Internet Shakespeare Editions

Toolbox




Jump to line
Help on texts

About this text

  • Title: The Merchant of Venice (Quarto 1, 1600)
  • 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    Not Peer Reviewed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 (Quarto 1, 1600)

    the Merchant of Venice.
    since he hath got the iewell that I loued,
    and that which you did sweare to keepe for me,
    I will become as liberall as you,
    Ile not deny him any thing I haue,
    2570no, 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,
    if you doe not, if I be left alone,
    now by mine honour which is yet mine owne,
    2575ile haue that Doctor for mine bedfellow.
    Nerrissa. And I his Clark: therefore be well aduisd
    how you doe leaue me to mine owne protection.
    Gra. Well doe you so: let not me take him then,
    for if I doe, ile mar the young Clarks pen.
    2580Anth. I am th'vnhappy subiect of these quarrells.
    Por. Sir, greeue not you, you are welcome notwithstanding.
    Bass. Portia, forgiue me this enforced wrong,
    and in the hearing of these many friends
    I sweare to thee, euen by thine owne faire eyes
    2585wherein I see my selfe.
    Por. Marke you but that?
    In both my eyes he doubly sees himselfe:
    In each eye one, sweare by your double selfe,
    and there's an oath of credite.
    2590Bass. Nay, but heare me.
    Pardon this fault, and by my soule I sweare
    I neuer more will breake an oath with thee.
    Anth. I once did lend my body for his wealth,
    which but for him that had your husbands ring
    2595had quite miscaried. I dare be bound againe,
    my soule vpon the forfet, that your Lord
    will neuer more breake faith aduisedly.
    Por. Then you shall be his surety: giue him this,
    and bid him keepe it better then the other.
    2600Antho. Here Lord Bassanio, sweare to keepe this ring.
    Bass. By heauen it is the same I gaue the Doctor.
    Por. I had it of him: pardon me Bassanio,
    K. for