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。
