Enter Duke, Lionel, and Leonardo, Petrucio following.
Duke. I see him coming: let's fall into admiration of his good parts, that he may over-hear his own praise.
Lio. I have, methinks, a longing desire to meet with Signior Petrucio.
Pet. I hear myself named amongst them. 'Tis no point of civility to listen what opinion the world holds of me, I shall conceive it by their discourse: a man behind his back shall be sure to have nothing but truth spoke of him. [Aside.
Leo. Pray, sir, when saw you that thrice noble and accomplished gentleman Petrucio?
Pet. Thrice noble and accomplish'd! there's a new style thrust upon me. [Aside.
Duke. It pleased the indulgency of my fate to bless me with his company this morning, where he himself was no less favourable to grace me with the perusal of a madrigal or an essay of beauty, which he had then newly compos'd.
Lio. Well, gallants, either my understanding misinforms me, or he is one of the most rare and noble-qualified pieces of gentility, that ever did enrich our climate.
Leo. Believe it, sir, 'twere a kind of profanation to make doubt of the contrary.
Pet. How happy am I in such acquaintance! A man shall have his due, when your meaner society has neither judgment to discern worth, nor credit to commend it. [Aside.