Have all his ventures fail'd? What, not one hit? And not one vessel 'scape the dreadful touch Sale. 2 Jes. When I was with him, I have heard him swear, To Tubal, and to Chus, his countrymen, That he would rather have Antonio's flesh, Por. Is it your dear friend, that is thus in trouble? Bass. The dearest friend to me, the kindest man, The best condition'd and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies; and one in whom 2 The chief men. What, no more? Before a friend of this description Shall lose a hair through my Bassanio's fault. cheer3; you dear. Bass. [Reads.] Sweet Bassanio, my ships have all miscarried, my creditors grow cruel, my estate is very low, my bond to the Jew is forfeit; and since, in paying it, it is impossible I should live, all debts are cleared between you and I, if I might but see you at my death: notwithstanding, use your pleasure: if your love do not persuade you to come, let not my letter. Por. O love, despatch all business, and be gone. No bed shall e'er be guilty of my stay, No rest be interposer 'twixt us twain. [Exeunt. SCENE III. Venice. A Street. Enter SHYLOCK, SALANIO, ANTONIO, and Gaoler. Shy. Gaoler, look to him; - Tell not me of mercy; This is the fool that lent out money gratis ; Gaoler, look to him. 3 Face. Ant. Hear me yet, good Shylock. Shy. I'll have my bond; speak not against my bond; I have sworn an oath, that I will have my bond: Shy. I'll have my bond; I will not hear thee speak: I'll have my bond; and therefore speak no more. I'll not be made a soft and dull-ey'd fool, To shake the head, relent, and sigh, and yield To christian intercessors. Follow not; I'll have no speaking; I will have my bond. [Exit SHYLOCK. Salan. It is the most impenetrable cur, That ever kept with men. Ant. Let him alone; I'll follow him no more with bootless prayers. e; Many that have at times made moan to me Salan, I am sure, the duke Will never grant this forfeiture to hold. Ant. The duke cannot deny the course of law; Will much impeach the justice of the state; + Foolish. Well, gaoler, on:- Pray God, Bassanio come [Exeunt. SCENE IV. Belmont. A Room in Portia's House. Enter PORTIA, NERISSA, LORENZO, JESSICA, and BALTHAZAR. Lor. Madam, although I speak it in your pre sence, You have a noble and a true conceit Of god-like amity; which appears most strongly In bearing thus the absence of your lord. But, if you knew to whom you show this honour, How dear a lover of my lord your husband, That do converse and waste the time together, The husbandry and manage of my house, I have toward heaven breath'd a secret vow, Until her husband and my lord's return: And there we will abide. I do desire you, The which my love, and some necessity, Lor. ་ Madam, with all my heart; I shall obey you in all fair commands. Por. My people do already know my mind, So fare you well, till we shall meet again. you. Jes. I wish your ladyship all heart's content. Por. I thank you for your wish, and am well pleas'd To wish it back on you: fare you well, Jessica. · [Exeunt JESSICA and LORENZO. Now, Balthazar, As I have ever found thee honest, true, So let me find thee still: Take this same letter, In speed to Padua; see thou render this And, look, what notes and garments he doth give thee, waste no time in words, Bring them, I pray thee, with imagin'd speed [Exit. Por. Come on, Nerissa; I have work in hand, That you yet know not of: we'll see our husbands, Before they think of us. |