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The Merchant of Venice (Folio 1, 1623)
513Actus Secundus.
514Enter Morochus a tawnie Moore all in white, and three or
515foure followers accordingly, with Portia,
516Nerrissa, and their traine.
517Flo. Cornets.
520To whom I am a neighbour, and neere bred.
521Bring me the fairest creature North-ward borne,
523And let vs make incision for your loue,
526Hath feard the valiant, (by my loue I sweare)
527The best regarded Virgins of our Clyme
528Haue lou'd it to: I would not change this hue,
529Except to steale your thoughts my gentle Queene.
531By nice direction of a maidens eies:
533Bars me the right of voluntarie choosing:
534But if my Father had not scanted me,
535And hedg'd me by his wit to yeelde my selfe
536His wife, who wins me by that meanes I told you,
538As any commer I haue look'd on yet
540Mor. Euen for that I thanke you,
541Therefore I pray you leade me to the Caskets
542To trie my fortune: By this Symitare
544That won three fields of Sultan Solyman,
546Out-braue the heart most daring on the earth:
548Yea, mocke the Lion when he rores for pray
549To win the Ladie. But alas, the while
550If Hercules and Lychas plaie at dice
551Which is the better man, the greater throw
552May turne by fortune from the weaker hand:
553So is Alcides beaten by his rage,
554And so may I, blinde fortune leading me
555Misse that which one vnworthier may attaine,
556And die with grieuing.
558And either not attempt to choose at all,
560Neuer to speake to Ladie afterward
561In way of marriage, therefore be aduis'd.
562Mor. Nor will not, come bring me vnto my chance.
564Your hazard shall be made.