15731567but none can driue him from the enuious plea

15741568of forfaiture, of iustice, and his bond.

15751569Iessi. When I was with him, I haue heard him sweare

15761570to Tuball and to Chus, his country-men,

15771571that he would rather haue Anthonios flesh

15781572then twentie times the value of the summe

15791573that he did owe him: and I know my lord,

15801574if law, authoritie, and power denie not,

15811575it will goe hard with poore Anthonio.

15821576Por. Is it your deere friend that is thus in trouble?

15831577Bass. The deerest friend to me, the kindest man,

15841578the best conditiond and vnwearied spirit

15851579in dooing curtesies: and one in whom

15861580the auncient Romaine honour more appeares

15871581then any that drawes breath in Italie.

15881582Por. What summe owes he the Iew?

15891583Bass. For me three thousand ducats.

15901584Por. What no more, pay him six thousand, & deface the bond:

15911585double sixe thousand, and then treble that,

15921586before a friend of this discription

15931587shall lose a haire through Bassanios fault.

15941588First goe with me to Church, and call me wife,

15951589and then away to Venice to your friend:

15961590for neuer shall you lie by Portias side

15971591with an vnquiet soule. You shall haue gold

15981592to pay the petty debt twenty times ouer.

15991593When it is payd, bring your true friend along,

16001594my mayd Nerrissa, and my selfe meane time

16011595will liue as maydes and widdowes; come away,

16021596for you shall hence vpon your wedding day:

16031597bid your freends welcome, show a merry cheere,

16041598since you are deere bought, I will loue you deere.

16051599But let me heare the letter of your friend.