Merchant of Venice Play - SKS Folger Edition PDF

Folger Shakespeare Library http://www.folgerdigitaltexts.org  Contents From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library Front Textual Introduction Matter Synopsis Characters in the Play Scene 1 ACT 1 Scene 2 Scene 3...

Folger Shakespeare Library http://www.folgerdigitaltexts.org  Contents From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library Front Textual Introduction Matter Synopsis Characters in the Play Scene 1 ACT 1 Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 1 Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 4 ACT 2 Scene 5 Scene 6 Scene 7 Scene 8 Scene 9 Scene 1 Scene 2 ACT 3 Scene 3 Scene 4 Scene 5 Scene 1 ACT 4 Scene 2 ACT 5 Scene 1 From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library It is hard to imagine a world without Shakespeare. Since their composition four hundred years ago, Shakespeare’s plays and poems have traveled the globe, inviting those who see and read his works to make them their own. Readers of the New Folger Editions are part of this ongoing process of “taking up Shakespeare,” finding our own thoughts and feelings in language that strikes us as old or unusual and, for that very reason, new. We still struggle to keep up with a writer who could think a mile a minute, whose words paint pictures that shift like clouds. 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Because the Folger Digital Texts are edited in accord with twenty-first century knowledge about Shakespeare’s texts, the Folger here provides them to readers, scholars, teachers, actors, directors, and students, free of charge, confident of their quality as texts of the plays and pleased to be able to make this contribution to the study and enjoyment of Shakespeare.  Synopsis Antonio, the merchant in The Merchant of Venice, secures a loan from Shylock for his friend Bassanio, who seeks to court Portia. Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, recalls past insults from Antonio and, instead of asking interest on the loan, asks instead—in what he calls a “merry sport”—that if the loan is not repaid, Antonio will owe a pound of his own flesh. Bassanio sails to Belmont, where the wealthy heiress Portia is being courted by suitors from around the world. Her father’s will requires that the successful suitor solve a riddle involving chests of gold, silver, and lead. Where others have failed, Bassanio succeeds by selecting the right chest. Portia marries Bassanio; her waiting woman, Nerissa, marries his friend Gratiano. Shylock’s daughter, Jessica, has eloped with Bassanio’s friend Lorenzo, taking her father’s money with her. Shylock is devastated. When Antonio cannot repay the loan, Shylock demands the pound of flesh. When the news reaches Belmont, Bassanio returns to Venice. Portia and Nerissa also travel to Venice, disguised as a lawyer and his clerk. Portia uses the law to defeat Shylock and rescue Antonio.  Characters in the Play PORTIA,an heiress of Belmont NERISSA, her waiting-gentlewoman BALTHAZAR servants to Portia STEPHANO Prince of MOROCCO suitors to Portia Prince of ARRAGON ANTONIO, a merchant of Venice BASSANIO, a Venetian gentleman, suitor to Portia SOLANIO SALARINO companions of Antonio and Bassanio GRATIANO LORENZO LEONARDO, servant to Bassanio SHYLOCK, a Jewish moneylender in Venice JESSICA,his daughter TUBAL, another Jewish moneylender LANCELET GOBBO, servant to Shylock and later to Bassanio OLD GOBBO, Lancelet’s father SALERIO, a messenger from Venice Jailer Duke of Venice Magnificoes of Venice Servants Attendants and followers Messenger Musicians  ACT 1 Scene 1 Enter Antonio, Salarino, and Solanio. ANTONIO FTLN 0001 In sooth I know not why I am so sad. FTLN 0002 It wearies me, you say it wearies you. FTLN 0003 But how I caught it, found it, or came by it, FTLN 0004 What stuff ’tis made of, whereof it is born, FTLN 0005 I am to learn. 5 FTLN 0006 And such a want-wit sadness makes of me FTLN 0007 That I have much ado to know myself. SALARINO FTLN 0008 Your mind is tossing on the ocean, FTLN 0009 There where your argosies with portly sail FTLN 0010 (Like signiors and rich burghers on the flood, 10 FTLN 0011 Or, as it were, the pageants of the sea) FTLN 0012 Do overpeer the petty traffickers FTLN 0013 That curtsy to them, do them reverence, FTLN 0014 As they fly by them with their woven wings. SOLANIO FTLN 0015 Believe me, sir, had I such venture forth, 15 FTLN 0016 The better part of my affections would FTLN 0017 Be with my hopes abroad. I should be still FTLN 0018 Plucking the grass to know where sits the wind, FTLN 0019 Piring in maps for ports and piers and roads; FTLN 0020 And every object that might make me fear 20 7  9 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 1 FTLN 0021 Misfortune to my ventures, out of doubt FTLN 0022 Would make me sad. FTLN 0023 SALARINO My wind cooling my broth FTLN 0024 Would blow me to an ague when I thought FTLN 0025 What harm a wind too great might do at sea. 25 FTLN 0026 I should not see the sandy hourglass run FTLN 0027 But I should think of shallows and of flats, FTLN 0028 And see my wealthy Andrew docked in sand, FTLN 0029 Vailing her high top lower than her ribs FTLN 0030 To kiss her burial. Should I go to church 30 FTLN 0031 And see the holy edifice of stone FTLN 0032 And not bethink me straight of dangerous rocks, FTLN 0033 Which, touching but my gentle vessel’s side, FTLN 0034 Would scatter all her spices on the stream, FTLN 0035 Enrobe the roaring waters with my silks, 35 FTLN 0036 And, in a word, but even now worth this FTLN 0037 And now worth nothing? Shall I have the thought FTLN 0038 To think on this, and shall I lack the thought FTLN 0039 That such a thing bechanced would make me sad? FTLN 0040 But tell not me: I know Antonio 40 FTLN 0041 Is sad to think upon his merchandise. ANTONIO FTLN 0042 Believe me, no. I thank my fortune for it, FTLN 0043 My ventures are not in one bottom trusted, FTLN 0044 Nor to one place; nor is my whole estate FTLN 0045 Upon the fortune of this present year: 45 FTLN 0046 Therefore my merchandise makes me not sad. SOLANIO FTLN 0047 Why then you are in love. FTLN 0048 ANTONIO Fie, fie! SOLANIO FTLN 0049 Not in love neither? Then let us say you are sad FTLN 0050 Because you are not merry; and ’twere as easy 50 FTLN 0051 For you to laugh and leap, and say you are merry FTLN 0052 Because you are not sad. Now, by two-headed FTLN 0053 Janus,  11 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 1 FTLN 0054 Nature hath framed strange fellows in her time: FTLN 0055 Some that will evermore peep through their eyes 55 FTLN 0056 And laugh like parrots at a bagpiper, FTLN 0057 And other of such vinegar aspect FTLN 0058 That they’ll not show their teeth in way of smile FTLN 0059 Though Nestor swear the jest be laughable. Enter Bassanio, Lorenzo, and Gratiano. FTLN 0060 Here comes Bassanio, your most noble kinsman, 60 FTLN 0061 Gratiano, and Lorenzo. Fare you well. FTLN 0062 We leave you now with better company. SALARINO FTLN 0063 I would have stayed till I had made you merry, FTLN 0064 If worthier friends had not prevented me. ANTONIO FTLN 0065 Your worth is very dear in my regard. 65 FTLN 0066 I take it your own business calls on you, FTLN 0067 And you embrace th’ occasion to depart. SALARINO FTLN 0068 Good morrow, my good lords. BASSANIO FTLN 0069 Good signiors both, when shall we laugh? Say, FTLN 0070 when? 70 FTLN 0071 You grow exceeding strange. Must it be so? SALARINO FTLN 0072 We’ll make our leisures to attend on yours. Salarino and Solanio exit. LORENZO FTLN 0073 My Lord Bassanio, since you have found Antonio, FTLN 0074 We two will leave you. But at dinner time FTLN 0075 I pray you have in mind where we must meet. 75 BASSANIO FTLN 0076 I will not fail you. GRATIANO FTLN 0077 You look not well, Signior Antonio. FTLN 0078 You have too much respect upon the world.  13 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 1 FTLN 0079 They lose it that do buy it with much care. FTLN 0080 Believe me, you are marvelously changed. 80 ANTONIO FTLN 0081 I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano, FTLN 0082 A stage where every man must play a part, FTLN 0083 And mine a sad one. FTLN 0084 GRATIANO Let me play the fool. FTLN 0085 With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come, 85 FTLN 0086 And let my liver rather heat with wine FTLN 0087 Than my heart cool with mortifying groans. FTLN 0088 Why should a man whose blood is warm within FTLN 0089 Sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster? FTLN 0090 Sleep when he wakes? And creep into the jaundice 90 FTLN 0091 By being peevish? I tell thee what, Antonio FTLN 0092 (I love thee, and ’tis my love that speaks): FTLN 0093 There are a sort of men whose visages FTLN 0094 Do cream and mantle like a standing pond FTLN 0095 And do a willful stillness entertain 95 FTLN 0096 With purpose to be dressed in an opinion FTLN 0097 Of wisdom, gravity, profound conceit, FTLN 0098 As who should say “I am Sir Oracle, FTLN 0099 And when I ope my lips, let no dog bark.” FTLN 0100 O my Antonio, I do know of these 100 FTLN 0101 That therefore only are reputed wise FTLN 0102 For saying nothing, when, I am very sure, FTLN 0103 If they should speak, would almost damn those ears FTLN 0104 Which, hearing them, would call their brothers FTLN 0105 fools. 105 FTLN 0106 I’ll tell thee more of this another time. FTLN 0107 But fish not with this melancholy bait FTLN 0108 For this fool gudgeon, this opinion.— FTLN 0109 Come, good Lorenzo.—Fare you well a while. FTLN 0110 I’ll end my exhortation after dinner. 110 LORENZO FTLN 0111 Well, we will leave you then till dinner time. FTLN 0112 I must be one of these same dumb wise men, FTLN 0113 For Gratiano never lets me speak.  15 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 1 GRATIANO FTLN 0114 Well, keep me company but two years more, FTLN 0115 Thou shalt not know the sound of thine own 115 FTLN 0116 tongue. ANTONIO FTLN 0117 Fare you well. I’ll grow a talker for this gear. GRATIANO FTLN 0118 Thanks, i’ faith, for silence is only commendable FTLN 0119 In a neat’s tongue dried and a maid not vendible. Gratiano and Lorenzo exit. FTLN 0120 ANTONIO Is that anything now? 120 FTLN 0121 BASSANIO Gratiano speaks an infinite deal of nothing, FTLN 0122 more than any man in all Venice. His reasons are as FTLN 0123 two grains of wheat hid in two bushels of chaff: you FTLN 0124 shall seek all day ere you find them, and when you FTLN 0125 have them, they are not worth the search. 125 ANTONIO FTLN 0126 Well, tell me now what lady is the same FTLN 0127 To whom you swore a secret pilgrimage, FTLN 0128 That you today promised to tell me of? BASSANIO FTLN 0129 ’Tis not unknown to you, Antonio, FTLN 0130 How much I have disabled mine estate 130 FTLN 0131 By something showing a more swelling port FTLN 0132 Than my faint means would grant continuance. FTLN 0133 Nor do I now make moan to be abridged FTLN 0134 From such a noble rate. But my chief care FTLN 0135 Is to come fairly off from the great debts 135 FTLN 0136 Wherein my time, something too prodigal, FTLN 0137 Hath left me gaged. To you, Antonio, FTLN 0138 I owe the most in money and in love, FTLN 0139 And from your love I have a warranty FTLN 0140 To unburden all my plots and purposes 140 FTLN 0141 How to get clear of all the debts I owe. ANTONIO FTLN 0142 I pray you, good Bassanio, let me know it;  17 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 1 FTLN 0143 And if it stand, as you yourself still do, FTLN 0144 Within the eye of honor, be assured FTLN 0145 My purse, my person, my extremest means 145 FTLN 0146 Lie all unlocked to your occasions. BASSANIO FTLN 0147 In my school days, when I had lost one shaft, FTLN 0148 I shot his fellow of the selfsame flight FTLN 0149 The selfsame way with more advisèd watch FTLN 0150 To find the other forth; and by adventuring both 150 FTLN 0151 I oft found both. I urge this childhood proof FTLN 0152 Because what follows is pure innocence. FTLN 0153 I owe you much, and, like a willful youth, FTLN 0154 That which I owe is lost. But if you please FTLN 0155 To shoot another arrow that self way 155 FTLN 0156 Which you did shoot the first, I do not doubt, FTLN 0157 As I will watch the aim, or to find both FTLN 0158 Or bring your latter hazard back again, FTLN 0159 And thankfully rest debtor for the first. ANTONIO FTLN 0160 You know me well, and herein spend but time 160 FTLN 0161 To wind about my love with circumstance; FTLN 0162 And out of doubt you do me now more wrong FTLN 0163 In making question of my uttermost FTLN 0164 Than if you had made waste of all I have. FTLN 0165 Then do but say to me what I should do 165 FTLN 0166 That in your knowledge may by me be done, FTLN 0167 And I am prest unto it. Therefore speak. BASSANIO FTLN 0168 In Belmont is a lady richly left, FTLN 0169 And she is fair, and, fairer than that word, FTLN 0170 Of wondrous virtues. Sometimes from her eyes 170 FTLN 0171 I did receive fair speechless messages. FTLN 0172 Her name is Portia, nothing undervalued FTLN 0173 To Cato’s daughter, Brutus’ Portia. FTLN 0174 Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth, FTLN 0175 For the four winds blow in from every coast 175  19 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 2 FTLN 0176 Renownèd suitors, and her sunny locks FTLN 0177 Hang on her temples like a golden fleece, FTLN 0178 Which makes her seat of Belmont Colchos’ strond, FTLN 0179 And many Jasons come in quest of her. FTLN 0180 O my Antonio, had I but the means 180 FTLN 0181 To hold a rival place with one of them, FTLN 0182 I have a mind presages me such thrift FTLN 0183 That I should questionless be fortunate! ANTONIO FTLN 0184 Thou know’st that all my fortunes are at sea; FTLN 0185 Neither have I money nor commodity 185 FTLN 0186 To raise a present sum. Therefore go forth: FTLN 0187 Try what my credit can in Venice do; FTLN 0188 That shall be racked even to the uttermost FTLN 0189 To furnish thee to Belmont to fair Portia. FTLN 0190 Go presently inquire, and so will I, 190 FTLN 0191 Where money is, and I no question make FTLN 0192 To have it of my trust, or for my sake. They exit. Scene 2 Enter Portia with her waiting woman Nerissa. FTLN 0193 PORTIA By my troth, Nerissa, my little body is aweary FTLN 0194 of this great world. FTLN 0195 NERISSA You would be, sweet madam, if your miseries FTLN 0196 were in the same abundance as your good fortunes FTLN 0197 are. And yet, for aught I see, they are as sick that 5 FTLN 0198 surfeit with too much as they that starve with FTLN 0199 nothing. It is no mean happiness, therefore, to be FTLN 0200 seated in the mean. Superfluity comes sooner by FTLN 0201 white hairs, but competency lives longer. FTLN 0202 PORTIA Good sentences, and well pronounced. 10 FTLN 0203 NERISSA They would be better if well followed.  21 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 2 FTLN 0204 PORTIA If to do were as easy as to know what were FTLN 0205 good to do, chapels had been churches, and poor FTLN 0206 men’s cottages princes’ palaces. It is a good divine FTLN 0207 that follows his own instructions. I can easier teach 15 FTLN 0208 twenty what were good to be done than to be one of FTLN 0209 the twenty to follow mine own teaching. The brain FTLN 0210 may devise laws for the blood, but a hot temper FTLN 0211 leaps o’er a cold decree: such a hare is madness the FTLN 0212 youth, to skip o’er the meshes of good counsel the 20 FTLN 0213 cripple. But this reasoning is not in the fashion to FTLN 0214 choose me a husband. O, me, the word “choose”! I FTLN 0215 may neither choose who I would nor refuse who I FTLN 0216 dislike. So is the will of a living daughter curbed by FTLN 0217 the will of a dead father. Is it not hard, Nerissa, that 25 FTLN 0218 I cannot choose one, nor refuse none? FTLN 0219 NERISSA Your father was ever virtuous, and holy men FTLN 0220 at their death have good inspirations. Therefore the FTLN 0221 lottery that he hath devised in these three chests of FTLN 0222 gold, silver, and lead, whereof who chooses his 30 FTLN 0223 meaning chooses you, will no doubt never be FTLN 0224 chosen by any rightly but one who you shall rightly FTLN 0225 love. But what warmth is there in your affection FTLN 0226 towards any of these princely suitors that are already FTLN 0227 come? 35 FTLN 0228 PORTIA I pray thee, overname them, and as thou FTLN 0229 namest them, I will describe them, and according FTLN 0230 to my description level at my affection. FTLN 0231 NERISSA First, there is the Neapolitan prince. FTLN 0232 PORTIA Ay, that’s a colt indeed, for he doth nothing but 40 FTLN 0233 talk of his horse, and he makes it a great appropriation FTLN 0234 to his own good parts that he can shoe him FTLN 0235 himself. I am much afeard my lady his mother FTLN 0236 played false with a smith. FTLN 0237 NERISSA Then is there the County Palatine. 45 FTLN 0238 PORTIA He doth nothing but frown, as who should say FTLN 0239 “An you will not have me, choose.” He hears  23 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 2 FTLN 0240 merry tales and smiles not. I fear he will prove the FTLN 0241 weeping philosopher when he grows old, being so FTLN 0242 full of unmannerly sadness in his youth. I had 50 FTLN 0243 rather be married to a death’s-head with a bone in FTLN 0244 his mouth than to either of these. God defend me FTLN 0245 from these two! FTLN 0246 NERISSA How say you by the French lord, Monsieur Le FTLN 0247 Bon ? 55 FTLN 0248 PORTIA God made him, and therefore let him pass for FTLN 0249 a man. In truth, I know it is a sin to be a mocker, FTLN 0250 but he!—why, he hath a horse better than the FTLN 0251 Neapolitan’s, a better bad habit of frowning than FTLN 0252 the Count Palatine. He is every man in no man. If a 60 FTLN 0253 throstle sing, he falls straight a-cap’ring. He will FTLN 0254 fence with his own shadow. If I should marry him, I FTLN 0255 should marry twenty husbands! If he would despise FTLN 0256 me, I would forgive him, for if he love me to FTLN 0257 madness, I shall never requite him. 65 FTLN 0258 NERISSA What say you then to Falconbridge, the young FTLN 0259 baron of England? FTLN 0260 PORTIA You know I say nothing to him, for he understands FTLN 0261 not me, nor I him. He hath neither Latin, FTLN 0262 French, nor Italian; and you will come into the 70 FTLN 0263 court and swear that I have a poor pennyworth in FTLN 0264 the English. He is a proper man’s picture, but alas, FTLN 0265 who can converse with a dumb show? How oddly FTLN 0266 he is suited! I think he bought his doublet in Italy, FTLN 0267 his round hose in France, his bonnet in Germany, 75 FTLN 0268 and his behavior everywhere. FTLN 0269 NERISSA What think you of the Scottish lord, his FTLN 0270 neighbor? FTLN 0271 PORTIA That he hath a neighborly charity in him, for FTLN 0272 he borrowed a box of the ear of the Englishman, 80 FTLN 0273 and swore he would pay him again when he was FTLN 0274 able. I think the Frenchman became his surety and FTLN 0275 sealed under for another.  25 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 2 FTLN 0276 NERISSA How like you the young German, the Duke of FTLN 0277 Saxony’s nephew? 85 FTLN 0278 PORTIA Very vilely in the morning, when he is sober, FTLN 0279 and most vilely in the afternoon, when he is drunk. FTLN 0280 When he is best he is a little worse than a man, and FTLN 0281 when he is worst he is little better than a beast. An FTLN 0282 the worst fall that ever fell, I hope I shall make shift 90 FTLN 0283 to go without him. FTLN 0284 NERISSA If he should offer to choose, and choose the FTLN 0285 right casket, you should refuse to perform your FTLN 0286 father’s will if you should refuse to accept him. FTLN 0287 PORTIA Therefore, for fear of the worst, I pray thee set 95 FTLN 0288 a deep glass of Rhenish wine on the contrary FTLN 0289 casket, for if the devil be within and that temptation FTLN 0290 without, I know he will choose it. I will do FTLN 0291 anything, Nerissa, ere I will be married to a sponge. FTLN 0292 NERISSA You need not fear, lady, the having any of 100 FTLN 0293 these lords. They have acquainted me with their FTLN 0294 determinations, which is indeed to return to their FTLN 0295 home and to trouble you with no more suit, unless FTLN 0296 you may be won by some other sort than your FTLN 0297 father’s imposition depending on the caskets. 105 FTLN 0298 PORTIA If I live to be as old as Sibylla, I will die as FTLN 0299 chaste as Diana unless I be obtained by the manner FTLN 0300 of my father’s will. I am glad this parcel of wooers FTLN 0301 are so reasonable, for there is not one among them FTLN 0302 but I dote on his very absence. And I pray God 110 FTLN 0303 grant them a fair departure! FTLN 0304 NERISSA Do you not remember, lady, in your father’s FTLN 0305 time, a Venetian, a scholar and a soldier, that came FTLN 0306 hither in company of the Marquess of Montferrat? FTLN 0307 PORTIA Yes, yes, it was Bassanio—as I think so was he 115 FTLN 0308 called. FTLN 0309 NERISSA True, madam. He, of all the men that ever my FTLN 0310 foolish eyes looked upon, was the best deserving a FTLN 0311 fair lady.  27 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 3 FTLN 0312 PORTIA I remember him well, and I remember him 120 FTLN 0313 worthy of thy praise. Enter a Servingman. FTLN 0314 How now, what news? FTLN 0315 SERVINGMAN The four strangers seek for you, madam, FTLN 0316 to take their leave. And there is a forerunner come FTLN 0317 from a fifth, the Prince of Morocco, who brings 125 FTLN 0318 word the Prince his master will be here tonight. FTLN 0319 PORTIA If I could bid the fifth welcome with so good FTLN 0320 heart as I can bid the other four farewell, I should FTLN 0321 be glad of his approach. If he have the condition of FTLN 0322 a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather 130 FTLN 0323 he should shrive me than wive me. FTLN 0324 Come, Nerissa. To Servingman. Sirrah, go before.— FTLN 0325 Whiles we shut the gate upon one wooer, another FTLN 0326 knocks at the door. They exit. Scene 3 Enter Bassanio with Shylock the Jew. FTLN 0327 SHYLOCK Three thousand ducats, well. FTLN 0328 BASSANIO Ay, sir, for three months. FTLN 0329 SHYLOCK For three months, well. FTLN 0330 BASSANIO For the which, as I told you, Antonio shall FTLN 0331 be bound. 5 FTLN 0332 SHYLOCK Antonio shall become bound, well. FTLN 0333 BASSANIO May you stead me? Will you pleasure me? FTLN 0334 Shall I know your answer? FTLN 0335 SHYLOCK Three thousand ducats for three months, FTLN 0336 and Antonio bound. 10 FTLN 0337 BASSANIO Your answer to that? FTLN 0338 SHYLOCK Antonio is a good man. FTLN 0339 BASSANIO Have you heard any imputation to the FTLN 0340 contrary?  29 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 3 FTLN 0341 SHYLOCK Ho, no, no, no, no! My meaning in saying he 15 FTLN 0342 is a good man is to have you understand me that he FTLN 0343 is sufficient. Yet his means are in supposition: he FTLN 0344 hath an argosy bound to Tripolis, another to the FTLN 0345 Indies. I understand, moreover, upon the Rialto, FTLN 0346 he hath a third at Mexico, a fourth for England, and 20 FTLN 0347 other ventures he hath squandered abroad. But FTLN 0348 ships are but boards, sailors but men; there be land FTLN 0349 rats and water rats, water thieves and land FTLN 0350 thieves—I mean pirates—and then there is the FTLN 0351 peril of waters, winds, and rocks. The man is, 25 FTLN 0352 notwithstanding, sufficient. Three thousand ducats. FTLN 0353 I think I may take his bond. FTLN 0354 BASSANIO Be assured you may. FTLN 0355 SHYLOCK I will be assured I may. And that I may be FTLN 0356 assured, I will bethink me. May I speak with 30 FTLN 0357 Antonio? FTLN 0358 BASSANIO If it please you to dine with us. FTLN 0359 SHYLOCK Yes, to smell pork! To eat of the habitation FTLN 0360 which your prophet the Nazarite conjured the FTLN 0361 devil into! I will buy with you, sell with you, talk 35 FTLN 0362 with you, walk with you, and so following; but I FTLN 0363 will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with FTLN 0364 you.—What news on the Rialto?—Who is he comes FTLN 0365 here? Enter Antonio. FTLN 0366 BASSANIO This is Signior Antonio. 40 SHYLOCK , aside FTLN 0367 How like a fawning publican he looks! FTLN 0368 I hate him for he is a Christian, FTLN 0369 But more for that in low simplicity FTLN 0370 He lends out money gratis and brings down FTLN 0371 The rate of usance here with us in Venice. 45 FTLN 0372 If I can catch him once upon the hip, FTLN 0373 I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.  31 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 3 FTLN 0374 He hates our sacred nation, and he rails, FTLN 0375 Even there where merchants most do congregate, FTLN 0376 On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift, 50 FTLN 0377 Which he calls “interest.” Cursèd be my tribe FTLN 0378 If I forgive him! FTLN 0379 BASSANIO Shylock, do you hear? SHYLOCK FTLN 0380 I am debating of my present store, FTLN 0381 And, by the near guess of my memory, 55 FTLN 0382 I cannot instantly raise up the gross FTLN 0383 Of full three thousand ducats. What of that? FTLN 0384 Tubal, a wealthy Hebrew of my tribe, FTLN 0385 Will furnish me. But soft, how many months FTLN 0386 Do you desire? To Antonio. Rest you fair, good 60 FTLN 0387 signior! FTLN 0388 Your Worship was the last man in our mouths. ANTONIO FTLN 0389 Shylock, albeit I neither lend nor borrow FTLN 0390 By taking nor by giving of excess, FTLN 0391 Yet, to supply the ripe wants of my friend, 65 FTLN 0392 I’ll break a custom. To Bassanio. Is he yet FTLN 0393 possessed FTLN 0394 How much you would? FTLN 0395 SHYLOCK Ay, ay, three thousand FTLN 0396 ducats. 70 FTLN 0397 ANTONIO And for three months. SHYLOCK FTLN 0398 I had forgot—three months. To Bassanio. FTLN 0399 You told me so.— FTLN 0400 Well then, your bond. And let me see—but hear FTLN 0401 you: 75 FTLN 0402 Methoughts you said you neither lend nor borrow FTLN 0403 Upon advantage. FTLN 0404 ANTONIO I do never use it. SHYLOCK FTLN 0405 When Jacob grazed his Uncle Laban’s sheep— FTLN 0406 This Jacob from our holy Abram was 80  33 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 3 FTLN 0407 (As his wise mother wrought in his behalf) FTLN 0408 The third possessor; ay, he was the third— ANTONIO FTLN 0409 And what of him? Did he take interest? SHYLOCK FTLN 0410 No, not take interest, not, as you would say, FTLN 0411 Directly “interest.” Mark what Jacob did. 85 FTLN 0412 When Laban and himself were compromised FTLN 0413 That all the eanlings which were streaked and pied FTLN 0414 Should fall as Jacob’s hire, the ewes being rank FTLN 0415 In end of autumn turnèd to the rams, FTLN 0416 And when the work of generation was 90 FTLN 0417 Between these woolly breeders in the act, FTLN 0418 The skillful shepherd pilled me certain wands, FTLN 0419 And in the doing of the deed of kind FTLN 0420 He stuck them up before the fulsome ewes, FTLN 0421 Who then conceiving did in eaning time 95 FTLN 0422 Fall parti-colored lambs, and those were Jacob’s. FTLN 0423 This was a way to thrive, and he was blest; FTLN 0424 And thrift is blessing if men steal it not. ANTONIO FTLN 0425 This was a venture, sir, that Jacob served for, FTLN 0426 A thing not in his power to bring to pass, 100 FTLN 0427 But swayed and fashioned by the hand of heaven. FTLN 0428 Was this inserted to make interest good? FTLN 0429 Or is your gold and silver ewes and rams? SHYLOCK FTLN 0430 I cannot tell; I make it breed as fast. FTLN 0431 But note me, signior— 105 ANTONIO, aside to Bassanio FTLN 0432 Mark you this, Bassanio, FTLN 0433 The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose! FTLN 0434 An evil soul producing holy witness FTLN 0435 Is like a villain with a smiling cheek, FTLN 0436 A goodly apple rotten at the heart. 110 FTLN 0437 O, what a goodly outside falsehood hath!  35 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 3 SHYLOCK FTLN 0438 Three thousand ducats. ’Tis a good round sum. FTLN 0439 Three months from twelve, then let me see, the FTLN 0440 rate— ANTONIO FTLN 0441 Well, Shylock, shall we be beholding to you? 115 SHYLOCK FTLN 0442 Signior Antonio, many a time and oft FTLN 0443 In the Rialto you have rated me FTLN 0444 About my moneys and my usances. FTLN 0445 Still have I borne it with a patient shrug FTLN 0446 (For suff’rance is the badge of all our tribe). 120 FTLN 0447 You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog, FTLN 0448 And spet upon my Jewish gaberdine, FTLN 0449 And all for use of that which is mine own. FTLN 0450 Well then, it now appears you need my help. FTLN 0451 Go to, then. You come to me and you say 125 FTLN 0452 “Shylock, we would have moneys”—you say so, FTLN 0453 You, that did void your rheum upon my beard, FTLN 0454 And foot me as you spurn a stranger cur FTLN 0455 Over your threshold. Moneys is your suit. FTLN 0456 What should I say to you? Should I not say 130 FTLN 0457 “Hath a dog money? Is it possible FTLN 0458 A cur can lend three thousand ducats?” Or FTLN 0459 Shall I bend low, and in a bondman’s key, FTLN 0460 With bated breath and whisp’ring humbleness, FTLN 0461 Say this: “Fair sir, you spet on me on Wednesday 135 FTLN 0462 last; FTLN 0463 You spurned me such a day; another time FTLN 0464 You called me ‘dog’; and for these courtesies FTLN 0465 I’ll lend you thus much moneys”? ANTONIO FTLN 0466 I am as like to call thee so again, 140 FTLN 0467 To spet on thee again, to spurn thee, too. FTLN 0468 If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not FTLN 0469 As to thy friends, for when did friendship take  37 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 3 FTLN 0470 A breed for barren metal of his friend? FTLN 0471 But lend it rather to thine enemy, 145 FTLN 0472 Who, if he break, thou mayst with better face FTLN 0473 Exact the penalty. FTLN 0474 SHYLOCK Why, look you how you storm! FTLN 0475 I would be friends with you and have your love, FTLN 0476 Forget the shames that you have stained me with, 150 FTLN 0477 Supply your present wants, and take no doit FTLN 0478 Of usance for my moneys, and you’ll not hear me! FTLN 0479 This is kind I offer. FTLN 0480 BASSANIO This were kindness! FTLN 0481 SHYLOCK This kindness will I show. 155 FTLN 0482 Go with me to a notary, seal me there FTLN 0483 Your single bond; and in a merry sport, FTLN 0484 If you repay me not on such a day, FTLN 0485 In such a place, such sum or sums as are FTLN 0486 Expressed in the condition, let the forfeit 160 FTLN 0487 Be nominated for an equal pound FTLN 0488 Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken FTLN 0489 In what part of your body pleaseth me. ANTONIO FTLN 0490 Content, in faith. I’ll seal to such a bond, FTLN 0491 And say there is much kindness in the Jew. 165 BASSANIO FTLN 0492 You shall not seal to such a bond for me! FTLN 0493 I’ll rather dwell in my necessity. ANTONIO FTLN 0494 Why, fear not, man, I will not forfeit it! FTLN 0495 Within these two months—that’s a month before FTLN 0496 This bond expires—I do expect return 170 FTLN 0497 Of thrice three times the value of this bond. SHYLOCK FTLN 0498 O father Abram, what these Christians are, FTLN 0499 Whose own hard dealings teaches them suspect FTLN 0500 The thoughts of others! Pray you tell me this: FTLN 0501 If he should break his day, what should I gain 175  39 The Merchant of Venice ACT 1. SC. 3 FTLN 0502 By the exaction of the forfeiture? FTLN 0503 A pound of man’s flesh taken from a man FTLN 0504 Is not so estimable, profitable neither, FTLN 0505 As flesh of muttons, beefs, or goats. I say, FTLN 0506 To buy his favor I extend this friendship. 180 FTLN 0507 If he will take it, so. If not, adieu; FTLN 0508 And for my love I pray you wrong me not. ANTONIO FTLN 0509 Yes, Shylock, I will seal unto this bond. SHYLOCK FTLN 0510 Then meet me forthwith at the notary’s. FTLN 0511 Give him direction for this merry bond, 185 FTLN 0512 And I will go and purse the ducats straight, FTLN 0513 See to my house left in the fearful guard FTLN 0514 Of an unthrifty knave, and presently FTLN 0515 I’ll be with you. FTLN 0516 ANTONIO Hie thee, gentle Jew. 190 Shylock exits. FTLN 0517 The Hebrew will turn Christian; he grows kind. BASSANIO FTLN 0518 I like not fair terms and a villain’s mind. ANTONIO FTLN 0519 Come on, in this there can be no dismay; FTLN 0520 My ships come home a month before the day. They exit.  ACT 2 Scene 1 Enter the Prince of Morocco, a tawny Moor all in white, and three or four followers accordingly, with Portia, Nerissa, and their train. MOROCCO FTLN 0521 Mislike me not for my complexion, FTLN 0522 The shadowed livery of the burnished sun, FTLN 0523 To whom I am a neighbor and near bred. FTLN 0524 Bring me the fairest creature northward born, FTLN 0525 Where Phoebus’ fire scarce thaws the icicles, 5 FTLN 0526 And let us make incision for your love FTLN 0527 To prove whose blood is reddest, his or mine. FTLN 0528 I tell thee, lady, this aspect of mine FTLN 0529 Hath feared the valiant; by my love I swear FTLN 0530 The best regarded virgins of our clime 10 FTLN 0531 Have loved it too. I would not change this hue FTLN 0532 Except to steal your thoughts, my gentle queen. PORTIA FTLN 0533 In terms of choice I am not solely led FTLN 0534 By nice direction of a maiden’s eyes; FTLN 0535 Besides, the lott’ry of my destiny 15 FTLN 0536 Bars me the right of voluntary choosing. FTLN 0537 But if my father had not scanted me FTLN 0538 And hedged me by his wit to yield myself FTLN 0539 His wife who wins me by that means I told you, 43  45 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 1 FTLN 0540 Yourself, renownèd prince, then stood as fair 20 FTLN 0541 As any comer I have looked on yet FTLN 0542 For my affection. FTLN 0543 MOROCCO Even for that I thank you. FTLN 0544 Therefore I pray you lead me to the caskets FTLN 0545 To try my fortune. By this scimitar 25 FTLN 0546 That slew the Sophy and a Persian prince, FTLN 0547 That won three fields of Sultan Solyman, FTLN 0548 I would o’erstare the sternest eyes that look, FTLN 0549 Outbrave the heart most daring on the Earth, FTLN 0550 Pluck the young sucking cubs from the she-bear, 30 FTLN 0551 Yea, mock the lion when he roars for prey, FTLN 0552 To win thee, lady. But, alas the while! FTLN 0553 If Hercules and Lychas play at dice FTLN 0554 Which is the better man, the greater throw FTLN 0555 May turn by fortune from the weaker hand; 35 FTLN 0556 So is Alcides beaten by his page, FTLN 0557 And so may I, blind Fortune leading me, FTLN 0558 Miss that which one unworthier may attain, FTLN 0559 And die with grieving. FTLN 0560 PORTIA You must take your chance 40 FTLN 0561 And either not attempt to choose at all FTLN 0562 Or swear before you choose, if you choose wrong FTLN 0563 Never to speak to lady afterward FTLN 0564 In way of marriage. Therefore be advised. MOROCCO FTLN 0565 Nor will not. Come, bring me unto my chance. 45 PORTIA FTLN 0566 First, forward to the temple. After dinner FTLN 0567 Your hazard shall be made. FTLN 0568 MOROCCO Good fortune then, FTLN 0569 To make me blest—or cursed’st among men! They exit.  47 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 2 Scene 2 Enter Lancelet Gobbo the Clown, alone. FTLN 0570 LANCELET Certainly my conscience will serve me to FTLN 0571 run from this Jew my master. The fiend is at mine FTLN 0572 elbow and tempts me, saying to me “Gobbo, FTLN 0573 Lancelet Gobbo, good Lancelet,” or “good Gobbo,” FTLN 0574 or “good Lancelet Gobbo, use your legs, take 5 FTLN 0575 the start, run away.” My conscience says “No. Take FTLN 0576 heed, honest Lancelet, take heed, honest Gobbo,” FTLN 0577 or, as aforesaid, “honest Lancelet Gobbo, do not FTLN 0578 run; scorn running with thy heels.” Well, the most FTLN 0579 courageous fiend bids me pack. “Fia!” says the 10 FTLN 0580 fiend. “Away!” says the fiend. “For the heavens, FTLN 0581 rouse up a brave mind,” says the fiend, “and run!” FTLN 0582 Well, my conscience, hanging about the neck of my FTLN 0583 heart, says very wisely to me “My honest friend FTLN 0584 Lancelet, being an honest man’s son”—or rather, 15 FTLN 0585 an honest woman’s son, for indeed my father did FTLN 0586 something smack, something grow to—he had a FTLN 0587 kind of taste—well, my conscience says “Lancelet, FTLN 0588 budge not.” “Budge,” says the fiend. “Budge not,” FTLN 0589 says my conscience. “Conscience,” say I, “you 20 FTLN 0590 counsel well.” “Fiend,” say I, “you counsel well.” FTLN 0591 To be ruled by my conscience, I should stay with the FTLN 0592 Jew my master, who (God bless the mark) is a kind FTLN 0593 of devil; and to run away from the Jew, I should be FTLN 0594 ruled by the fiend, who (saving your reverence) is 25 FTLN 0595 the devil himself. Certainly the Jew is the very devil FTLN 0596 incarnation, and, in my conscience, my conscience FTLN 0597 is but a kind of hard conscience to offer to counsel FTLN 0598 me to stay with the Jew. The fiend gives the more FTLN 0599 friendly counsel. I will run, fiend. My heels are at 30 FTLN 0600 your commandment. I will run. Enter old Gobbo with a basket.  49 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 2 FTLN 0601 GOBBO Master young man, you, I pray you, which is FTLN 0602 the way to Master Jew’s? FTLN 0603 LANCELET , aside O heavens, this is my true begotten FTLN 0604 father, who being more than sandblind, high gravelblind, 35 FTLN 0605 knows me not. I will try confusions with him. FTLN 0606 GOBBO Master young gentleman, I pray you, which is FTLN 0607 the way to Master Jew’s? FTLN 0608 LANCELET Turn up on your right hand at the next FTLN 0609 turning, but at the next turning of all on your left; 40 FTLN 0610 marry, at the very next turning, turn of no hand, FTLN 0611 but turn down indirectly to the Jew’s house. FTLN 0612 GOBBO Be God’s sonties, ’twill be a hard way to hit. FTLN 0613 Can you tell me whether one Lancelet, that dwells FTLN 0614 with him, dwell with him or no? 45 FTLN 0615 LANCELET Talk you of young Master Lancelet? Aside. FTLN 0616 Mark me now, now will I raise the waters.—Talk FTLN 0617 you of young Master Lancelet? FTLN 0618 GOBBO No master, sir, but a poor man’s son. His FTLN 0619 father, though I say ’t, is an honest exceeding poor 50 FTLN 0620 man and, God be thanked, well to live. FTLN 0621 LANCELET Well, let his father be what he will, we talk FTLN 0622 of young Master Lancelet. FTLN 0623 GOBBO Your Worship’s friend, and Lancelet, sir. FTLN 0624 LANCELET But I pray you, ergo, old man, ergo, I beseech 55 FTLN 0625 you, talk you of young Master Lancelet? FTLN 0626 GOBBO Of Lancelet, an ’t please your mastership. FTLN 0627 LANCELET Ergo, Master Lancelet. Talk not of Master FTLN 0628 Lancelet, father, for the young gentleman, according FTLN 0629 to Fates and Destinies, and such odd sayings, the 60 FTLN 0630 Sisters Three, and such branches of learning, is FTLN 0631 indeed deceased, or, as you would say in plain FTLN 0632 terms, gone to heaven. FTLN 0633 GOBBO Marry, God forbid! The boy was the very staff FTLN 0634 of my age, my very prop. 65 FTLN 0635 LANCELET , aside Do I look like a cudgel or a hovel-post, FTLN 0636 a staff or a prop?—Do you know me, father?  51 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 2 FTLN 0637 GOBBO Alack the day, I know you not, young gentleman. FTLN 0638 But I pray you tell me, is my boy, God rest his FTLN 0639 soul, alive or dead? 70 FTLN 0640 LANCELET Do you not know me, father? FTLN 0641 GOBBO Alack, sir, I am sandblind. I know you not. FTLN 0642 LANCELET Nay, indeed, if you had your eyes, you might FTLN 0643 fail of the knowing me. It is a wise father that FTLN 0644 knows his own child. Well, old man, I will tell you 75 FTLN 0645 news of your son. He kneels. Give me your blessing. FTLN 0646 Truth will come to light, murder cannot be hid FTLN 0647 long—a man’s son may, but in the end, truth will FTLN 0648 out. FTLN 0649 GOBBO Pray you, sir, stand up! I am sure you are not 80 FTLN 0650 Lancelet my boy. FTLN 0651 LANCELET Pray you, let’s have no more fooling about FTLN 0652 it, but give me your blessing. I am Lancelet, your FTLN 0653 boy that was, your son that is, your child that shall FTLN 0654 be. 85 FTLN 0655 GOBBO I cannot think you are my son. FTLN 0656 LANCELET I know not what I shall think of that; but I FTLN 0657 am Lancelet, the Jew’s man, and I am sure Margery FTLN 0658 your wife is my mother. FTLN 0659 GOBBO Her name is Margery, indeed. I’ll be sworn if 90 FTLN 0660 thou be Lancelet, thou art mine own flesh and FTLN 0661 blood. Lord worshiped might He be, what a beard FTLN 0662 hast thou got! Thou hast got more hair on thy chin FTLN 0663 than Dobbin my fill-horse has on his tail. FTLN 0664 LANCELET , standing up It should seem, then, that 95 FTLN 0665 Dobbin’s tail grows backward. I am sure he had FTLN 0666 more hair of his tail than I have of my face when I FTLN 0667 last saw him. FTLN 0668 GOBBO Lord, how art thou changed! How dost thou FTLN 0669 and thy master agree? I have brought him a present. 100 FTLN 0670 How ’gree you now? FTLN 0671 LANCELET Well, well. But for mine own part, as I have FTLN 0672 set up my rest to run away, so I will not rest till I  53 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 2 FTLN 0673 have run some ground. My master’s a very Jew. FTLN 0674 Give him a present! Give him a halter. I am 105 FTLN 0675 famished in his service. You may tell every finger I FTLN 0676 have with my ribs. Father, I am glad you are come! FTLN 0677 Give me your present to one Master Bassanio, who FTLN 0678 indeed gives rare new liveries. If I serve not him, I FTLN 0679 will run as far as God has any ground. O rare 110 FTLN 0680 fortune, here comes the man! To him, father, for I FTLN 0681 am a Jew if I serve the Jew any longer. Enter Bassanio with Leonardo and a follower or two. FTLN 0682 BASSANIO , to an Attendant You may do so, but let it be FTLN 0683 so hasted that supper be ready at the farthest by five FTLN 0684 of the clock. See these letters delivered, put the 115 FTLN 0685 liveries to making, and desire Gratiano to come FTLN 0686 anon to my lodging. The Attendant exits. FTLN 0687 LANCELET To him, father. FTLN 0688 GOBBO , to Bassanio God bless your Worship. FTLN 0689 BASSANIO Gramercy. Wouldst thou aught with me? 120 FTLN 0690 GOBBO Here’s my son, sir, a poor boy— FTLN 0691 LANCELET Not a poor boy, sir, but the rich Jew’s man, FTLN 0692 that would, sir, as my father shall specify— FTLN 0693 GOBBO He hath a great infection, sir, as one would say, FTLN 0694 to serve— 125 FTLN 0695 LANCELET Indeed, the short and the long is, I serve the FTLN 0696 Jew, and have a desire, as my father shall specify— FTLN 0697 GOBBO His master and he (saving your Worship’s FTLN 0698 reverence) are scarce cater-cousins— FTLN 0699 LANCELET To be brief, the very truth is that the Jew, 130 FTLN 0700 having done me wrong, doth cause me, as my FTLN 0701 father being, I hope, an old man, shall frutify unto FTLN 0702 you— FTLN 0703 GOBBO I have here a dish of doves that I would bestow FTLN 0704 upon your Worship, and my suit is— 135 FTLN 0705 LANCELET In very brief, the suit is impertinent to FTLN 0706 myself, as your Worship shall know by this honest  55 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 2 FTLN 0707 old man, and though I say it, though old man yet FTLN 0708 poor man, my father— FTLN 0709 BASSANIO One speak for both. What would you? 140 FTLN 0710 LANCELET Serve you, sir. FTLN 0711 GOBBO That is the very defect of the matter, sir. BASSANIO , to Lancelet FTLN 0712 I know thee well. Thou hast obtained thy suit. FTLN 0713 Shylock thy master spoke with me this day, FTLN 0714 And hath preferred thee, if it be preferment 145 FTLN 0715 To leave a rich Jew’s service, to become FTLN 0716 The follower of so poor a gentleman. FTLN 0717 LANCELET The old proverb is very well parted between FTLN 0718 my master Shylock and you, sir: you have “the FTLN 0719 grace of God,” sir, and he hath “enough.” 150 BASSANIO FTLN 0720 Thou speak’st it well.—Go, father, with thy son.— FTLN 0721 Take leave of thy old master, and inquire FTLN 0722 My lodging out. To an Attendant. Give him a livery FTLN 0723 More guarded than his fellows’. See it done. Attendant exits. Bassanio and Leonardo talk apart. FTLN 0724 LANCELET Father, in. I cannot get a service, no! I have 155 FTLN 0725 ne’er a tongue in my head! Well, studying his palm FTLN 0726 if any man in Italy have a fairer table which doth FTLN 0727 offer to swear upon a book—I shall have good FTLN 0728 fortune, go to! Here’s a simple line of life. Here’s a FTLN 0729 small trifle of wives—alas, fifteen wives is nothing; 160 FTLN 0730 eleven widows and nine maids is a simple coming-in FTLN 0731 for one man—and then to ’scape drowning FTLN 0732 thrice, and to be in peril of my life with the edge of a FTLN 0733 featherbed! Here are simple ’scapes. Well, if Fortune FTLN 0734 be a woman, she’s a good wench for this gear. 165 FTLN 0735 Father, come. I’ll take my leave of the Jew in the FTLN 0736 twinkling. Lancelet and old Gobbo exit. BASSANIO FTLN 0737 I pray thee, good Leonardo, think on this. Handing him a paper.  57 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 2 FTLN 0738 These things being bought and orderly bestowed, FTLN 0739 Return in haste, for I do feast tonight 170 FTLN 0740 My best esteemed acquaintance. Hie thee, go. LEONARDO FTLN 0741 My best endeavors shall be done herein. Enter Gratiano. FTLN 0742 GRATIANO , to Leonardo Where’s your master? FTLN 0743 LEONARDO Yonder, sir, he walks. Leonardo exits. FTLN 0744 GRATIANO Signior Bassanio! 175 FTLN 0745 BASSANIO Gratiano! FTLN 0746 GRATIANO I have suit to you. FTLN 0747 BASSANIO You have obtained it. FTLN 0748 GRATIANO You must not deny me. I must go with you FTLN 0749 to Belmont. 180 BASSANIO FTLN 0750 Why then you must. But hear thee, Gratiano, FTLN 0751 Thou art too wild, too rude and bold of voice— FTLN 0752 Parts that become thee happily enough, FTLN 0753 And in such eyes as ours appear not faults. FTLN 0754 But where thou art not known—why, there they 185 FTLN 0755 show FTLN 0756 Something too liberal. Pray thee take pain FTLN 0757 To allay with some cold drops of modesty FTLN 0758 Thy skipping spirit, lest through thy wild behavior FTLN 0759 I be misconstered in the place I go to, 190 FTLN 0760 And lose my hopes. FTLN 0761 GRATIANO Signior Bassanio, hear me. FTLN 0762 If I do not put on a sober habit, FTLN 0763 Talk with respect, and swear but now and then, FTLN 0764 Wear prayer books in my pocket, look demurely, 195 FTLN 0765 Nay more, while grace is saying, hood mine eyes FTLN 0766 Thus with my hat, and sigh and say “amen,” FTLN 0767 Use all the observance of civility FTLN 0768 Like one well studied in a sad ostent FTLN 0769 To please his grandam, never trust me more. 200  59 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 3 FTLN 0770 BASSANIO Well, we shall see your bearing. GRATIANO FTLN 0771 Nay, but I bar tonight. You shall not gauge me FTLN 0772 By what we do tonight. FTLN 0773 BASSANIO No, that were pity. FTLN 0774 I would entreat you rather to put on 205 FTLN 0775 Your boldest suit of mirth, for we have friends FTLN 0776 That purpose merriment. But fare you well. FTLN 0777 I have some business. GRATIANO FTLN 0778 And I must to Lorenzo and the rest. FTLN 0779 But we will visit you at supper time. 210 They exit. Scene 3 Enter Jessica and Lancelet Gobbo. JESSICA FTLN 0780 I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so. FTLN 0781 Our house is hell and thou, a merry devil, FTLN 0782 Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness. FTLN 0783 But fare thee well. There is a ducat for thee, FTLN 0784 And, Lancelet, soon at supper shalt thou see 5 FTLN 0785 Lorenzo, who is thy new master’s guest. FTLN 0786 Give him this letter, do it secretly, FTLN 0787 And so farewell. I would not have my father FTLN 0788 See me in talk with thee. FTLN 0789 LANCELET Adieu. Tears exhibit my tongue, most beautiful 10 FTLN 0790 pagan, most sweet Jew. If a Christian do not FTLN 0791 play the knave and get thee, I am much deceived. FTLN 0792 But adieu. These foolish drops do something drown FTLN 0793 my manly spirit. Adieu. FTLN 0794 JESSICA Farewell, good Lancelet. 15 Lancelet exits.  61 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 4 FTLN 0795 Alack, what heinous sin is it in me FTLN 0796 To be ashamed to be my father’s child? FTLN 0797 But though I am a daughter to his blood, FTLN 0798 I am not to his manners. O Lorenzo, FTLN 0799 If thou keep promise, I shall end this strife, 20 FTLN 0800 Become a Christian and thy loving wife. She exits. Scene 4 Enter Gratiano, Lorenzo, Salarino, and Solanio. LORENZO FTLN 0801 Nay, we will slink away in supper time, FTLN 0802 Disguise us at my lodging, and return FTLN 0803 All in an hour. GRATIANO FTLN 0804 We have not made good preparation. SALARINO FTLN 0805 We have not spoke us yet of torchbearers. 5 SOLANIO FTLN 0806 ’Tis vile, unless it may be quaintly ordered, FTLN 0807 And better in my mind not undertook. LORENZO FTLN 0808 ’Tis now but four o’clock. We have two hours FTLN 0809 To furnish us. Enter Lancelet. FTLN 0810 Friend Lancelet, what’s the news? 10 FTLN 0811 LANCELET An it shall please you to break up this, it FTLN 0812 shall seem to signify. Handing him Jessica’s letter. LORENZO FTLN 0813 I know the hand; in faith, ’tis a fair hand, FTLN 0814 And whiter than the paper it writ on FTLN 0815 Is the fair hand that writ. 15 FTLN 0816 GRATIANO Love news, in faith!  63 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 4 FTLN 0817 LANCELET By your leave, sir. FTLN 0818 LORENZO Whither goest thou? FTLN 0819 LANCELET Marry, sir, to bid my old master the Jew to FTLN 0820 sup tonight with my new master the Christian. 20 LORENZO FTLN 0821 Hold here, take this. Giving him money. Tell gentle FTLN 0822 Jessica FTLN 0823 I will not fail her. Speak it privately. Lancelet exits. FTLN 0824 Go, gentlemen, FTLN 0825 Will you prepare you for this masque tonight? 25 FTLN 0826 I am provided of a torchbearer. SALARINO FTLN 0827 Ay, marry, I’ll be gone about it straight. SOLANIO FTLN 0828 And so will I. FTLN 0829 LORENZO Meet me and Gratiano FTLN 0830 At Gratiano’s lodging some hour hence. 30 FTLN 0831 SALARINO ’Tis good we do so. Salarino and Solanio exit. GRATIANO FTLN 0832 Was not that letter from fair Jessica? LORENZO FTLN 0833 I must needs tell thee all. She hath directed FTLN 0834 How I shall take her from her father’s house, FTLN 0835 What gold and jewels she is furnished with, 35 FTLN 0836 What page’s suit she hath in readiness. FTLN 0837 If e’er the Jew her father come to heaven, FTLN 0838 It will be for his gentle daughter’s sake; FTLN 0839 And never dare misfortune cross her foot FTLN 0840 Unless she do it under this excuse, 40 FTLN 0841 That she is issue to a faithless Jew. FTLN 0842 Come, go with me. Peruse this as thou goest; Handing him the letter. FTLN 0843 Fair Jessica shall be my torchbearer. They exit.  65 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 5 Scene 5 Enter Shylock, the Jew, and Lancelet, his man that was, the Clown. SHYLOCK FTLN 0844 Well, thou shalt see, thy eyes shall be thy judge, FTLN 0845 The difference of old Shylock and Bassanio.— FTLN 0846 What, Jessica!—Thou shalt not gormandize FTLN 0847 As thou hast done with me—what, Jessica!— FTLN 0848 And sleep, and snore, and rend apparel out.— 5 FTLN 0849 Why, Jessica, I say! FTLN 0850 LANCELET Why, Jessica! SHYLOCK FTLN 0851 Who bids thee call? I do not bid thee call. FTLN 0852 LANCELET Your Worship was wont to tell me I could FTLN 0853 do nothing without bidding. 10 Enter Jessica. FTLN 0854 JESSICA Call you? What is your will? SHYLOCK FTLN 0855 I am bid forth to supper, Jessica. FTLN 0856 There are my keys.—But wherefore should I go? FTLN 0857 I am not bid for love. They flatter me. FTLN 0858 But yet I’ll go in hate, to feed upon 15 FTLN 0859 The prodigal Christian.—Jessica, my girl, FTLN 0860 Look to my house.—I am right loath to go. FTLN 0861 There is some ill a-brewing towards my rest, FTLN 0862 For I did dream of money bags tonight. FTLN 0863 LANCELET I beseech you, sir, go. My young master 20 FTLN 0864 doth expect your reproach. FTLN 0865 SHYLOCK So do I his. FTLN 0866 LANCELET And they have conspired together—I will FTLN 0867 not say you shall see a masque, but if you do, then it FTLN 0868 was not for nothing that my nose fell a-bleeding on 25 FTLN 0869 Black Monday last, at six o’clock i’ th’ morning, FTLN 0870 falling out that year on Ash Wednesday was four FTLN 0871 year in th’ afternoon.  67 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 5 SHYLOCK FTLN 0872 What, are there masques? Hear you me, Jessica, FTLN 0873 Lock up my doors, and when you hear the drum 30 FTLN 0874 And the vile squealing of the wry-necked fife, FTLN 0875 Clamber not you up to the casements then, FTLN 0876 Nor thrust your head into the public street FTLN 0877 To gaze on Christian fools with varnished faces, FTLN 0878 But stop my house’s ears (I mean my casements). 35 FTLN 0879 Let not the sound of shallow fopp’ry enter FTLN 0880 My sober house. By Jacob’s staff I swear FTLN 0881 I have no mind of feasting forth tonight. FTLN 0882 But I will go.—Go you before me, sirrah. FTLN 0883 Say I will come. 40 FTLN 0884 LANCELET I will go before, sir. Aside to Jessica. Mistress, FTLN 0885 look out at window for all this. FTLN 0886 There will come a Christian by FTLN 0887 Will be worth a Jewess’ eye. He exits. SHYLOCK FTLN 0888 What says that fool of Hagar’s offspring, ha? 45 JESSICA FTLN 0889 His words were “Farewell, mistress,” nothing else. SHYLOCK FTLN 0890 The patch is kind enough, but a huge feeder, FTLN 0891 Snail-slow in profit, and he sleeps by day FTLN 0892 More than the wildcat. Drones hive not with me, FTLN 0893 Therefore I part with him, and part with him 50 FTLN 0894 To one that I would have him help to waste FTLN 0895 His borrowed purse. Well, Jessica, go in. FTLN 0896 Perhaps I will return immediately. FTLN 0897 Do as I bid you. Shut doors after you. FTLN 0898 Fast bind, fast find— 55 FTLN 0899 A proverb never stale in thrifty mind. He exits. JESSICA FTLN 0900 Farewell, and if my fortune be not crossed, FTLN 0901 I have a father, you a daughter, lost. She exits.  69 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 6 Scene 6 Enter the masquers, Gratiano and Salarino. GRATIANO FTLN 0902 This is the penthouse under which Lorenzo FTLN 0903 Desired us to make stand. FTLN 0904 SALARINO His hour is almost past. GRATIANO FTLN 0905 And it is marvel he outdwells his hour, FTLN 0906 For lovers ever run before the clock. 5 SALARINO FTLN 0907 O, ten times faster Venus’ pigeons fly FTLN 0908 To seal love’s bonds new-made than they are wont FTLN 0909 To keep obligèd faith unforfeited. GRATIANO FTLN 0910 That ever holds. Who riseth from a feast FTLN 0911 With that keen appetite that he sits down? 10 FTLN 0912 Where is the horse that doth untread again FTLN 0913 His tedious measures with the unbated fire FTLN 0914 That he did pace them first? All things that are, FTLN 0915 Are with more spirit chasèd than enjoyed. FTLN 0916 How like a younger or a prodigal 15 FTLN 0917 The scarfèd bark puts from her native bay, FTLN 0918 Hugged and embracèd by the strumpet wind; FTLN 0919 How like the prodigal doth she return FTLN 0920 With overweathered ribs and raggèd sails, FTLN 0921 Lean, rent, and beggared by the strumpet wind! 20 Enter Lorenzo. SALARINO FTLN 0922 Here comes Lorenzo. More of this hereafter. LORENZO FTLN 0923 Sweet friends, your patience for my long abode. FTLN 0924 Not I but my affairs have made you wait. FTLN 0925 When you shall please to play the thieves for wives, FTLN 0926 I’ll watch as long for you then. Approach. 25 FTLN 0927 Here dwells my father Jew.—Ho! Who’s within?  71 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 6 Enter Jessica above, dressed as a boy. JESSICA FTLN 0928 Who are you? Tell me for more certainty, FTLN 0929 Albeit I’ll swear that I do know your tongue. FTLN 0930 LORENZO Lorenzo, and thy love. JESSICA FTLN 0931 Lorenzo certain, and my love indeed, 30 FTLN 0932 For who love I so much? And now who knows FTLN 0933 But you, Lorenzo, whether I am yours? LORENZO FTLN 0934 Heaven and thy thoughts are witness that thou art. JESSICA FTLN 0935 Here, catch this casket; it is worth the pains. FTLN 0936 I am glad ’tis night, you do not look on me, 35 FTLN 0937 For I am much ashamed of my exchange. FTLN 0938 But love is blind, and lovers cannot see FTLN 0939 The pretty follies that themselves commit, FTLN 0940 For if they could, Cupid himself would blush FTLN 0941 To see me thus transformèd to a boy. 40 LORENZO FTLN 0942 Descend, for you must be my torchbearer. JESSICA FTLN 0943 What, must I hold a candle to my shames? FTLN 0944 They in themselves, good sooth, are too too light. FTLN 0945 Why, ’tis an office of discovery, love, FTLN 0946 And I should be obscured. 45 FTLN 0947 LORENZO So are you, sweet, FTLN 0948 Even in the lovely garnish of a boy. FTLN 0949 But come at once, FTLN 0950 For the close night doth play the runaway, FTLN 0951 And we are stayed for at Bassanio’s feast. 50 JESSICA FTLN 0952 I will make fast the doors and gild myself FTLN 0953 With some more ducats, and be with you straight. Jessica exits, above.  73 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 7 GRATIANO FTLN 0954 Now, by my hood, a gentle and no Jew! LORENZO FTLN 0955 Beshrew me but I love her heartily, FTLN 0956 For she is wise, if I can judge of her, 55 FTLN 0957 And fair she is, if that mine eyes be true, FTLN 0958 And true she is, as she hath proved herself. FTLN 0959 And therefore, like herself, wise, fair, and true, FTLN 0960 Shall she be placèd in my constant soul. Enter Jessica, below. FTLN 0961 What, art thou come? On, gentleman, away! 60 FTLN 0962 Our masquing mates by this time for us stay. All but Gratiano exit. Enter Antonio. FTLN 0963 ANTONIO Who’s there? FTLN 0964 GRATIANO Signior Antonio? ANTONIO FTLN 0965 Fie, fie, Gratiano, where are all the rest? FTLN 0966 ’Tis nine o’clock! Our friends all stay for you. 65 FTLN 0967 No masque tonight; the wind is come about; FTLN 0968 Bassanio presently will go aboard. FTLN 0969 I have sent twenty out to seek for you. GRATIANO FTLN 0970 I am glad on ’t. I desire no more delight FTLN 0971 Than to be under sail and gone tonight. 70 They exit. Scene 7 Enter Portia with the Prince of Morocco and both their trains. PORTIA FTLN 0972 Go, draw aside the curtains and discover  75 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 7 FTLN 0973 The several caskets to this noble prince. A curtain is drawn. FTLN 0974 Now make your choice. MOROCCO FTLN 0975 This first, of gold, who this inscription bears, FTLN 0976 “Who chooseth me shall gain what many men 5 FTLN 0977 desire”; FTLN 0978 The second, silver, which this promise carries, FTLN 0979 “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he FTLN 0980 deserves”; FTLN 0981 This third, dull lead, with warning all as blunt, 10 FTLN 0982 “Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he FTLN 0983 hath.” FTLN 0984 How shall I know if I do choose the right? PORTIA FTLN 0985 The one of them contains my picture, prince. FTLN 0986 If you choose that, then I am yours withal. 15 MOROCCO FTLN 0987 Some god direct my judgment! Let me see. FTLN 0988 I will survey th’ inscriptions back again. FTLN 0989 What says this leaden casket? FTLN 0990 “Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he FTLN 0991 hath.” 20 FTLN 0992 Must give—for what? For lead? Hazard for lead? FTLN 0993 This casket threatens. Men that hazard all FTLN 0994 Do it in hope of fair advantages. FTLN 0995 A golden mind stoops not to shows of dross. FTLN 0996 I’ll then nor give nor hazard aught for lead. 25 FTLN 0997 What says the silver with her virgin hue? FTLN 0998 “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he FTLN 0999 deserves.” FTLN 1000 As much as he deserves—pause there, Morocco, FTLN 1001 And weigh thy value with an even hand. 30 FTLN 1002 If thou beest rated by thy estimation, FTLN 1003 Thou dost deserve enough; and yet enough FTLN 1004 May not extend so far as to the lady.  77 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 7 FTLN 1005 And yet to be afeard of my deserving FTLN 1006 Were but a weak disabling of myself. 35 FTLN 1007 As much as I deserve—why, that’s the lady! FTLN 1008 I do in birth deserve her, and in fortunes, FTLN 1009 In graces, and in qualities of breeding, FTLN 1010 But more than these, in love I do deserve. FTLN 1011 What if I strayed no farther, but chose here? 40 FTLN 1012 Let’s see once more this saying graved in gold: FTLN 1013 “Who chooseth me shall gain what many men FTLN 1014 desire.” FTLN 1015 Why, that’s the lady! All the world desires her. FTLN 1016 From the four corners of the Earth they come 45 FTLN 1017 To kiss this shrine, this mortal, breathing saint. FTLN 1018 The Hyrcanian deserts and the vasty wilds FTLN 1019 Of wide Arabia are as throughfares now FTLN 1020 For princes to come view fair Portia. FTLN 1021 The watery kingdom, whose ambitious head 50 FTLN 1022 Spets in the face of heaven, is no bar FTLN 1023 To stop the foreign spirits, but they come FTLN 1024 As o’er a brook to see fair Portia. FTLN 1025 One of these three contains her heavenly picture. FTLN 1026 Is ’t like that lead contains her? ’Twere damnation 55 FTLN 1027 To think so base a thought. It were too gross FTLN 1028 To rib her cerecloth in the obscure grave. FTLN 1029 Or shall I think in silver she’s immured, FTLN 1030 Being ten times undervalued to tried gold? FTLN 1031 O, sinful thought! Never so rich a gem 60 FTLN 1032 Was set in worse than gold. They have in England FTLN 1033 A coin that bears the figure of an angel FTLN 1034 Stamped in gold, but that’s insculped upon; FTLN 1035 But here an angel in a golden bed FTLN 1036 Lies all within.—Deliver me the key. 65 FTLN 1037 Here do I choose, and thrive I as I may. PORTIA FTLN 1038 There, take it, prince. Handing him the key. And if FTLN 1039 my form lie there, FTLN 1040 Then I am yours.  79 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 8 Morocco opens the gold casket. FTLN 1041 MOROCCO O hell! What have we here? 70 FTLN 1042 A carrion death within whose empty eye FTLN 1043 There is a written scroll. I’ll read the writing: FTLN 1044 All that glisters is not gold— FTLN 1045 Often have you heard that told. FTLN 1046 Many a man his life hath sold 75 FTLN 1047 But my outside to behold. FTLN 1048 Gilded tombs do worms infold. FTLN 1049 Had you been as wise as bold, FTLN 1050 Young in limbs, in judgment old, FTLN 1051 Your answer had not been enscrolled. 80 FTLN 1052 Fare you well, your suit is cold. FTLN 1053 Cold indeed and labor lost! FTLN 1054 Then, farewell, heat, and welcome, frost. FTLN 1055 Portia, adieu. I have too grieved a heart FTLN 1056 To take a tedious leave. Thus losers part. 85 He exits, with his train. PORTIA FTLN 1057 A gentle riddance! Draw the curtains, go. FTLN 1058 Let all of his complexion choose me so. They exit. Scene 8 Enter Salarino and Solanio. SALARINO FTLN 1059 Why, man, I saw Bassanio under sail; FTLN 1060 With him is Gratiano gone along; FTLN 1061 And in their ship I am sure Lorenzo is not. SOLANIO FTLN 1062 The villain Jew with outcries raised the Duke, FTLN 1063 Who went with him to search Bassanio’s ship. 5 SALARINO FTLN 1064 He came too late; the ship was under sail.  81 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 8 FTLN 1065 But there the Duke was given to understand FTLN 1066 That in a gondola were seen together FTLN 1067 Lorenzo and his amorous Jessica. FTLN 1068 Besides, Antonio certified the Duke 10 FTLN 1069 They were not with Bassanio in his ship. SOLANIO FTLN 1070 I never heard a passion so confused, FTLN 1071 So strange, outrageous, and so variable FTLN 1072 As the dog Jew did utter in the streets. FTLN 1073 “My daughter, O my ducats, O my daughter! 15 FTLN 1074 Fled with a Christian! O my Christian ducats! FTLN 1075 Justice, the law, my ducats, and my daughter, FTLN 1076 A sealèd bag, two sealèd bags of ducats, FTLN 1077 Of double ducats, stol’n from me by my daughter, FTLN 1078 And jewels—two stones, two rich and precious 20 FTLN 1079 stones— FTLN 1080 Stol’n by my daughter! Justice! Find the girl! FTLN 1081 She hath the stones upon her, and the ducats.” SALARINO FTLN 1082 Why, all the boys in Venice follow him, FTLN 1083 Crying “His stones, his daughter, and his ducats.” 25 SOLANIO FTLN 1084 Let good Antonio look he keep his day, FTLN 1085 Or he shall pay for this. FTLN 1086 SALARINO Marry, well remembered. FTLN 1087 I reasoned with a Frenchman yesterday FTLN 1088 Who told me, in the Narrow Seas that part 30 FTLN 1089 The French and English, there miscarrièd FTLN 1090 A vessel of our country richly fraught. FTLN 1091 I thought upon Antonio when he told me, FTLN 1092 And wished in silence that it were not his. SOLANIO FTLN 1093 You were best to tell Antonio what you hear— 35 FTLN 1094 Yet do not suddenly, for it may grieve him. SALARINO FTLN 1095 A kinder gentleman treads not the Earth.  83 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 9 FTLN 1096 I saw Bassanio and Antonio part. FTLN 1097 Bassanio told him he would make some speed FTLN 1098 Of his return. He answered “Do not so. 40 FTLN 1099 Slubber not business for my sake, Bassanio, FTLN 1100 But stay the very riping of the time; FTLN 1101 And for the Jew’s bond which he hath of me, FTLN 1102 Let it not enter in your mind of love. FTLN 1103 Be merry, and employ your chiefest thoughts 45 FTLN 1104 To courtship and such fair ostents of love FTLN 1105 As shall conveniently become you there.” FTLN 1106 And even there, his eye being big with tears, FTLN 1107 Turning his face, he put his hand behind him, FTLN 1108 And with affection wondrous sensible 50 FTLN 1109 He wrung Bassanio’s hand—and so they parted. SOLANIO FTLN 1110 I think he only loves the world for him. FTLN 1111 I pray thee, let us go and find him out FTLN 1112 And quicken his embracèd heaviness FTLN 1113 With some delight or other. 55 FTLN 1114 SALARINO Do we so. They exit. Scene 9 Enter Nerissa and a Servitor. NERISSA FTLN 1115 Quick, quick, I pray thee, draw the curtain straight. FTLN 1116 The Prince of Arragon hath ta’en his oath FTLN 1117 And comes to his election presently. Enter the Prince of Arragon, his train, and Portia. PORTIA FTLN 1118 Behold, there stand the caskets, noble prince. FTLN 1119 If you choose that wherein I am contained, 5 FTLN 1120 Straight shall our nuptial rites be solemnized.  85 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 9 FTLN 1121 But if you fail, without more speech, my lord, FTLN 1122 You must be gone from hence immediately. ARRAGON FTLN 1123 I am enjoined by oath to observe three things: FTLN 1124 First, never to unfold to anyone 10 FTLN 1125 Which casket ’twas I chose; next, if I fail FTLN 1126 Of the right casket, never in my life FTLN 1127 To woo a maid in way of marriage; FTLN 1128 Lastly, if I do fail in fortune of my choice, FTLN 1129 Immediately to leave you, and be gone. 15 PORTIA FTLN 1130 To these injunctions everyone doth swear FTLN 1131 That comes to hazard for my worthless self. ARRAGON FTLN 1132 And so have I addressed me. Fortune now FTLN 1133 To my heart’s hope! Gold, silver, and base lead. FTLN 1134 “Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he 20 FTLN 1135 hath.” FTLN 1136 You shall look fairer ere I give or hazard. FTLN 1137 What says the golden chest? Ha, let me see: FTLN 1138 “Who chooseth me shall gain what many men FTLN 1139 desire.” 25 FTLN 1140 What many men desire—that “many” may be FTLN 1141 meant FTLN 1142 By the fool multitude that choose by show, FTLN 1143 Not learning more than the fond eye doth teach, FTLN 1144 Which pries not to th’ interior, but like the martlet 30 FTLN 1145 Builds in the weather on the outward wall, FTLN 1146 Even in the force and road of casualty. FTLN 1147 I will not choose what many men desire, FTLN 1148 Because I will not jump with common spirits FTLN 1149 And rank me with the barbarous multitudes. 35 FTLN 1150 Why, then, to thee, thou silver treasure house. FTLN 1151 Tell me once more what title thou dost bear. FTLN 1152 “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he FTLN 1153 deserves.”  87 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 9 FTLN 1154 And well said, too; for who shall go about 40 FTLN 1155 To cozen fortune and be honorable FTLN 1156 Without the stamp of merit? Let none presume FTLN 1157 To wear an undeservèd dignity. FTLN 1158 O, that estates, degrees, and offices FTLN 1159 Were not derived corruptly, and that clear honor 45 FTLN 1160 Were purchased by the merit of the wearer! FTLN 1161 How many then should cover that stand bare? FTLN 1162 How many be commanded that command? FTLN 1163 How much low peasantry would then be gleaned FTLN 1164 From the true seed of honor? And how much honor 50 FTLN 1165 Picked from the chaff and ruin of the times, FTLN 1166 To be new varnished? Well, but to my choice. FTLN 1167 “Who chooseth me shall get as much as he FTLN 1168 deserves.” FTLN 1169 I will assume desert. Give me a key for this, 55 He is given a key. FTLN 1170 And instantly unlock my fortunes here. He opens the silver casket. PORTIA FTLN 1171 Too long a pause for that which you find there. ARRAGON FTLN 1172 What’s here? The portrait of a blinking idiot FTLN 1173 Presenting me a schedule! I will read it.— FTLN 1174 How much unlike art thou to Portia! 60 FTLN 1175 How much unlike my hopes and my deservings. FTLN 1176 “Who chooseth me shall have as much as he FTLN 1177 deserves”? FTLN 1178 Did I deserve no more than a fool’s head? FTLN 1179 Is that my prize? Are my deserts no better? 65 PORTIA FTLN 1180 To offend and judge are distinct offices FTLN 1181 And of opposèd natures. FTLN 1182 ARRAGON What is here? He reads.  89 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 9 FTLN 1183 The fire seven times tried this; FTLN 1184 Seven times tried that judgment is 70 FTLN 1185 That did never choose amiss. FTLN 1186 Some there be that shadows kiss; FTLN 1187 Such have but a shadow’s bliss. FTLN 1188 There be fools alive, iwis, FTLN 1189 Silvered o’er—and so was this. 75 FTLN 1190 Take what wife you will to bed, FTLN 1191 I will ever be your head. FTLN 1192 So begone; you are sped. FTLN 1193 Still more fool I shall appear FTLN 1194 By the time I linger here. 80 FTLN 1195 With one fool’s head I came to woo, FTLN 1196 But I go away with two. FTLN 1197 Sweet, adieu. I’ll keep my oath, FTLN 1198 Patiently to bear my wroth. He exits with his train. PORTIA FTLN 1199 Thus hath the candle singed the moth. 85 FTLN 1200 O, these deliberate fools, when they do choose, FTLN 1201 They have the wisdom by their wit to lose. NERISSA FTLN 1202 The ancient saying is no heresy: FTLN 1203 Hanging and wiving goes by destiny. FTLN 1204 PORTIA Come, draw the curtain, Nerissa. 90 Enter Messenger. MESSENGER FTLN 1205 Where is my lady? FTLN 1206 PORTIA Here. What would my FTLN 1207 lord? MESSENGER FTLN 1208 Madam, there is alighted at your gate FTLN 1209 A young Venetian, one that comes before 95 FTLN 1210 To signify th’ approaching of his lord, FTLN 1211 From whom he bringeth sensible regreets; FTLN 1212 To wit (besides commends and courteous breath), FTLN 1213 Gifts of rich value; yet I have not seen  91 The Merchant of Venice ACT 2. SC. 9 FTLN 1214 So likely an ambassador of love. 100 FTLN 1215 A day in April never came so sweet, FTLN 1216 To show how costly summer was at hand, FTLN 1217 As this fore-spurrer comes before his lord. PORTIA FTLN 1218 No more, I pray thee. I am half afeard FTLN 1219 Thou wilt say anon he is some kin to thee, 105 FTLN 1220 Thou spend’st such high-day wit in praising him! FTLN 1221 Come, come, Nerissa, for I long to see FTLN 1222 Quick Cupid’s post that comes so mannerly. NERISSA FTLN 1223 Bassanio, Lord Love, if thy will it be! They exit.  ACT 3 Scene 1 Enter Solanio and Salarino. FTLN 1224 SOLANIO Now, what news on the Rialto? FTLN 1225 SALARINO Why, yet it lives there unchecked that Antonio FTLN 1226 hath a ship of rich lading wracked on the FTLN 1227 Narrow Seas—the Goodwins, I think they call the FTLN 1228 place—a very dangerous flat, and fatal, where the 5 FTLN 1229 carcasses of many a tall ship lie buried, as they say, FTLN 1230 if my gossip Report be an honest woman of her FTLN 1231 word. FTLN 1232 SOLANIO I would she were as lying a gossip in that as FTLN 1233 ever knapped ginger or made her neighbors believe 10 FTLN 1234 she wept for the death of a third husband. But FTLN 1235 it is true, without any slips of prolixity or crossing FTLN 1236 the plain highway of talk, that the good Antonio, FTLN 1237 the honest Antonio—O, that I had a title good FTLN 1238 enough to keep his name company!— 15 FTLN 1239 SALARINO Come, the full stop. FTLN 1240 SOLANIO Ha, what sayest thou? Why, the end is, he FTLN 1241 hath lost a ship. FTLN 1242 SALARINO I would it might prove the end of his losses. FTLN 1243 SOLANIO Let me say “amen” betimes, lest the devil 20 FTLN 1244 cross my prayer, for here he comes in the likeness FTLN 1245 of a Jew. Enter Shylock. 95  97 The Merchant of Venice ACT 3. SC. 1 FTLN 1246 How now, Shylock, what news among the FTLN 1247 merchants? FTLN 1248 SHYLOCK You knew, none so well, none so well as you, 25 FTLN 1249 of my daughter’s flight. FTLN 1250 SALARINO That’s certain. I for my part knew the tailor FTLN 1251 that made the wings she flew withal. FTLN 1252 SOLANIO And Shylock for his own part knew the bird FTLN 1253 was fledge, and then it is the complexion of them 30 FTLN 1254 all to leave the dam. FTLN 1255 SHYLOCK She is damned for it. FTLN 1256 SALARINO That’s certain, if the devil may be her judge. FTLN 1257 SHYLOCK My own flesh and blood to rebel! FTLN 1258 SOLANIO Out upon it, old carrion! Rebels it at these 35 FTLN 1259 years? FTLN 1260 SHYLOCK I say my daughter is my flesh and my blood. FTLN 1261 SALARINO There is more difference between thy flesh FTLN 1262 and hers than between jet and ivory, more between FTLN 1263 your bloods than there is between red wine and 40 FTLN 1264 Rhenish. But tell us, do you hear whether Antonio FTLN 1265 have had any loss at sea or no? FTLN 1266 SHYLOCK There I have another bad match! A bankrout, FTLN 1267 a prodigal, who dare scarce show his head on FTLN 1268 the Rialto, a beggar that was used to come so smug 45 FTLN 1269 upon the mart! Let him look to his bond. He was FTLN 1270 wont to call me usurer; let him look to his bond. He FTLN 1271 was wont to lend money for a Christian cur’sy; let FTLN 1272 him look to his bond. FTLN 1273 SALARINO Why, I am sure if he forfeit, thou wilt not 50 FTLN 1274 take his flesh! What’s that good for? FTLN 1275 SHYLOCK To bait fish withal; if it will feed nothing else, FTLN 1276 it will feed my revenge. He hath disgraced me and FTLN 1277 hindered me half a million, laughed at my losses, FTLN 1278 mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted 55 FTLN 1279 my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine enemies— FTLN 1280 and what’s his reason? I am a Jew. Hath not FTLN 1281 a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions,  99 The Merchant of Venice ACT 3. SC. 1 FTLN 1282 senses, affections, passions? Fed with the FTLN 1283 same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to 60 FTLN 1284 the same diseases, healed by the same means, FTLN 1285 warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer FTLN 1286 as a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not FTLN 1287 bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you FTLN 1288 poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall 65 FTLN 1289 we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will FTLN 1290 resemble you in that. If a Jew wrong a Christian, FTLN 1291 what is his humility? Revenge. If a Christian wrong FTLN 1292 a Jew, what should his sufferance be by Christian FTLN 1293 example? Why, revenge! The villainy you teach me I 70 FTLN 1294 will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the FTLN 1295 instruction. Enter a man from Antonio. FTLN 1296 SERVINGMAN Gentlemen, my master Antonio is at his FTLN 1297 house and desires to speak with you both. FTLN 1298 SALARINO We have been up and down to seek him. 75 Enter Tubal. FTLN 1299 SOLANIO Here comes another of the tribe; a third FTLN 1300 cannot be matched unless the devil himself turn FTLN 1301 Jew. Salarino, Solanio, and the Servingman exit. FTLN 1302 SHYLOCK Ho