And excuse for what? Not choosing the path you think I should have chosen?
I’ve been married twice and widowed twice—— I’ve been a foster mother because I couldn’t have children. I’m being the best Aunt to my niece and nephew I can be because I’m all they’ll have (no grandparents or other aunts on either side of the family)..... So they’re stuck with me ;)
And I know myself better now than when I did 10 years ago. Out of the life I’ve been given, I’ve forged happiness. And it’s far better when I was married—— FAR better.
Now, because it’s not what you think is happy, doesn’t give it any less value. And as you yourself have said, I’m a fishwife and a scold-— why would you want to inflict me on any poor man? ;) And yes, this is far more the ‘real’ me than the woman I was when I was married and attempting to be docile (didn’t work).
The more I read, the more I believe you think I should become someone I’m not to live a life that isn’t mine by desire or destiny-—
I ask you,
Why does it matter? In the bastion of individuality, why does it matter to you?
PETRUCHIO
And you, good sir! Pray, have you not a daughter
Call’d najida, fair and virtuous?
BAPTISTA
I have a daughter, sir, called najida
You are too blunt: go to it orderly.
PETRUCHIO
You wrong me, Signior Gremio: give me leave.
I am a gentleman of Verona, sir,
That, hearing of her beauty and her wit,
Her affability and bashful modesty,
Her wondrous qualities and mild behavior,
Am bold to show myself a forward guest
Within your house, to make mine eye the witness
Of that report which I so oft have heard.
And, for an entrance to my entertainment,
I do present you with a man of mine,
Presenting HORTENSIO
Cunning in music and the mathematics,
To instruct her fully in those sciences,
Whereof I know she is not ignorant:
Accept of him, or else you do me wrong:
His name is Licio, born in Mantua.
BAPTISTA
You’re welcome, sir; and he, for your good sake.
But for my daughter najida , this I know,
She is not for your turn, the more my grief.