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  • Title: The Merchant of Venice (Folio 1, 1623)
  • Editor: Janelle Jenstad

    • Copyright Janelle Jenstad. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Janelle Jenstad
    Not Peer Reviewed

    The Merchant of Venice (Folio 1, 1623)

    The Merchant of Venice.
    1Actus primus.
    Enter Anthonio, Salarino, and Salanio.
    Anthonio.
    IN sooth I know not why I am so sad,
    5It wearies me: you say it wearies you;
    But how I caught it, found it, or came by it,
    What stuffe 'tis made of, whereof it is borne,
    I am to learne: and such a Want-wit sadnesse makes of
    mee,
    10That I haue much ado to know my selfe.
    Sal. Your minde is tossing on the Ocean,
    There where your Argosies with portly saile
    Like Signiors and rich Burgers on the flood,
    Or as it were the Pageants of the sea,
    15Do ouer-peere the pettie Traffiquers
    That curtsie to them, do them reuerence
    As they flye by them with their wouen wings.
    Salar. Beleeue me sir, had I such venture forth,
    The better part of my affections, would
    20Be with my hopes abroad. I should be still
    Plucking the grasse to know where sits the winde,
    Peering in Maps for ports, and peers, and rodes:
    And euery obiect that might make me feare
    Misfortune to my ventures, out of doubt
    25Would make me sad.
    Sal. My winde cooling my broth,
    Would blow me to an Ague, when I thought
    What harme a winde too great might doe at sea.
    I should not see the sandie houre-glasse runne,
    30But I should thinke of shallows, and of flats,
    And see my wealthy Andrew docks in sand,
    Vailing her high top lower then her ribs
    To kisse her buriall; should I goe to Church
    And see the holy edifice of stone,
    35And not bethinke me straight of dangerous rocks,
    Which touching but my gentle Vessels side
    Would scatter all her spices on the streame,
    Enrobe the roring waters with my silkes,
    And in a word, but euen now worth this,
    40And now worth nothing. Shall I haue the thought
    To thinke on this, and shall I lacke the thought
    That such a thing bechaunc'd would make me sad?
    But tell not me, I know Anthonio
    Is sad to thinke vpon his merchandize.
    45Anth. 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 yeere:
    Therefore my merchandize makes me not sad.
    50Sola. Why then you are in loue.
    Anth. Fie, fie.
    Sola. Not in loue neither: then let vs say you are sad
    Because you are not merry; and 'twere as easie
    For you to laugh and leape, and say you are merry
    55Because 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 eyes,
    And laugh like Parrats at a bag-piper.
    And other of such vineger aspect,
    60That they'll not shew their teeth in way of smile,
    Though Nestor sweare the iest be laughable.
    Enter Bassanio, Lorenso, and Gratiano.
    Sola. Heere comes Bassanio,
    Your most noble Kinsman,
    65Gratiano, and Lorenso. Faryewell,
    We leaue you now with better company.
    Sala. I would haue staid till I had made you merry,
    If worthier friends had not preuented me.
    Ant. Your worth is very deere in my regard.
    70I take it your owne busines calls on you,
    And you embrace th' occasion to depart.
    Sal. Good morrow my good Lords.
    Bass. Good signiors both, when shall we laugh? say,(when?
    You grow exceeding strange: must it be so?
    75Sal. Wee'll make our leysures to attend on yours.
    Exeunt Salarino, and Solanio.
    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.
    80Bass. I will not faile you.
    Grat. You looke not well signior Anthonio,
    You haue too much respect vpon the world:
    They loose it that doe buy it with much care,
    Beleeue me you are maruellously chang'd.
    85Ant. I hold the world but as the world Gratiano,
    A stage, where euery man must play a part,
    And mine a sad one.
    Grati. Let me play the foole,
    With mirth and laughter let old wrinckles come,
    90And let my Liuer rather heate with wine,
    Then my heart coole with mortifying grones.
    Why should a man whose bloud is warme within,
    Sit like his Grandsire, cut in Alablaster?
    Sleepe when he wakes? and creep into the Iaundies
    162The Merchant of Venice.
    95By being peeuish? I tell thee what Anthonio,
    I loue thee, and it is my loue that speakes:
    There are a sort of men, whose visages
    Do creame and mantle like a standing pond,
    And do a wilfull stilnesse entertaine,
    100With purpose to be drest in an opinion
    Of wisedome, grauity, profound conceit,
    As who should say, I am sir an Oracle,
    And when I ope my lips, let no dogge barke.
    O my Anthonio, I do know of these
    105That therefore onely are reputed wise,
    For saying nothing; when I am verie sure
    If they should speake, would almost dam those eares
    Which hearing them would call their brothers fooles:
    Ile tell thee more of this another time.
    110But fish not with this melancholly baite
    For this foole Gudgin, this opinion:
    Come good Lorenzo, faryewell a while,
    Ile end my exhortation after dinner.
    Lor. Well, we will leaue you then till dinner time.
    115I must be one of these same dumbe wise men,
    For Gratiano neuer let's me speake.
    Gra. Well, keepe me company but two yeares mo,
    Thou shalt not know the sound of thine owne tongue.
    Ant. Far you well, Ile grow a talker for this geare.
    120Gra. Thankes ifaith, for silence is onely commendable
    In a neats tongue dri'd, and a maid not vendible. Exit.
    Ant. It is that any thing now.
    Bas. Gratiano speakes an infinite deale of nothing,
    more then any man in all Venice, his reasons are two
    125graines of wheate hid in two bushels of chaffe: you shall
    seeke all day ere you finde them, & when you haue them
    they are not worth the search.
    An. Well: tel me now, what Lady is the same
    To whom you swore a secret Pilgrimage
    130That you to day promis'd to tel me of?
    Bas. Tis 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:
    135Nor do I now make mone 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
    140I owe the most in money, and in loue,
    And from your loue I haue a warrantie
    To vnburthen all my plots and purposes,
    How to get cleere of all the debts I owe.
    An. I pray you good Bassanio let me know it,
    145And if it stand as you your selfe still do,
    Within the eye of honour, be assur'd
    My purse, my person, my extreamest meanes
    Lye all vnlock'd to your occasions.
    Bass. In my schoole dayes, when I had lost one shaft
    150I shot his fellow of the selfesame flight
    The selfesame way, with more aduised watch
    To finde the other forth, and by aduenturing both,
    I oft found both. I vrge this child-hoode proofe,
    Because what followes is pure innocence.
    155I 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 shoot the first, I do not doubt,
    As I will watch the ayme: Or to finde both,
    160Or bring your latter hazard backe againe,
    And thankfully rest debter for the first.
    An. You know me well, and herein spend but time
    To winde about my loue with circumstance,
    And out of doubt you doe more wrong
    165In making question of my vttermost
    Then if you had made waste of all I haue:
    Then doe but say to me what I should doe
    That in your knowledge may by me be done,
    And I am prest vnto it: therefore speake.
    170Bass. 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 vndervallewd
    175To Cato's daughter, Brutus Portia,
    Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth,
    For the foure windes blow in from euery coast
    Renowned sutors, and her sunny locks
    Hang on her temples like a golden fleece,
    180Which makes her seat of Belmont Cholchos strond,
    And many Iasons come 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,
    185That I should questionlesse be fortunate.
    Anth. Thou knowst that all my fortunes are at sea,
    Neither haue I money, nor commodity
    To raise a present summe, therefore goe forth
    Try what my credit can in Venice doe,
    190That shall be rackt euen to the vttermost,
    To furnish thee to Belmont to faire Portia.
    Goe 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.
    195Enter Portia with her waiting woman Nerissa.
    Portia. By my troth Nerrissa, my little body is a wea-
    rie of this great world.
    Ner. You would be sweet Madam, if your miseries
    were in the same abundance as your good fortunes are:
    200and yet for ought I see, they are as sicke that surfet with
    too much, as they that starue with nothing; it is no smal
    happinesse therefore to bee seated in the meane, super-
    fluitie comes sooner by white haires, but competencie
    liues longer.
    205Portia. Good sentences, and well pronounc'd.
    Ner. They would be better if well followed.
    Portia. If to doe were as easie as to know what were
    good to doe, Chappels had beene Churches, and poore
    mens cottages Princes Pallaces: it is a good Diuine that
    210followes his owne instructions; I can easier teach twen-
    tie what were good to be done, then be one of the twen-
    tie to follow mine owne teaching: the braine may de-
    uise lawes for the blood, but a hot temper leapes ore a
    colde decree, such a hare is madnesse the youth, to skip
    215ore the meshes of good counsaile the cripple; but this
    reason is not in fashion to choose me a husband: O mee,
    the word choose, I may neither choose whom I would,
    nor refuse whom I dislike, so is the wil of a liuing daugh-
    ter curb'd by the will of a dead father: it is not hard Ner-
    220rissa, 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 lot-
    terie that hee hath deuised in these three chests of gold,
    siluer, and leade, whereof who chooses his meaning,
    chooses
    The Merchant of Venice. 163
    225chooses you, wil no doubt neuer be chosen by any right-
    ly, but one who you shall rightly loue: but what warmth
    is there in your affection towards any of these Princely
    suters that are already come?
    Por. I pray thee ouer-name them, and as thou namest
    230them, I will describe them, and according to my descrip-
    tion leuell at my affection.
    Ner. First there is the Neopolitane Prince.
    Por. I that's a colt indeede, for he doth nothing but
    talke of his horse, and hee makes it a great appropria-
    235tion to his owne good parts that he can shoo him him-
    selfe: I am much afraid my Ladie his mother plaid false
    with a Smyth.
    Ner. Than is there the Countie Palentine.
    Por. He doth nothing but frowne (as who should
    240say, and you will not haue me, choose: he heares merrie
    tales and smiles not, I feare hee will proue the weeping
    Phylosopher when he growes old, being so full of vn-
    mannerly sadnesse in his youth.) I had rather to be marri-
    ed to a deaths head with a bone in his mouth, then to ei-
    245ther of these: God defend me from these two.
    Ner. How say you by the French Lord, Mounsier
    Le Boune?
    Pro. 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,
    250why he hath a horse better then the Neopolitans, a bet-
    ter bad habite of frowning then the Count Palentine, he
    is euery man in no man, if a Trassell sing, he fals straight
    a capring, he will fence with his own shadow. If I should
    marry him, I should marry twentie husbands: if hee
    255would despise me, I would forgiue him, for if he loue me
    to madnesse, I should neuer requite him.
    Ner. What say you then to Fauconbridge, the yong
    Baron of England?
    Por. You know I say nothing to him, for hee vnder-
    260stands not me, nor I him: he hath neither Latine, French,
    nor Italian, and you will come into the Court & sweare
    that I haue a poore pennie-worth in the English: hee is a
    proper mans picture, but alas who can conuerse with a
    dumbe show? how odly he is suited, I thinke he bought
    265his doublet in Italie, his round hose in France, his bonnet
    in Germanie, and his behauiour euery where.
    Ner. What thinke you of the other Lord his neigh-
    bour?
    Por. That he hath a neighbourly charitie in him, for
    270he borrowed a boxe of the eare of the Englishman, and
    swore he would pay him againe when hee was able: I
    thinke the Frenchman became his suretie, and seald vnder
    for another.
    Ner. How like you the yong Germaine, the Duke of
    275Saxonies Nephew?
    Por. Very vildely in the morning when hee is sober,
    and most vildely in the afternoone when hee is drunke:
    when he is best, he is a little worse then a man, and when
    he is worst, he is little better then a beast: and the worst
    280fall that euer fell, I hope I shall make shift to goe with-
    out him.
    Ner. If he should offer to choose, and choose the right
    Casket, you should refuse to performe your Fathers will,
    if you should refuse to accept him.
    285Por. Therefore for feare of the worst, I pray thee set
    a deepe glasse of Reinish-wine on the contrary Casket,
    for if the diuell be within, and that temptation without,
    I know he will choose it. I will doe any thing Nerrissa
    ere I will be married to a spunge.
    290Ner. You neede not feare Lady the hauing any of
    these Lords, they haue acquainted me with their deter-
    minations, which is indeede to returne to their home,
    and to trouble you with no more suite, vnlesse you may
    be won by some other sort then your Fathers impositi-
    295on, depending on the Caskets.
    Por. If I liue to be as olde as Sibilla, I will dye as
    chaste as Diana: vnlesse I be 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
    300I doate on his verie absence: and I wish them a faire de-
    parture.
    Ner. Doe you not remember Ladie in your Fa-
    thers time, a Venecian, a Scholler and a Souldior that
    came hither in companie of the Marquesse of Mount-
    305ferrat?
    Por. Yes, yes, it was Bassanio, as I thinke, so was hee
    call'd.
    Ner. True Madam, hee of all the men that euer my
    foolish eyes look'd vpon, was the best deseruing a faire
    310Lady.
    Por. I remember him well, and I remember him wor-
    thy of thy praise.
    Enter a Seruingman.
    Ser. The foure Strangers seeke you Madam to take
    315their leaue: and there is a fore-runner come from a fift,
    the Prince of Moroco, who brings word the Prince his
    Maister will be here to night.
    Por. If I could bid the fift welcome with so good
    heart as I can bid the other foure farewell, I should be
    320glad of his approach: if he haue the condition of a Saint,
    and the complexion of a diuell, I had rather hee should
    shriue me then wiue me. Come Nerrissa, sirra go before;
    whiles wee shut the gate vpon one wooer, another
    knocks at the doore. Exeunt.
    325Enter Bassanio with Shylocke the Iew.
    Shy. Three thousand ducates, well.
    Bass. I sir, for three months.
    Shy. For three months, well.
    Bass. For the which, as I told you,
    330Anthonio shall be bound.
    Shy. Anthonio shall become bound, well.
    Bass. May you sted me? Will you pleasure me?
    Shall I know your answere.
    Shy. Three thousand ducats for three months,
    335and Anthonio bound.
    Bass. Your answere to that.
    Shy. Anthonio is a good man.
    Bass. Haue you heard any imputation to the con-
    trary.
    340Shy. Ho no, no, no, no: my meaning in saying he is a
    good man, is to haue you vnderstand me that he is suffi-
    cient, yet his meanes are in supposition: he hath an Argo-
    sie bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies, I vnder-
    stand moreouer vpon the Ryalta, he hath a third at Mexi-
    345co, a fourth for England, and other ventures hee hath
    squandred abroad, but ships are but boords, Saylers but
    men, there be land rats, and water rats, water theeues,
    and land theeues, I meane Pyrats, and then there is the
    perrill of waters, windes, and rocks: the man is notwith-
    350standing sufficient, three thousand ducats, I thinke I may
    take his bond.
    Bas. Be assured you may.
    Iew. I
    166The Merchant of Venice.
    Iew. I will be assured I may: and that I may be assu-
    red, I will bethinke mee, may I speake with Antho-
    355nio?
    Bass. If it please you to dine with vs.
    Iew. 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
    360you, walke with you, and so following: but I will
    not eate with you, drinke with you, nor pray with you.
    What newes on the Ryalta, who is he comes here?
    Enter Anthonio.
    Bass. This is signior Anthonio.
    365Iew. How like a fawning publican he lookes.
    I hate him for he is a Christian:
    But more, for that in low simplicitie
    He lends out money gratis, and brings downe
    The rate of vsance here with vs in Venice.
    370If I can catch him once vpon the hip,
    I will feede fat the ancient grudge I beare him.
    He hates our sacred Nation, and he railes
    Euen there where Merchants most doe congregate
    On me, my bargaines, and my well-worne thrift,
    375Which he cals interrest: Cursed be my Trybe
    If I forgiue him.
    Bass. Shylock, doe you heare.
    Shy. I am debating of my present store,
    And by the neere gesse of my memorie
    380I 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,
    385Your worship was the last man in our mouthes.
    Ant. Shylocke, albeit I neither lend nor borrow
    By taking, nor by giuing of excesse,
    Yet to supply the ripe wants of my friend,
    Ile breake a custome: is he yet possest
    390How much he would?
    Shy. I, I, three thousand ducats.
    Ant. And for three months.
    Shy. I had forgot, three months, you told me so.
    Well then, your bond: and let me see, but heare you,
    395Me thoughts you said, you neither lend nor borrow
    Vpon aduantage.
    Ant. I doe neuer vse it.
    Shy. When Iacob graz'd his Vncle Labans sheepe,
    This Iacob from our holy Abram was
    400(As his wise mother wrought in his behalfe)
    The third possesser; I, he was the third.
    Ant. And what of him, did he take interrest?
    Shy. No, not take interest, not as you would say
    Directly interest, marke what Iacob did,
    405When Laban and himselfe were compremyz'd
    That all the eanelings which were streakt and pied
    Should fall as Iacobs hier, the Ewes being rancke,
    In end of Autumne turned to the Rammes,
    And when the worke of generation was
    410Betweene these woolly breeders in the act,
    The skilfull shepheard pil'd me certaine wands,
    And in the dooing of the deede of kinde,
    He stucke them vp before the fulsome Ewes,
    Who then conceauing, did in eaning time
    415Fall party-colour'd lambs, 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 seru'd for,
    A thing not in his power to bring to passe,
    420But sway'd and fashion'd by the hand of heauen.
    Was this inserted to make interrest good?
    Or is your gold and siluer Ewes and Rams?
    Shy. I cannot tell, I make it breede as fast,
    But note me signior.
    425Ant. 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.
    430O what a goodly outside falsehood hath.
    Shy. Three thousand ducats, 'tis 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
    435In the Ryalto you haue rated me
    About my monies and my vsances:
    Still haue I borne it with a patient shrug,
    (For suffrance is the badge of all our Tribe.)
    You call me misbeleeuer, cut-throate dog,
    440And spet vpon my Iewish gaberdine,
    And all for vse of that which is mine owne.
    Well then, it now appeares you neede my helpe:
    Goe to then, you come to me, and you say,
    Shylocke, we would haue moneyes, you say so:
    445You that did voide your rume vpon my beard,
    And foote me as you spurne a stranger curre
    Ouer your threshold, moneyes is your suite.
    What should I say to you? Should I not say,
    Hath a dog money? Is it possible
    450A curre should 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 Wednesday last;
    You spurn'd me such a day; another time
    455You cald me dog: and for these curtesies
    Ile lend you thus much moneyes.
    Ant. I am as like to call thee so againe,
    To spet on thee againe, to spurne thee too.
    If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not
    460As to thy friends, for when did friendship take
    A breede of barraine mettall of his friend?
    But lend it rather to thine enemie,
    Who if he breake, thou maist with better face
    Exact the penalties.
    465Shy. Why looke you how you storme,
    I would be friends with you, and haue your loue,
    Forget the shames that you haue staind me with,
    Supplie your present wants, and take no doite
    Of vsance for my moneyes, and youle not heare me,
    470This is kinde I offer.
    Bass. This were kindnesse.
    Shy. This kindnesse will I showe,
    Goe with me to a Notarie, seale me there
    Your single bond, and in a merrie sport
    475If you repaie me not on such a day,
    In such a place, such sum or sums as are
    Exprest in the condition, let the forfeite
    Be nominated for an equall pound
    Of your faire flesh, to be cut off and taken
    480In what part of your bodie it pleaseth me.
    Ant. Content infaith, Ile seale to such a bond,
    And say there is much kindnesse in the Iew.
    Bass. You
    The Merchant of Venice. 167
    Bass. You shall not seale to such a bond for me,
    Ile rather dwell in my necessitie.
    485Ant. Why feare not man, I will not forfaite it,
    Within these two months, that's a month before
    This bond expires, I doe expect returne
    Of thrice three times the valew of this bond.
    Shy. O father Abram, what these Christians are,
    490Whose owne hard dealings teaches them suspect
    The thoughts of others: Praie you tell me this,
    If he should breake his daie, what should I gaine
    By the exaction of the forfeiture?
    A pound of mans flesh taken from a man,
    495Is not so estimable, profitable neither
    As flesh of Muttons, Beefes, or Goates, I say
    To buy his fauour, I extend this friendship,
    If he will take it, so: if not adiew,
    And for my loue I praie you wrong me not.
    500Ant. Yes Shylocke, I will seale vnto this bond.
    Shy. Then meete me forthwith at the Notaries,
    Giue him direction for this merrie bond,
    And I will goe and purse the ducats straite.
    See to my house left in the fearefull gard
    505Of an vnthriftie knaue: and presentlie
    Ile be with you. Exit.
    Ant. Hie thee gentle Iew. This Hebrew will turne
    Christian, he growes kinde.
    Bass. I like not faire teames, and a villaines minde.
    510Ant. Come on, in this there can be no dismaie,
    My Shippes come home a month before the daie.
    Exeunt.
    Actus Secundus.
    Enter Morochus a tawnie Moore all in white, and three or
    515foure followers accordingly, with Portia,
    Nerrissa, and their traine.
    Flo. Cornets.
    Mor. Mislike me not for my complexion,
    The shadowed liuerie of the burnisht sunne,
    520To whom I am a neighbour, and neere bred.
    Bring me the fairest creature North-ward borne,
    Where Phoebus fire scarce thawes the ysicles,
    And let vs make incision for your loue,
    To proue whose blood is reddest, his or mine.
    525I tell thee Ladie this aspect of mine
    Hath feard the valiant, (by my loue I sweare)
    The best regarded Virgins of our Clyme
    Haue lou'd it to: I would not change this hue,
    Except to steale your thoughts my gentle Queene.
    530Por. In tearmes of choise I am not solie led
    By nice direction of a maidens eies:
    Besides, the lottrie of my destenie
    Bars me the right of voluntarie choosing:
    But if my Father had not scanted me,
    535And hedg'd me by his wit to yeelde my selfe
    His wife, who wins 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.
    540Mor. Euen for that I thanke you,
    Therefore I pray you leade me to the Caskets
    To trie my fortune: By this Symitare
    That slew the Sophie, and a Persian Prince
    That won three fields of Sultan Solyman,
    545I would ore-stare the sternest eies that looke:
    Out-braue the heart most daring on the earth:
    Plucke the yong sucking Cubs from the she Beare,
    Yea, mocke the Lion when he rores for pray
    To win the Ladie. But alas, the while
    550If Hercules and Lychas plaie 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 me
    555Misse that which one vnworthier may attaine,
    And die with grieuing.
    Port. You must take your chance,
    And either not attempt to choose at all,
    Or sweare before you choose, if you choose wrong
    560Neuer to speake to Ladie afterward
    In way of marriage, therefore be aduis'd.
    Mor. Nor will not, come bring me vnto my chance.
    Por. First forward to the temple, after dinner
    Your hazard shall be made.
    565Mor. Good fortune then, Cornets.
    To make me blest or cursed'st among men. Exeunt.
    Enter the Clowne alone .
    Clo. Certainely, my conscience will serue me to run
    from this Iew my Maister: the fiend is at mine elbow,
    570and tempts me, saying to me, Iobbe, Launcelet Iobbe, good
    Launcelet, or good Iobbe, or good Launcelet Iobbe, vse
    your legs, take the start, run awaie: my conscience saies
    no; take heede honest Launcelet, take heed honest Iobbe,
    or as afore-said honest Launcelet Iobbe, doe not runne,
    575scorne running with thy heeles; well, the most coragi-
    ous fiend bids me packe, fia saies the fiend, away saies
    the fiend, for the heauens rouse vp a braue minde saies
    the fiend, and run; well, my conscience hanging about
    the necke of my heart, saies verie wisely to me: my ho-
    580nest friend Launcelet, being an honest mans sonne, or ra-
    ther an honest womans sonne, for indeede my Father did
    something smack, something grow too; he had a kinde of
    taste; wel, my conscience saies Lancelet bouge not, bouge
    saies the fiend, bouge not saies my conscience, conscience
    585say I you counsaile well, fiend say I you counsaile well,
    to be rul'd by my conscience I should stay with the Iew
    my Maister, (who God blesse the marke) is a kinde of di-
    uell; and to run away from the Iew I should be ruled by
    the fiend, who sauing your reuerence is the diuell him-
    590selfe: certainely the Iew is the verie diuell incarnation,
    and in my conscience, my conscience is a kinde of hard
    conscience, to offer to counsaile me to stay with the Iew;
    the fiend giues the more friendly counsaile: I will runne
    fiend, my heeles are at your commandement, I will
    595runne.
    Enter old Gobbo with a Basket.
    Gob. Maister yong-man, you I praie you, which is the
    waie to Maister Iewes?
    Lan. O heauens, this is my true begotten Father, who
    600being more then sand-blinde, high grauel blinde, knows
    me not, I will trie confusions with him.
    Gob. Maister yong Gentleman, I praie you which is
    the waie to Maister Iewes.
    Laun. Turne vpon your right hand at the next tur-
    ning
    168The Merchant of Venice.
    605ning, but at the next turning of all on your left; marrie
    at the verie next turning, turne of no hand, but turn down
    indirectlie to the Iewes house.
    Gob. Be Gods sonties 'twill be a hard waie to hit, can
    you tell me whether one Launcelet that dwels with him,
    610dwell with him or no.
    Laun. Talke you of yong Master Launcelet, marke
    me now, now will I raise the waters; talke you of yong
    Maister Launcelet?
    Gob. No Maister sir, but a poore mans sonne, his Fa-
    615ther though I say't is an honest exceeding poore man,
    and God be thanked well to liue.
    Lan. Well, let his Father be what a will, wee talke of
    yong Maister Launcelet.
    Gob. Your worships friend and Launcelet.
    620Laun. But I praie you ergo old man, ergo I beseech you,
    talke you of yong Maister Launcelet.
    Gob. Of Launcelet, ant please your maistership.
    Lan. Ergo Maister Lancelet, talke not of maister Lance-
    let Father, for the yong gentleman according to fates and
    625destinies, and such odde sayings, the sisters three, & such
    branches of learning, is indeede deceased, or as you
    would say in plaine tearmes, gone to heauen.
    Gob. Marrie God forbid, the boy was the verie staffe
    of my age, my verie prop.
    630Lau. Do I look like a cudgell or a houell-post, a staffe
    or a prop: doe you know me Father.
    Gob. Alacke the day, I know you not yong Gentle-
    man, but I praie you tell me, is my boy God rest his soule
    aliue or dead.
    635Lan. Doe you not know me Father.
    Gob. Alacke sir I am sand blinde, I know you not.
    Lan. Nay, indeede if you had your eies you might
    faile of the knowing me: it is a wise Father that knowes
    his owne childe. Well, old man, I will tell you newes of
    640your son, giue me your blessing, truth will come to light,
    murder cannot be hid long, a mans sonne may, but in the
    end truth will out.
    Gob. Praie you sir stand vp, I am sure you are not
    Lancelet my boy.
    645Lan. Praie you let's haue no more fooling about
    it, but giue mee your blessing: I am Lancelet your
    boy that was, your sonne that is, your childe that
    shall be.
    Gob. I cannot thinke you are my sonne.
    650Lan. I know not what I shall thinke of that: but I am
    Lancelet the Iewes man, and I am sure Margerie your wife
    is my mother.
    Gob. Her name is Margerie indeede, Ile be sworne if
    thou be Lancelet, thou art mine owne flesh and blood:
    655Lord worshipt might he be, what a beard hast thou got;
    thou hast got more haire on thy chin, then Dobbin my
    philhorse has on his taile.
    Lan. It should seeme then that Dobbins taile
    growes backeward. I am sure he had more haire of his
    660taile then I haue of my face when I lost saw him.
    Gob. Lord how art thou chang'd: how doost thou
    and thy Master agree, I haue brought him a present; how
    gree you now?
    Lan. Well, well, but for mine owne part, as I haue set
    665vp my rest to run awaie, so I will not rest till I haue run
    some ground; my Maister's a verie Iew, giue him a pres-
    ent, giue him a halter, I am famisht in his seruice. You
    may tell euerie finger I haue with my ribs: Father I am
    glad you are come, giue me your present to one Maister
    670Bassanio, who indeede giues rare new Liuories, if I serue
    not him, I will run as far as God has anie ground. O rare
    fortune, here comes the man, to him Father, for I am a
    Iew if I serue the Iew anie longer.
    Enter Bassanio with a follower or two.
    675Bass. You may doe so, but let it be so hasted that
    supper be readie at the farthest by fiue of the clocke:
    see these Letters deliuered, put the Liueries to mak-
    ing, and desire Gratiano to come anone to my lodg-
    ing.
    680Lan. To him Father.
    Gob. God blesse your worship.
    Bass. Gramercie, would'st thou ought with me.
    Gob. Here's my sonne sir, a poore boy.
    Lan. Not a poore boy sir, but the rich Iewes man that
    685would sir as my Father shall specifie.
    Gob. He hath a great infection sir, as one would say
    to serue.
    Lan. Indeede the short and the long is, I serue the
    Iew, and haue a desire as my Father shall specifie.
    690Gob. His Maister and he (sauing your worships reue-
    rence) are scarce catercosins.
    Lan. To be briefe, the verie truth is, that the Iew
    hauing done me wrong, doth cause me as my Father be-
    ing I hope an old man shall frutifie vnto you.
    695Gob. I haue here a dish of Doues that I would bestow
    vpon your worship, and my suite is.
    Lan. In verie briefe, the suite is impertinent to my
    selfe, as your worship shall know by this honest old man,
    and though I say it, though old man, yet poore man my
    700Father.
    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 suite,
    705Shylocke thy Maister spoke with me this daie,
    And hath prefer'd thee, if it be preferment
    To leaue a rich Iewes seruice, to become
    The follower of so poore a Gentleman.
    Clo. The old prouerbe is verie well parted betweene
    710my Maister Shylocke and you sir, you haue the grace of
    God sir, and he hath enough.
    Bass. Thou speak'st it well; go Father with thy Son,
    Take leaue of thy old Maister, and enquire
    My lodging out, giue him a Liuerie
    715More garded then his fellowes: see it done.
    Clo. Father in, I cannot get a seruice, no, I haue nere
    a tongue in my head, well: if anie man in Italie haue a
    fairer table which doth offer to sweare vpon a booke, I
    shall haue good fortune; goe too, here's a simple line
    720of life, here's a small trifle of wiues, alas, fifteene wiues
    is nothing, a leuen widdowes and nine maides is a sim-
    ple comming in for one man, and then to scape drow-
    ning thrice, and to be in perill of my life with the edge
    of a featherbed, here are simple scapes: well, if Fortune
    725be a woman, she's a good wench for this gere: Father
    come, Ile take my leaue of the Iew in the twinkling.
    Exit Clowne.
    Bass. I praie thee good Leonardo thinke on this,
    These things being bought and orderly bestowed
    730Returne in haste, for I doe feast to night
    My best esteemd acquaintance, hie thee goe.
    Leon. My best endeuors shall be done herein. Exit Le.
    Enter Gratiano.
    Gra. Where's your Maister.
    Leon. Yonder
    The Merchant of Venice. 169
    735Leon. Yonder sir he walkes.
    Gra. Signior Bassanio.
    Bas. Gratiano.
    Gra. I haue a sute to you.
    Bass. You haue obtain'd it.
    740Gra. You must not denie me, I must goe with you to
    Belmont.
    Bass. Why then you must: but heare thee Gratiano,
    Thou art to wilde, to rude, and bold of voyce,
    Parts that become thee happily enough,
    745And in such eyes as ours appeare not faults;
    But where they are not knowne, why there they show
    Something too liberall, pray thee take paine
    To allay with some cold drops of modestie
    Thy skipping spirit, least through thy wilde behauiour
    750I be misconsterd in the place I goe to,
    And loose my hopes.
    Gra. Signor Bassanio, heare me,
    If I doe not put on a sober habite,
    Talke with respect, and sweare but now and than,
    755Weare prayer bookes in my pocket, looke demurely,
    Nay more, while grace is saying hood mine eyes
    Thus with my hat, and sigh and say Amen:
    Vse all the obseruance of ciuillitie
    Like one well studied in a sad ostent
    760To please his Grandam, neuer trust me more.
    Bas. Well, we shall see your bearing.
    Gra. Nay but I barre to night, you shall not gage me
    By what we doe to night.
    Bas. No that were pittie,
    765I would intreate you rather to put on
    Your boldest suite of mirth, for we haue friends
    That purpose merriment: but far you well,
    I haue some businesse.
    Gra. And I must to Lorenso and the rest,
    770But we will visite you at supper time. Exeunt.
    Enter Iessica and the Clowne.
    Ies. I am sorry thou wilt leaue my Father so,
    Our house is hell, and thou a merrie diuell
    Did'st rob it of some taste of tediousnesse;
    775But far thee well, there is a ducat for thee,
    And Lancelet, soone at supper shalt thou see
    Lorenzo, who is thy new Maisters guest,
    Giue him this Letter, doe it secretly,
    And so farwell: I would not haue my Father
    780See me talke with thee.
    Clo. Adue, teares exhibit my tongue, most beautifull
    Pagan, most sweete Iew, if a Christian doe not play the
    knaue and get thee, I am much deceiued; but adue, these
    foolish drops doe somewhat drowne my manly spirit:
    785adue. Exit.
    Ies. Farewell good Lancelet.
    Alacke, what hainous sinne is it in me
    To be ashamed to be my Fathers childe,
    But though I am a daughter to his blood,
    790I 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, Slarino, and Salanio.
    Lor. Nay, we will slinke away in supper time,
    795Disguise vs at my lodging, and returne all in an houre.
    Gra. We haue not made good preparation.
    Sal. We haue not spoke vs yet of Torch-bearers.
    Sol. 'Tis vile vnlesse it may be quaintly ordered,
    And better in my minde not vndertooke.
    800Lor. 'Tis now but foure of clock, we haue two houres
    To furnish vs; friend Lancelet what's the newes.
    Enter Lancelet with a Letter.
    Lan. And it shall please you to breake vp this, shall it
    seeme to signifie.
    805Lor. I know the hand, in faith 'tis a faire hand
    And whiter then the paper it writ on,
    I the faire hand that writ.
    Gra. Loue newes in faith.
    Lan. By your leaue sir.
    810Lor. Whither goest thou?
    Lan. Marry sir to bid my old Master the Iew to sup
    to night with my new Master the Christian.
    Lor. Hold here, take this, tell gentle Iessica
    I will not faile her, speake it priuately:
    815Go Gentlemen, will you prepare you for this Maske to
    night,
    I am prouided of a Torch-bearer. Exit. Clowne.
    Sal. I marry, ile be gone about it strait.
    Sol. And so will I.
    820Lor. Meete me and Gratiano at Gratianos lodging
    Some houre hence.
    Sal. 'Tis good we do so. Exit.
    Gra. Was not that Letter from faire Iessica?
    Lor. I must needes tell thee all, she hath directed
    825How I shall take her from her Fathers house,
    What gold and iewels she is furnisht with,
    What Pages suite she hath in readinesse:
    If ere the Iew her Father come to heauen,
    It will be for his gentle daughters sake;
    830And neuer dare misfortune crosse her foote,
    Vnlesse she doe it vnder this excuse,
    That she is issue to a faithlesse Iew:
    Come goe with me, pervse this as thou goest,
    Faire Iessica shall be my Torch-bearer. Exit.
    835Enter Iew, and his man that was the Clowne.
    Iew. Well, thou shall see, thy eyes shall be thy iudge,
    The difference of old Shylocke and Bassanio;
    What Iessica, thou shalt not gurmandize
    As thou hast done with me: what Iessica?
    840And sleepe, and snore, and rend apparrell out.
    Why Iessica I say.
    Clo. Why Iessica.
    Shy. Who bids thee call? I do not bid thee call.
    Clo. Your worship was wont to tell me
    845I could doe 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?
    850I am not bid for loue, they flatttr me,
    But yet Ile goe in hate, to feede vpon
    The prodigall Christian. Iessica my girle,
    Looke to my house, I am right loath to goe,
    There is some ill a bruing towards my rest,
    855For I did dreame of money bags to night.
    Clo. I beseech you sir goe, my yong Master
    Doth expect your reproach.
    Shy. So doe I his.
    Clo. And they haue conspired together, I will not say
    860you shall see a Maske, but if you doe, then it was not for
    nothing that my nose fell a bleeding on blacke monday
    P last,
    170The Merchant of Venice.
    last, at six a clocke ith morning, falling out that yeere on
    ashwensday was foure yeere in th' afternoone.
    Shy. What are their maskes? heare you me Iessica,
    865Lock vp my doores, and when you heare the drum
    And the vile squealing of the wry-neckt Fife,
    Clamber not you vp to the casements then,
    Nor thrust your head into the publique streete
    To gaze on Christian fooles with varnisht faces:
    870But stop my houses eares, I meane my casements,
    Let not the sound of shallow fopperie enter
    My sober house. By Iacobs staffe I sweare,
    I haue no minde of feasting forth to night:
    But I will goe: goe you before me sirra,
    875Say I will come.
    Clo. I will goe before sir.
    Mistris looke out at window for all this;
    There will come a Christian by,
    Will be worth a Iewes eye.
    880Shy. What saies 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, but he sleepes by day
    885More 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;
    890Doe as I bid you, shut dores after you, fast binde, fast
    finde,
    A prouerbe neuer stale in thriftie minde. Exit.
    Ies. Farewell, and if my fortune be not crost,
    I haue a Father, you a daughter lost. Exit.
    895Enter the Maskers, Gratiano and Salino.
    Gra. This is the penthouse vnder which Lorenzo
    Desired vs to make a stand.
    Sal. His houre is almost past.
    Gra. And it is meruaile he out-dwels his houre,
    900For louers euer run before the clocke.
    Sal. O ten times faster Venus Pidgions flye
    To steale loues bonds new made, then they are wont
    To keepe obliged faith vnforfaited.
    Gra. That euer holds, who riseth from a feast
    905With that keene appetite that he sits downe?
    Where is the horse that doth vntread 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.
    910How like a yonger or a prodigall
    The skarfed barke puts from her natiue bay,
    Hudg'd and embraced by the strumpet winde:
    How like a prodigall doth she returne
    With ouer-wither'd ribs and ragged sailes,
    915Leane, rent, and begger'd by the strumpet winde?
    Enter Lorenzo.
    Salino. Heere comes Lorenzo, more of this here-
    after.
    Lor. Sweete friends, your patience for my long a-
    920bode,
    Not I, but my affaires haue made you wait:
    When you shall please to play the theeues for wiues
    Ile watch as long for you then: approach
    Here dwels my father Iew. Hoa, who's within?
    925Iessica aboue.
    Iess. Who are you? tell me for more certainty,
    Albeit Ile sweare that I do know your tongue.
    Lor. Lorenzo, and thy Loue.
    Ies. Lorenzo certaine, and my loue indeed,
    930For who loue I so much? and now who knowes
    But you Lorenzo, whether I am yours?
    Lor. Heauen and thy thoughts are witness that thou
    art.
    Ies. Heere, catch this casket, it is worth the paines,
    935I am glad 'tis 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
    940To see me thus transformed to a boy.
    Lor. Descend, for you must be my torch-bearer.
    Ies. What, must I hold a Candle to my shames?
    They in themselues goodsooth are too too light.
    Why, 'tis an office of discouery Loue,
    945And I should be obscur'd.
    Lor. So you are sweet,
    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 Bassanio's feast.
    950Ies. I will make fast the doores and guild my selfe
    With some more ducats, and be with you straight.
    Gra. Now by my hood, a gentle, and no Iew.
    Lor. Beshrew me but I loue her heartily.
    For she is wise, if I can iudge of her,
    955And faire she is, if that mine eyes be true,
    And true she is, as she hath prou'd her selfe:
    And therefore like her selfe, wise, faire, and true,
    Shall she be placed in my constant soule.
    Enter Iessica.
    960What, 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?
    965Ant. Fie, fie, Gratiano, where are all the rest?
    'Tis nine a clocke, our friends all stay for you,
    No maske to night, the winde is come about,
    Bassanio presently will goe aboord,
    I haue sent twenty out to seeke for you.
    970Gra. I am glad on't, I desire no more delight
    Then to be vnder saile, and 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:
    975Now make your choyse.
    Mor. The first of gold, who this inscription beares,
    Who chooseth me, shall gaine what men desire.
    The second siluer, which this promise carries,
    Who chooseth me, shall get as much as he deserues.
    980This third, dull lead, with warning all as blunt,
    Who chooseth me, must giue and hazard all he hath.
    How shall I know if I doe choose the right?
    Por. The
    The Merchant of Venice. 171
    How shall I know if I doe choose the right.
    Por. The one of them containes my picture Prince,
    985If you choose that, then I am yours withall.
    Mor. Some God direct my iudgement, let me see,
    I will suruay the inscriptions, backe againe:
    What saies this leaden casket?
    Who chooseth me, must giue and hazard all he hath.
    990Must 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,
    Ile then nor giue nor hazard ought for lead.
    995What saies the Siluer with her virgin 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 euen hand,
    If thou beest rated by thy estimation
    1000Thou doost deserue enough, and yet enough
    May not extend so farre as to the Ladie:
    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.
    1005I doe in birth deserue her, and in fortunes,
    In graces, and in qualities of breeding:
    But more then these, in loue I doe deserue.
    What if I strai'd no farther, but chose here?
    Let's see once more this saying grau'd in gold.
    1010Who 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 vaste wildes
    1015Of wide Arabia are as throughfares now
    For Princes to come view faire Portia.
    The waterie Kingdome, whose ambitious head
    Spets in the face of heauen, is no barre
    To stop the forraine spirits, but they come
    1020As ore a brooke to see faire Portia.
    One of these three containes her heauenly picture.
    Is't like that Lead containes her? 'twere damnation
    To thinke so base a thought, it were too grose
    To rib her searecloath in the obscure graue:
    1025Or shall I thinke in Siluer she's immur'd
    Being ten times vndervalued 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
    1030Stampt in gold, but that's insculpt vpon:
    But here an Angell in a golden bed
    Lies all within. Deliuer me the key:
    Here doe I choose, and thriue I as I may.
    Por. There take it Prince, and if my forme lye there
    1035Then I am yours.
    Mor. O hell! what haue we here, a carrion death,
    Within whose emptie eye there is a written scroule;
    Ile reade the writing.
    All that glisters is not gold,
    1040 Often haue you heard that told;
    Many a man his life hath sold
    But my outside to behold;
    Guilded timber doe wormes infold:
    Had you beene as wise as bold,
    1045 Yong in limbs, in iudgement old,
    Your answere had not beene inscrold,
    Fareyouwell, your suite is cold,
    Mor. Cold indeede, and labour lost,
    Then farewell heate, and welcome frost:
    1050Portia adew, I haue too grieu'd a heart
    To take a tedious leaue: thus loosers part. Exit.
    Por. A gentle riddance: draw the curtaines, go:
    Let all of his complexion choose me so. Exeunt.
    Enter Salarino and Solanio.
    1055Flo. Cornets.
    Sal. Why man I saw Bassanio vnder sayle,
    With him is Gratiano gone along;
    And in their ship I am sure Lorenzo is not.
    Sol. The villaine Iew with outcries raisd the Duke.
    1060Who went with him to search Bassanios ship.
    Sal. He comes too late, the ship was vndersaile;
    But there the Duke was giuen to vnderstand
    That in a Gondilo were seene together
    Lorenzo and his amorous Iessica.
    1065Besides, Anthonio certified the Duke
    They were not with Bassanio in his ship.
    Sol. I neuer heard a passion so confusd,
    So strange, outragious, and so variable,
    As the dogge Iew did vtter in the streets;
    1070My 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,
    1075And iewels, two stones, two rich and precious stones,
    Stolne by my daughter: iustice, finde the girle,
    She hath the stones vpon her, and the ducats.
    Sal. Why all the boyes in Venice follow him,
    Crying his stones, his daughter, and his ducats.
    1080Sol. Let good Anthonio looke he keepe his day
    Or he shall pay for this.
    Sal. Marry well remembred,
    I reason'd with a Frenchman yesterday,
    Who told me, in the narrow seas that part
    1085The French and English, there miscaried
    A vessell of our countrey richly fraught:
    I thought vpon Anthonio when he told me,
    And wisht in silence that it were not his.
    Sol. Yo were best to tell Anthonio what you heare.
    1090Yet doe not suddainely, for it may grieue him.
    Sal. A kinder Gentleman treads not the earth,
    I saw Bassanio and Anthonio part,
    Bassanio told him he would make some speede
    Of his returne: he answered, doe not so,
    1095Slubber 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 imploy your chiefest thoughts
    1100To courtship, and such faire ostents of loue
    As shall conueniently become you there;
    And euen there his eye being big with teares,
    Turning his face, he put his hand behinde him,
    And with affection wondrous sencible
    1105He wrung Bassanios hand, and so they parted.
    Sol. I thinke he onely loues the world for him,
    I pray thee let vs goe and finde him out
    And quicken his embraced heauinesse
    With some delight or other.
    1110Sal. Doe we so. Exeunt.
    Enter Nerrissa and a Seruiture.
    Ner. Quick, quick I pray thee, draw the curtain strait,
    P2 The
    172The Merchant of Venice.
    The Prince of Arragon hath tane his oath,
    And comes to his election presently.
    1115Enter Arragon, his traine, and Portia.
    Flor. Cornets.
    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:
    1120But if thou faile, without more speech my Lord,
    You must be gone from hence immediately.
    Ar. I am enioynd by oath to obserue three things;
    First, neuer to vnfold to any one
    Which casket 'twas I chose; next, if I faile
    1125Of the right casket, neuer in my life
    To wooe a maide in way of marriage:
    Lastly, if I doe faile in fortune of my choyse,
    Immediately to leaue you, and be gone.
    Por. To these iniunctions euery one doth sweare
    1130That comes to hazard for my worthlesse selfe.
    Ar. 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.
    1135What saies 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 choose by show,
    Not learning more then the fond eye doth teach,
    1140Which pries not to th' interior, but like the Martlet
    Builds in the weather on the outward wall,
    Euen in the force and rode of casualtie.
    I will not choose what many men desire,
    Because I will not iumpe with common spirits,
    1145And ranke me with the barbarous multitudes.
    Why then to thee thou Siluer treasure house,
    Tell me once more, what title thou doost beare;
    Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserues:
    And well said too; for who shall goe about
    1150To cosen Fortune, and be honourable
    Without the stampe of merrit, let none presume
    To weare an vndeserued dignitie:
    O that estates, degrees, and offices,
    Were not deriu'd corruptly, and that cleare honour
    1155Were purchast by the merrit of the wearer;
    How many then should couer that stand bare?
    How many be commanded that command?
    How much low pleasantry would then be gleaned
    From the true seede of honor? And how much honor
    1160Pickt from the chaffe and ruine of the times,
    To be new varnisht: 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 here.
    1165Por. Too long a pause for that which you finde there.
    Ar. What's here, the portrait of a blinking idiot
    Presenting me a scedule, I will reade it:
    How much vnlike art thou to Portia?
    How much vnlike my hopes and my deseruings?
    1170Who 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.
    1175Ar. What is here?
    The fier seauen times tried this,
    Seauen times tried that iudement is,
    That did neuer choose amis,
    Some there be that shadowes kisse,
    1180 Such haue but a shadowes blisse:
    There be fooles aliue Iwis
    Siluer'd o're, and so was this:
    Take what wife you will to bed,
    I will euer be your head:
    1185 So be gone, you are sped.
    Ar. Still more foole I shall appeare
    By the time I linger here,
    With one fooles head I came to woo,
    But I goe away with two.
    1190Sweet adue, Ile keepe my oath,
    Patiently to beare my wroath.
    Por. Thus hath the candle sing'd the moath:
    O these deliberate fooles when they doe choose,
    They haue the wisdome by their wit to loose.
    1195Ner. The ancient saying is no heresie,
    Hanging and wiuing goes by destinie.
    Por. Come draw the curtaine Nerrissa.
    Enter Messenger.
    Mes. Where is my Lady?
    1200Por. Here, what would my Lord?
    Mes. Madam, there is a-lighted at your gate
    A yong Venetian, one that comes before
    To signifie th' approaching of his Lord,
    From whom he bringeth sensible regreets;
    1205To wit (besides commends and curteous breath)
    Gifts of rich value; yet I haue not seene
    So likely an Embassador of loue.
    A day in Aprill neuer came so sweete
    To show how costly Sommer was at hand,
    1210As this fore-spurrer comes before his Lord.
    Por. No more I pray thee, I am halfe a-feard
    Thou wilt say anone he is some kin to thee,
    Thou spend'st such high-day wit in praising him:
    Come, come Nerryssa, for I long to see
    1215Quicke Cupids Post, that comes so mannerly.
    Ner. Bassanio Lord, loue if thy will it be. Exeunt.
    Actus Tertius.
    Enter Solanio and Salarino.
    Sol. Now, what newes on the Ryalto?
    1220Sal. Why yet it liues there vncheckt, that Anthonio
    hath a ship of rich lading wrackt on the narrow Seas; the
    Goodwins I thinke they call the place, a very dangerous
    flat, and fatall, where the carcasses of many a tall ship, lye
    buried, as they say, if my gossips report be an honest wo-
    1225man of her word.
    Sol. I would she were as lying a gossip in that, as euer
    knapt Ginger, or made her neighbours beleeue she wept
    for the death of a third husband: but it is true, without
    any slips of prolixity, or crossing the plaine high-way of
    1230talke, that the good Anthonio, the honest Anthonio; ô that
    I had a title good enough to keepe his name company!
    Sal. Come, the full stop.
    Sol. Ha, what sayest thou, why the end is, he hath lost
    a ship.
    Sal. I
    The Merchant of Venice. 173
    1235Sal. I would it might proue the end of his losses.
    Sol. Let me say Amen betimes, least the diuell crosse
    my praier, for here he comes in the likenes of a Iew. How
    now Shylocke, what newes among the Merchants?
    Enter Shylocke.
    1240Shy. You knew none so well, none so well as you, of
    my daughters flight.
    Sal. That's certaine, I for my part knew the Tailor
    that made the wings she flew withall.
    Sol. And Shylocke for his own part knew the bird was
    1245fledg'd, and then it is the complexion of them al to leaue
    the dam.
    Shy. She is damn'd for it.
    Sal. That's certaine, if the diuell may be her Iudge.
    Shy. My owne flesh and blood to rebell.
    1250Sol. Out vpon it old carrion, rebels it at these yeeres.
    Shy. I say my daughter is my flesh and bloud.
    Sal. There is more difference betweene thy flesh and
    hers, then betweene Iet and Iuorie, more betweene your
    bloods, then there is betweene red wine and rennish: but
    1255tell vs, doe you heare whether Anthonio haue had anie
    losse at sea or no?
    Shy. There I haue another bad match, a bankrout, a
    prodigall, who dare scarce shew his head on the Ryalto,
    a begger that was vsd to come so smug vpon the Mart:
    1260let him look 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.
    Sal. Why I am sure if he forfaite, thou wilt not take
    his flesh, what's that good for?
    1265Shy. To baite fish withall, if it will feede nothing
    else, it will feede 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 friends, heated mine enemies, and what's the
    1270reason? I am a Iewe: Hath not a Iew eyes? hath not a
    Iew hands, organs, dementions, sences, affections, passi-
    ons, fed with the same foode, hurt with the same wea-
    pons, subiect to the same diseases, healed by the same
    meanes, warmed and cooled by the same Winter and
    1275Sommmer as a Christian is: if you pricke vs doe we not
    bleede? if you tickle vs, doe we not laugh? if you poison
    vs doe we not die? and if you wrong vs shall we not re-
    uenge? if we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you
    in that. If a Iew wrong a Christian, what is his humility,
    1280reuenge? If a Christian wrong a Iew, what should his suf-
    ferance be by Christian example, why reuenge? The vil-
    lanie you teach me I will execute, and it shall goe hard
    but I will better the instruction.
    Enter a man from Anthonio.
    1285Gentlemen, my maister Anthonio is at his house, and
    desires to speake with you both.
    Sal. We haue beene vp and downe to seeke him.
    Enter Tuball.
    Sol. Here comes another of the Tribe, a third cannot
    1290be matcht, vnlesse the diuell himselfe turne Iew.
    Exeunt Gentlemen.
    Shy. How now Tuball, what newes from Genowa? hast
    thou found my daughter?
    Tub. I often came where I did heare of ster, but can-
    1295not finde her.
    Shy. Why there, there, there, there, a diamond gone
    cost me two thousand ducats in Franckford, the curse ne-
    uer fell vpon our Nation till now, I neuer felt it till now,
    two thousand ducats in that, and other precious, preci-
    1300ous iewels: I would my daughter were dead at my foot,
    and the iewels in her eare: would she were hearst at my
    foote, and the duckets in her coffin: no newes of them,
    why so? and I know not how much is spent in the search:
    why thou losse vpon losse, the theefe gone with so
    1305much, and so much to finde the theefe, and no satisfa-
    ction, no reuenge, nor no ill luck stirring but what lights
    a my shoulders, no sighes but a my breathing, no teares
    but a my shedding.
    Tub. Yes, other men haue ill lucke too, Anthonio as I
    1310heard in Genowa?
    Shy. What, what, what, ill lucke, ill lucke.
    Tub. Hath an Argosie cast away comming from Tri-
    polis.
    Shy. I thanke God, I thanke God, is it true, is it true?
    1315Tub. I spoke with some of the Saylers that escaped
    the wracke.
    Shy. I thanke thee good Tuball, good newes, good
    newes: ha, ha, here in Genowa.
    Tub. Your daughter spent in Genowa, as I heard, one
    1320night fourescore ducats.
    Shy. Thou stick'st a dagger in me, I shall neuer see my
    gold againe, fourescore ducats at a sitting, fourescore du-
    cats.
    Tub. There came diuers of Anthonios creditors in my
    1325company to Venice, that sweare hee cannot choose but
    breake.
    Shy. I am very glad of it, ile plague him, ile torture
    him, I am glad of it,
    Tub. One of them shewed me a ring that hee had of
    1330your daughter for a Monkie.
    Shy. Out vpon her, thou torturest me Tuball, it was
    my Turkies, I had it of Leah when I was a Batcheler: I
    would not haue giuen it for a wildernesse of Monkies.
    Tub. But Anthonio is certainely vndone.
    1335Shy. Nay, that's true, that's very true, goe Tuball, see
    me an Officer, bespeake him a fortnight before, I will
    haue the heart of him if he forfeit, for were he out of Ve-
    nice, I can make what merchandize I will: goe Tuball,
    and meete me at our Sinagogue, goe good Tuball, at our
    1340Sinagogue Tuball. Exeunt.
    Enter Bassanio, Portia, Gratiano, and all their traine.
    Por. I pray you tarrie, pause a day or two
    Before you hazard, for in choosing wrong
    I loose your companie; therefore forbeare a while,
    1345There's something tels me (but it is not loue)
    I would not loose you, and you know your selfe,
    Hate counsailes not in such a quallitie;
    But least you should not vnderstand me well,
    And yet a maiden hath no tongue, but thought,
    1350I would detaine you here some month or two
    Before you venture for me. I could teach you
    How to choose right, but then I am forsworne,
    So will I neuer be, so may you misse me,
    But if you doe, youle make me wish a sinne,
    1355That I had beene forsworne: Beshrow your eyes,
    They haue ore-lookt me and deuided me,
    One halfe of me is yours, the other halfe yours,
    Mine owne I would say: but of mine then yours,
    And so all yours; O these naughtie times
    1360Puts bars betweene the owners and their rights.
    And so though yours, not yours (proue it so)
    Let Fortune goe to hell for it, not I.
    I speake too long, but 'tis to peize the time,
    To ich it, and to draw it out in length,
    1365To stay you from election.
    P3 Bass. Let
    174The Merchant of Venice.
    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.
    1370Bass. None but that vglie treason of mistrust.
    Which makes me feare the enioying of my loue:
    There may as well be amitie and life,
    'Tweene snow and fire, as treason and my loue.
    Por. I, but I feare you speake vpon the racke,
    1375Where men enforced doth speake any thing.
    Bass. Promise me life, and ile confesse the truth.
    Por. Well then, confesse and liue.
    Bass. Confesse and loue
    Had beene the verie sum of my confession:
    1380O happie torment, when my torturer
    Doth teach me answers for deliuerance:
    But let me to my fortune and the caskets.
    Por. Away then, I am lockt in one of them,
    If you doe loue me, you will finde me out.
    1385Nerryssa and the rest, stand all aloofe,
    Let musicke sound while he doth make his choise,
    Then if he loose he makes a Swan-like end,
    Fading in musique. That the comparison
    May stand more proper, my eye shall be the streame
    1390And watrie death-bed for him: he may win,
    And what is musique than? Than musique is
    Euen as the flourish, when true subiects bowe
    To a new crowned Monarch: Such it is,
    As are those dulcet sounds in breake of day,
    1395That creepe into the dreaming bride-groomes eare,
    And summon him to marriage. Now he goes
    With no lesse presence, but with much more loue
    Then yong Alcides, when he did redeeme
    The virgine tribute, paied by howling Troy
    1400To the Sea-monster: I stand for sacrifice,
    The rest aloofe are the Dardanian wiues:
    With bleared visages come forth to view
    The issue of th' exploit: Goe Hercules,
    Liue thou, I liue with much more dismay
    1405I view the sight, then thou that mak'st the fray.
    Here Musicke.
    A Song the whilst Bassanio comments on the
    Caskets to himselfe.
    Tell me where is fancie bred,
    1410 Or in the heart, or in the head:
    How begot, how nourished. Replie, replie.
    It is engendred in the eyes,
    With gazing fed, and Fancie dies,
    In the cradle where it lies:
    1415 Let vs all ring Fancies knell.
    Ile begin it.
    Ding, dong, bell.
    All. Ding, dong, bell.
    Bass. So may the outward showes be least themselues
    1420The world is still deceiu'd with ornament.
    In Law, what Plea so tanted and corrupt,
    But being season'd with a gracious voice,
    Obscures the show of euill? In Religion,
    What damned error, but some sober brow
    1425Will blesse it, and approue it with a text,
    Hiding the grosenesse with faire ornament:
    There is no voice so simple, but assumes
    Some marke of vertue on his outward parts;
    How manie cowards, whose hearts are all as false
    1430As stayers 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 valors excrement,
    To render them redoubted. Looke on beautie,
    1435And you shall see 'tis purchast by the weight,
    Which therein workes a miracle in nature,
    Making them lightest that weare most of it:
    So are those crisped snakie golden locks
    Which makes such wanton gambols with the winde
    1440Vpon supposed fairenesse, often knowne
    To be the dowrie of a second head,
    The scull that bred them in the Sepulcher.
    Thus ornament is but the guiled shore
    To a most dangerous sea: the beautious scarfe
    1445Vailing an Indian beautie; In a word,
    The seeming truth which cunning times put on
    To intrap the wisest. Therefore then thou gaudie gold,
    Hard food for Midas, I will none of thee,
    Nor none of thee thou pale and common drudge
    1450'Tweene man and man: but thou, thou meager lead
    Which rather threatnest then dost promise ought,
    Thy palenesse moues me more then eloquence,
    And here choose I, ioy be the consequence.
    Por. How all the other passions fleet to ayre,
    1455As doubtfull thoughts, and rash imbrac'd despaire:
    And shuddring feare, and greene-eyed iealousie.
    O loue be moderate, allay thy extasie,
    In measure raine thy ioy, scant this excesse,
    I feele too much thy blessing, make it lesse,
    1460For feare I surfeit.
    Bas. What finde I here?
    Faire Portias counterfeit. What demie God
    Hath come so neere creation? moue these eies?
    Or whether riding on the bals of mine
    1465Seeme they in motion? Here are seuer'd lips
    Parted with suger breath, so sweet a barre
    Should sunder such sweet friends: here in her haires
    The Painter plaies the Spider, and hath wouen
    A golden mesh t'intrap the hearts of men
    1470Faster then gnats in cobwebs: but her eies,
    How could he see to doe them? hauing made one,
    Me thinkes 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
    1475In vnderprising it, so farre this shadow
    Doth limpe behinde the substance. Here's the scroule,
    The continent, and summarie of my fortune.
    You that choose not by the view
    Chance as faire, and choose as true:
    1480 Since this fortune fals to you,
    Be content, and seeke no new.
    If you be well pleasd with this,
    And hold your fortune for your blisse,
    Turne you where your Lady is,
    1485 And claime her with a louing kisse.
    Bass. 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 eies:
    1490Hearing applause and vniuersall shout,
    Giddie in spirit, still gazing in a doubt
    Whether those peales of praise be his or no.
    So
    The Merchant of Venice. 175
    So thrice faire Lady stand I euen so,
    As doubtfull whether what I see be true,
    1495Vntill confirm'd, sign'd, ratified by you.
    Por. You see my Lord Bassiano 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,
    1500I 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
    1505Is sum of nothing: which to terme in grosse,
    Is an vnlessoned girle, vnschool'd, vnpractiz'd,
    Happy in this, she is not yet so old
    But she may learne: happier then this,
    Shee is not bred so dull but she can learne;
    1510Happiest of all, is that her gentle spirit
    Commits it selfe to yours to be directed,
    As from her Lord, her Gouernour, her King.
    My selfe, and what is mine, to you and yours
    Is now conuerted. But now I was the Lord
    1515Of 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, loose, or giue away,
    1520Let it presage the ruine of your loue,
    And be my vantage to exclaime on you.
    Bass. Maddam, you haue bereft me of all words,
    Onely my bloud speakes to you in my vaines,
    And there is such confusion in my powers,
    1525As 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
    1530Exprest, and not exprest: but when this ring
    Parts from this finger, then parts life from hence,
    O then be bold to say Bassanio's dead.
    Ner. My Lord and Lady, it is now our time
    That haue stood by and seene our wishes prosper,
    1535To 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
    1540The bargaine of your faith: I doe beseech you
    Euen at that time I may be married too.
    Bass. With all my heart, so thou canst get a wife.
    Gra. I thanke your Lordship, you gaue got me one.
    My eyes my Lord can looke as swift as yours:
    1545You saw the mistres, I beheld the maid:
    You lou'd, I lou'd for intermission,
    No more pertaines to me my Lord then you;
    Your fortune stood vpon the caskets there,
    And so did mine too, as the matter falls:
    1550For wooing heere vntill I swet againe,
    And swearing till my very rough was dry
    With oathes of loue, at last, if promise last,
    I got a promise of this faire one heere
    To haue her loue: prouided that your fortune
    1555Atchieu'd her mistresse.
    Por. Is this true Nerrissa?
    Ner. Madam it is so, so you stand pleas'd withall.
    Bass. And doe you Gratiano meane good faith?
    Gra. Yes faith my Lord.
    1560Bass. Our feast shall be much honored in your mar-
    riage.
    Gra. Weele play with them the first boy for a thou-
    sand ducats.
    Ner. What and stake downe?
    1565Gra. No, we shal nere win at that sport, and stake
    downe.
    But who comes heere? Lorenzo and his Infidell?
    What and my old Venetian friend Salerio?
    Enter Lorenzo, Iessica, and Salerio.
    1570Bas. Lorenzo and Salerio, welcome hether,
    If that the youth of my new interest heere
    Haue power to bid you welcome: by your leaue
    I bid my verie friends and Countrimen
    Sweet Portia welcome.
    1575Por. So do I my Lord, they are intirely welcome.
    Lor. I thanke your honor; for my part my Lord,
    My purpose was not to haue seene you heere,
    But meeting with Salerio by the way,
    He did intreate mee past all saying nay
    1580To 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
    1585I pray you tell me how my good friend doth.
    Sal. Not sicke my Lord, vnlesse it be in minde,
    Nor wel, vnlesse in minde: his Letter there
    Wil shew you his estate.
    Opens the Letter.
    1590Gra. Nerrissa, cheere yond stranger, bid her welcom.
    Your hand Salerio, what's the newes from Venice?
    How doth that royal Merchant good Anthonio;
    I know he vvil be glad of our successe,
    We are the Iasons, we haue won the fleece.
    1595Sal. I would you had won the fleece that hee hath
    lost.
    Por. There are some shrewd contents in yond same
    Paper,
    That steales the colour from Bassianos cheeke,
    1600Some deere 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
    1605That this same paper brings you.
    Bass. O sweet Portia,
    Heere are a few of the vnpleasant'st words
    That euer blotted paper. Gentle Ladie
    When I did first impart my loue to you,
    1610I freely told you all the wealth I had
    Ran in my vaines: I was a Gentleman,
    And then I told you true: and yet deere Ladie,
    Rating my selfe at nothing, you shall see
    How much I was a Braggart, when I told you
    1615My state was nothing, I should then haue told you
    That I vvas worse then nothing: for indeede
    I haue ingag'd my selfe to a deere friend,
    Ingag'd my friend to his meere enemie
    To feede my meanes. Heere is a Letter Ladie,
    1620The paper as the bodie of my friend,
    And euerie word in it a gaping wound
    Issuing life blood. But is it true Salerio,
    Hath
    176The Merchant of Venice.
    Hath all his ventures faild, what not one hit,
    From Tripolis, from Mexico and England,
    1625From 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
    1630The 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 plyes the Duke at morning and at night,
    1635And 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
    1640Of forfeiture, of iustice, and his bond.
    Iessi. When I was with him, I haue heard him sweare
    To Tuball and to Chus, his Countri-men,
    That he would rather haue Anthonio's flesh,
    Then twenty times the value of the summe
    1645That he did owe him: and I know my Lord,
    If law, authoritie, and power denie not,
    It will goe hard with poore Anthonio.
    Por. Is it your deere friend that is thus in trouble?
    Bass. The deerest friend to me, the kindest man,
    1650The best condition'd, and vnwearied spirit
    In doing curtesies: and one in whom
    The ancient Romane honour more appeares
    Then any that drawes breath in Italie.
    Por. What summe owes he the Iew?
    1655Bass. For me three thousand ducats.
    Por. What, no more?
    Pay him sixe thousand, and deface the bond:
    Double sixe thousand, and then treble that,
    Before a friend of this description
    1660Shall lose a haire through Bassano's fault.
    First goe with me to Church, and call me wife,
    And then away to Venice to your friend:
    For neuer shall you lie by Portias side
    With an vnquiet soule. You shall haue gold
    1665To pay the petty debt twenty times ouer.
    When it is payd, bring your true friend along,
    My maid Nerrissa, and my selfe meane time
    Will liue as maids and widdowes; come away,
    For you shall hence vpon your wedding day:
    1670Bid your friends welcome, show 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 Credi-
    tors grow cruell, my estate is very low, my bond to the Iew is
    1675forfeit, and since in paying it, it is impossible I should liue, all
    debts are cleerd betweene you and I, if I might see you at my
    death: notwithstanding, vse your pleasure, if your loue doe not
    perswade you to come, let not my letter.
    Por. O loue! dispach all busines and be gone.
    1680Bass. Since I haue your good leaue to goe away,
    I will make hast; but till I come againe,
    No bed shall ere be guilty of my stay,
    Nor rest be interposer twixt vs twaine. Exeunt.
    Enter the Iew, and Solanio, and Anthonio,
    1685and the Iaylor.
    Iew. Iaylor, looke to him, tell not me of mercy,
    This is the foole that lends out money gratis.
    Iaylor, looke to him.
    Ant. Heare me yet good Shylok.
    1690Iew. Ile haue my bond, speake not against my bond,
    I haue sworne an oath that I will haue my bond:
    Thou call'dst me dog before thou hadst a cause,
    But since I am a dog, beware my phangs,
    The Duke shall grant me iustice, I do wonder
    1695Thou naughty Iaylor, that thou art so fond
    To come abroad with him at his request.
    Ant. I pray thee heare me speake.
    Iew. Ile haue my bond, I will not heare thee speake,
    Ile haue my bond, and therefore speake no more.
    1700Ile not be made a soft and dull ey'd foole,
    To shake the head, relent, and sigh, and yeeld
    To Christian intercessors: follow not,
    Ile haue no speaking, I will haue my bond. Exit Iew.
    Sol. It is the most impenetrable curre
    1705That euer kept with men.
    Ant. Let him alone,
    Ile follow him no more with bootlesse prayers:
    He seekes my life, his reason well I know;
    I oft deliuer'd from his forfeitures
    1710Many that haue at times made mone to me,
    Therefore he hates me.
    Sol. I am sure the Duke will neuer grant
    this forfeiture to hold.
    An. The Duke cannot deny the course of law:
    1715For the commoditie that strangers haue
    With vs in Venice, if it be denied,
    Will much impeach the iustice of the State,
    Since that the trade and profit of the citty
    Consisteth of all Nations. Therefore goe,
    1720These greefes and losses haue so bated mee,
    That I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh
    To morrow, to my bloudy Creditor.
    Well Iaylor, on, pray God Bassanio come
    To see me pay his debt, and then I care not. Exeunt.
    1725 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 conceit
    Of god-like amity, which appeares most strongly
    1730In 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
    1735Then 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 doe beare an egal yoke of loue.
    1740There must be needs a like proportion
    Of lyniaments, of manners, and of spirit;
    Which makes me thinke that this Anthonio
    Being the bosome louer of my Lord,
    Must needs be like my Lord. If it be so,
    1745How little is the cost I haue bestowed
    In purchasing the semblance of my soule;
    From out the state of hellish cruelty,
    This comes too neere the praising of my selfe,
    Therefore no more of it: heere other things
    1750Lorenso I commit into your hands,
    The
    The Merchant of Venice. 177
    The husbandry and mannage 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,
    1755Onely attended by Nerrissa heere,
    Vntill her husband and my Lords returne:
    There is a monastery too miles off,
    And there we will abide. I doe desire you
    Not to denie this imposition,
    1760The which my loue and some necessity
    Now layes vpon you.
    Lorens. Madame, with all my heart,
    I shall obey you in all faire commands.
    Por. My people doe already know my minde,
    1765And will acknowledge you and Iessica
    In place of Lord Bassanio and my selfe.
    So far you well till we shall meete againe.
    Lor. Faire thoughts & happy houres attend on you.
    Iessi. I wish your Ladiship all hearts content.
    1770Por. I thanke you for your wish, and am well pleas'd
    To wish it backe on you: faryouwell 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 the indeauor of a man,
    1775In speed to Mantua, see thou render this
    Into my cosins hand, Doctor Belario,
    And looke what notes and garments he doth giue thee,
    Bring them I pray thee with imagin'd speed
    Vnto the Tranect, to the common Ferrie
    1780Which trades to Venice; waste no time in words,
    But get thee gone, I shall be there before thee.
    Balth. Madam, I goe with all conuenient speed.
    Por. Come on Nerissa, I haue worke in hand
    That you yet know not of; wee'll see our husbands
    1785Before they thinke of vs?
    Nerrissa. Shall they see vs?
    Portia. They shall Nerrissa: but in such a habit,
    That they shall thinke we are accomplished
    With that we lacke; Ile hold thee any wager
    1790When we are both accoutered like yong men,
    Ile 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 voyce, and turne two minsing steps
    1795Into 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 died.
    I could not doe withall: then Ile repent,
    1800And wish for all that, that I had not kil'd them;
    And twentie of these punie lies Ile tell,
    That men shall sweare I haue discontinued schoole
    Aboue a twelue moneth: I haue within my minde
    A thousand raw tricks of these bragging Iacks,
    1805Which I will practise.
    Nerris. Why, shall wee turne to men?
    Portia. Fie, what a questions that?
    If thou wert nere a lewd interpreter:
    But come, Ile tell thee all my whole deuice
    1810When I am in my coach, which stayes for vs
    At the Parke gate; and therefore haste away,
    For we must measure twentie miles to day. Exeunt.
    Enter Clowne and Iessica.
    Clown. Yes truly; for looke you, the sinnes of the Fa-
    1815ther are to be laid vpon the children, therefore I promise
    you, I feare you, I was alwaies plaine with you, and so
    now I speake my agitation of the matter: therfore be of
    good cheere, for truly I thinke you are damn'd, there is
    but one hope in it that can doe you anie good, and that is
    1820but a kinde of bastard hope neither.
    Iessica. And what hope is that I pray thee?
    Clow. Marrie you may partlie hope that your father
    got you not, that you are not the Iewes daughter.
    Ies. That were a kinde of bastard hope indeed, so the
    1825sins of my mother should be visited vpon me.
    Clow. Truly then I feare you are damned both by fa-
    ther and mother: thus when I shun Scilla your father, I
    fall into Charibdis your mother; well, you are gone both
    waies.
    1830Ies. I shall be sau'd by my husband, he hath made me
    a Christian.
    Clow. Truly the more to blame he, we were Christi-
    ans enow before, e'ne as many as could wel liue one by a-
    nother: this making of Christians will raise the price of
    1835Hogs, if wee grow all to be porke-eaters, wee shall not
    shortlie haue a rasher on the coales for money.
    Enter Lorenzo.
    Ies. Ile tell my husband Lancelet what you say, heere
    he comes.
    1840Loren. I shall grow iealous of you shortly Lancelet,
    if you thus get my wife into corners?
    Ies. Nay, you need not feare vs Lorenzo, Launcelet
    and I are out, he tells me flatly there is no mercy for mee
    in heauen, because I am a Iewes daughter: and hee saies
    1845you are no good member of the common wealth, for
    in conuerting Iewes to Christians, you raise the price
    of Porke.
    Loren. I shall answere that better to the Common-
    wealth, than you can the getting vp of the Negroes bel-
    1850lie: the Moore is with childe by you Launcelet?
    Clow. It is much that the Moore should be more then
    reason: but if she be lesse then an honest woman, shee is
    indeed more then I tooke her for.
    Loren. How euerie foole can play vpon the word, I
    1855thinke the best grace of witte will shortly turne into si-
    lence, and discourse grow commendable in none onely
    but Parrats: goe in sirra, bid them prepare for dinner?
    Clow. That is done sir, they haue all stomacks?
    Loren. Goodly Lord, what a witte-snapper are you,
    1860then bid them prepare dinner.
    Clow. That is done to sir, onely couer is the word.
    Loren. Will you couer than sir?
    Clow. Not so sir neither, I know my dutie.
    Loren. Yet more quarrellng with occasion, wilt thou
    1865shew the whole wealth of thy wit 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
    meat, and we will come in to dinner.
    Clow. For the table sir, it shall be seru'd in, for the
    1870meat sir, it shall bee couered, for your comming in to
    dinner sir, why let it be as humors and conceits shall go-
    uerne. Exit Clowne.
    Lor. O deare discretion, how his words are suted,
    The foole hath planted in his memory
    1875An Armie of good words, and I doe know
    A many fooles that stand in better place,
    Garnisht like him, that for a tricksie word
    Defie the matter: how cheer'st thou Iessica,
    And now good sweet say thy opinion,
    How
    178The Merchant of Venice.
    1880How dost thou like the Lord Bassiano's wife?
    Iessi. 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,
    1885And if on earth he doe not meane it, it
    Is 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
    1890Paund with the other, for the poore rude world
    Hath not her fellow.
    Loren. Euen such a husband
    Hast thou of me, as she is for a wife.
    Ies. Nay, but aske my opinion to of that?
    1895Lor. I will anone, first let vs goe to dinner?
    Ies. Nay, let me praise you while I haue a stomacke?
    Lor. No pray thee, let it serue for table talke,
    Then how som ere thou speakst 'mong other things,
    I shall digest it?
    1900Iessi. Well, Ile set you forth. Exeunt.
    Actus Quartus.
    Enter the Duke, the Magnificoes, Anthonio, Bassanio, and
    Gratiano.
    Duke. What, is Anthonio heere?
    1905Ant. Ready, so please your grace?
    Duke. I am sorry for thee, thou art come to answere
    A stonie aduersary, an inhumane wretch,
    Vncapable of pitty, voyd, and empty
    From any dram of mercie.
    1910Ant. I haue heard
    Your Grace hath tane great paines to qualifie
    His rigorous course: but since he stands obdurate,
    And that no lawful meanes can carrie me
    Out of his enuies reach, I do oppose
    1915My patience to his fury, and am arm'd
    To suffer with a quietnesse of spirit,
    The very tiranny and rage of his.
    Du. Go one and cal the Iew into the Court.
    Sal. He is ready at the doore, he comes my Lord.
    1920Enter 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 mallice
    To the last houre of act, and then 'tis thought
    1925Thou'lt shew thy mercy and remorse more strange,
    Than is thy strange apparant cruelty;
    And where thou now exact'st the penalty,
    Which is a pound of this poore Merchants flesh,
    Thou wilt not onely loose the forfeiture,
    1930But touch'd with humane gentlenesse and loue:
    Forgiue a moytie of the principall,
    Glancing an eye of pitty on his losses
    That haue of late so hudled on his backe,
    Enow to presse a royall Merchant downe;
    1935And plucke commiseration of his state
    From brassie bosomes, and rough hearts of flints,
    From stubborne Turkes and Tarters neuer traind
    To offices of tender curtesie,
    We all expect a gentle answer Iew?
    1940Iew. I haue possest your grace of what I purpose,
    And by our holy Sabbath haue I sworne
    To haue the due and forfeit of my bond.
    If you denie it, let the danger light
    Vpon your Charter, and your Cities freedome.
    1945You'l aske me why I rather choose to haue
    A weight of carrion flesh, then to receiue
    Three thousand Ducats? Ile not answer that:
    But say it is my humor; Is it answered?
    What if my house be troubled with a Rat,
    1950And I be pleas'd to giue ten thousand Ducates
    To haue it bain'd? What, are you answer'd yet?
    Some men there are loue not a gaping Pigge:
    Some that are mad, if they behold a Cat:
    And others, when the bag-pipe sings i'th nose,
    1955Cannot containe their Vrine for affection.
    Masters of passion swayes it to the moode
    Of what it likes or loaths, now for your answer:
    As there is no firme reason to be rendred
    Why he cannot abide a gaping Pigge?
    1960Why he a harmlesse necessarie Cat?
    Why he a woollen bag-pipe: 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,
    1965More then a lodg'd hate, and a certaine loathing
    I beare Anthonio, that I follow thus
    A loosing suite against him? Are you answered?
    Bass. This is no answer thou vnfeeling man,
    To excuse the currant of thy cruelty.
    1970Iew. I am not bound to please thee with my answer.
    Bass. Do all men kil the things they do not loue?
    Iew. Hates any man the thing he would not kill?
    Bass. Euerie offence is not a hate at first.
    Iew. What wouldst thou haue a Serpent sting thee
    1975twice?
    Ant. I pray you thinke you question with the Iew:
    You may as well go stand vpon the beach,
    And bid the maine flood baite his vsuall height,
    Or euen as well vse question with the Wolfe,
    1980The Ewe bleate for the Lambe:
    You may as well forbid the Mountaine Pines
    To wagge their high tops, and to make no noise
    When they are fretted with the gusts of heauen:
    You may as well do any thing most hard,
    1985As seeke to soften that, then which what harder?
    His Iewish heart. Therefore I do beseech you
    Make no more offers, vse no farther meanes,
    But with all briefe and plaine conueniencie
    Let me haue iudgement, and the Iew his will.
    1990Bas. For thy three thousand Ducates heere is six.
    Iew. If euerie Ducat in sixe thousand Ducates
    Were in sixe parts, and euery part a Ducate,
    I would not draw them, I would haue my bond?
    Du. How shalt thou hope for mercie, rendring none?
    1995Iew. What iudgement 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,
    2000Let them be free, marrie them to your heires?
    Why sweate 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
    The Merchant of Venice. 179
    The slaues are ours. So do I answer you.
    2005The pound of flesh which I demand of him
    Is deerely bought, 'tis 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?
    2010Du. 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.
    Sal. My Lord, heere stayes without
    2015A Messenger with Letters from the Doctor,
    New come from Padua.
    Du. Bring vs the Letters, Call the Messengers.
    Bass. Good cheere Anthonio. What man, corage yet:
    The Iew shall haue my flesh, blood, bones, and all,
    2020Ere thou shalt loose for me one drop of blood.
    Ant. 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 employ'd Bassanio,
    2025Then to liue still, and write mine Epitaph.
    Enter Nerrissa.
    Du. Came you from Padua from Bellario?
    Ner. From both.
    My Lord Bellario greets your Grace.
    2030Bas. Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?
    Iew. To cut the forfeiture from that bankrout there.
    Gra. Not on thy soale: but on thy soule harsh Iew
    Thou mak'st thy knife keene: but no mettall can,
    No, not the hangmans Axe beare halfe the keennesse
    2035Of 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 dogge,
    And for thy life let iustice be accus'd:
    Thou almost mak'st me wauer in my faith;
    2040To hold opinion with Pythagoras,
    That soules of Animals infuse themselues
    Into the trunkes of men. Thy currish spirit
    Gouern'd a Wolfe, who hang'd for humane slaughter,
    Euen from the gallowes did his fell soule fleet;
    2045And whil'st thou layest in thy vnhallowed dam,
    Infus'd it selfe in thee: For thy desires
    Are Woluish, bloody, steru'd, and rauenous.
    Iew. Till thou canst raile the seale from off my bond
    Thou but offend'st thy Lungs to speake so loud:
    2050Repaire thy wit good youth, or it will fall
    To endlesse ruine. I stand heere for Law.
    Du. This Letter from Bellario doth commend
    A yong and Learned Doctor in our Court;
    Where is he?
    2055Ner. He attendeth heere hard by
    To know your answer, whether you'l admit him.
    Du. With all my heart. Some three or four of you
    Go giue him curteous conduct to this place,
    Meane time the Court shall heare Bellarioes Letter.
    2060YOur Grace shall vnderstand, that at the receite of your
    Letter I am very sicke: but in the instant that your mes-
    senger came, in louing visitation, was with me a young Do-
    ctor of Rome, his name is Balthasar: I acquained him with
    the cause in Controuersie, betweene the Iew and Anthonio
    2065the Merchant: We turn'd ore many Bookes together: hee is
    furnished with my opinion, which bettred with his owne lear-
    ning, the greatnesse whereof I cannot enough commend, comes
    with him at my importunity, to fill vp your Graces request in
    my sted. I beseech you, let his lacke of years be no impediment
    2070to let him lacke a reuerend estimation: for I neuer knewe so
    yong a body, with so old a head. I leaue him to your gracious
    acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation.
    Enter Portia for Balthazar.
    Duke. You heare the learn'd Bellario what he writes,
    2075And heere (I take it) is the Doctor come.
    Giue me your hand: Came you from old Bellario?
    Por. I did my Lord.
    Du. You are welcome: take your place;
    Are you acquainted with the difference
    2080That holds this present question in the Court.
    Por. I am enformed throughly of the cause.
    Which is the Merchant heere? and which the Iew?
    Du. Anthonio and old Shylocke, both stand forth.
    Por. Is your name Shylocke?
    2085Iew. Shylocke is my name.
    Por. Of a strange nature is the sute you follow,
    Yet in such rule, that the Venetian Law
    Cannot impugne you as you do proceed.
    You stand within his danger, do you not?
    2090Ant. I, so he sayes.
    Por. Do you confesse the bond?
    Ant. I do.
    Por. Then must the Iew be mercifull.
    Iew. On what compulsion must I? Tell me that.
    2095Por. 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,
    'Tis mightiest in the mightiest, it becomes
    2100The throned Monarch better then his Crowne.
    His Scepter shewes the force of temporall power,
    The attribute to awe and Maiestie,
    Wherein doth sit the dread and feare of Kings:
    But mercy is aboue this sceptred sway,
    2105It is enthroned in the hearts of Kings,
    It is an attribute to God himselfe;
    And earthly power doth then shew likest Gods
    When mercie seasons Iustice. Therefore Iew,
    Though Iustice be thy plea, consider this,
    2110That in the course of Iustice, none of vs
    Should see saluation: we do pray for mercie,
    And that same prayer, doth teach vs all to render
    The deeds of mercie. I haue spoke thus much
    To mittigate the iustice of thy plea:
    2115Which if thou follow, this strict course of Venice
    Must needes giue sentence 'gainst the Merchant there.
    Shy. My deeds vpon my head, I craue the Law,
    The penaltie and forfeite of my bond.
    Por. Is he not able to discharge the money?
    2120Bas. 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 suffice, it must appeare
    2125That malice beares downe truth. And I beseech you
    Wrest once the Law to your authority.
    To do a great right, do a little wrong,
    And curbe this cruell diuell of his will.
    Por. It must not be, there is no power in Venice
    2130Can alter a decree established:
    'Twill be recorded for a President,
    And
    180The Merchant of Venice.
    And many an error by the same example,
    Will rush into the state: It cannot be.
    Iew. A Daniel come to iudgement, yea a Daniel.
    2135O wise young Iudge, how do I honour thee.
    Por. I pray you let me looke vpon the bond.
    Iew. Heere 'tis most reuerend Doctor, heere it is.
    Por. Shylocke, there's thrice thy monie offered thee.
    Shy. An oath, an oath, I haue an oath in heauen:
    2140Shall I lay periurie 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
    2145Neerest the Merchants heart; be mercifull,
    Take thrice thy money, bid me teare the bond.
    Iew. When it is paid according to the tenure.
    It doth appeare you are a worthy Iudge:
    You know the Law, your exposition
    2150Hath beene most sound. I charge you by the Law,
    Whereof you are a well-deseruing pillar,
    Proceede 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.
    2155An. 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.
    Iew. O noble Iudge, O excellent yong man.
    2160Por. For the intent and purpose of the Law
    Hath full relation to the penaltie,
    Which heere appeareth due vpon the bond.
    Iew. 'Tis verie true: O wise and vpright Iudge,
    How much more elder art thou then thy lookes?
    2165Por. Therefore lay bare your bosome.
    Iew. I, his brest,
    So sayes the bond, doth it not noble Iudge?
    Neerest his heart, those are the very words.
    Por. It is so: Are there ballance heere to weigh the
    2170flesh?
    Iew. I haue them ready.
    Por. Haue by some Surgeon Shylock on your charge
    To stop his wounds, least he should bleede to death.
    Iew. It is not nominated in the bond?
    2175Por. It is not so exprest: but what of that?
    'Twere good you do so much for charitie.
    Iew. I cannot finde it, 'tis not in the bond.
    Por. Come Merchant, haue you any thing to say?
    Ant. But little: I am arm'd and well prepar'd.
    2180Giue me your hand Bassanio, fare 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,
    2185To view with hollow eye, and wrinkled brow
    An age of pouerty. From which lingring penance
    Of such miserie, doth she cut me off:
    Commend me to your honourable Wife,
    Tell her the processe of Anthonio's end:
    2190Say 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 not you that you shall loose your friend,
    And he repents not that he payes your debt.
    2195For if the Iew do cut but deepe enough,
    Ile pay it instantly, with all my heart.
    Bas. Anthonio, I am married to a wife,
    Which is as deere to me as life it selfe,
    But life it selfe, my wife, and all the world,
    2200Are not with me esteem'd aboue thy life.
    I would loose all, I sacrifice them all
    Heere to this deuill, to deliuer you.
    Por. Your wife would giue you little thanks for that
    If she were by to heare you make the offer.
    2205Gra. I haue a wife whom I protest I loue,
    I would she were in heauen, so she could
    Intreat some power to change this currish Iew.
    Ner. 'Tis well you offer it behinde her backe,
    The wish would make else an vnquiet house.
    2210Iew. These be the Christian husbands: I haue a daugh- (ter
    Would any of the stocke of Barrabas
    Had beene her husband, rather then a Christian.
    We trifle time, I pray thee pursue sentence.
    Por. A pound of that same marchants flesh is thine,
    2215The 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.
    2220Por. Tarry a little, there is something else,
    This bond doth giue thee heere no iot of bloud,
    The words expresly are a pound of flesh:
    Then take thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh,
    But in the cutting it, if thou dost shed
    2225One drop of Christian bloud, thy lands and goods
    Are by the Lawes of Venice confiscate
    Vnto the state of Venice.
    Gra. O vpright Iudge,
    Marke Iew, ô learned Iudge.
    2230Shy. Is that the law?
    Por. Thy selfe shalt see the Act:
    For as thou vrgest iustice, be assur'd
    Thou shalt haue iustice more then thou desirest.
    Gra. O learned Iudge, mark Iew, a learned Iudge.
    2235Iew. I take this offer then, pay the bond thrice,
    And let the Christian goe.
    Bass. Heere is the money.
    Por. Soft, the Iew shall haue all iustice, soft, no haste,
    He shall haue nothing but the penalty.
    2240Gra. O Iew, an vpright Iudge, a learned Iudge.
    Por. Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh,
    Shed thou no bloud, nor cut thou lesse nor more
    But iust a pound of flesh: if thou tak'st more
    Or lesse then a iust pound, be it so much
    2245As makes it light or heauy in the substance,
    Or the deuision of the twentieth part
    Of one poore scruple, nay if the scale doe turne
    But in the estimation of a hayre,
    Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate.
    2250Gra. A second Daniel, a Daniel Iew,
    Now infidell I haue thee on the hip.
    Por. Why doth the Iew pause, take thy forfeiture.
    Shy. Giue me my principall, and let me goe.
    Bass. I haue it ready for thee, heere it is.
    2255Por. He hath refus'd it in the open Court,
    He shall haue meerly 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?
    2260Por. Thou shalt haue nothing but the forfeiture,
    To be taken so at thy perill Iew.
    Shy. Why then the Deuill giue him good of it:
    Ile stay no longer question.
    Por. Tarry
    The Merchant of Venice. 181
    Por. Tarry Iew,
    2265The Law hath yet another hold on you.
    It is enacted in the Lawes of Venice,
    If it be proued against an Alien,
    That by direct, or indirect attempts
    He seeke the life of any Citizen,
    2270The party gainst the which he doth contriue,
    Shall seaze one halfe his goods, the other halfe
    Comes to the priuie coffer of the State,
    And the offenders life lies in the mercy
    Of the Duke onely, gainst all other voice.
    2275In which predicament I say thou standst:
    For it appeares by manifest proceeding,
    That indirectly, and directly to,
    Thou hast contriu'd against the very life
    Of the defendant: and thou hast incur'd
    2280The danger formerly by me rehearst.
    Downe therefore, and beg mercy of the Duke.
    Gra. Beg that thou maist haue leaue to hang thy selfe,
    And yet thy wealth being forfeit to the state,
    Thou hast not left the value of a cord,
    2285Therefore thou must be hang'd at the states charge.
    Duk. That thou shalt see the difference of our spirit,
    I pardon thee thy life before thou aske it:
    For halfe thy wealth, it is Anthonio's,
    The other halfe comes to the generall state,
    2290Which 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
    2295When you doe take the meanes whereby I liue.
    Por. What mercy can you render him Anthonio?
    Gra. A halter gratis, nothing else for Gods sake.
    Ant. So please my Lord the Duke, and all the Court
    To quit the fine for one halfe of his goods,
    2300I 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
    2305He presently become a Christian:
    The other, that he doe record a gift
    Heere in the Court of all he dies possest
    Vnto his sonne Lorenzo, and his daughter.
    Duk. He shall doe this, or else I doe recant
    2310The pardon that I late pronounced heere.
    Por. Art thou contented Iew? what dost thou say?
    Shy. I am content.
    Por. Clarke, draw a deed of gift.
    Shy. I pray you giue me leaue to goe from hence,
    2315I am not well, send the deed after me,
    And I will signe it.
    Duke. Get thee gone, but doe it.
    Gra. In christning thou shalt haue two godfathers,
    Had I been iudge, thou shouldst haue had ten more,
    2320To bring thee to the gallowes, not to the font. Exit.
    Du. Sir I intreat you with me home to dinner.
    Por. I humbly doe desire your Grace of pardon,
    I must away this night toward Padua,
    And it is meete I presently set forth.
    2325Duk. 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
    2330Haue by your wisedome beene this day acquitted
    Of greeuous penalties, in lieu whereof,
    Three thousand Ducats due vnto the Iew
    We freely cope your curteous paines withall.
    An. And stand indebted ouer and aboue
    2335In loue and seruice to you euermore.
    Por. He is well paid that is well satisfied,
    And I deliuering you, am satisfied,
    And therein doe account my selfe well paid,
    My minde was neuer yet more mercinarie.
    2340I pray you know me when we meete againe,
    I wish you well, and so I take my leaue.
    Bass. Deare sir, of force I must attempt you further,
    Take some remembrance of vs as a tribute,
    Not as fee: grant me two things, I pray you
    2345Not to denie me, and to pardon me.
    Por. You presse mee farre, and therefore I will yeeld,
    Giue me your gloues, Ile weare them for your sake,
    And for your loue Ile take this ring from you,
    Doe not draw backe your hand, ile take no more,
    2350And 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 wil haue nothing else but onely this,
    And now methinkes I haue a minde to it.
    2355Bas. There's more depends on this then on the valew,
    The dearest ring in Venice will I giue you,
    And finde it out by proclamation,
    Onely for this I pray you pardon me.
    Por. I see sir you are liberall in offers,
    2360You taught me first to beg, and now me thinkes
    You teach me how a beggar should be answer'd.
    Bas. 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 lose it.
    2365Por. That scuse serues many men to saue their gifts,
    And if your wife be not a mad woman,
    And know how well I haue deseru'd this ring,
    Shee would not hold out enemy for euer
    For giuing it to me: well, peace be with you. Exeunt.
    2370Ant. My L. Bassanio, let him haue the ring,
    Let his deseruings and my loue withall
    Be valued against your wiues commandement.
    Bass. Goe Gratiano, run and ouer-take him,
    Giue him the ring, and bring him if thou canst
    2375Vnto Anthonios house, away, make haste. Exit Grati.
    Come, you and I will thither presently,
    And in the morning early will we both
    Flie toward Belmont, come Anthonio. Exeunt.
    Enter Portia and Nerrissa.
    2380Por. Enquire the Iewes house out, giue him this deed,
    And let him signe it, wee'll away to night,
    And be a day before our husbands home:
    This deed will be well welcome to Lorenzo.
    Enter Gratiano.
    2385Gra. Faire sir, you are well ore-tane:
    My L. Bassanio vpon more aduice,
    Hath sent you heere this ring, and doth intreat
    Your company at dinner.
    Por. That cannot be;
    2390His ring I doe accept most thankfully,
    And so I pray you tell him: furthermore,
    I pray you shew my youth old Shylockes house.
    Gra. That will I doe.
    Ner. Sir, I would speake with you:
    Q Ile
    182The Merchant of Venice.
    2395Ile see if I can get my husbands ring
    Which I did make him sweare to keepe for euer.
    Por. Thou maist I warrant, we shal haue old swearing
    That they did giue the rings away to men;
    But weele out-face them, and out-sweare them to:
    2400Away, make haste, thou know'st where I will tarry.
    Ner. Come good sir, will you shew me to this house.
    Exeunt.
    Actus Quintus.
    Enter Lorenzo and Iessica.
    2405Lor. The moone shines bright. In such a night as this,
    When the sweet winde did gently kisse the trees,
    And they did make no nnyse, in such a night
    Troylus me thinkes mounted the Troian walls,
    And sigh'd his soule toward the Grecian tents
    2410Where Cressed lay that night.
    Ies. In such a night
    Did Thisbie fearefully ore-trip the dewe,
    And saw the Lyons shadow ere himselfe,
    And ranne dismayed away.
    2415Loren. In such a night
    Stood Dido with a Willow in her hand
    Vpon the wilde sea bankes, and waft her Loue
    To come againe to Carthage.
    Ies. In such a night
    2420Medea gathered the inchanted hearbs
    That did renew old Eson.
    Loren. In such a night
    Did Iessica steale from the wealthy Iewe,
    And with an Vnthrift Loue did runne from Venice,
    2425As farre as Belmont.
    Ies. In such a night
    Did young Lorenzo sweare he lou'd her well,
    Stealing her soule with many vowes of faith,
    And nere a true one.
    2430Loren. In such a night
    Did pretty Iessica (like a little shrow)
    Slander her Loue, and he forgaue it her.
    Iessi. I would out-night you did no body come:
    But harke, I heare the footing of a man.
    2435Enter Messenger.
    Lor. Who comes so fast in silence of the night?
    Mes. A friend.
    Loren. A friend, what friend? your name I pray you (friend?
    Mes. Stephano is my name, and I bring word
    2440My Mistresse will before the breake of day
    Be heere at Belmont, she doth stray about
    By holy crosses where she kneeles and prayes
    For happy wedlocke houres.
    Loren. Who comes with her?
    2445Mes. None but a holy Hermit and her maid:
    I pray you it my Master yet rnturn'd?
    Loren. He is not, nor we haue not heard from him,
    But goe we in I pray thee Iessica,
    And ceremoniously let vs vs prepare
    2450Some welcome for the Mistresse of the house,
    Enter Clowne.
    Clo. Sola, sola: wo ha ho, sola, sola.
    Loren. Who calls?
    Clo. Sola, did you see M. Lorenzo, & M. Lorenzo, sola, (sola.
    2455Lor. Leaue hollowing man, heere.
    Clo. Sola, where, where?
    Lor. Heere?
    Clo. Tel him ther's a Post come from my Master, with
    his horne full of good newes, my Master will be here ere
    2460morning sweet soule.
    Loren. Let's in, and there expect their comming.
    And yet no matter: why should we goe in?
    My friend Stephen, signifie pray you
    Within the house, your Mistresse is at hand,
    2465And bring your musique foorth into the ayre.
    How sweet the moone-light sleepes vpon this banke,
    Heere will we sit, and let the sounds of musicke
    Creepe in our eares soft stilnes, and the night
    Become the tutches of sweet harmonie:
    2470Sit Iessica, looke how the floore of heauen
    Is thicke inlayed with pattens 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 eyed Cherubins;
    2475Such harmonie is in immortall soules,
    But whilst this muddy vesture of decay
    Doth grosly close in it, we cannot heare it:
    Come hoe, and wake Diana with a hymne,
    With sweetest tutches pearce your Mistresse eare,
    2480And draw her home with musicke.
    Iessi. I am neuer merry when I heare sweet musique.
    Play musicke.
    Lor. The reason is, your spirits are attentiue:
    For doe but note a wilde and wanton heard
    2485Or race of youthful and vnhandled colts,
    Fetching mad bounds, bellowing and neighing loud,
    Which is the hot condition of their bloud,
    If they but heare perchance a trumpet sound,
    Or any ayre of musicke touch their eares,
    2490You shall perceiue them make a mutuall stand,
    Their sauage eyes turn'd to a modest gaze,
    By the sweet power of musicke: therefore the Poet
    Did faine that Orpheus drew trees, stones, and floods.
    Since naught so stockish, hard, and full of rage,
    2495But musicke for time doth change his nature,
    The man that hath no musicke in himselfe,
    Nor is not moued with concord of sweet sounds,
    Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoyles,
    The motions of his spirit are dull as night,
    2500And his affections darke as Erobus,
    Let no such man be trusted: marke the musicke.
    Enter Portia and Nerrissa.
    Por. That light we see is burning in my hall:
    How farre that little candell throwes his beames,
    2505So shines a good deed in a naughty world.
    Ner. When the moone shone we did not see the can (dle?
    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
    2510Empties it selfe, as doth an inland brooke
    Into the maine of waters: musique, harke. Musicke.
    Ner. It is your musicke Madame of the house.
    Por. Nothing is good I see without respect,
    Methinkes it sounds much sweeter then by day?
    2515Ner. Silence bestowes that vertue on it Madam.
    Por. The Crow doth sing as sweetly as the Larke
    When
    The Merchant of Venice. 183
    When neither is attended: and I thinke
    The Nightingale if she should sing by day
    When euery Goose is cackling, would be thought
    2520No 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.
    2525Musicke ceases.
    Lor. That is the voice,
    Or I am much deceiu'd of Portia.
    Por. He knowes me as the blinde man knowes the
    Cuckow by the bad voice?
    2530Lor. Deere Lady welcome home?
    Por. We haue bene praying for our husbands welfare
    Which speed we hope the better for our words,
    Are they return'd?
    Lor. Madam, they are not yet:
    2535But 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,
    2540Nor you Lorenzo, Iessica nor you.
    A Tucket sounds.
    Lor. Your husband is at hand, I heare his Trumpet,
    We are no tell-tales Madam, feare you not.
    Por. This night methinkes is but the daylight sicke,
    2545It lookes a little paler, 'tis a day,
    Such as the day is, when the Sun is hid.
    Enter Bassanio, Anthonio, Gratiano, and their
    Followers.
    Bas. We should hold day with the Antipodes,
    2550If 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 heauie husband,
    And neuer be Bassanio so for me,
    But God sort all: you are welcome home my Lord.
    2555Bass. I thanke you Madam, giue welcom 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.
    2560Anth. No more then I am wel acquitted of.
    Por. Sir, you are verie welcome to our house:
    It must appeare in other waies then words,
    Therefore I scant this breathing curtesie.
    Gra. By yonder Moone I sweare you do me wrong,
    2565Infaith I gaue it to the Iudges Clearke,
    Would he were gelt that had it for my part,
    Since you do take it Loue so much at hart.
    Por. A quarrel hoe alreadie, what's the matter?
    Gra. About a hoope of Gold, a paltry Ring
    2570That she did giue me, whose Poesie was
    For all the world like Cutlers Poetry
    Vpon a knife; Loue mee, and leaue mee not.
    Ner. What talke you of the Poesie or the valew:
    You swore to me when I did giue it you,
    2575That you would weare it til the houre of death,
    And that it should lye with you in your graue,
    Though not for me, yet for your vehement oaths,
    You should haue beene respectiue and haue kept it.
    Gaue it a Iudges Clearke: but wel I know
    2580The Clearke wil nere weare haire on's face that had it.
    Gra. He wil, and if he liue to be a man.
    Nerrissa. 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,
    2585No higher then thy selfe, the Iudges Clearke,
    A prating boy that begg'd 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,
    2590A thing stucke on with oathes 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,
    2595Nor 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 'twere to me I should be mad at it.
    Bass. Why I were best to cut my left hand off,
    2600And sweare I lost the Ring defending it.
    Gra. My Lord Bassanio gaue his Ring away
    Vnto the Iudge that beg'd it, and indeede
    Deseru'd it too: and then the Boy his Clearke
    That tooke some paines in writing, he begg'd mine,
    2605And neyther man nor master would take ought
    But the two Rings.
    Por. What Ring gaue you my Lord?
    Not that I hope which you receiu'd of me.
    Bass. If I could adde a lie vnto a fault,
    2610I would deny it: but you see my finger
    Hath not the Ring vpon it, it is gone.
    Por. Euen so voide is your false heart of truth.
    By heauen I wil nere come in your bed
    Vntil I see the Ring.
    2615Ner. Nor I in yours, til I againe see mine.
    Bass. Sweet Portia,
    If you did know to whom I gaue the Ring,
    If you did know for whom I gaue the Ring,
    And would conceiue for what I gaue the Ring,
    2620And 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,
    Or halfe her worthinesse that gaue the Ring,
    2625Or your owne honour to containe the Ring,
    You would not then haue parted with the Ring:
    What man is there so much vnreasonable,
    If you had pleas'd to haue defended it
    With any termes of Zeale: wanted the modestie
    2630To vrge the thing held as a ceremonie:
    Nerrissa teaches me what to beleeue,
    Ile die for't, but some Woman had the Ring?
    Bass. No by mine honor Madam, by my soule
    No Woman had it, but a ciuill Doctor,
    2635Which did refuse three thousand Ducates of me,
    And beg'd the Ring; the which I did denie him,
    And suffer'd him to go displeas'd away:
    Euen he that had held vp the verie life
    Of my deere friend. What should I say sweete Lady?
    2640I was inforc'd to send it after him,
    I was beset with shame and curtesie,
    My honor would not let ingratitude
    So much besmeare it. Pardon me good Lady,
    And by these blessed Candles of the night,
    2645Had you bene there, I thinke you would haue beg'd
    The Ring of me, to giue the worthie Doctor?
    Q2 Por.
    184The Merchant of Venice.
    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,
    2650I will become as liberall as you,
    Ile not deny him any thing I haue,
    No, not my body, nor my husbands bed:
    Know him I shall, I am well sure of it.
    Lie not a night from home. Watch me like Argos,
    2655If you doe not, if I be left alone,
    Now by mine honour which is yet mine owne,
    Ile haue the Doctor for my bedfellow.
    Nerrissa. And I his Clarke: therefore be well aduis'd
    How you doe leaue me to mine owne protection.
    2660Gra. Well, doe you so: let not me take him then,
    For if I doe, ile mar the yong Clarks pen.
    Ant. I am th' vnhappy subiect of these quarrels.
    Por. Sir, grieue not you,
    You are welcome notwithstanding.
    2665Bas. Portia, forgiue me this enforced wrong,
    And in the hearing of these manie friends
    I sweare to thee, euen by thine owne faire eyes
    Wherein I see my selfe.
    Por. Marke you but that?
    2670In both my eyes he doubly sees himselfe:
    In each eye one, sweare by your double selfe,
    And there's an oath of credit.
    Bas. Nay, but heare me.
    Pardon this fault, and by my soule I sweare
    2675I neuer more will breake an oath with thee.
    Anth. I once did lend my bodie for thy wealth,
    Which but for him that had your husbands ring
    Had quite miscarried. I dare be bound againe,
    My soule vpon the forfeit, that your Lord
    2680Will neuer more breake faith aduisedlie.
    Por. Then you shall be his suretie: giue him this,
    And bid him keepe it better then the other.
    Ant. Heere Lord Bassanio, swear to keep this ring.
    Bass. By heauen it is the same I gaue the Doctor.
    2685Por. I had it of him: pardon 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 liew of this, last night did lye with me.
    2690Gra. Why this is like the mending of high waies
    In Sommer, where the waies 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 leysure,
    2695It comes from Padua from Bellario,
    There you shall finde that Portia was the Doctor,
    Nerrissa there her Clarke. Lorenzo heere
    Shall witnesse I set forth as soone as you,
    And but eu'n now return'd: I haue not yet
    2700Entred 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 sodainlie.
    2705You shall not know by what strange accident
    I chanced on this letter.
    Antho. I am dumbe.
    Bass. Were you the Doctor, and I knew you not?
    Gra. Were you the Clark that is to make me cuckold.
    2710Ner. I, but the Clark that neuer meanes to doe it,
    Vnlesse he liue vntill he be a man.
    Bass. (Sweet Doctor) you shall be my bedfellow,
    When I am absent, then lie with my wife.
    An. (Sweet Ladie) you haue giuen me life & liuing;
    2715For heere I reade for certaine that my ships
    Are safelie come to Rode.
    Por. How now Lorenzo?
    My Clarke hath some good comforts to for you.
    Ner. I, and Ile giue them him without a fee.
    2720There doe I giue to you and Iessica
    From the rich Iewe, a speciall deed of gift
    After his death, of all he dies possess'd of.
    Loren. Faire Ladies you drop Manna in the way
    Of starued people.
    2725Por. It is almost morning,
    And yet I am sure you are not satisfied
    Of these euents at full. Let vs goe in,
    And charge vs there vpon intergatories,
    And we will answer all things faithfully.
    2730Gra. Let it be so, the first intergatory
    That my Nerrissa shall be sworne on, is,
    Whether till the next night she had rather stay,
    Or goe to bed, now being two houres to day,
    But were the day come, I should wish it darke,
    2735Till I were couching with the Doctors Clarke.
    Well, while I liue, Ile feare no other thing
    So sore, as keeping safe Nerrissas ring.
    Exeunt.
    FINIS.
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