To urge the thing held as a ceremony? I'll die for't, but some woman had the ring. Bass. No, by mine honor, madam, by my soul, Which did refuse three thousand ducats of me, Even he that had held up the very life Of my dear friend. What should I say, sweet lady? I was enforced to send it after him; I was beset with shame and courtesy; My honor would not let ingratitude So much besmear it. Pardon me, good lady; For, by these blessed candles of the night, Had you been there, I think, you would have begged The ring of me to give the worthy doctor. Por. Let not that doctor e'er come near my house: Since he hath got the jewel that I loved, And that which you did swear to keep for me, I'll not deny him any thing I have, No, not my body, nor my husband's bed. Know him I shall, I am well sure of it. Lie not a night from home; watch me, like Argus; Now, by mine honor, which is yet my own, I'll have that doctor for my bedfellow. Ner. And I his clerk; therefore be well advised, How you do leave me to mine own protection. Gra. Well, do you so; let not me take him then; For if I do, I'll mar the young clerk's pen. Ant. I am the unhappy subject of these quarrels. Por. Sir, grieve not you; you are welcome notwithstanding. Bass. Portia, forgive me this enforced wrong; I swear to thee, even by thine own fair eyes, Por. Mark you but that! In both my eyes he doubly sees himself: Nay, but hear me. Bass Ant. I once did lend my body for his wealth; Which, but for him that had your husband's ring, [TO PORTIA. Had quite miscarried. I dare be bound again, Por. Then you shall be his surety. Give him this; And bid him keep it better than the other. Ant. Here, lord Bassanio; swear to keep this ring. Bass. By heaven, it is the same I gave the doctor! Por. I had it of him. Pardon me, Bassanio, For by this ring the doctor lay with me. Ner. And pardon me, my gentle Gratiano; Gra. Why, this is like the mending of highways It comes from Padua, from Bellario; There you shall find, that Portia was the doctor; Shall witness, I set forth as soon as you, You shall not know by what strange accident Bass. Were you the doctor, and I knew you not? Gra. Were you the clerk, that is to make me cuckold? Ner. Ay; but the clerk that never means to do it; Unless he live until he be a man. Bass. Sweet doctor, you shall be my bedfellow; When I am absent, then lie with my wife. Ant. Sweet lady, you have given me life, and living; For here I read for certain, that my ships Are safely come to road. How now, Lorenzo? Por. From the rich Jew, a special deed of gift, Por. It is almost morning, And yet, I am sure, you are not satisfied Gra. Let it be so. The first inter'gatory [Exeunt. VOL. I.-37 |