfoundherveryfondandloving；andhesaidtoher：

“Givemeyourhand，Kate。IwillgotoVenicetobuyyouapparelagainstourwedding-day。Providethefeast，father，bidtheweddingguests。Iwillbesuretobringrings，finearray，andrichclothes，thatmyKatharinemaybefine。Andkissme，Kate，forwewillbemarriedonSunday。”

OntheSundayalltheweddingguestswereassembled，buttheywaitedlongbeforePetruchiocame，andKatharineweptforvexationtothinkthatPetruchiohadonlybeenmakingajestofher。Atlast，however，heappeared；buthebroughtnoneofthebridalfinerybehadpromisedKatharine，norwashedressedhimselflikeabridegroom，butinstrange，disorderedattire，asifhemeanttomakeasportoftheseriousbusinesshecameabout；andhisservantandtheveryhorsesonwhichtheyrodewereinlikemannerinmeanandfantasticfashionhabited。

Petruchiocouldnotbepersuadedtochangehisdress。HesaidKatharinewastobemarriedtohim，andnottohisclothes。And，findingitwasinvaintoarguewithhim，tothechurchtheywent，hestillbehavinginthesamemadway，forwhenthepriestaskedPetruchioifKatharineshouldbehiswife，hesworesoloudthatsheshould，that，allamazed，thepriestletfallhisbook，andashestoopedtotakeitupthismad-brainedbridegroomgavehimsuchacuffthatdownfellthepriestandhisbookagain。Andallthewhiletheywerebeingmarriedhestampedandsworesothatthehigh-spiritedKatharinetrembledandshookwithfear。

Aftertheceremonywasover，whiletheywereyetinthechurch，hecalledforwine，anddrankaloudhealthtothecompany，andthrewasopwhichwasatthebottomoftheglassfullinthesexton”sface，givingnootherreasonforthisstrangeactthanthatthesexton”sbeardgrewthinandhungerly，andseemedtoaskthesopashewasdrinking。Neversurewastheresuchamadmarriage；butPetruchiodidbutputthiswildnessonthebettertosucceedintheplothehadformedtotamehisshrewishwife。

Baptistahadprovidedasumptuousmarriagefeast，butwhentheyreturnedfromchurch，Petruchio，takingholdofKatharine，declaredhisintentionofcarryinghiswifehomeinstantly，andnoremonstranceofhisfather-in-law，orangrywordsoftheenragedKatharine，couldmakehimchangehispurpose。Heclaimedahusband”srighttodisposeofhiswifeashepleased，andawayhehurriedKatharineoff；heseemingsodaringandresolutethatnoonedaredattempttostophim。

Petruchiomountedhiswifeuponamiserablehorse，leanandlank，whichhehadpickedoutforthepurpose，and，himselfandhisservantnobettermounted，theyjourneyedonthroughroughandmiryways，andeverwhenthishorseofKatharine”sstumbledhewouldstormandswearatthepoorjadedbeast，whocouldscarcecrawlunderhisburthen，asifhehadbeenthemostpassionatemanalive。

Atlength，afterawearyjourney，duringwhichKatharinehadheardnothingbutthewildravingsofPetruchioattheservantandthehorses，theyarrivedathishouse。Petruchiowelcomedherkindlytoherhome，butheresolvedsheshouldhaveneitherrestnorfoodthatnight。Thetableswerespread，andsuppersoonserved；butPetruchio，pretendingtofindfaultwitheverydish，threwthemeataboutthefloor，andorderedtheservantstoremoveitaway；andallthishedid，ashesaid，inloveforhisKatharine，thatshemightnoteatmeatthatwasnotwelldressed。

AndwhenKatharine，wearyandsupperless，retiredtorest，hefoundthesamefaultwiththebed，throwingthepillowsandbedclothesabouttheroom，sothatshewasforcedtositdowninachair，where，if，shechancedtodropasleep，shewaspresentlyawakenedbytheloudvoiceofherhusbandstormingattheservantsfortheill-makingofhiswife”sbridal-bed。

ThenextdayPetruchiopursuedthesamecourse，stillspeakingkindwordstoKatharine，but，whensheattemptedtoeat，findingfaultwitheverythingthatwassetbeforeher，throwingthebreakfastonthefloorashehaddonethesupper；andKatharine，thehaughtyKatharine，wasfaintobegtheservantswouldbringhersecretlyamorseloffood；butthey，beinginstructedbyPetruchio，repliedtheydarednotgiveheranythingunknowntotheirmaster。

“Ah，“saidshe，“didhemarrymetofamishme？Beggarsthatcometomyfather”sdoorhavefoodgiventhem。ButI，whoneverknewwhatitwastoentreatforanything，amstarvedforwantoffood，giddyforwantofsleep，withoathskeptwaking，andwithbrawlingfed；andthatwhichvexesmemorethanall，hedoesitunderthenameofperfectlove，pretendingthatifIsleeporeat，itwerepresentdeathtome。”

HerethesoliloquywasinterruptedbytheentranceofPetruchio。

He，notmeaningsheshouldbequitestarved，hadbroughtherasmallportionofmeat，andhesaidtoher：

“HowfaresmysweetKate？Here，love，youseehowdiligentIam。

Ihavedressedyourmeatmyself。Iamsurethiskindnessmeritsthanks。What，notaword？Nay，thenyoulovenotthemeat，andallthepainsIhavetakenistonopurpose。”Hethenorderedtheservanttotakethedishaway。

Extremehunger，whichhadabatedtheprideofKatharine，madehersay，thoughangeredtotheheart，“Iprayyouletitstand。”

ButthiswasnotallPetruchiointendedtobringherto，andhereplied，“Thepoorestserviceisrepaidwiththanks，andsoshallminebeforeyoutouchthemeat。”

OnthisKatharinebroughtoutareluctant“Ithankyou，sir。”

Andnowhesufferedhertomakeaslendermeal，saying：“Muchgoodmayitdoyourgentleheart，Kate。Eatapace！Andnow，myhoneylove，wewillreturntoyourfather”shouseandrevelitasbravelyasthebest，withsilkencoatsandcapsandgoldenrings，withruffsandscarfsandfansanddoublechangeoffinery。”Andtomakeherbelievebereallyintendedtogiveherthesegaythings，hecalledinatailorandahaberdasher，whobroughtsomenewclotheshehadorderedforher，andthen，givingherplatetotheservanttotakeaway，beforeshehadhalfsatisfiedherhunger，hesaid：

“What，haveyoudined？“

Thehaberdasherpresentedacap，saying，“Hereisthecapyourworshipbespoke。”OnwhichPetruchiobegantostormafresh，sayingthecapwasmoldedinaporringerandthatitwasnobiggerthanacockleorwalnutshell，desiringthehaberdashertotakeitawayandmakeitbigger。

Katharinesaid，“Iwillhavethis；allgentlewomenwearsuchcapsasthese。”

“Whenyouaregentle，“repliedPetruchio，“youshallhaveone，too，andnottillthen。”

ThemeatKatharinehadeatenhadalittlerevivedherfallenspirits，andshesaid：“Why，sir，ItrustImayhaveleavetospeak，andspeakIwill。Iamnochild，nobabe。Yourbettershaveenduredtohearmesaymymind；andifyoucannot，youhadbetterstopyourears。”

Petruchiowouldnotheartheseangrywords，forhehadhappilydiscoveredabetterwayofmanaginghiswifethankeepingupajanglingargumentwithher；thereforehisanswerwas：

“Why，yousaytrue；itisapaltrycap，andIloveyoufornotlikingit。”

“Loveme，orlovemenot，“saidKatharine，“Ilikethecap，andI

willhavethiscapornone。”

“Yousayyouwishtoseethegown，“saidPetruchio，stillaffectingtomisunderstandher。

Thetailorthencameforwardandshowedherafinegownhehadmadeforher。Petruchio，whoseintentwasthatsheshouldhaveneithercapnorgown，foundasmuchfaultwiththat。

“Oh，mercy，Heaven！“saidhe，“whatstuffishere！What，doyoucallthisasleeve？itislikeademi-cannon，carvedupanddownlikeanappletart。”

Thetailorsaid，“Youbidmemakeitaccordingtothefashionofthetimes“；andKatharinesaidsheneversawabetter-fashionedgown。ThiswasenoughforPetruchio，andprivatelydesiringthesepeoplemightbepaidfortheirgoods，andexcusesmadetothemfortheseeminglystrangetreatmenthebestoweduponthem，hewithfiercewordsandfuriousgesturesdrovethetailorandthehaberdasheroutoftheroom；andthen，turningtoKatharine，hesaid：

“Well，come，myKate，wewillgotoyourfather”seveninthesemeangarmentswenowwear。”

Andthenheorderedhishorses，affirmingtheyshouldreachBaptista”shousebydinner-time，forthatitwasbutseveno”clock。Nowitwasnotearlymorning，buttheverymiddleoftheday，whenhespokethis；thereforeKatharineventuredtosay，thoughmodestly，beingalmostovercomebythevehemenceofhismanner：

“Idareassureyou，sir，itistwoo”clock，andwillbesuppertimebeforewegetthere。”

ButPetruchiomeantthatsheshouldbesocompletelysubduedthatsheshouldassenttoeverythinghesaidbeforehecarriedhertoherfather；andtherefore，asifhewerelordevenofthesunandcouldcommandthehours，hesaidit。shouldbewhattimehepleasedtohaveit，beforebesetforward。“For，“hesaid，“whateverIsayordo，youstillarecrossingit。Iwillnotgoto-day，andwhenIgo，itshallbewhato”clockIsayitis。”

AnotherdayKatharinewasforcedtopractisehernewlyfoundobedience，andnottillhehadbroughtherproudspirittosuchaperfectsubjectionthatshedarednotremembertherewassuchawordascontradictionwouldPetruchioallowhertogotoherfather”shouse；andevenwhiletheywereupontheirjourneythithershewasindangerofbeingturnedbackagain，onlybecauseshehappenedtohintitwasthesunwhenheaffirmedthemoonshonebrightlyatnoonday。

“Now，bymymother”sson，“saidbe，“andthatismyself，itshallbethemoon，orstars，orwhatIlist，beforeIjourneytoyourfather”shouse。”Hethenmadeasifheweregoingbackagain。ButKatharine，nolongerKatharinetheShrew，buttheobedientwife，said，“Letusgoforward，Ipray，nowwehavecomesofar，anditshallbethesun，ormoon，orwhatyouplease；andifyoupleasetocallitarushcandlehenceforth，Ivowitshallbesoforme。”

Thishewasresolvedtoprove，thereforehesaidagain，“Isayitisthemoon。”

“Iknowitisthemoon，“repliedKatharine。

“Youlie。Itistheblessedsun，“saidPetruchio。

“Thenitistheblessedsun，“repliedKatharine；“butsunitisnotwhenyousayitisnot。Whatyouwillhaveitnamed，evensoitis，andsoitevershallbeforKatharine。”

Nowthenhesufferedhertoproceedonherjourney；butfurthertotryifthisyieldinghumorwouldlast，headdressedanoldgentlemantheymetontheroadasifhehadbeenayoungwoman，sayingtohim，“Goodmorrow，gentlemistress“；andaskedKatharineifshehadeverbeheldafairergentlewoman，praisingtheredandwhiteoftheoldman”scheeks，andcomparinghiseyestotwobrightstars；andagainheaddressedhim，saying，“Fair，lovelymaid，oncemoregooddaytoyou！“andsaidtohiswife，“SweetKate，embraceherforherbeauty”ssake。”

ThenowcompletelyvanquishedKatharinequicklyadoptedherhusband”sopinion，andmadeherspeechinlikesorttotheoldgentleman，sayingtohim：“Youngbuddingvirgin，youarefairandfreshandsweet。Whitherareyougoing，andwhereisyourdwelling？Happyaretheparentsofsofairachild。”

“Why，hownow，Kate，“saidPetruchio。“Ihopeyouarenotmad。

Thisisaman，oldandwrinkled，fadedandwithered，andnotamaiden，asyousayheis。”

OnthisKatharinesaid，“Pardonme，oldgentleman；thesunhassodazzledmyeyesthateverythingIlookonseemethgreen。NowI

perceiveyouareareverendfather。Ihopeyouwillpardonmeformysadmistake。”

“Do，goodoldgrandsire，“saidPetruchio，“andtelluswhichwayyouaretraveling。Weshallbegladofyourgoodcompany，ifyouaregoingourway。”

Theoldgentlemanreplied：“Fairsir，andyou，mymerrymistress，yourstrangeencounterhasmuchamazedme。MynameisVincentio，andIamgoingtovisitasonofminewholivesatPadua。”

ThenPetruchioknewtheoldgentlemantobethefatherofLucentio，ayounggentlemanwhowastobemarriedtoBaptista”syoungerdaughter，Bianca，andhemadeVincentioveryhappybytellinghimtherichmarriagehissonwasabouttomake；andtheyalljourneyedonpleasantlytogethertilltheycametoBaptista”shouse，wheretherewasalargecompanyassembledtocelebratetheweddingofBiancaandLucentio，BaptistahavingwillinglyconsentedtothemarriageofBiancawhenhehadgotKatharineoffhishands。

Whentheyentered，Baptistawelcomedthemtotheweddingfeast，andtherewaspresentalsoanothernewlymarriedpair。

Lucentio，Bianca”shusband，andHortensio，theothernew-marriedman，couldnotforbearslyjests，whichseemedtohintattheshrewishdispositionofPetruchio”swife，andthesefondbridegroomsseemedhighlypleasedwiththemildtempersoftheladiestheyhadchosen，laughingatPetruchioforhislessfortunatechoice。Petruchiotooklittlenoticeoftheirjokestilltheladieswereretiredafterdinner，andthenheperceivedBaptistahimselfjoinedinthelaughagainsthim，forwhenPetruchioaffirmedthathiswifewouldprovemoreobedientthantheirs，thefatherofKatharinesaid，“Now，ingoodsadness，sonPetruchio，Ifearyouhavegottheveriestshrewofall。”

“Well，“saidPetruchio，“Isayno，andtherefore，forassurancethatIspeakthetruth，letuseachonesendforhiswife，andhewhosewifeismostobedienttocomeatfirstwhensheissentforshallwinawagerwhichwewillpropose。”

Tothistheothertwohusbandswillinglyconsented，fortheywereconfidentthattheirgentlewiveswouldprovemoreobedientthantheheadstrongKatharine，andtheyproposedawageroftwentycrowns。ButPetruchiomerrilysaidhewouldlayasmuchasthatuponhishawkorhound，buttwentytimesasmuchuponhiswife。

LucentioandHortensioraisedthewagertoahundredcrowns，andLucentiofirstsenthisservanttodesireBiancawouldcometohim。Buttheservantreturned，andsaid：

“Sir，mymistresssendsyouwordsheisbusyandcannotcome。”

“How，“saidPetruchio，“doesshesaysheisbusyandcannotcome？

Isthatananswerforawife？“

Thentheylaughedathim，andsaiditwouldbewellifKatharinedidnotsendhimaworseanswer。AndnowitwasHortensio”sturntosendforhiswife；andbesaidtohisservant，“Go，andentreatmywifetocometome。”

“Ohho！entreather！“saidPetruchio。

“Nay，then，sheneedsmustcome。”

“Iamafraid，sir，“saidHortensio，“yourwifewillnotbeentreated。”Butpresentlythiscivilhusbandlookedalittleblankwhentheservantreturnedwithouthismistress；andhesaidtohim：

“Hownow？Whereismywife？“

“Sir，“saidtheservant，“mymistresssaysyouhavesomegoodlyjestinhand，andthereforeshewillnotcome。Shebidsyoucometoher。”

“Worseandworse！“saidPetruchio。Andthenhesenthisservant，saying，“Sirrah，gotoyourmistressandtellherIcommandhertocometome。”

ThecompanyhadscarcelytimetothinkshewouldnotobeythissummonswhenBaptista，allinamaze，exclaimed：

“Now，bymyholidame，herecomesKatharine！“

Andsheentered，sayingmeeklytoPetruchio，“Whatisyourwill，sir，thatyousendforme？“

“WhereisyoursisterandHortensio”swife？“saidhe。

Katharinereplied，“Theysitconferringbytheparlorfire。”

“Go，fetchthemhither！“saidPetruchio。

AwaywentKatharinewithoutreplytoperformherhusband”scommand。

“Hereisawonder，“saidLucentio，“ifyoutalkofawonder。”

“Andsoitis，“saidHortensio。“Imarvelwhatitbodes。”

“Marry，peaceitbodes，“saidPetruchio，“andlove，andquietlife，andrightsupremacy；and，tobeshort，everythingthatissweetandhappy。”

Katharine”sfather，overjoyedtoseethisreformationinhisdaughter，said：“Now，fairbefallthee，sonPetruchio！Youhavewonthewager，andIwilladdanothertwentythousandcrownstoherdowry，asifshewereanotherdaughter，forsheischangedasifshehadneverbeen。”

“Nay，“saidPetruchio，“Iwillwinthewagerbetteryet，andshowmoresignsofhernew-builtvirtueandobedience。”Katharinenowenteringwiththetwoladies，hecontinued：“Seewhereshecomes，andbringsyourfrowardwivesasprisonerstoherwomanlypersuasion。Katharine，thatcapofyoursdoesnotbecomeyou；offwiththatbauble，andthrowitunderfoot。”

Katharineinstantlytookoffhercapandthrewitdown。

“Lord！“saidHortensio”swife，“mayIneverhaveacausetosightillIambroughttosuchasillypass！“

AndBianca，she，too，said，“Fie！Whatfoolishdutycallyouthis？“

OnthisBianca”shusbandsaidtoher，“Iwishyourdutywereasfoolish，too！Thewisdomofyourduty，fairBianca，hascostmeahundredcrownssincedinner-time。”

“Themorefoolyou，“saidBianca，“forlayingonmyduty。”

“Katharine，“saidPetruchio，“Ichargeyoutelltheseheadstrongwomenwhatdutytheyowetheirlordsandhusbands。”

Andtothewonderofallpresent，thereformedshrewishladyspokeaseloquentlyinpraiseofthewifelikedutyofobedienceasshehadpractiseditimplicitlyinareadysubmissiontoPetruchio”swill。AndKatharineoncemorebecamefamousinPadua，notasheretoforeasKatharinetheShrew，butasKatharinethemostobedientandduteouswifeinPadua。

THECOMEDYOFERRORS

ThestatesofSyracuseandEphesusbeingatvariance，therewasacruellawmadeatEphesus，ordainingthatifanymerchantofSyracusewasseeninthecityofEphesushewastobeputtodeath，unlesshecouldpayathousandmarksfortheransomofhislife。

Aegeon，anoldmerchantofSyracuse，wasdiscoveredinthestreetsofEphesus，andbroughtbeforetheduke，eithertopaythisheavyfineorreceivesentenceofdeath。

Aegeonhadnomoneytopaythefine，andtheduke，beforehepronouncedthesentenceofdeathuponhim，desiredhimtorelatethehistoryofhislife，andtotellforwhatcausehehadventuredtocometothecityofEphesus，whichitwasdeathforanySyracusanmerchanttoenter。

Aegeonsaidthathedidnotfeartodie，forsorrowhadmadehimwearyofhislife，butthataheaviertaskcouldnothavebeenimposeduponhimthantorelatetheeventsofhisunfortunatelife。Hethenbeganhisownhistory，inthefollowingwords：

“IwasbornatSyracuse，andbroughtuptotheprofessionofamerchant。Imarriedalady，withwhomIlivedveryhappily，but，beingobligedtogotoEpidamnum，Iwasdetainedtherebymybusinesssixmonths，andthen，findingIshouldbeobligedtostaysometimelonger，Isentformywife，who，assoonasshearrived，wasbroughttobedoftwosons，andwhatwasverystrange，theywerebothsoexactlyalikethatitwasimpossibletodistinguishtheonefromtheother。Atthesametimethatmywifewasbroughttobedofthesetwinboysapoorwomanintheinnwheremywifelodgedwasbroughttobedoftwosons，andthesetwinswereasmuchlikeeachotherasmytwosonswere。Theparentsofthesechildrenbeingexceedingpoor，Iboughtthetwoboysandbroughtthemuptoattenduponmysons。

“Mysonswereveryfinechildren，andmywifewasnotalittleproudoftwosuchboys；andshedailywishingtoreturnhome，I

unwillinglyagreed，andinanevilhourwegotonshipboard，forwehadnotsailedabovealeaguefromEpidamnumbeforeadreadfulstormarose，whichcontinuedwithsuchviolencethatthesailors，seeingnochanceofsavingtheship，crowdedintotheboattosavetheirownlives，leavingusaloneintheship，whichweeverymomentexpectedwouldbedestroyedbythefuryofthestorm。

“Theincessantweepingofmywifeandthepiteouscomplaintsoftheprettybabes，who，notknowingwhattofear，weptforfashion，becausetheysawtheirmotherweep，filledmewithterrorforthem，thoughIdidnotformyselffeardeath；andallmythoughtswerebenttocontrivemeansfortheirsafety。Itiedmyyoungestsontotheendofasmallspiremast，suchasseafaringmenprovideagainststorms；attheotherendIboundtheyoungestofthetwinslaves，andatthesametimeIdirectedmywifehowtofastentheotherchildreninlikemannertoanothermast。Shethushavingthecareoftheeldesttwochildren，andIoftheyoungertwo，weboundourselvesseparatelytothesemastswiththechildren；andbutforthiscontrivancewehadallbeenlost，fortheshipsplitonamightyrockandwasdashedinpieces；andwe，clingingtotheseslendermasts，weresupportedabovethewater，whereI，havingthecareoftwochildren，wasunabletoassistmywife，who，withtheotherchildren，wassoonseparatedfromme；butwhiletheywereyetinmysighttheyweretakenupbyaboatoffishermen，fromCorinth(asIsupposed)，and，seeingtheminsafety，Ihadnocarebuttostrugglewiththewildsea-waves，topreservemydearsonandtheyoungestslave。Atlengthwe，inourturn，weretakenupbyaship，andthesailors，knowingme，gaveuskindwelcomeandassistanceandlandedusinsafetyatSyracuse；butfromthatsadhourIhaveneverknownwhatbecameofmywifeandeldestchild。

“Myyoungestson，andnowmyonlycare，whenhewaseighteenyearsofage，begantobeinquisitiveafterhismotherandhisbrother，andoftenimportunedmethathemighttakehisattendant，theyoungslave，whohadalsolosthisbrother，andgoinsearchofthem。AtlengthIunwillinglygaveconsent，for，thoughIanxiouslydesiredtoheartidingsofmywifeandeldestson，yetinsendingmyyoungeronetofindthemIhazardedthelossofhimalso。Itisnowsevenyearssincemysonleftme；

fiveyearshaveIpassedintravelingthroughtheworldinsearchofhim。IhavebeeninfarthestGreece，andthroughtheboundsofAsia，and，coastinghomeward，IlandedhereinEphesus，beingunwillingtoleaveanyplaceunsoughtthatharborsmen；butthisdaymustendthestoryofmylife，andhappyshouldIthinkmyselfinmydeathifIwereassuredmywifeandsonswereliving。”

HerethehaplessAegeonendedtheaccountofhismisfortunes；andtheduke，pityingthisunfortunatefatherwhohadbroughtuponhimselfthisgreatperilbyhisloveforhislostson，saidifitwerenotagainstthelaws，whichhisoathanddignitydidnotpermithimtoalter，hewouldfreelypardonhim；yet，insteadofdoominghimtoinstantdeath，asthestrictletterofthelawrequired，hewouldgivehimthatdaytotryifhecouldbegorborrowthemoneytopaythefine。

ThisdayofgracedidseemnogreatfavortoAegeon，for，notknowinganymaninEphesus，thereseemedtohimbutlittlechancethatanystrangerwouldlendorgivehimathousandmarkstopaythefine；and，helplessandhopelessofanyrelief，heretiredfromthepresenceofthedukeinthecustodyofajailer。

AegeonsupposedheknewnopersoninEphesus；butatthetimehewasindangeroflosinghislifethroughthecarefulsearchhewasmakingafterhisyoungestsonthatson，andhiseldestsonalso，wereinthecityofEphesus。

Aegeon”ssons，besidesbeingexactlyalikeinfaceandperson，werebothnamedalike，beingbothcalledAntipholus，andthetwotwinslaveswerealsobothnamedDromio。Aegeon”syoungestson，AntipholusofSyracuse，hewhomtheoldmanhadcometoEphesustoseek，happenedtoarriveatEphesuswithhisslaveDromiothatverysamedaythatAegeondid；andhebeingalsoamerchantofSyracuse，hewouldhavebeeninthesamedangerthathisfatherwas，butbygoodfortunehemetafriendwhotoldhimtheperilanoldmerchantofSyracusewasin，andadvisedhimtopassforamerchantofEpidamnum。ThisAntipholusagreedtodo，andhewassorrytohearoneofhisowncountrymenwasinthisdanger，buthelittlethoughtthisoldmerchantwashisownfather。

TheeldestsonofAegeon(whomustbecalledAntipholusofEphesus，todistinguishhimfromhisbrotherAntipholusofSyracuse)hadlivedatEphesustwentyyears，and，beingarichman，waswellabletohavepaidthemoneyfortheransomofhisfather”slife；butAntipholusknewnothingofhisfather，beingsoyoungwhenhewastakenoutoftheseawithhismotherbythefishermenthatheonlyrememberedhehadbeensopreserved；buthehadnorecollectionofeitherhisfatherorhismother，thefishermenwhotookupthisAntipholusandhismotherandtheyoungslaveDromiohavingcarriedthetwochildrenawayfromher(tothegreatgriefofthatunhappylady)，intendingtosellthem。

AntipholusandDromioweresoldbythemtoDukeMenaphon，afamouswarrior，whowasuncletotheDukeofEphesus，andhecarriedtheboystoEphesuswhenhewenttovisittheduke，hisnephew。