The excellent history of the merchant of Venice VVith the extreme cruelty of Shylocke the Iew towards the saide merchant, in cutting a iust pound of his flesh. And the obtaining of Portia, by the choyse of three caskets. VVritten by VV. Shakespeare.

The Comical History of the Merchant of Venice . Enter Anthonio , Salaryno , and Salanio . ANthonio . Insooth I know not why I am so sad , It wearies me , you say it wearies you ; But how I caught it , found it , or came by it , What stuffe t is made off , whereof it is borne , I am to learne : & such a want-wit sadnes makes of me , That I haue much adoe to know my selfe . Salarino . Your minde is tossing on the Ocean , There where your Argosies with portly sayle , Like Signiors and rich Burgars on the flood , Or as it were the Pageants of the sea , Doe ouer-peere the petty traffiquers That cursie to them , do them reuerence As they flie by them with their wouen wings . Salanio . Beleeue me sir , had I such venture foorth , The better part of my affections would Be with my hopes abroad , I should be still Plucking the grasse , to know where sits the winde , Piering in Maps , for Ports , for Peeres and Rodes ; And euery obiect that might make me feare . Misfortune to my ventures , out of doubt Would make me sad . Salar . My winde cooling my broth , Would blow me to an Ague , when I thought What harme a winde too great at sea , might do . I should not see the sandy howre-glasse runne , But I should thinke of shallowes , and of flats , And see my wealthy Andrew dockes in sand , Veyling her high top lower then her ribs , To kisse her buriall . Should I go to Church , And see the holy edifice of stone , And not bethinke me straight of dangerous rockes , Which touching but my gentle vessels side , Would scatter all the spices on the streame , Enrobe the roaring waters with my silkes ; And in a word , but euen now worth this , And now worth nothing ? Shall I haue the thought To thinke on this , and shall I lacke the thought , That such a thing be-chanc'd would make me sad it But tell not me , I know Anthonie Is sad to thinke vpon his merchandize . Anth. Beleeue me no : I thanke my fortune for it , My ventures are not in one bottome trusted , Nor to one place ; nor is my whole estate Vpon the fortune of this present yeare : Therefore my merchandize makes me not sad . Salar . Then y' are in loue . Anth. Fie , fie . Salar . Not in loue neither ? Then let vs say you are sad , Because you are not merry : and 't were as easie For you to laugh and leape , and say you are merry , Because you are not sad . Now by two-headed Ianus , Nature hath fram'd strange fellowes in her time : Some that will euermore peepe through their eies , And laugh like Parrats at a bag-piper . And other of such vinegar aspect , That they 'l not shew their teeth in way of smile , Though Nestor sweare the iest be laughable . Enter Bassanio , Lorouse , and Gratiano . Salan . Here comes Bassanio your most noble kinsman , Gratiano and Lorenso : Faryewell , We leaue you now with better company . Salar . I would haue staide till I had made you merry , If worthier friends had not preuented me . Anth. Your worth is very deere in my regard . I take it your owne businesse cals on you , And you embrace the occasion to depart . Salar . Good morrow my good Lords . Bass . Good signiors both , when shall we laugh ? say , when ? You grow exceeding strange : must it be so ? Salar . Wee 'l make our leysures to attend on yours . Exeunt Salarino and Salania . Lor. My Lord Bassanio , since you haue found Anthonio , we two will leaue you ; but at dinner time I pray you haue in minde where we must meete . Bass . I will not faile you . Exit Grat. You looke not well signior Anthonio , You haue too much respect vpon the world : They loose it that do buy it with much care , Beleeue me you are meruailously chang'd . Ant. I hold the world but as the world Gratiano , A stage , where euery one must play a part , And mine a sad one . Gra. Let me play the foole , With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come ; And let my Liuer rather heate with wine , Then my heart coole with mortifying grones . Why should a man whose blood is warme within , Sit like his Grandsire cut in Alablaster ? Sleepe when he wakes ? and creepe into the Iaundies . By being peeuish ? I tell thee what Anthonio , I loue thee , and t is my loue that speakes . There are a sort of men , whose visages Doe dreame and mantle like a standing pond , And do a wilfull stilnesse entertaine , With purpose to be drest in an opinion Of wisedome , grauity , profound conceit , As who should say , I am sir Oracle , And when I ope my lips , let no dog barke . O my Anthonio , I do know of those That therefore onely are reputed wise For saying nothing ; when I am very sure If they should speake , would almost dam those eares , Which hearing them would call their brothers fooles , I le tell thee more of this another time . But fish not with this melancholy baite , For this foole gudgin , this opinion : Come good Lorenzo , farwell a while , I le end my exhortation after dinner . Loren. Well , we will leaue you then till dinner time . I must be one of these same dumbe wise men , For Gratiano neuer lets me speake . Gra. Well , keepe me company but two yeares moe , Thou shalt not know the sound of thine owne tongue . An. Farwell , I le grow a talker for this geare . Gra. Thanks ifaith , for silence is onely commendable In a neats tongue dried , and a maide not vendable . Exeunt . An. It is that any thing now . Bass .

Gratiano speakes an infinite deale of nothing , more then any man in all Venice , his reasons are as two graines of wheate hid in two bushels of chaffe : you shall seeke all day ere you finde them , and when you haue them , they are not worth the search .

Ant. Well , tell me now what Lady is the same To whom you swore a secret pilgrimage , That you to day promisd to tell me of . Bass . T is not vnknowne to you Anthonio , How much I haue disabled mine estate , By something shewing a more swelling port , Then my faint meanes would grant continuance , Nor do I now make moane to be abridg'd From such a noble rate , but my cheefe care Is to come fairely off from the great debts Wherein my time something too prodigall Hath left me gag'd : to you Anthonio , I owe the most in money and in loue , And from your loue I haue a warranty To vnburthen all my plots and purposes How to get cleere of all the debts I owe . Antho. I pray you good Bassanio , let me know it , And if it stand as you your selfe still do , Within the eye of honour , be assured My purse , my person , my extremest meanes Lie all vnlockt to your occasions . Bass . In my schoole dayes . when I had lost one shaft , I shot his fellow of the selfe-same flight The selfe-same way , with more aduised watch To finde the other foorth , and by aduentring both , I oft found both : I vrge this child-hood proofe , Because what followes , is pure innocence . I owe you much , and like a wilfull youth , That which I owe is lost , but if you please To shoote another arrow that selfe way Which you did shoote the first , I do not doubt , As I will watch the ayme or to finde both , Or bring your latter hazard backe againe , And thankfully rest debter for the first . Ant. You know me well , and heerein spend but time . To winde about my loue with circumstance , And out of doubt you do me now more wrong , In making question of my vttermost , Then if you had made waste of all I haue : Then do but say to me , what I should do , That in your knowledge may by me be done , And I am prest vnto it , therefore speake . Bass . In Belmont is a Lady richly left , And she is faire , and fairer then that word , Of wondrous vertues . Sometimes from her eyes I did receiue faire speechlesse messages : Her name is Portia ; nothing vnder-valew'd To Catos daughter , Brutus Portia . Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth , For the foure winds blow in from euery coast Renowned sutors , and her sunny lockes Hang on her temples like a golden fleece , which makes her seat of Belmont , Colchoe strond , And many Iasons comes in quest of her . O my Anthonio , had I but the meanes To hold a riuall place with one of them , I haue a minde presages me such thrift , That I should questionlesse be fortunate . Ant. Thou knowst that all my fortunes are atica , Neither haue I money , nor commodity , To raise a present summe . Therefore go forth , Try what my credit can in Venice do , That shall be rackt euen to the vttermost , To furnish thee to Belmont to faire Portia . Go presently enquire , and so will I where money is , and I no question make , To haue it of my trust , or for my sake . Exeunt Enter Portia with her waiting Woman Nerrissa . Portia .

By my troth Nerrissa , my little body is a wearie of this great world .

Ner.

You would be sweet Madam , if your miseries were in the same abundance as your good fortunes are : and yet for ought I see , they are as sick that surfet with too much , as they that statue with nothing ; it is no meane happinesse therefore to be seated in the meane , superfluity comes sooner by white haires , but competency liues , longer .

Portia .

Good sentences , and well pronounced .

Ner.

They would be better , if well followed .

Por.

If to do , were as easie as to know what were good to do , Chappels had beene Churches , and poore mens cottages , Princes Pallaces ; it is a good diuine that followes his owne instructions : I can easier teach twenty what were good to bee done , then to be one of the twenty to follow mine owne teaching : the braine may deuise lawes for the blood , but a hot temper leapes ore a colde decree , such a hare is madnesse the youth , to skip ore the meshes of good counsell the cripple ; but this reasoning is not in the fashion to choose me a husband ; O me , the word choose , I may neyther choose who I would , nor refuse who I dislike , so is the will of a liuing daughter curbd by the will of a dead father : is it not hard Nerissa , that I cannot choose one , nor refuse none .

Ner.

Your father was euer vertuous , and holy men at their death haue good inspirations , therefore the lottry that he hath deuised in these three chests of gold , siluer , and leade , whereof who chooses his meaning chooses you , no doubt you wil neuer be chosen by any rightly , but one who shall rightly loue : But what warmth is there in your affection towards any of these Princely suters that are already come ?

Por.

I prethee ouer-name them , and as thou namest them , I will describe them , and according to my description , leuell at my affection .

Ner.

First , there is the Neapolitane Prince .

Por.

I that 's a colt indeed , for hee doth nothing but talke of his horse , and he makes it a great appropriation vnto his owne good parts , that he can shoo himselfe : I am much afeard my Lady his Mother plaid false with a smith .

Ner.

Then there is the County Palatine .

Por.

He doth nothing but frowne ( as who should say , if you will not haue me , choose ; he heares merry tales and smiles not , I feare he will prooue the weeping Philosopher when he growes old , being so full of vnmannerly sadnesse in his youth . ) I had rather be married to a deaths head with a bone in his mouth , then to eyther of these : God defend me from these two .

Ner.

How say you by the French Lord , Mounsier le Boune ?

Por.

God made him , and therefore let him passe for a man , in truth I know it is a sinne to be a mocker , but he , why he hath a horse better then the Neapolitans , a better bad habite of frowning then the Count Palatine , hee is euery man in no man , if a Trassell sing , hee fals straight a capting , hee will fence with his owne shadow . If I should marry him , I should marry twenty husbands : if he would despise me , I would forgiue him , for if he loue me to madnesse , I shall neuer requite him .

Ner.

What say you then to Fauconbridge , the young Baron of England ?

Por.

You know I say nothing to him , for he vnderstands not me , nor I him : he hath neither Latine , French , nor Italian , & you will come into the Court and sweare that I haue a poore penniworth in the English : he is a proper mans picture , but alas who can conuerse with a dumbe show ? how odly he is suted , I think he bought his doublet in Italy , his round hose in France , his bonnet in Germany , and his behauiour euery where .

Nerissa .

What thinke you of the Scottish Lord his Neighbour ?

Por.

That he hath a neighbourly charity in him , for he borrowed a boxe of the eare of the Englishman , and swore he wold pay him againe when he was able : I thinke the Frenchman became his surety , and scald vnder for another .

Ner.

How like you the young Germaine , the Duke of Saxouies nephew ?

Por.

Very vildely in the morning when he is sober , and most vilely in the afternoone when he is drunke : when he is best , hee is a little worse then a man , and when he is worst he is little better then a beast ; and the worst fall that euer fell , I hope I shall make shift to go without him .

Ner.

If he should offer to choose , and choose the right Casket , you should refuse to performe your fathers wil , if you shold refuse to accept him .

Por.

Therfore for feare of the worst , I prethee set a deep glasse of Reynish Wine on the contrary Casket , for if the diuell bee within , and that temptation without , I know he will choose it . I will do any thing Nerissa , ere i le be married to a spunge .

Ner.

You need not feare Lady , the hauing any of these Lords , they haue acquainted me with their determinations , which is indeed to returne to their home , and to trouble you with no more sute , vnlesse you may be won by some other sort then your fathers imposition , depending on the Caskets .

Por.

If I liue to be as olde as Sibilla , I will die as chaste as Diana , vnlesse I bee obtained by the manner of my fathers will : I am glad this parcell of wooers are so reasonable , for there is not one among them but I dote on his very absence ; & I pray God grant them a faire departure .

Ner.

Do you not remember Lady in your fathers time , a Venetian Scholler and a Souldior that came hitherin company of the Marquesse of Mountferrat ?

Portia .

Yes , yes , it was Bassanio , as I thinke he was so call'd .

Ner.

True Maddam , he of all the men that euer my foolish eyes lookt vpon , was the best deseruing a faire Lady .

Por.

I remember him well , and I remember him worthy of thy praise .

How now , what newes ?

Enter a seruingman . Ser.

The foure strangers seeke for you Madame , to take their leaue ; and there is a fore-runner come from a fift , the Prince of Moroco , who brings word the Prince his Master will be heere to night .

Por.

If I could bid the fift welcome , with so good a heart as I can bid the other foure farwell , I should be glad of his approch : if he haue the condition of a Saint , and the complection of a diuell , I had rather he should shriue me then wiue me . Come Nerrissa , sirra go before : whiles we shut the gates vpon one wooer , another knocks at the doore .

Exeunt . Enter Bassanio , with Shylocke the Iew . Shy .

Three thousand ducats , well .

Bass .

I sir , for three months .

Shy .

For three moneths , well .

Bass .

For the which as I told you , Anthonio shall be bound .

Shy .

Anthonio shall become bound , well .

Bass . May you stead me ? Will you pleasure me ! Shall I know your answere ? Shy .

Three thousand ducats for three moneths , and Anthonio bound .

Bass .

Your answere to that .

Shy .

Anthonio is a good man .

Bass .

Haue you heard any imputation to the contrary ?

Shy .

Ho no , no , no , no : my meaning in saying hee is a good man , is to haue you vnderstand me , that he is sufficient , yet his meanes are in supposition : he hath an Argosie bound to Tripolis , another to the Indies , I vnderstand moreouer vpon the Ryalta , he hath a third at Mexico , a fourth for England , & other ventures he hath squandred abroad , but ships are but boards , Saylers but men ; there be land rats , and water rats , water theeues , and land theeues , I meane Pyrats , and then there is the perill of waters , windes , and rockes : the man is notwithstanding sufficient , three thousand ducats , I thinke I may take his bond .

Bass .

Be assured you may .

Shy .

I will be assured I may : and that I may be assured , I will bethinke me , may I speake with Anthonio ?

Bass .

If it please you to dine with vs .

Shy .

Yes , to smell porke , to eate of the habitation which your Prophet the Nazarite coniured the diuell into : I will buy with you , sell with you , talke with you , walke with you , and so following : but I will not eate with you , drinke with you , nor pray with you . What newes on the Ryalto , who is he comes heere ?

Enter Anthonio . Bass .

This is signiour Anthonio .

Shy . How like a fawning Publican he lookes . I hate him for he is a Christian : But more , for that in lowe simplicity He lends out mony gratis , and brings downe The rate of vsance heere with vs in Venice . If I can catch him once vpon the hip , I will feed fat the ancient grudge I beare him . He hates our sacred Nation , and he rayles Euen there where Merchants most do congregate , On me , my bargaines , and my well-won thrift , Which he cals interest : Cursed be my Tribe If I forgiue him . Bass . Shylocke , do you heare . Shy . I am debating of my present store , And by the neere guesse of my memory , I cannot instantly raise vp the grosse Of full three thousand ducats : what of that ? Tuball , a wealthy Hebrew of my Tribe , Will furnish me ; but soft , how many months Doe you desire ? Rest you faire good Signior , Your worship was the last man in our mouthes . Ant. Shylocke , although I neither lend nor borrow , By taking nor by giuing of excesse , Yet to supply the ripe wants of my friend , I le breake a custome : are you resolu'd , How much he would haue ? Shy . I , I , three thousand ducats . Ant. And for three moneths . Shy . I had forgot , three months , you told me so . Well then , your bond : and let me see , but heare you , Me-thought you said , you neither lend nor borrow Vpon aduantage . Ant. I do neuer vse it . Shy . When Iacob graz'd his Vnckle Labans sheepe , This Iacob from our holy Abram was ( As his wise Mother wrought in his behalfe ) The third possesser ; I , he was the third . Ant. And what of him , did he take interest ? Shy . No , not take interest , not as you would say Directly interest , marke what Iacob did , When Laban and himselfe were compremyzd , That all the canelings which were streakt and pied , Should fall as Iacobs hier , the Ewes being rancke , In th' end of Autume turned to the Rams , And when the worke of generation was Betweene these woolly breeders in the acte , The skilfull shepheard pyld me certaine wands , And in the doing of the deed of kinde , He stucke them vp before the fulsome Ewes , Who then conceiuing , did in eaning time Fall party-coloured lambes , and those were Iacobs . This was a way to thriue , and he was blest : And thrift is blessing if men steale it not . Ant. This was a venture sir , that Iacob ser'ud for , A thing not in his power to bring to passe , But swavd and fashion'd by the hand of heauen . Was this inserted to make interest good ? Or is your gold and siluer , Ewes and Rams ? Shy . I cannot tell , I make it breed as fast , But note me signior . Ant. Marke you this Bassanio , The diuell can cite Scripture for his purpose , An euill soule producing holy witnesse , Is like a villaine with a smiling cheeke , A goodly apple rotten at the heart . O what a goodly outside falshood hath . Shy . Three thousand ducats , t is a good round sum . Three months from twelue , then let me see the rate . Ant. Well Shylocke , shall we be beholding to you ? Shy . Signior Anthonio , many a time and oft In the Ryalto you haue rated me About my monies and my vsances : Still haue I borne it with a patient shrug , ( For sufferance is the badge of all our Tribe ) You call me misbeleeuer , cut-throate dog , And spet vpon my Iewish gaberdine , And all for vse of that which is mine owne . Well then , it now appeares you need my helpe : Goe to then , you come to me , and you say , Shylocke , we would haue monies , you say so : You that did voyd your rume vpon my beard , And foote me as you spurne a stranger curre Ouer your threshold , money is your sute , What should I say to you ? Should I not say , Hath a dog money ? is it possible A curre can lend three thousand ducats ? or Shall I bend low , and in a bond-mans key , With bated breath , and whispring humblenesse Say this : Faire sir , you spet on me on wendsday last , You spurn'd me such a day another time , You call'd me dog : and for these curtesies I le lend you thus much monies . Ant. I am as like to call thee so againe , To spet on thee againe , to spurne thee to . If thou wilt lend this money , lend it not As to thy friends , for when did friendship take A breed for barren mettall of his friend ? But lend it rather to thine enemy , Who if he breake , thou maist with better face Exact the penalty . Shy . Why looke you how you storme , I would be friends with you , and haue your loue , Forget the shames that you haue stain'd me with , Supply your present wants , and take no doyte Of vsance for my monies , and you 'l not heare me , This is kinde I offer . Bass . This were kindnesse . Shy . This kindnesse will I show , Goe with me to a Notarie , seale me there Your single bond , and in a merry sport , If you repay me not on such a day In such a place , such summe or summes as are Exprest in the condition , let the forfeit Be nominated for an equall pound Of your faire flesh , to be cut off and taken In what part of your body pleaseth me . Ant. Content ifaith , i le seale to such a bond , And say there is much kindnesse in the Iew. Bass . You shall not seale to such a bond for me , I le rather dwell in my necessity . An. Why feare not man , I will not forfet it , Within these two months , that 's a month before This bond expires , I do expect returne Of thrice three times the value of this bond . Shy . O father Abram , what these Christians are , Whose owne hard dealings teaches them suspect The thoughts of others : pray you tell me this , If he should breake his day , what should I gaine By the exaction of the forfeiture ? A pound of mans flesh taken from a man , Is not so estimable , profitable neyther As flesh of Muttons , Beefes , or Goats , I say , To buy his fauour , I extend this friendship , If he will take it so , if not adiew , And for my loue , I pray you wrong me not . Ant. Yes Shylocke , I will seale vnto this bond . Shy . Then meete me forthwith at the Noteries , Giue him direction for this merry bond , And I will goe and purse the ducats straight , See to my house , left in the fearefull guard Of an vnthrifty knaue ; and presently I le be with you . Exit . Ant.

Hie thee gentle Iew : the Hebrew will turne Christian , he growes so kinde .

Bass . I like not faire termes , and a villaines minde . Ant. Come on , in this there can be no dismay . My ships come home a month before the day . Exeunt Enter Morochus a tawny Moore all in white , and three or foure followers accordingly , with Portia , Nerrissa , & their traine . Moroc . Mislike me not for my complexion , The shadowed liuery of the burnisht sunne , To whom I am a neighbour , and neere bred . Bring the fairest creature North-ward borne , Where Phoebus fire scarse thawes the ysicles , And let vs make incision for your loue , To proue whose blood is reddest , his or mine . I tell thee Lady , this aspect of mine Hath fear'd the valiant ( by my Loue I sweare ) The best regarded virgins of our clime Hath lou'd it too : I would not change this hue , Except to steale your thoughts my gentle Queene . Por. In termes of choise I am not soly led By nice direction of a maydens eyes . Besides , the Lottry of my destiny Barres me the right of voluntary choosing : But if my father had not scanted me , And hedg'd me by his wit , to yeeld my selfe His wife , who winnes me by that meanes I told you , Your selfe ( renowned Prince ) than stood as faire As any commer I haue look'd on yet , For my affection . Mor. Euen for that I thanke you , Therefore I pray you leade me to the Caskets To try my fortune . By this Semitaur That slew the Sophy , and a Persian Prince , That wonne three fields of Sultan Solyman , I would out-stare the sternest eyes that looke : Out-braue the heart most daring on the earth : Plucke the yong sucking Cubs from the shee-Beare , Yea , mocke the Lyon when he tores for prey , To win the Lady . But alas , the while If Hercules and Lychas play at dice Which is the better man , the greater throw May turne by fortune from the weaker hand : So is Alcides beaten by his rage , And so may I , blinde fortune leading mee , Misse that which one vnworthier may attaine , And dye with greeuing . Portia . You must take your chance , And either not attempt to choose at all , Or swear before you choose , if you choose wrong , Neuer to speake to Lady afterward In way of marriage , therefore be aduisde . Mor. Nor will not , come bring me to my chance Por. First forward to the Temple , after dinner Your hazard shall be made . Mor. Good fortune then , To make me blest , or cursedst among men . Exeunt . Enter the Clowne alone . Clowne .

Certainly , my conscience will serue me to run from this Iew my master . The fiend is at mine elbow , and tempts me saying to mee , Gobbo , Lancelet Gobbo , good Lancelet , or good Gobbo , or good Lancelet Gobbo , vse your legges , take the starte , runne away : My Conscience sayes no ; take heed honest Lancelet , take heede honest Gobbo , or as aforesaide , honest Launcelet Gobbo , do not runne , scorne running with thy heeles . Well , the most couragious fiend bids me packe fia sayes the fiend , away sayes the fiend , for the heauens rouse vp a braue mind sayes the fiend , and runne . Well , my conscience hanging about the neck of my heart , sayes very wisely to me ; My honest friend Lancelet , being an honest mans sonne , or rather an honest womans sonne , for indeede my Father did something smack , something grow too , he had a kinde of taste : well , my conscience sayes bouge not ; bouge saies the fiend ; bouge not sayes my Conscience . Conscience say I you counsell well ; Fiend say I you counsell ill . To be rul'd by my Conscience , I should stay with the Iew my master , who ( God blesse the marke ) is a kinde of diuell ; and to runne away from the Iew , I should be rul'de by the fiend , who ( sauing your reuerence ) is the Diuell himselfe . Certainly the Iew is the very diuell incarnall , and in my conscience , my conscience is but a kinde of hard conscience , to offer to counsell me to stay with the Iew. The fiende giues the more friendly counsaile , I will run fiend , my heeles are at your command , I will run .

Enter old Gobbo with a Basket . Gobbo .

Master yong man , you I pray you , which is the way to Master Iewes ?

Lance.

O heauens , this is my true begotten Father , who being more then sand blind , high grauell blinde , knowes me not , I will try conclusions with him .

Gobbo .

Master yong Gentleman , I pray you which is the way to master Iewes ?

Lance.

Turne vp on your right hand at the next turning , but at the next turning of all on your left ; marry at the verie nexte turning turne of no hand , but turne downe indirectly vnto the Iewes house .

Gobbo .

Be Gods sonties t will bee a hard way to hit , can you tell me whither one Lancelet that dwels with him , dwell with him , or no ?

Lancelet .

Talke you of young master Lancelet ? Marke mee now , now will I raise the waters :

Talke you of yong M. Lancelet ?

Gobbo . No master sir , but a poore mans sonne . His Father ( though I say it ) Is an honest exceeding poore man , And God be thanked , well to liue . Lancelet .

Well , let his Father be what a will , we talk of yong Master Launcelet .

Gob.

Your worships friend , and Lancelet sir .

Lan.

But I pray you ergo olde man , ergo I beseech you , talke you of yong M. Lancelet .

Gob ,

Of Lancelet an 't please your mastership .

Lan.

Ergo master Lancelet , talke not of maister Lancelet Father ; for the yong Gentleman according to fates and destinies , and such odd sayings , the sisters three , and such braunches of learning , is indeed deceased , or as you would say in plain terms , gone to heauen .

Gob.

Marry God forbid , the boy was the verie staffe of my age , my very prop.

Lance.

Do I looke like a cudgell or a houell poste , a staffe , or a prop : do you know me Father .

Gob.

A lacke the day , I know you not yong Gentleman , but I pray you tell mee , is my boy ( GOD rest his soule ) aliue or dead .

Lance.

Do you not know me Father ?

Gob.

Alacke sir , I am sand blinde , I know you not .

Lan.

Nay , in deede if you had your eyes you might faile of the knowing me : it is a wise Father that knowes his own child . Well , olde man , I will tell you newes of your sonne , giue mee your blessing ; Trueth will come to light , Murther cannot be hidde long , a mans sonne may , but at the length trueth will out .

Gobbo .

Pray you sir stand vp , I am sure you are not Launcelet my boy .

Lance.

Pray you let 's haue no more fooling about it , but giue me your blessing ; I am Lancelot your boy that was , your son that is , your child that shall be .

Gob.

I cannot thinke you are my sonne .

Lance.

I know not what I shall thinke of that , but I am Lancelet the Iews man , and I am sure Margery your wife is my mother .

Gob.

Her name is Margery indeede , i le be sworne if thou bee Lancelet , thou art mine owne flesh and blood : Lord worshipt might he be , what a beard hast thou got ? thou hast got more haire on thy chin , then Dobbin my pilhorse has on his tale .

Lan.

It should seeme then that Dobbins taile growes backward . I am sure he had more haire of his tayle then I haue of my face , when I last saw him .

Gob.

Lord how art thou chang'd : how doest thou and thy Master agree ? I haue brought him a present ; how agree you now ?

Lance.

Well , well , but for mine owne part , as I haue set vp my rest to runne away , so I will not rest till I haue run some ground ; My master 's a very Iew , giue him a present , giue him a halter , I am famisht in his seruice . You may tell euery finger I haue with my ribs : Father I am glad you are come , giue me your present to one Master Bassanio , who indeed giues rare new liueries , if I serue not him , I will runne as farre as God has any ground . O rare fortune , here comes the man , to him Father , for I am a Iew if I serue the Iew any longer .

Enter Bassanio with a follower or two . Bass .

You may doe so , but let it be so hasted that supper be ready at the farthest by fiue of the clocke : see these Letters deliuered , put the Lyueries to making , and desire Gratiano to come anon to my lodging .

Exit one of his men . Lance.

To him Father .

Gob.

God blesse your Worship .

Bass .

Gramercy , wouldst thou ought with me ?

Gob.

Here 's my sonne sir , a poore boy .

Lance.

Not a poore boy sir , but the rich Iewes man that wold sir , as my father shall specifie .

Gob.

He hath a great infection sir , as one would say to serue .

Lance.

Indeed the short and the long is , I serue the Iew , and haue a desire as my Father shall specifie .

Gob.

His Master and he ( sauing your worships reuerence ) are scarse catercosins .

Lan.

To be briefe , the very truth is , that the Iew hauing don me wrong , doth cause me as my Father , being I hope , an olde man , shall frutifie vnto you .

Gob.

I haue heere a dish of Doues that I would bestow vpon your worship : and my sute is —

Lan.

In very briefe , the sute is impertinent to my selfe , as your worship shal know by this honest old man , and though I say it , though old man , yet poore man my father .

Bass .

One speake for both , what would you ?

Lan.

Serue you sir .

Gob.

That is the verie defect of the matter sir .

Bass . I know thee well , thou hast obtain'd thy sute , Shylocke thy master spoke with me this day , And hath preferr'd thee , if it be preferment To leaue a rich Iewes seruice , to become The follower of so poore a Gentleman . Lan.

The old Prouerbe is very well parted between my master Shylock and you sir , You haue the grace of God sir , and hee hath enough .

Bass . Thou speakst it well . Go Father with thy sonne , Take leaue of thy old master , and enquire My Lodging out . Giue him a Liuery More garded then his fellowes , see it done . Lan.

Father in , I cannot get a seruice , no , I ha nere a tongue in my head . Well , if any man in Italy haue a fairer table which doth offer to sweare vppon a booke , I shall haue good fortune . Go too , heere 's a simple line of life , here 's a smal trifle of wiues : Alas , fifteene wiues is nothing , eleuen Widdowes and nine maids , is a simple comming in for one man , and then to escape drowning thrice , and to be in perill of my life with the edge of a feather-bed , heere are simple scapes : well , if Fortune bee a woman , shee 's a good wench for this geere . Father , come , i le take my leaue of the Iew in the twinkling of an eye .

Exit Clowne . Bass . I pray thee good Leonardo thinke on this , These things being bought , and orderly bestow'd , Returne in hast , for I do feast to night , My best esteem'd acquaintance , hie thee , go . Leon. My best endeuors shall be done heerein . Exit Enter Gratiano . Gra.

Where 's your Master .

Leon.

Yonder sir he walkes .

Gra.

Signior Bassanio .

Bass .

Gratiano ?

Gra.

I haue a sute to you .

Bass .

You haue obtain'd it .

Gra.

You must not deny me , I must go with you to Belmont .

Bass . Why then you must . But heare thee Gratiano , Thou art too wilde , too rude , and bold of voice , Parts that become thee happily enough , And in such eies as ours appeare not faults , But where thou art not knowne . Why there they shew Something too lib'rall : prethee take paine To allay with some cold drops of modestie Thy skipping spirit , lest through thy wilde behauiour I be misconstred in the place I go to , And lose my hopes . Gra. Signior Bassanio , heare me : If I do not put on a sober habite , Talke with respect , and sweare but now and than ; Weare prayer bookes in my pocket , looke demurely , Nay more , while Grace is saying , hood mine eies Thus with my hat , and sigh , and say Amen : Vse all the obseruance of ciuility , Like one well studied in a sad ostent To please his Grandam , neuer trust me more . Bass . Well , we shall see your bearing . Gra. Nay but I barre to night , you shall not gage me By what we do to night . Bass . No that were pitty , I would entreate you rather to put on Your boldest sute of mirth , for we haue friends That purpose merriment : but faryewell , I haue some businesse . Gra. And I must to Lorenzo and the rest , But we will visite you at supper time . Exeunt . Enter Iessica and the Clowne . Iessica . I am sorry thou wilt leaue my Father so , Our house is hell , and thou a merry diuell Didst rob it of some taste of tediousnesse , But fare thee well , there is a ducat for thee , And Lancelet , soone at supper shalt thou see Lorenzo , who is thy new Masters guest , Giue him this Letter , do it secretly , And so farwell : I would not haue my Father See me in talke with thee . Lance.

Adew , teares exhibite my tongue , most beautifull Pagan , most sweete Iew , if a Christian doe not play the knaue and get thee , I am much deceiued ; but adew , these foolish drops do something drowne my manly spirit : adieu .

Exit . Iessica . Farwell good Lancelet . Alacke , what heynous sinne is it in me , To be asham'd to be my fathers childe , But though I am a daughter to his blood , I am not to his manners : O Lorenzo , If thou keepe promise , I shall end this strife , Become a Christian , and thy louing wife . Exit . Enter Gratiano , Lorenzo , Salarino , and Salanio . Loren. Nay , we will slinke away in supper time , Disguise vs at my lodging and returne all in an houre . Gra. We haue not made good preparation . Salar . We haue not spoke vs yet of Torch-bearers , Salanio . T is vile , vnlesse it may be quaintly ordered , And better in my minde not vndertooke . Loren. T is now but foure a clocke , we haue two houres Enter Lancelet . To furnish vs ; friend Lancelet , what 's the newes ? Lan. If it please you to breake vp this , it shall seeme to signifie . Loren. I know the hand , in faith t is a faire hand , And whiter then the paper it writ on , Is the faire hand that writ . Grat. Loue newes , in faith . Lance. By your leaue sir . Loren. Whither goest thou ? Lance.

Marry sir , to bid my olde Master the Iew to sup to night with my new Master the Christian .

Loren. Hold here take this , tell gentle Iessica , I will not fayle her , speake it priuately . Goe Gentlemen , will you prepare for this maske to night , I am prouided of a Torch-bearer . Exit Clowne . Salar . I marry , i le be gone about it straight . Salan . And so will I. Loren. Meete me and Gratiano at Gratianos lodging , Some houre hence . Salar . T is good we do so . Exit . Grat. Was not that Letter from faire Iessica ? Loren. I must needs tell thee all , she hath directed How I shall take her from her Fathers house , What gold and iewels she is furnisht with , What Pages sute she hath in readinesse , If ere the Iew her father come to heauen , It will be for his gentle daughters sake , And neuer dare misfortune crosse her foote , Vnlesse she do it vnder this excuse , That she is issue to a faithlesse Iew : Come goe with me , peruse this as thou goest , Faire Iessica shall be my Torch-bearer . Exits Enter the Iew and Lancelet . Shy . Well , thou shalt see , thy eyes shall be thy iudge , The diffrence of old Shylocke and Bassanio ; What Iessica , thou shalt not gourmandize As thou hast done with me : what Iessica ? And sleepe , and snore , and rend apparrell out . Why Iessica I say . Clowne . Why Iessica . Shy . Who bids thee call ? I do not bid thee call . Clo.

Your worship was wont to tell me , that I could do nothing without bidding .

Enter Iessica . Ies . Call you ? what is your will ? Shy . I am bid forth to supper Iessica , There are my keyes ; but wherefore should I go ? I am not bid for loue , they flatter me , But yet i le go in hate , to feede vpon The prodigall Christian . Iessica my gyrle , Looke to my house . I am right loth to go , There is some ill a bruing towards my rest , For I did dreame of money bagges to night . Clowne . I beseech you sir go , My yong Master doth expect your reproch . Shy . So do I his . Clown .

And they haue conspired together , I will not say you shall see a Maske ; but if you doe , then it was not for nothing that my nose fell a bleeding on black monday last , at six a clock in the morning , falling out that yeare on Ashwensday was four yeare in th' afternoone .

Shy . What , are there maskes ? Heare me Iessica : Locke vp my doores , and when you heare the drumme , And the vile squeaking of the wry-neckt Fife , Clamber not you vp to the Casements then , Nor thrust your head into the publike streete , To gaze on Christian fooles with varnisht faces : But stop my houses eares , I meane my Casements , Let not the sound of shallow foppery enter My sober house . By Iacobs staffe I sweare , I haue no minde of feasting forth to night : But I will go . Go you before me sirra , Say I will come . Clowne . I will go before sir . Mistresse looke out at a window for all this , There will come a Christian by , Will be worth a Iewes eye . Shy . What sayes that foole of Hagars off-spring ? ha . Ies . His words were , Farewell mistris , nothing else . Shy . The patch is kinde enough , but a huge feeder , Snaile-slow in profit , and he sleepes by day More then the wilde Cat : Drones hiue not with me , Therefore I part with him , and part with him To one , that I would haue him helpe to waste His borrowed purse . Well Iessica goe in , Perhaps I will returne immediately , Do as I bid you , shut doores after you , Fast binde , fast finde , A Prouerbe neuer stale in thrifty minde . Exit Ies . Farewell , and if my fortune be not crost , I haue a Father , you a daughter lost . Exit . Enter the maskers , Gratiano and Salarino . Gra. This is the pent-house vnder which Lorenzo desir'd vs to make stand . Sal. His houre is almost past . Gra. And it is meruaile he out-dwels his houre , For louers euer run before the clocke . Sal. O ten times faster Venus pigeons flye To seale loues bonds new made , then they are wont To keepe obliged faith vnforfaited . Gra. That euer holds : who riseth from a feast With that keene appetite that he sits downe ? Where is the horse that doth vntreade againe His tedious measures , with the vnbated fire That he did pace them first ? All things that are , Are with more spirit chased then enioy'd . How like a younger or a prodigall , The skarfed Barke puts from her natiue bay , Hugd and embraced by the strumpet winde , How like the prodigall doth she returne With ouer-wetherd ribs and ragged sayles , Leane , rent , and beggerd by the strumpet wind ? Enter Lorenzo . Sal. Here comes Lorenzo , more of this hereafter . Lo. Sweet friends , your patience for my long abode Not I , but my affaires haue made you waite : When you shal please to play the theeues for wiues I le watch as long for you then : approch , Here dwels my father Iew. Ho , whose within ? Iessica aboue . Iess . Who are you ? tell me for more certainty , Albeit I le sweare that I do know your tongue . Lor. Lorenzo and thy loue . Iess . Lorenzo certaine , and my loue indeed , For who loue I so much ? and now who knowes But you Lorenzo , whether I am yours ? Lo. Heauen & thy thoghts are witnes that thou art Iess . Here , catch this Casket , t is worth the paines , I am glad t is night you do not looke on me , For I am much asham'd of my exchange : But loue is blinde , and louers cannot see The pretty follies that themselues commit , For if they could , Cupid himselfe would blush To see me thus transformed to a boy . Lor. Descend , for you must be my torch-bearer . Iess . What , must I hold a Candle to my shames , They in themselues goodsooth are too too light . Why t is an office of discouery , Loue , And I should be obscur'd . Lor. So are you sweete , Euen in the louely garnish of a boy , But come at once , for the close night Doth play the run-away , And we are staid for at Bassanios feast . Iess . I will make fast the doores , and guild my selfe With some mo ducats , and be with you straight . Grat. Now by my hood , a Gentile and no Iew. Lor. Beshrew me but I loue her hartily , For she is wise , if I can iudge of her , And faire she is , if that mine eyes be true , And true she is , as she hath proo'ud herselfe , And therefore like herselfe , wise , faire and true , Shall she be placed in my constant soule . Enter Iessica . What , art thou come ? on gentlemen , away , Our masking mates by this time for vs stay . Exit . Enter Anthonio . Ant. Who 's there ? Gra. Signior Anthonio . Ant. Fie , fie Gratiano , where are all the rest ? T is nine a clocke , our friends all stay for you , No maske to night , the winde is come about , Bassanio presently will goe aboard , I am glad on 't , I desire no more delight Then to be vnder sayle , & gone to night . Exeunt . Enter Portia with Morrocho , and both their traines . Por. Goe , draw aside the Curtaines , and discouer The seuerall Caskets to this noble Prince : Now make your choise . Mor. The first of gold , who this inscription beares , Who chooseth me , shall gaine what many men desire . The second siluer , which this promise carries , Who chooseth me , shall get as much as he deserues . This third dull lead , with warning all as blunt , Who chooseth me , must giue and hazard all he hath . How shall I know if I do choose the right ? Por. The one of them containes my picture Prince , If you choose that , then I am yours withall . Mor. Some God direct my iudgement , let me see , I will suruay th' inscriptions backe againe , What sayes this leaden Casket ? Who chooseth me , must giue and hazard all he hath , Must giue , for what ? for lead , hazard for lead ? This Casket threatens men that hazard all , Doe it in hope of faire aduantages : A golden minde stoopes not to showes of drosse , I le then nor giue nor hazard ought for lead . What sayes the siluer with her virgine hue ? Who chooseth me , shall get as much as he deserues . As much as he deserues , pause there Morocho , And weigh thy value with an eeuen hand , If thou beest rated by thy estimation , Thou dost deserue enough , and yet enough May not extend so farre as to the Lady ; And yet to be afeard of my deseruing , Were but a weake disabling of my selfe . As much as I deserue , why that 's the Lady , I do in birth deserue her , and in fortunes , In graces , and in qualities of breeding : But more then these , in loue I do deserue . What if I straid no farther , but chose here ? Let 's see once more this saying grau'd in gold : Who chooseth me , shall gaine what many men desire : Why that 's the Lady , all the world desires her . From the foure corners of the earth they come To kisse this shrine , this mortall breathing Saint . The Hircanion deserts , and the vasty wildes Of wide Arabia , are as through-fares now For Princes to come view faire Portia . The watry Kingdome , whose ambitious head Spets in the face of heauen , is no barre To stop the forraine spirits , but they come As ore a brooke to see faire Portia . One of these three containes her heauenly picture . It 's like that leade containes her , t' were damnation To thinke so base a thought , it were too grosse To rib her sere-cloth in the obscure graue , Or shall I thinke in siluer shee 's immur'd , Being ten times vnder-valewed to tride gold , O sinfull thought , neuer so rich a Iem Was set in worse then gold . They haue in England A coyne that beares the figure of an Angell Stampt in gold , but that 's insculpt vpon : But heere an Angell in a golden bed Lies all within . Deliuer me the key : Heere do I choose , and thriue I as I may . Por. There take it Prince , and if my forme lie there , Then I am yours . Mor. O hell ! what haue we heere , a carrion death ? Within whose empty eye there is a written scroule , I le reade the writing . All that glisters is not gold , Often haue you heard that told , Many a man his life hath solde , But my out side to behold , Guilded timber do wormes infold : Had you bene as wise as bold , Young in limbes , in iudgement old , Your answere had not beene inscrolde , Fare you well , your sute is cold . Mor. Cold indeed , and labour lost , Then farwell heate , and welcome frost : Portia adiew , I haue too greeu'd a heart To take a tedious leaue ; thus losers part . Exit . Por. A gentle riddance , draw the curtaines , goe , Let all of his complection choose me so . Exeunt . Enter Enter Salarino and Salanio . Salar . Why man , I saw Bassanio vnder sayle , With him is Gratiano gone along ; And in their ship I me sure Lorenzo is not . Salan . The villaine Iew with outcries raisde the Duke , Who went with him to search Bassanios ship . Salar . He came too late , the ship was vnder saile , But there the Duke was giuen to vnderstand , That in a Gondylo were seene together Lorenza and his armorous Iessica . Besides Anthonio certified the Duke , They were not with Bassanio in his ship . Salan . I neuer heard a passion so confused , So strange , outragious , and so variable , As the Dog Iew did vtter in the streetes , My daughter , O my ducats , O my daughter , Fled with a Christian , O my christian ducats . Iustice , the law , my ducats , and my daughter . A sealed bag , two sealed bags of ducats , Of double ducats , stolne from me by my daughter , And iewels , two stones , two rich & precious stones , Stolne by my daughter : iustice , finde the gyrle , She hath the stones vpon her , and the ducats . Salar . Why all the boyes in Venice follow him , Crying his stones , his daughter , and his ducats . Salan . Let good Anthonio looke he keep his day , Or he shall pay for this . Salar . Marry well remembred , I reason'd with a Frenchman yesterday , Who told me , in the narrow seas that part The French and English , there miscarried A vessell of our country richly fraught : I thought vpon Anthonio when he told me , And wisht in silence that it were not his . Salan . You were best to tell Anthonio what you heare , Yet do not sodainely , for it may greeue him . Salar . A kinder Gentleman treades not the earth , I saw Bassanio and Anthonio part : Bassanio told him he would make some speede Of his returne : he answered , do not so , Slubber not businesse for my sake Bassanio , But stay the very riping of the time , And for the Iewes bond which he hath of me , Let it not enter in your minde of loue : Be merry , and employ your cheefest thoughts To Courtship , and such faire ostents of loue , As shall conueniently become you there . And euen there his eye being bigge with teares , Turning his face , he put his hand behinde him ; And with affection wondrous sensible , He wrung Bassanios hand , and so they parted . Salan . I thinke he onely loues the world for him : I prethee let vs goe and finde him out , And quicken his embraced heauinesse , With some delight or other . Salar . Do we so . Exeunt Enter Nerrissa and a Seruitor . Ner. Quicke , quicke , I pray thee , draw the Curtain straite , The Prince of Arragon hath tane his oath , And comes to his election presently . Enter Arragon , his traine , and Portia . Por. Behold , there stand the Caskets Noble Prince , If you choose that wherein I am contain'd , Straight shall our nuptiall rights be solemniz'd : But if you faile , without more speech my Lord , You must be gone from hence immediately . Arra . I am enioyn'd by oath to obserue three things . First , neuer to vnfold to any one Which Casket t was I chose . Next , if I faile Of the right Casket , neuer in my life To woe a maide in way of marriage : Lastly , if I do faile in fortune of my choise , Immediately to leaue you , and be gone . Por. To these iniunctions euery one doth sweare , That comes to hazard for my worthlesse selfe . Arr. And so haue I addrest me , fortune now To my hearts hope : Gold , Siluer , and base Lead . Who chooseth me , must giue and hazard all he hath . You shall looke fairer ere I giue or hazard . What sayes the golden Chest ? ha , let me see , Who chooseth me , shall gaine what many men desire . What many men desire , that many may be meant By the foole-multitude , that chuse by show : Not learning more then the fond eye doth teach , Which pries not to th' interiour ; but like the Martlet , Builds in the weather on the outward wall , Euen in the force and rode of casualty . I will not chuse what many men desire , Because I will not iumpe with common spirits , And ranke me with the barbarous multitudes . Why then to thee thou Siluer treasure house , Tell me once more what title thou dost beare : Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserues . And well said too , for who shall go about To cosen Fortune , and be honourable Without the stampe of merit , let none presume To weare an vndeserued dignity : O that estates , degrees , and offices , Were not deriu'd corruptly , and that cleare honor Were purchac'd by the merit of the wearer , How many then should couer , that stand bare ? How many be commanded , that command ? How much low pezantry would then be gleaned From the true seede of honor ? And how much honor , Pickt from the chaffe and ruine of the times To be new vernish'd ? well , but to my choise , Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserues . I will assume desert . Giue me a key for this , And instantly vnlocke my fortunes heere . Por. Too long a pause for that which you finde there . Arrag . What 's heere , the portrait of a blinking Ideot , Presenting me a sedule ? I will reade it . How much vnlike art thou to Portia ? How much vnlike my hopes , and my deseruings . Who chooseth me shall haue as much as he deserues . Did I deserue no more then a fooles head ? Is that my prize ? Are my deserts no better ? Por. To offend and iudge are distinct offices , And of opposed Natures . Arrag . What heere ? Hee reads . The fire seuen times tried this : Seuen times tried that iudgement is , That did neuer choose amis . Some there be that shadowes kis , Such haue but a shadowes blis : There be fooles aliue I wis , Siluer'd o're , and so was this . Take what wife you will to bed , I will euer be your head : So be gone , you are sped . Still more foole I shall appeere , By the time I linger heere , With one fooles head I came to woe , But I go away with two . Sweet adieu , I le keepe my oath , Patiently to beare my wroath . Portia . Thus hath the candle sing'd the Moth. O these deliberate fooles , when they do choose , They haue their wisedome , by their wit to loose . Ner. The ancient saying is no heresie , Hanging and wiuing goes by destiny . Por. Come draw the Curtaine Nerrissa . Enter a Messenger . Mess. Where is my Lady ? Por. Heere , what would my Lord ? Mess. Madam , there is a-lighted at your gate A yong Venetian , one that comes before To signifie th' approching of his Lord , From whom he bringeth sensible regreets ; To wit ( besides commends and courteous breath ) Gifts of rich valew ; yet I haue not seene So likely an Embassador of loue . A day in Aprill neuer came so sweet , To shew how costly Summer was at hand , As this fore-spurrer comes before his Lord . Por. No more I pray thee , I am halfe a-fear'd Thou wilt say anon he is some kin to thee , Thou spendst such high day wit in praising him : Come , come Nerrissa , for I long to see Quicke Cupids post that comes so mannerly . Ner. Bassanio Lord , loue if thy will it be . Exit . Enter Salanio and Salarino . Salan .

Now , what newes on the Ryalto ?

Salar .

Why yet it liues there vncheckt , that Anthonio hath a ship of rich lading wrackt on the narrowe seas ; the Goodwins I thinke they call the place , a very dangerous flat , & fatal , wher the carkasses of many a tall shippe lie buried , as they say , if my gossips report be an honest woman of her word .

Salan .

I would shee were as a lying gossippe in that , as euer knapt Ginger , or made her neighbors beleeue she wept for the death of a third husband : but it is true , without any slippes of prolixity , or crossing the plaine highway of talk , that the good Anthonio , the honest Anthonio , O that I had a title good inough to keepe his name company .

Salar .

Come , the full stop .

Sal.

Ha , what saist thou ? why the end is , he hath lost a ship .

Salar .

I would it might proue the end of his losses .

Salan .

Let me say Amen betimes , least the deuill crosse my prayer , for heere he comes in the likenesse of a Iew .

Enter Shylocke .

How now Shylocke , what newes among the Marchants ?

Shy . You know , none so well , none so well as you , Of my daughters flight . Salar . That 's certaine , I for my part knew the Taylor That made the wings she flew withall . Salan .

And Shylocke for his owne part knew the Birde was fledg'd , and then it is the complexion of them all to leaue the Dam.

Shy .

She is damn'd for it .

Salar .

That 's certaine , if the diuell may be her iudge .

Shy .

My owne flesh and blood to rebell .

Salan .

Out vpon it old carrion , rebels it at these yeares .

Shy .

I say my daughter is my flesh and blood .

Salar .

There is more difference betweene thy flesh and hirs , then betweene Iet and Iuory : more between your bloods , then there is between red wine & rennish : but tell vs , do you heare , whether Anthonio haue had at losse a sea or no ?

Shy .

There I haue another bad match , a bankrout , a prodigal , who dare scarse shew his head on the Ryalto , a begger that was vsd to come so smug vpon the Mart : let him looke to his bond : he was wont to call me vsurer , let him looke to his bond ; he was wont to lend money for a Christian curtsie , let him looke to his bond .

Salar .

Why I am sure if he forfet , thou wilt not take his flesh , what 's that good for ?

Shyl.

To baite fish withall ; if it will feede nothing els it will feed my reuenge : he hath disgrac'd me , and hindred me halfe a million , laught at my losses , mockt at my gaines , scorned my nation , thwarted my bargaines , cooled my friendes , heated mine enemies , and what 's his reason , I am a Iewe. Hath nos a Iewe eyes ? hath not a Iew hands ? organs , dimensions , senses , affections , passions ? fed with the same food ? hurt with the same weapons ? subiect to the same diseases ? healed by the same meanes ? warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer , as a Christian is ? If you pricke vs , do we not bleede ? If you tickle vs , do we not laugh ? If you poyson vs , do wee not dye ? And if you wrong vs , shall we not reuenge ? If wee are like you in the rest , we will resemble you in that . If a Iew wrong a Christian , what is his humility , Reuenge ? If a Christian wrong a Iewe , what should his sufferance be by Christian example , why Reuenge ? The villany you teach me I will execute , and it shall goe hard , but I will better the instruction .

Enter a man from Anthonio .

Gentlemen , my master Anthonio is at his house , and desires to speake with you both .

Salar .

We haue bene vp and downe to seeke him .

Enter Tuball . Salan .

Here comes another of the Tribe , a third cannot bee matcht , vnlesse the diuell himselfe turne Iew.

Exeunt Gentlemen . Shy .

How now Tuball , what newes from Genowa ? hast thou found my daughter ?

Tuball .

I often came where I did heare of her , but cannot finde her .

Shy .

Why there , there , there , there , a Diamond gone cost me two thousand ducats in Frankford . The curse neuer fell vpon our Nation till now , I neuer felt it till now : two thousande ducats in that , and other precious precious iewels . I would my daughter were dead at my foote , and the iewels in her eare : O would shee were hearst at my foote , and the ducats in her coffin . No newes of them , why so : and I know not what s spent in the search : why thou losse vpon losse , the theefe gone with so much , and so much to finde the Theefe , and no satisfaction , no reuenge , nor no ill lucke stirring but what lights on my shoulders , no sighes but of my breathing , no teares but of my shedding .

Tuball .

Yes , other men haue ill luck too , Anthonio as I heard in Genoway .

Shy .

What , what , what ill lucke , ill lucke ?

Tuball .

Hath an Argosie cast away comming from Tripolis .

Shy .

I thanke God , I thanke God , is t true ? is t true ?

Tuball .

I spoke with some of the Saylers that escaped the wracke .

Shy .

I thanke the good Tuball , good newes , good newes : ha ha , heere in Genoway .

Tuball .

Your daughter spent in Genoway , as I heard , in one night , fourescore ducats .

Shy .

Thou stick'st a dagger in me , I shall neuer see my golde againe ; fourescore ducates at a sitting ! Fourescore ducats !

Tuball .

There came diuers of Anthonios Creditours in my company vnto Venice , that sweare that hee cannot choose but breake .

Shy .

I am very glad of it , i le plague him , i le torture him , I am glad on 't .

Tuball .

One of them shewed me a ring that hee had of your daughter for a Monkey .

Shy .

Out vpon her : thou tortur'st me Tuball , it was my Turkies , I had it of Leah when I was a Batchellor . I would not haue giuen it for a wildernesse of Monkies .

Tuball .

But Anthonio is certainly vndone .

Shy .

Nay , that 's true , that 's very true : go Tuball , fee mee an Officer , bespeake him a fortnight before , I will haue the heart of him if he forfeit . For were he out of Venice I can make what merchandize I will go : go Tuball , and meete me at our Synagogue , go good Tuball , at our Synagogue Tuball .

Exeunt Enter Bassanio , Portia , Gratiano , and all their Traines . Por. I pray you tarry , pause a day or two Before you hazard : for in choosing wrong I loose your company , therefore forbeare a while , There 's something tels me ( but it is not loue ) I would not lose you , and you know your selfe , Hate counsels not in such a quality . But least you should not vnderstand me well , And yet a maiden hath no tongue , but thought , I would detaine you heere some moneth or two Before you venture for me . I could teach you How to choose right , but I am then forsworne , So will I neuer be , so may you misse me , But if you do , you 'l make me wish a sinne , That I had bene forsworne . Beshrew your eyes , They haue ore lookt me , and diuided me , One halfe of me is yours , the other halfe yours , Mine owne I would say ; but if mine then yours , And so all yours . O these naughty times Puts barres betweene the owners and their rights . And so though yours , not yours ( proue it so ) Let fortune go to hell for it , not I. I speake too long , but t is to peize the time , To eck it , and to draw out in length , To stay you from election . Bass . Let me choose , For as I am , I liue vpon the racke . Por. Vpon the racke Bassanio , then confesse What treason there is mingled with your loue . Bass . None but that vgly treason of mistrust , Which makes me feare th' inioying of my loue , There may as well be amity and life Tweene snow and fire , as treason and my loue . Por. I but I feare you speake vpon the racke , Where men enforced do speake any thing . Bass . Promise me life , and i le confesse the truth , Por. Well then , confesse and liue . Bass . Confesse and loue , Had bene the very sum of my confession : O happy torment , when my torturer Doth teach me answeres for deliuerance : But let me to my fortune and the Caskets . Portia . Away then , I am lockt in one of them , If you do loue me , you will finde me out . Nerrissa and the rest , stand all aloofe , Let musicke sound while he doth make his choise , Then if he lose , he makes a Swan-like end , Fading in musicke . That the comparison May stand more proper , my eye shall be the streame And watry death-bed for him : he may win , And what is musicke then ? Then musicke is Euen as the flourish , when true subiects bow To a new crownd Monarch : Such it is , As are those dulcet sounds in breake of day , That creepe into the dreaming Bridegroomes eare , And summon him to marriage . Now he goes With no lesse presence , but with much more loue Then young Alcides , when he did redeeme The virgin tribute , payd by howling Troy , To the sea-monster : I stand for sacrifice , The rest aloofe are the Dardanian wiues , With bleared visages come foorth to view The issue of th' exploit : Goe Hercules , Liue thou , I liue with much more dismay To view the fight , then thou that mak'st the fray . A song , the whilst Bassanio comments on the Caskets to himselfe . Tell me where is fancy bred , Or in the heart , or in the head ? How begot , how nourished ? Replis , reply . It is engendered in the eye , With gazing fed , and Fancie dies : In the cradle where it lyes , Let vs all ring Fancies knell . I le begin it . Ding , dong , bell . All. Ding , dong , bell . Bass . So may the outward showes be least themselues The world is still deceiu'd with ornament . In Law , what plea so tainted and corrupt , But being season'd with a gracious voice , Obscures the show of euill . In religion What damned error but some sober brow Will blesse it , and approue it with a text , Hiding the grosenes with faire ornament : There is no voice so simple , but assumes Some of vertue on his outward parts ; How many cowards whose hearts are all as false As staiers of sand , weare yet vpon their chins The beards of Hercules , and frowning Mars , Who inward searcht , haue lyuers white as milke , And these assume but valours excrement , To render them redoubted . Looke on beauty , And you shall see t is purchast by the weight , Which therein works a miracle in nature , Making them lightest that weare most of it : So are those crisped snaky golden locks Which maketh such wanton gambals with the wind , Vpon supposed fairenesse , often knowne To be the dowry of a second head , The skull that bred them in the Sepulcher . Thus ornament is but the guiled shore To a most dangerous sea : the beautious scarfe Vailing an Indian beauty ; In a word , The seeming truth which cunning times put on To intrap the wisest . Therefore thou gaudy gold , Hard foole for Midas , I will none of thee , Nor none of thee , thou pale and common drudge Tweene man and man : but thou , thou meager lead , Which rather threatnest then dost promise ought , Thy palenesse moues me more then eloquence , And heere choose I , ioy be the consequence . Por. How all the other passions fleet to ayre , As doubtfull thoughts , and rash imbrac'd despaire : And shyddring feare , and greene-eyed iealousie . O loue be moderate , allay thy extasie , In measure range thy ioy , scant this excesse , I feele too much thy blessing , make it lesse , For feare I surfet . Bass . What finde I heere ? Faire Portias counterfeit . What demy God Hath come so neere creation ? moue these eyes ? Or whither riding on the ball 's of mine Seeme they in motion ? Heere are seuerd lips Parted with suger breath , so sweet a barre Should sunder such sweet friends : heere in her haires The painter playes the Spider , and hath wouen A golden mesh t' intrap the hearts of men Faster then gnats in cobwebs , but her eyes , How could he see to do them ? hauing made one , Me-thinks it should haue power to steale both his , And leaue it selfe vnfurnisht : yet looke how farre The substance of my praise doth wrong this shadow In vnderprizing it , so farre this shadow Doth limpe behind the substance . Heer 's the scroule , The continent and summary of my fortune . You that choose not by the view , Chance as faire , and choose as true : Since this fortune fals to you , Be content , and seeke no new . If you be well pleas'd with this , And hold your fortune for your blisse , Turne you where your Lady is , And claime her with a louing kisse . A gentle scroule : Faire Lady , by your leaue , I come by note to giue , and to receiue ; Like one of two contending in a prize , That thinks he hath done well in peoples eyes ; Hearing applause and vniuersall shout , Giddy in spirit , still gazing in a doubt , Whether those pearles of praise be his or no. So thrice faire Lady , stand I euen so , As doubtfull whether what I see be true , Vntill confirm'd , sign'd , ratified by you . Por. You see me Lord Bassanio where I stand , Such as I am ; though for my selfe alone I would not be ambitious in my wish , To wish my selfe much better , yet for you , I would be trebled twenty times my selfe , A thousand times more faire , ten thousand times More rich , that onely to stand high in your account , I might in vertues , beauties , liuings , friends , Exceed account : but the full summe of me Is summe of something ; which to terme in grosse , Is an vnlesson'd gyrle , vnschool'd , vnpractised , Happy in this , she is not yet so old But she may learne : happier then this , She is not bred so dull , but she can learne ; Happiest of all , is that her gentle spirit Commits it selfe to yours , to be directed As from her Lord , her Gouernor , her King . My selfe , and what is mine , to you and yours Is now conuerted . But now I was the Lord Of this faire mansion , master of my seruants , Queene ore my selfe ; and euen now , but now , This house , these seruants , and this same my selfe Are yours , my Lord , I giue them with this ring , Which when you part from , lose , or giue away , Let it presage the ruine of your loue , And be my vantage to exclaime on you . Bass . Madame , you haue bereft me of all words , Onely my blood speakes to you in my veines , And there is such confusion in my powers , As after some Oration fairely spoke By a beloued Prince , there doth appeare Among the buzzing pleased multitude . Where euery something being blent together , Turnes to a wilde of nothing , saue of ioy Exprest , and not exprest : but when this ring Parts from this finger , then parts life from hence , O then be bold to say Bassanio is dead . Ner. My Lord and Lady , it is now our time That haue stood by and seene our wishes prosper , To cry good ioy , good ioy my Lord and Lady . Gra. My Lord Bassanio , and my gentle Lady , I wish you all the ioy that you can wish : For I am sure you can wish none from me : And when your honours meane to solemnize The bargaine of your faith : I do beseech you Euen at that time I may be married to . Bass . With all my heart , so thou canst get a wife . Gra. I thanke your Lordship , you haue got me one , My eies my Lord , can looke as swift as yours ; You saw the Mistresse , I beheld the Maid ; You lou'd , I lou'd for intermission , No more pertaines to me my Lord then you , Your fortune flood vpon the Casket there , And so did mine too , as the matter fals : For wooing heere vntill I swet againe , And sweating till my very roofe was dry , With oathes of Ioue , at last , it promise last I got a promise of this faire one here , To haue her loue : prouided that your fortune Atchieu'd her Mistris . Por. Is this true , Nerrissa ? Ner. Maddam it is , so you stand pleas'd withall . Bass . And do you Gratiano meane good faith ? Gra. Yes faith my Lord . Bass . Our feast shall be much honoured in your marriage . Gra. Wee l ' play with them the first boy for a thousand ducats Ner. What , and stake downe ? Gra. No , we shall nere win at that sport and stake downe . But who comes heere , Lorenzo and his infidell ? What , and my olde venetian friend , Salerio ? Enter Lorenzo , Iessica , and Salerio a messenger from Venice . Bass Lorenzo and Salerio , welcome hither , If that the youth of my new intrest heere Haue power to bid you welcome : by your leaue I bid my very friends and countrymen Sweete Portia welcome . Por. So do I my Lord , they are entirely welcome . Lor. I thanke your Honour , for my part my Lord , My purpose was not to haue seene you heere , But meeting with Salerio by the way , He did entreate me past all saying nay , To come with him along . Sal. I did my Lord , And I haue reason for it . Signior Anthonio Commends him to you . Bass . Ere I ope his Letter , I pray you tell me how my good friend doth . Sal. Not sicke my Lord , vnlesse it be in minde , Nor well , vnlesse in minde : his Letter there Will shew you his estate . He opens the Letter . Gra. Nerrissa , cheere you stranger , bid her welcome , Your hand Salerio , what 's the newes from Venice ? How doth that royall Merchant , good Anthonio ? I know he will be glad of our successe , We are the Iasons , we haue won the fleece . Sal. I would you had won the fleece that he hath lost . Por. There are some shrewd contents in yon same paper , That steales the colour from Bassanios cheeke , Some deare friend dead , else nothing in the world Could turne so much the constitution Of any constant man : what worse and worse ? With leaue Bassanio , I am halfe your selfe , And I must freely haue the halfe of any thing That this same paper brings you . Bass . O sweete Portia , Heere are a few of the vnpleasantst words That euer blotted paper . Gentle Lady , When I did first impart my loue to you , I freely told you all the wealth I had Ran in my veines , I was a Gentleman , And then I told you true : and yet deere Lady , Rating my selfe at nothing , you shall see How much I was a Braggart , when I told you My state was nothing , I should then haue told you That I was worse then nothing ; for indeed I haue ingag'd my selfe to a deere friend , Ingag'd my friend to his meere enemy To feed my meanes . Heer 's a Letter Lady , The paper as the body of my friend , And euery word in it a gaping wound , Issuing life blood . But is it true Salerio ? Hath all his ventures faild ? what , not one hit , From Tripolis , from Mexico , and England , From Lisbon , Barbary , and India , And not one vessell scape the dreadfull touch Of Merchant-marring rocks ? Sal. Not one my Lord . Besides , it should appeare , that if he had The present money to discharge the Iew , He would not take it : neuer did I know A creature that did beare the shape of man , So keene and greedy to confound a man . He plies the Duke at morning and at night , And doth impeach the freedome of the state If they deny him iustice . Twenty Merchants , The Duke himselfe , and the Magnificoes Of greatest port haue all perswaded with him , But none can driue him from the enuious plea Of forfeyture , of iustice , and his bond . Iessica . When I was with him , I haue heard him sweare To Tuball and to Chus , his Country-men , That he would rather haue Anthonios flesh , Then twenty times the value of the summe That he did owe him : and I know my Lord , If law , authority , and power deny not , It will go hard with poore Anthonio . Por. Is it your deare friend that is thus in trouble ? Bass . The deerest friend to me , the kindest man , The best condition'd and vnwearied spirit In doing courtesies : and one in whom The ancient Romane honour more appeares , Then any that drawes breath in Italy . Por. What summe owes he the Iew ? Bass . For me three thousand Ducats . Por. What no more , pay him six thousand & deface the bond , Double sixe thousand , and then treble that , Before a friend of this description Shall lose a haire through Bassanios fault . First go with me to Church , and call me wife , And then away to Venice to your friend ; For neuer shall you lye by Portias side With an vnquiet soule . You shall haue gold To pay the petty debt twenty times ouer . When it is paid , bring your true friend along ; My maide Nerrissa , and my selfe meane time Will liue as maides and widdowes ; come away , For you shall hence vpon your wedding day . Bid your friends welcome , shew a merry cheere , Since you are deere bought , I will loue you deere . But let me heare the letter of your friend .

Sweet Bassanio , My ships haue all miscarried , my Creditors grow cruell , my estate is very low : my bond to the Iew is forfet , and since in paying it , it is impossible I should liue , all debts are cleered betweene you and I if I might but see you at my death . Notwithstanding , vse your pleasure ; if your loue doe not perswade you to come , let not my Letter .

O Loue ! dispatch all businesse , and be gone . Bass . Since I haue your good leaue to go away , I will make hast . But till I come againe , No bed shall ere be guilty of my stay , No rest be interposer twixt vs twaine . Exeunt . Enter the Iew , and Salarino , and Anthonio , and the Iaylor . Iew Iaylor , looke to him , tell not me of mercy , This is the foole that lent out money gratis . Iaylor , looke to him . An. Heare me yet good Shylocke . Iew. I le haue my bond , speake not against my bond : I haue sworne an oath , that I will haue my bond . Thou cald'st me dogge before thou hadst a cause , But since I am a dogge , beware my fangs . The Duke shall grant me iustice : I do wonder Thou naughty Iaylor that thou art so fond To come abroad with him at his request . An. I prethee heare me speake . Iew. I le haue my bond ; I will not heare thee speake ; I le haue my bond , and therefore speake no more . I le not be made a soft and dull ey'd foole , To shake the head , relent , and sigh , and yeeld To Christian intercessors : follow not , I le haue no speaking , I will haue my bond . Exit Iew. Sol. It is the most impenetrable curre That euer kept with men . Ant. Let him alone , I le follow him no more with bootlesse prayers . He seekes my life , his reason well I know : I oft deliuer'd from his forfeitures Many that haue at times made mone to mee , Therefore he hates me . Sal. I am sure the Duke will neuer grant This forfeyture to hold . An. The Duke cannot deny the course of Law : For the commodity that strangers haue With vs in Venice , if it be denied , Will much impeach the iustice of his state , Since that the trade and profit of the City Consisteth of all Nations . Therefore goe , These greefes and losses haue so bated me , That I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh To morrow , to my bloody Creditor . Well Iaylor on , pray God Bassanio come To see me pay his debt , and then I care not . Exeunt . Enter Portia , Nerrissa , Lorenzo , Iessica , and a man of Portias . Lor. Madam , although I speake it in your presence , You haue a noble and a true conceite Of God-like amity , which appeares most strongly , In bearing thus the absence of your Lord . But if you knew to whom you shew this honour , How true a Gentleman you send releefe , How deere a louer of my Lord your husband , I know you would be prouder of the worke , Then customary bounty can enforce you . Por. I neuer did repent for doing good , Nor shall not now : for in companions That do conuerse and waste the time together , Whose soules do beare an equall yoke of loue , There must be needs a like proportion Of lineaments , of manners , and of spirit : Which makes me thinke , that this Anthonio ( Being the bosome-louer of my Lord ) ●t Must needs be like my Lord , If it be so , How little is the cost I haue bestowed In purchasing the semblance of my soule , From out the state of hellish misery . This comes too neere the praising of my selfe , Therefore no more of it : heere other things Lorenzo I commit into your hands , The husbandry and manage of my house , Vntill my Lords returne . For mine owne part , I haue toward heauen breath'd a secret vow , To liue in prayer and contemplation , Onely attended by Nerrissa heere , Vntill her husband , and my Lords returne . There is a Monastery two miles off , And there will we abide . I do desire you , Not to deny this imposition , The which my loue , and some necessity Now layes vpon you . Lor. Madame , with all my heart , I shall obey you in all faire commands . Por. My people do already know my mind , And will acknowledge you and Iessica , In place of Lord Bassanio and my selfe . And so farewell till we shall meete againe . Lor. Faire thoughts & happy hours attend on you . Ies . I wish your Lady-ship all hearts content . Por. I thanke you for your wish , and am well pleasd To wish it backe on you : farewell Iessica . Exeunt . Now Balthaser , as I haue euer found thee honest true , So let me finde thee still : Take this same Letter , And vse thou all th' indeuour of a man In speede to Mantua ; see thou render this Into my Cosins hands , Doctor Belario , And looke what notes and garments he doth giue thee , Bring them I pray thee with imagin'd speede Vnto the Tranect , to the common Ferry Which trades to Venice : waste no time in words , But get thee gone , I shall be there before thee . Bai. Madam , I go with all conuenient speede . Exit . Por. Come on Nerrissa , I haue worke in hand That you yet know not of . Wee 'l see our husbands Before they thinke of vs . Ner. Shall they see vs ? Por. They shall Nerrissa : but in such a habite , That they shall thinke we are accomplished With that we lacke . I le hold thee any wager , When we are both apparreld like yong men , I le proue the prettier fellow of the two , And weare my dagger with the brauer grace , And speake betweene the change of man and boy , With a reede voice , and turne two mincing steps Into a manly stride ; and speake of frayes Like a fine bragging youth ; and tell quaint lyes , How honourable Ladies sought my loue , Which I denying , they fell sicke and dyed : I could not doe withall . Then i le repent , And wish for all that , that I had not kill'd them ; And twenty of these punie lies i le tell , That men shall sware I haue discontinued schoole Aboue a twelue-month . I haue within my minde A thousand raw trickes of these bragging iackes , Which I will practise . Ner. Why , shall we turne to men ? Por. Fie , what a question 's that , If thou wert nere a lewd interpreter : But come , i le tell thee all my whole deuice When I am in my Coach , which stayes for vs At the Parke gate ; and therefore hast away , For we must measure twenty miles to day . Exeunt Enter Clowne and Iessica . Clo.

Yes truly , for looke you , the sinnes of the Father are to be laid vpon the children , therefore I promise ye I seare you , I was alwayes plaine with you , and so now I speake my agitation of the matter : therefore be a good cheere , for truly I think you are damn'd , ther is but one hope in it that can do you any good , and that is but a kind of bastard hope neither .

Ies .

And what hope is that I pray thee ?

Clo.

Marry you may partly hope that your Father got you not , that you are not the Iewes daughter .

Iessi .

That were a kind of bastard hope indeede , so the sins of my mother should be visited vpon me .

Clo.

Truely then I feare you are damn'd both by Father and Mother : thus when I shun Scilla your father , I fal into Charibdie your mother ; well , you are gone both wayes .

Ies .

I shall be sau'd by my husband , he hath made me a christian .

Clo.

Truly the more to blame he ; we were Christians enow before , e'ne as many as could well liue one by another : this making of Christians will raise the price of hogs , if we grow all to be Porke-eaters , we shall not shortly haue a rasher on the coles for money .

Enter Lorenzo . Ies .

I le tel my husband Lancelet what you say , here he comes .

Lor.

I shall grow iealous of you shortly Lancelet , if you thus get my wife into corners .

Ies .

Nay , you neede not feare vs Lorenzo , Launcelet and I are out ; he tels me flatly , there 's no mercy for me in heauen , beecause I am a Iewes daughter : and he sayes you are no good member of the Common-wealth , for in conuerting Iewes to Christians , you raise the price of Porke .

Lor.

I shall answere that better to the Common-wealth than you can the getting vp of the Negros belly ; the Moore 's with childe by you Lancelet ?

Clowne .

It is much that the Moore should be more then reason : but if she be lesse then an honest woman , shee is indeede more then I tooke her for .

Lor.

How euery foole can play vpon the word , I thinke the best grace of wit will shortly turne into silence , and discourse grow commendable in none onely but Parrats . Go in sirra , bid them prepare for dinner ?

Clow.

That is done sir , they haue all stomackes .

Lor.

Goodly Lord what a wit-snapper are you : then bid them prepare dinner .

Clo.

That 's done to sir , onely couer is the word .

Lor.

Will you couer than sir ?

Clo.

Not so sir neither , I know my duty .

Lor.

Yet more quarrelling with occasion , wilt thou shewe the whole wealth of thy witte in an instant ? I pray thee vnderstand a plaine man in his plaine meaning : Goe to thy Fellowes , bid them couer the table , serue in the meate , and we will come in to dinner .

Clo.

For the table sir , it shall be seru'd in , for the meate sir it shall be couered , for your comming in to dinner sir , why let it be as humors and conceits shall gouerne .

Exit Clowne . Lor. O deere discretion , how his words are suted , The foole hath planted in his memory An army of good words , and I do know A many fooles that stand in better place , Garnish'd like him , that for a tricksie word Defie the matter : how far'st thou Iessica ? And now good sweet say thy opinion , How dost thou like the Lord Bassanios wife ? Ies . Past all expressing , it is very meete The Lord Bassanio liue an vpright life , For hauing such a blessing in his Lady . He findes the ioyes of heauen heere on earth , And if on earth he doe not meane it , then In reason he should neuer come to heauen . Why , if two Gods should play some heauenly match , And on the wager lay two earthly women , And Portia one : there must be something else Pawn'd with the other ; for the poore rude world Hath not her fellow . Lor. Euen such a husband hast thou of me , As she is for wife . Ies . Nay , but aske my opinion to of that . Lor. I will anon , first let vs go to dinner . Ies . Nay , let me praise you while I haue a stomacke . Lor. No prethee , let it serue for table talke , Then howsoere thou speakst mong other things , I shall disgest it . Ies . Well , i le set you forth . Exit . Enter the Duke , the Magnificos , Anthonio , Bassanio , and Gratiano . Duke . What , is Anthonio heere ? An. Ready , so please your Grace . Duke . I am sorry for thee , thou art come to answer A stony aduersary , an inhumane wretch , Vncapeable of pitty , voide and empty From any dram of mercy . An. I haue heard , Your Grace hath tane great paines To qualifie his rigorous course : But since he stands obdurate , And that no lawfull meanes can carrie mee Out of his enuies reach , I do oppose My patience to his furie , and am arm'd To suffer with a quietnesse of spirit , The verie tiranny and rage of his . Duke . Go one and call the Iew into the Court. Sal. He is ready at the doore , he comes my Lord . Enter Shylocke . Du. Make roome , and let him stand before our face . Shylocke the world thinkes , and I thinke so to , That thou but leadest this fashion of thy malice To the last houre of act , and then t is thought Thou 'lt shew thy mercie and remorse more strange , Then is thy strange apparant cruelty : And where thou now exacts the penalty , ( Which is a pound of this poore Merchants flesh ) Thou wilt not onely loose the forfeiture , But touch'd with humane gentlenesse and loue , Forgiue a moity of the principall ; Glancing an eie of pittie on his losses , That haue of late so hudled on his backe , Enow to presse a royall Merchant downe , And plucke commisseration of his state From brassie bosomes , and rough hearts of flint , From stubborne Turkes , and Tartars neuer train'd To offices of tender curtesie ; We all expect a gentle answer Iew. Iew. I haue possest your Grace of what I purpose , And by our holy Sabbath haue I sworne To haue the due and forfet of my bond . If you deny it , let the danger light Vpon your Charter , and your Citties freedome . You 'l aske me why I rather choose to haue A weight of carrion flesh , then to receiue Three thousand Ducats ? I le not answer that , But say it is my humor , is it answered ? What if my house be troubled with a Rat , And I be pleas'd to giue ten thousand ducats To haue it baind ? what , are you answered yet ? Some men there are loue not a gaping pig : Some that are mad if they behold a Cat : And others when the Bagpipe sings i' th nose , Cannot containe their vrine for affection . Masters of passion swayes it to the mood Of what it likes or loathes : now for your answere . As there is no firme reason to be rendred , Why he cannot abide a gaping pig ? Why he a harmlesse necessary Cat ? Why he a woollen Bagpipe ; but of force Must yeeld to such ineuitable shame , As to offend , himselfe being offended : So can I giue no reason , nor I will not , More then a lodged hate , and a certaine loathing I beare Anthonio , that I follow thus A losing sute against him , are you answered ? Bass . This is no answer , thou vnfeeling man , To excuse the currant of thy cruelty . Shy . I am not bound to please thee with my answere . Bass . Do all men kill the things they do not loue ? Shy . Hates any man the thing he would not kill ? Bass . Euery offence is not a hate at first . Shy . What wouldst thou haue a serpent sting thee twice ? Ant. I pray you thinke you question with the Iew , You may as well go stand vpon the Beach , And bid the maine flood bate his vsuall height , You may as well vse question with the Wolfe , Why he hath made the Ewe bleake for the Lambe : You may as well forbid the mountaine of Pines To wag their high tops , and to make no noise When they are fretten with the gusts of heauen : You may as well do any thing most hard , As seeke to soften that , then which what 's harder : His Iewish heart ? therefore I do beseech you Make no moe offers , vse no farther meanes , But with all briefe and plaine conueniency Let me haue iudgement , and the Iew his will . Bass . For thy three thousand ducats here is sixe . Iew. If euery ducat in six thousand ducats Were in sixe parts , and euery part a ducat , I would not draw them , I would haue my bond . Du. How shalt thou hope for mercy , tendring none ? Iew. What iudgment shall I dread , doing no wrong ? You haue among you many a purchast slaue , Which like your Asses , and your Dogs and Mules , You vse in abiect and in slauish parts , Because you bought them , shall I say to you , Let them be free , marry them to your heires ? Why sweat they vnder burthens , let their beds Be made as soft as yours , and let their pallats Be season'd with such viands ; you will answer , The slaues are ours , so do I answer you ; The pound of flesh which I demand of him , Is deerely bought , t is mine and I will haue it : If you deny me , fie vpon your Law , There is no force in the decrees of Venice : I stand for iudgement , answer , shall I haue it ? Duke . Vpon my power I may dismisse this Court , Vnlesse Bellario a learned Doctor , Whom I haue sent for to determine this , Come heere to day . Saler . My Lord , heere stayes without , A messenger with letters from the Doctor , New come from Padua . Duke . Bring vs the Letters , call the Messenger . Bass . Good cheere Anthonio , what man , courage yet : The Iew shall haue my flesh , blood , bones and all , Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood . Antho. I am a tainted weather of the flocke , Meetest for death , the weakest kinde of fruite Drops earliest to the ground , and so let me ; You cannot better be imployd Bassanio , Then to liue still and write mine Epitaph . Enter Nerrissa . Duke . Came you from Padua from Bellario ? Ner. From both , my L. Bellario greetes your grace . Bass . Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly ? Iew. To cut the forfeiture from that bankrout there Gra. Not on thy soule : but on thy soule harsh Iew Thou mak'st thy knife keene : but no mettall can , No , not the hangmans axe beare halfe the keenenesse Of thy sharpe enuy : can no prayers pierce thee ? Iew. No , none that thou hast wit enough to make . Gra. O be thou damn'd , inexecrable dog , And for thy life let iustice be accusde ; Thou almost mak'st me wauer in my faith , To hold opinion with Pythagoras , That soules of Animals infuse themselues Into the trunks of men : Thy currish spirit Gouern'd a Wolfe , who hang'd for humane slaughter , Euen from the gallowes did his fell soule fleete , And whilst thou layest in thy vnhallowed dam , Infusde it selfe in thee : for thy desires Are woluish , bloody , staru'd and rauenous . Iew. Till thou canst raile the seale from off my bond , Thou but offendst thy lungs to speake so loud : Repaire thy wit , good youth , or it will fall To curelesse ruine . I stand heere for law . Duke . This letter from Bellario doth commend A young and learned Doctor to our Court : Where is he ? Ner. He attendeth heere hard by , To know your answere , whether you 'l admit him . Duke . With all my heart ; some three or foure of you Goe giue him courteous conduct to this place , Meane time the Court shall heare Bellarios Letter .

Your Grace shall vnderstand , that at the receite of your Letter I am very sicke ; but in the instant that your Messenger came , in louing visitation was with me a young Doctor of Rome , his name is Balthazer : I acquainted him with the cause in controuersie betweene the Iew and Anthonio the Merchant ; we turned ore many Bookes together , hee is furnished with my opinion , which bettred with his owne learning , the greatnesse whereof I cannot enough commend , comes with him at my importunity , to fill vp your Graces request in my stead . I beseech you , let his lacke of years be no impediment to let him lacke a reuerend estimation , for I neuer knew so young a body with so olde a head : I leaue him to your gracious acceptance , whose triall shall better publish his commendation .

Enter Portia for Balthazer . Duke . You heare the learn'd Bellario what he writes , And heere I take it is the Doctor come . Giue me your hand , come you from old Bellario ? Por. I did my Lord . Duke . You are welcome , take your place : Are you acquainted with the difference That holds this present question in the Court. Por. I am enformed throughly of the cause : Which is the Merchant heere ? and which the Iew ? Duke . Anthonio and olde Shylocke , both stand foorth . Por. Is your name Shylocke ? Iew. Shylocke is my name . Por. Of a strange nature is the sute you follow , Yet in such rule , that the Venetian law Cannot impunge you as you do proceed . You stand within his danger , doe ye not ? Ant. I so he sayes . Por. Do you confesse the bond ? Ant. I do . Por. Then must the Iew be mercifull . Shy . On what compulsion must I , tell me that . Por. The quality of mercy is not strain'd , It droppeth as the gentle raine from heauen Vpon the place beneath : it is twice blest , It blesseth him that giues , and him that takes , T is mightiest in the mightiest , it becomes The throned Monarch better then his crowne . His scepter shewes the force of temporall power , The attribute to awe and maiesty , Wherein doth sit the dread and feare of Kings But mercy is aboue this sceptred sway , It is enthroned in the hearts of Kings , It is an attribute to God himselfe ; And earthly power doth then shew lik'st Gods , When mercy seasons iustice : therefore Iew , Though iustice be thy plea , consider this , That in the course of iustice , none of vs Should see saluation : we do pray for mercy , And that same prayer , doth teach vs all to render The deeds of mercy . I haue spoke thus much To mitigate the iustice of thy plea , Which if thou follow , this strict Court of Venice Must needs giue sentence gainst the Merchant there , Shy . My deeds vpon my head , I craue the law , The penalty and forfeit of my bond . Por. Is he not able to discharge the money ? Bass . Yes , heere I tender it for him in the Court , Yea twice the summe , if that will not suffice , I will be bound to pay it ten times ore , On forfeit of my hands , my head , my heart : If this will not suffize , it must appeare That malice beares downe truth . And I beseech you Wrest once the Law to your authority , To do a great tight , do a little wrong , And curbs this cruell diuell of his will . Por. It must not be , there is no power in Venice Can alter a Decree established : T will be recorded for a precedent , And many an errour by the same example , Will rush into the state , it cannot be . Shy . A Daniel come to iudgement : yea a Daniel . O wise young Iudge , how I do honour thee . Por. I pray you let me looke vpon the bond . Shy . Heere t is most reuerend Doctor , here it is . Por. Shylocke , ther 's thrice thy money offred thee . Shy . An oath , an oath , I haue an oath in heauen , Shall I lay periury vpon my soule ? No , not for Venice . Por. Why this bond is forfeit , And lawfully by this the Iew may claime A pound of flesh , to be by him cut off Neerest the Merchants heart ; be mercifull , Take thrice thy money , bid me teare the bond . Shy . When it is paid , according to the tenour , It doth appeare you are a worthy Iudge , You know the Law , your exposition Hath bene most sound : I charge you by the Law , Whereof you are a well deseruing Pillar , Proceed to iudgement : by my soule I sweare , There is no power in the tongue of man To alter me , I stay heere on my bond . Ant. Most heartily I do beseech the Court To giue the iudgement . Por. Why then thus it is , You must prepare your bosome for his knife . Shy . O noble iudge , O excellent young man . Por. For the intent and purpose of the Law , Hath full relation to the penalty . Which heere appeareth due vpon the bond . Shy . T is very true : O wise and vpright iudge , How much more elder art thou then thy lookes . Por. Therefore lay bare your bosome . Shy . I , his breast , So sayes the bond , doth it not noble Iudge ? Neerest his heart , those are the very words . Por. It is so , are there ballance here to weigh the flesh ? Shy . I haue them ready . Por. Haue by some Surgeon Shylocke on your charge , To stop his wounds , least he do bleed to death . Shy . Is it so nominated in the bond ? Por. It is not so exprest , but what of that ? T were good you do so much for charity . Shy . I cannot finde it , t is not in the bond . Por. You Merchant , haue you any thing to say ? Ant. But little ; I am arm'd and well prepar'd , Giue me your hand Bassanio , far you well , Greeue not that I am falne to this for you : For heerein Fortune shewes her selfe more kinde Then is her custome : it is still her vse To let the wretched man out-liue his wealth , To view with hollow eye and wrinckled brow , An age of pouerty : from which lingring pennance Of such misery doth she cut me off . Commend me to your honourable wife , Tell her the processe of Anthonios ende , Say how I lou'd you , speake me faire in death , And when the tale is told , bid her be iudge , Whether Bassanio had not once a loue : Repent but you that you shall lose your friend , And he repents not that he payes your debt . For if the Iew do cut but deepe enough , I le pay it presently with all my heart . Bass . Anthonio , I am married to a wife , Which is as deare to me as life it selfe , But life it selfe , my wife , and all the world , Are not with me esteem'd aboue thy life . I would lose all , I sacrifize them all Heere to this diuell , to deliuer you . Por. Your wife would giue you little thanks for that If she were by to heare you make the offer . Gra. I haue a wife , who I protest I loue , I would she were in heauen , so she could Entreate some power to change this currish Iew , Ner. T is well you offer it behinde her backe , The wish would make else an vnquiet house . Iew. These be the christian husbands , I haue a daughter , Would any of the stocke of Barrabas Had bene her husband , rather then a Christian . We trifle time , I pray thee pursue sentence . Por. A pound of that same Merchants flesh is thine , The Court awards it , and the law doth giue it . Iew. Most rightfull Iudge . Por. And you must cut this flesh from off his breast , The Law allowes it , and the Court awards it . Iew. Most learned Iudge , a sentence , come prepare . Por. Tarry a little , there is something else , This bond doth giue thee here no iote of blood , The words expresly are a pound of flesh : Take then thy bond , take thou thy pound of flesh , But in the cutting it , if thou dost shed One drop of Christian blood , thy lands and goods Are by the lawes of Venice , confiscate Vnto the State of Venice . Gra. O vpright Iudge , Marke Iew , O learned Iudge . Shy . Is that the Law ? Por. Thy selfe shalt see the Act : For as thee vrgest iustice , be assur'd Thou shalt haue iustice , more then thou desirest . Gra. O learned Iudge , marke Iew , a learned Iudge . Iew. I take this offer then , pay the bond thrice , And let the Christian go . Bass . Heere is the money . Por. Soft , the Iew shall haue all iustice , soft no hast He shall haue nothing but the penalty . Gra. O Iew , an vpright iudge , a learned iudge . Por. Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh , Shed thou no blood , nor cut thou lesse nor more , But iust a pound of flesh : if thou cutst more Or lesse then a iust pound , be it but so much As makes it light or heauy in the substance , Or the diuision of the twentith part Of one poore scruple ; nay , if the scale do turne But in the estimation of a haire , Thou dyest , and all thy goods are confiscate . Gra. A second Daniel , a Daniel Iew , Now infidell I haue you on the hip . Por. Why doth the Iew pause , take thy forfeyture . Shy . Giue me my principall , and let me go . Bass . I haue it ready for thee , heere it is . Por. He hath refusd it in the open Court , And shall haue meerely iustice and his bond . Gra. A Daniel still say I , a second Daniel , I thanke thee Iew for teaching me that word . Shy . Shall I not haue barely my principall ? Por. Thou shalt haue nothing but the forfeyture , To be so taken at thy perill Iew. Shy . Why then the deuill giue him good of it : I le stay no longer heere in question . Por. Tarry Iew , The Law hath yet another hold on you . It is enacted in the lawes of Venice , If it be proued against any alien , That by direct , or indirect attempts , He seeke the life of any Citizen , The party gainst the which he doth contriue , Shall seize on halfe his goods ; the other halfe Comes to the priuy coster of the State , And the offenders life lies in the mercy Of the Duke onely , gainst all other voyce , In which predicament I say , thou standst : For it appeares by manifest proceeding . That indirectly , and directly to Thou hast contriued gainst the very life Of the defendant : and thou hast incurd The danger formerly by me rehearst . Downe therefore , and beg mercy of the Duke . Gra. Beg that thou maist haue leaue to hang thy self , And yet thy wealth being forfeit to the state , Thou hast not left the value of a cord , Therefore thou must be hangd at the States charge . Duke . That thou shalt see the diffrence of our spirits , I pardon thee thy life before thou aske it : For halfe thy wealth , it is Anthonios , The other halfe comes to the generall State , Which humblenesse may driue vnto a fine . Por. I for the state , not for Anthonio . Shy . Nay , take my life and all , pardon not that , You take my house , when you do take the prop That doth sustaine my house : you take my life When you do take the meanes wherby I liue . Por. What mercy can you render him , Anthonio ? Gra. A halter gratis , nothing else for Gods sake . An. So please my Lord the Duke , & all the Court , To quit the fine for one halfe of his goods , I am content ; so he will let me haue The other halfe in vse , to render it Vpon his death vnto the Gentleman That lately stole his daughter . Two things prouided more , that for this fauour He presently become a Christian : To other , that he do record a gift Heere in the Court , of all he dies possest Vnto his sonne Lorenzo and his daughter . Duke . He shall do this , or else I do recant The pardon that I late pronounced heere . Por. Art thou contented Iew ? what dost thou say ? Shy . I am content . Por. Clearke , draw a deed of gift . Shy . I pray you giue me leaue to go from hence , I am not well , send the deed after me , And I will signe it . Duke . Get thee gone , but do it . Gra. In christning shalt thou haue two Godfathers , Had I bene iudge , thou shouldst haue had ten more , To bring thee to the gallowes , not the Font. Exit . Duke . Sir , I intreate you home with me dinner . Por. I humbly desire your Grace of pardon , I must away this night toward Padua , And it is meete I presently set forth . Duke . I am sorry that your leysure serues you not . Anthonio , gratifie this gentleman , For in my minde you are much bound to him . Exit Duke and his traine . Bass . Most worthy gentleman , I and my friend Haue by your wisedome bene this day acquited Of greeuous penalties , in lew whereof , Three thousand ducats due vnto the Iew , We freely cope your courteous paines withall . Ant. And stand indebted ouer and aboue In loue and seruice to you euermore . Por. He is well paid , that is well satisfied , And I deliuering you , am satisfied , And therein do account my selfe well paid , My minde was neuer yet more mercinary . I pray you know me when we meete againe , I wish you well , and so I take my leaue . Bass . Deere sir , of force I must attempt you further , Take some remembrance of vs as a tribute , Not as a fee : grant me two things I pray you , Not to deny me , and to pardon me . Por. You presse me farre , and therefore I will yeeld , Giue me your gloues , i le weare them for your sake , And for your loue , i le take this ring from you . Do not draw backe your hand , i le take no more , And you in loue shall not deny me this . Bass . This Ring good sir , alas it is a trifle , I will not shame my selfe to giue you this . Por. I will haue nothing else but onely this , And now methinkes I haue a minde to it . Bass . There 's more then this depends vpon the valew : The dearest Ring in Venice I will giue you , And finde it out by Proclamation , Onely for this I pray you pardon mee ? Por. I see sir you are liberall in offers , You taught me first to begge , and now me thinkes You teach me how a begger should be answer'd . Bass . Good sir , this Ring was giuen me by my wife , And when she put it on , she made me vow , That I should neither sell , nor giue , nor loose it . Por. That scuse serues many men to saue their giftes , And if your wife be not a mad woman , And know how well I haue deseru'd the Ring , She would not hold out enemy for euer , For giuing it to me : well , peace bee with you . Exeunt An. My Lord Bassanio , let him haue the Ring , Let his deseruings and my loue withall , Be valew'd gainst your wiues commandement . Bass . Go Gratiano , runne and ouertake him , Giue him the Ring , and bring him if thou canst Vnto Anthonios house , away , make hast . Exeunt Gratiano . Come you and I will thither presently , And in the morning early will we both Fly toward Belmont , come Anthonio . Exeunt . Enter Nerrissa . Por. Enquire the Iewes house out , giue him this deede , And let him signe it , wee 'l away to night , And be a day before our husbands home : This deede will be well welcome to Lorenzo . Enter Gratiano . Gra. Faire sir , you are well ore-tane , My Lord Bassanio vpon more aduice , Hath sent you heere this Ring , and doth intreate Your company at dinner . Por. That cannot be , This Ring I do accept most thankefully , And so I pray you tell him . Furthermore , I pray you shew my youth old Shylockes house . Gra. That will I do . Ner. Sir , I would speake with you . I le see if I can get my husbands Ring , Which I did make him sweare to keepe for euer . Por. Thou maist I warrant , we shall haue old swearing That they did giue the Rings away to men , But wee le out-face them , and out-sweare them too , Away , make hast , thou know'st where I will tarry . Ner. Come good sir , will you shew me to this house ? Enter Lorenzo and Iessica . Lor. The Moone shines bright . In such a night as this , When the sweet winde did gently kisse the Trees , And they did make no noyse , in such a night , Troylus me-thinks mounted the Troyan wals , And sigh'd his soule toward the Grecian Tents Where Cressada lay that night . Iessica . In such a night Did Thisbie fearefully ore-trip the dew , And saw the Lyons shadow ere himselfe , And ranne dismayed away . Loren. In such a night . Stood Dido with a willow in her hand Vpon the wilde sea banks , and waft her Loue To come againe to Carthage . Iessica . In such a night , Medea gathered the inchanted hearbs That did renew old Fson . Loren. In such a night Did Iessica steale from the wealthy Iew , And with an vnthrift loue did runne from Venice , As farre as Belmont . Iessica . In such a night Did young Lorenzo sweare he loued her well , Stealing her soule with many vowes of faith , And nere a true one . Loren. In such a night Did pretty Iessica ( like a little shrew ) Slander her Loue , and he forgaue it her . Iessica . I would out-night you did nobody come : But hearke , I heare the footing of a man . Enter a Messenger . Loren. Who comes so fast in silence of the night ? Messen. A friend . Loren. A friend , what friend , your name I pray you friend . Messen. Stephano is my name , and I bring word My mistris will before the breake of day Be heere at Belmont , she doth stray about By holy crosses where she kneeles and prayes For happy wedlockes houres . Loren. Who comes with her ? Messen. None but a holy Hermit and her maid : I pray you is my Master yet return'd ? Loren. He is not , nor we haue not heard from him , But goe we in I pray thee Iessica , And ceremoniously let vs prepare Some welcome for the Mistris of the house . Enter Clowne . Clowne . Sola , sola : wo ha , ho sola , sola . Loren. Who calles ? Clown . Sola , did you see M. Lorenzo , M. Lorenzo , sola , sola . Loren. Leaue hollowing man , heere . Clown . Sola , where , where ? Loren. Heere . Clown . Tell him there 's a Post come from my Master , with his horne full of good newes , my Master will be heere ere morning , sweete soule . Loren. Let 's in , and there expect their comming , And yet no matter ; why should we go in ? My friend Stephano , signifie I pray you Within the house , your mistris is at hand , And bring your musicke foorth into the ayre . How sweete the Moone-light sleepes vpon this banke , Heere will we sit , and let the sounds of musicke Creepe in our eares soft stilnesse , and the night Become the tutches of sweete harmony : Sit Iessica , looke how the floore of heauen Is thicke inlayed with pattents of bright gold , There 's not the smallest orbe which thou beholdst , But in his motion like an Angell sings , Still quiring to the young eide Cherubins ; Such harmony is in immortall soules , But whilst this muddy vesture of decay Doth grossely close in it , we cannot heare it . Come hoe , and wake Diana with him a hymne , With sweetest touches pierce your mistris eare , And draw her home with Musicke . Musicke playes . Ies . I am neuer merry , when I heare sweete Musick . Lor. The reason is , your spirits are attentiue : For , do but note a wilde and wanton heard , Or race of youthfull and vnhandled Colts , Fetching mad bounds , bellowing and neighing lowd , Which is the hot condition of their blood , If they perchance but heare a Trumpet sound , Or any aire of musicke touch their eares , You shall perceiue them make a mutuall stand , Their sauage eies turn'd to a modest gaze , By the sweete power of musicke . Therefore the Poet Did faine that Orpheus drew trees , stones , and floods . Since nought so stockish hard and full of rage , But musicke for the time doth change his nature : The man that hath no musicke in himselfe , Nor is not moou'd with concord of sweete sounds , Is fit for treasons , stratagems , and spoyles , The motions of his spirit are dull as night , and his affections darke as Terebus : Let no such man be trusted . Marke the Musicke . Enter Nerrissa and Portia . Por. That light we see is burning in my hall : How farre that little candle throwes his beames , So shines a good deede in a naughty world . Ner. When the Moone shone we did not see the candle . Por. So doth the greater glory dim the lesse . A substitute shines brightly as a King . Vntill a King be by , and then his state Empties it selfe , as doth an in-land brooke Into the maine of waters : Musicke , harke . Ner. It is your musicke Madam of the house . Por. Nothing is good I see without respect , Methinkes it sounds much sweeter then by day . Ner. Silence bestowes that vertue on it Madam . Por. The Crow doth sing as sweetly as the Larke , When neither is attended : and I thinke The Nightingale if she should sing by day When euery Goose is cackling , would be thought No better a Musitian then the Wren . How many things by season , season'd are To their right praise , and true perfection . Peace , how the Moone sleepes with Endimion , And would not be awak'd . Lor. That is the voice , Or I am much deceiu'd of Portia . Por. He knowes me as the blinde man knowes The Cucko , by the bad voyce . Lor. Deere Lady , welcome home . Por. We haue bin praying for our husband health , Which speed we hope the better for our words . Are they return'd ? Loren. Madam , they are not yet : But there is come a Messenger before , To signifie their comming . Por. Go in Nerrissa , Giue order to my seruants , that they take No note at all of our being absent hence , Nor you Lorenzo , Iessica nor you . Lor. Your husband is at hand , I heare his Trumpet , We are no tell-tales Madame , feare you not . Por. This night me thinkes is but the day light sicke , It lookes a little paler , t is a day , Such as the day is when the Sunne is hid . Enter Bassanio , Anthonio , Gratiano , and their followers . Bass . We should hold day with the Antipodes , If you would walke in absence of the sunne . Por. Let me giue light , but let me not be light , For a light wife doth make a heauy husband , And neuer be Bassanio so for me , But God sort all : y' are welcome home my Lord . Bass . I thanke you Madame , giue welcome to my friend , This is the man , this is Anthonio , To whom I am so infinitely bound . Por. You should in all sence be much bound to him , For as I heare , he was much bound for you . Ant. No more then I am well acquitted of . Por. Sir , you are very welcome to our house , It must appeare in other wayes then words , Therefore I scant this breathing curtesie . Gra. By yonder Moone I sweare you do me wrong , Infaith I gaue it to the Iudges Clarke , Would he were gelt that had it for my part , Since you do take it ( Loue ) so much at hart . Por. A quarrell hoe already , what 's the matter ? Gra. About a hoope of gold , a paltry ring That she did giue me , whose poesie was For all the world like Cutlers poetry Vpon a knife , Loue me , and leaue me not . Ner. What talke you of the poesie or the value ; You swore to me when I did giue it you , That you would weare it till your houre of death , And that it should lye with you in your graue , Though not for me , yet for your vehement oathes , You should haue beene respectiue , and haue kept it . Gaue it a Iudges Clarke ; no God's my Iudge , The Clarke will nere weare haire on 's face that had it . Gra. He will , and if he liue to be a man . Ner. I , if a woman liue to be a man . Gra. Now by this hand I gaue it to a youth , A kinde of boy , a little scrubbed boy , No higher then thy selfe , the Iudges Clarke , A prating boy that begd it as a fee , I could not for my heart deny it him . Por. You were too blame , I must be plaine with you , To part so slightly with your wiues first gift , A thing stucke on with oaths vpon your finger , And so riueted with faith vnto your flesh . I gaue my Loue a ring , and made him sweare Neuer to part with it , and heere he stands ; I dare be sworne for him he would not leaue it , Nor plucke it from his finger , for the wealth That the world masters . Now in faith Gratiano , You giue your wife too vnkinde a cause of greefe , And t were to me I should be mad at it . Bass . Why I were best to cut my left hand off , And sweare I lost the Ring defending it . Gra. My Lord Bassanio gaue his ring away Vnto the Iudge that begd it , and indeed Deseru'd it to : and then the boy his Clarke That tooke some paines in writing , he begd mine , And neither man nor master would take ought But the two rings . Por. What ring gaue you my Lord ? Not that I hope which you rceiu'd of me . Bass . If I could adde a lye vnto a fault , I would deny it : but you see my finger Hath not the ring vpon it , it is gone . Por. Euen so void is your false heart of truth . By heauen I will nere come in your bed , Vntill I see the ring . Ner. Nor I in yours , Till I againe see mine . Bass . Sweet Portia , If you did know to whome I gaue the Ring , If you did know for whom I gaue the Ring , And would conceiue for what I gaue the Ring , And how vnwillingly I left the Ring , When nought would be accepted but the Ring , You would abate the strength of your displeasure . Por. If you had knowne the vertue of the Ring , Of halfe her worthinesse that gaue the Ring , Or your owne honor to containe the Ring , You would not then haue parted with the Ring . What man is there so much vnreasonable , If you had pleasd to haue defended it With any termes of zeale , wanted the modesty To vrge the thing held as a ceremony ? Nerrissa teaches me what to beleeue , I le die for 't , but some woman had the Ring . Bass . No by my honor Madam , by my soule No woman had it , but a ciuill Doctor , Which did refuse three thousand Ducates of me , And begd the Ring , the which I did deny him , And suffer'd him to go away displeasd , Euen he that did vphold the very life Of my deere friend . What should I say sweet Lady ? I was enforc'd to send it after him : I was beset with shame and courtesie , My honour would not let ingratitude So much besmeare it . Pardon me good Lady , For by these blessed Candles of the night , Had you bene there , I thinke you would haue begd The Ring of me , to giue the worthy Doctor . Por. Let not that Doctor ere come neere my house , Since he hath got the iewell that I loued , And that which you did sweare to keepe for me , I will become as liberall as you , I le not deny him any thing I haue , No , not my bodie , nor my husbands bed : Know him I shall , I am well sure of it . Lye not a night from home : watch me like Argos , If you do not , if I be left alone , Now by mine honor , which is yet mine owne , I le haue that Doctor for my bed-fellow . Ner. And I his Clarke : therefore be well aduisd How you do leaue me to mine owne protection . Gra. Well do you so : let not me take him then , For if I do , I le marre the yong Clarkes pen . An. I am th' vnhappy subiect of these quarrels . Por. Sir , greeue not you , you are welcome notwithstanding . Bass . Portia , forgiue me this enforced wrong , And in the hearing of these many friends I sweare to thee , euen by thine owne faire eyes , Wherein I see my selfe . Por. Marke you but that . In both my eyes he doubly sees himselfe : In each eye one , sweare by your double selfe , And there 's an oath of credite . Bas . Nay , but heare me , Pardon this fault , and by my soule I sweare , I neuer more will breake an oath with thee . An. I once did lend my body for his wealth , Which but for him that had your husband Ring , Had quite miscarried . I dare be bound againe , My soule vpon the forfet , that your Lord Will neuer more breake faith aduisedly . Por. Then you shall be his surety ; giue him this , And bid him keepe it better then the other . An. Heere Lord Bassanio , sweare to keepe this Ring . Bas . By heauen it is the same I gaue the Doctor . Por. I had it of him ; pardon me Bassanio , For by this ring the Doctor lay with me . Ner. And pardon me my gentle Gratiano , For that same scrubbed boy the Doctors Clarke , In lieu of this , last night did lie with me . Gra. Why this is like the mending of high wayes In summer , where the wayes are faire enough . What , are we Cuckolds ere we haue deseru'd it ? Por. Speake not so grossely , you are all amaz'd ; Heere is a Letter , reade it at your leisure , It comes from Padua from Bellario , There you shall finde that Portia was the Doctor , Nerrissa there her Clarke , Lorenzo heere Shall witnesse I set foorth as soone as you , And euen but now return'd ; I haue not yet Entred my house . Anthonio , you are welcome , And I haue better newes in store for you Then you expect ; vnseale this letter soone , There you shall finde three of your Argosies Are richly come to harbour sodainly . You shall not know by what strange accident I chanced on this Letter . Ant. I am dumbe . Bass . Were you the Doctor , and I knew you not ? Gra. Were you the Clarke that is to make me Cuckold ? Ner. I , but the Clarke that neuer meanes to do it , Vnlesse he liue vntill he be a man . Bass . ( Sweete Doctor ) you shall be my bed-fellow , When I am absent , then lie with my wife . An. Sweet Lady , you haue giuen me life and liuing ; For heere I reade for certaine , that my Ships Are safely come to Rode . Por. How now Lorenzo , My Clarke hath some good comforts too for you . Ner. I , and i le giue them him without a fee , There do I giue to you and Iessica From the rich Iew , a speciall deed of gift After his death , of all he dies possest off . Loren. Faire Ladies , you drop Manna in the way Of starued people . Por. It is almost morning , And yet I me sure you are not satisfied Of these euents at full . Let 's go in , And charge vs there vpon intergotories , And we will answer all things faithfully . Gra. Let it be so , the first intergotory That my Nerrissa shall be sworne on , is , Whether till the next night she had rather stay , Or go to bed now , being two houres to day : But were the day come , I should wish it darke , That I were couching with the Clarke . Well , while I liue , i le feare no other thing So sore , as keeping safe Nerrissas Ring . Exeunt . FINIS .