MERCHANT OF VENICE

VENICE- Venice is a city in northeastern Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals
and linked by bridges
BELMONT - a city in Italy where portias home is

The Merchant of Venice opens on a street in Venice, where Antonio, a Venetian merchant, complains of a
sadness he can't quite explain. His friends suggest they'd be sad too if they had as much merchandise to
worry about as Antonio. Apparently all of his money is tied up in various sea ventures to exotic locales.
But Antonio is certain it's not money that's bothering him.

Antonio's friend Bassanio enters the scene, and we learn that Bassanio has been at the forefront of
Antonio's mind. Apparently Bassanio just got back from a secret trip to see an heiress named Portia in
Belmont. Bassanio financed his trip (and in fact, his entire lifestyle) by borrowing tons of money from
Antonio. Portia is beautiful, intelligent, and, most important, rich. If Bassanio could only get together the
appearance of some wealth, he would be in a good position to compete with all the other guys vying for
Portia's attention. If they marry, he's all set financially. Antonio would be happy to lend Bassanio the
money he needs to woo Portia, except, as we know, all of Antonio's money is at sea. The two friends part
ways, agreeing that they'll try to raise the funds on Antonio's credit around town.

Meanwhile, even rich heiresses have their troubles. Portia is plagued by suitors from the four corners of
the earth but isn't allowed to choose the one she wants. Instead, her father, before his death, devised an
unusual test. Three caskets one gold, one silver, and one lead are laid out before each suitor, and
whoever picks the right one gets the girl. Portia complains about all of the important men who come to
see her, as there's something wrong with each of them.

As Portia is trying to figure out how to avoid marrying, Bassanio is trying to figure out how to marry her.
He negotiates with the Jewish moneylender, Shylock, asking for 3,000 gold coins (ducats). Bassanio
borrows the money on his friend Antonio's credit. Trouble is, Antonio is an anti-Semite (he is prejudiced
against Jewish people) and is offensive to Shylock whenever he has the chance. Slyly, Shylock says he'll
try out Antonio's method of business by lending him the money interest-free. BUT, this is on the condition
that Antonio signs a bond promising that if the debt goes unpaid, Antonio will give Shylock a pound of his
own flesh. This seems like a good idea at the time, as Antonio is sure he'll have earned the money from
his ships before Shylock's due date.

Before we have time to think about what a crazy idea it is to promise anyone a pound of your flesh, we're
back at Belmont learning the rules of the casket game. Choose wrong, and not only do you fail to get
Portia, but you cannot marry anyone for the rest of your life. We see suitors fail when they choose the
wrong caskets.

Meanwhile, Jessica (Shylock's only child) tells us that living in Shylock's house is pure hell and that she's
ashamed to be his daughter. She has decided to elope with Lorenzo and convert to Christianity. Jessica
gets her chance to carry out her rebellious scheme when her dad leaves the house to go to have dinner.
As soon as he is out the door, Jessica steals off with her lover, Lorenzo, and helps herself to a chunk of
Dad's cash.

Bassanio and some of his pals set off for Belmont in hopes that Bassanio will snag the beautiful and rich
Portia.

We also learn from some gossipy cats in Venice that Shylock was livid when he learned his daughter ran
away, screaming "'My daughter! O my ducats! O my daughter! / Fled with a Christian! O my Christian
ducats!" (2.8.2). This is good news for Antonio, who hates Shylock. But Antonio doesn't stay happy for
long, as he is too busy recovering from the fact that Bassanio has gone off to woo Portia.

Back in gossipy Venice, we hear that Antonio's ships have been sinking left and right. Shylock shows up,
still mad about his daughter's rebellion, but he's excited to hear that he'll get to take a pound of flesh from
his enemy Antonio. He explains to the gossipy men that he hates Antonio because Antonio hates him for
being Jewish. Shylock then gives a beautiful speech in defense of the humanity of Jews, including the
well-known lines, "if you prick us, do we not bleed?" He concludes that a Jew is not unlike a Christian,
and a Christian in this situation would seek revenge. Therefore, he will do the same, because the
Christians have taught him hatred with their cruelty. Shylock is further angered to hear reports that his
daughter is off lavishly spending his money, so he sets up arrangements to have Antonio jailed, cut, and
killed.

Back in Belmont, Portia is batting off the men. But she is truly excited by Bassanio. Bassanio impressively
chooses the lead casket (correct) and wins Portia and her wealth. Portia is falling all over herself with love
for Bassanio when Lorenzo and Jessica arrive with news that Antonio is about to die at Shylock's
command. Portia offers to pay off Antonio's debt, and she and Bassanio have a quick (as in shotgun-
quick) wedding before she sends Bassanio back to Venice with 20 times the debt owed to Shylock. Portia
gives Bassanio a ring and makes him promise never to take it off, which we're sure is going to be
significant sometime soon.

Meanwhile, Portia has hatched a plan to cross-dress and pose as a lawyer to argue Antonio's defense at
his trial. She tells Lorenzo to look after her house, disguises herself and Nerissa as men, and sets off for
Venice in a hurry. Also, Graziano randomly marries Nerissa.

The scene moves to the court in Venice. Everyone has tried to plead with Shylock, but he won't hear
reason. He wants justice, and that means having a pound of Antonio's flesh, as promised. It seems
there's no hope until a young, effeminate-looking man shows up who happens to be a learned lawyer. He
is called Balthazar (a.k.a. Portia).

Portia (as Balthazar) then begins to argue that Shylock should have mercy on Antonio, as mercy is a
higher order good than justice. Shylock says he doesn't need mercy, he's fine with just justice, thank you
very much. There's no way anyone can get around it Antonio signed the bond, the Duke won't bend the
rules, and Shylock won't relent. Antonio doesn't care if he dies. Bassanio says he wishes he could trade
his wife and his life for Antonio's, which does not please his wife, but she doesn't say anything because
she's disguised in drag.

Portia (as Balthazar) gets Antonio ready to go under the knife, but she stops just short as Shylock is
sharpening his knife. She says the bond entitles Shylock to a pound of flesh, but if he spills a drop of
Christian blood, then he'll be guilty of plotting to murder a Venetian Christian, the penalty for which is
losing everything he has. Shylock says something like, "Fine, just give me the three-times-the-debt cash
you offered me earlier," and Portia replies, "Actually, that offer's not on the table anymore." Then he says,
"OK, just give me the 3,000 back," and she returns, "Actually, that's not on the table either."

The slippery downward slope continues until Shylock declares that, fine, he'll just leave, and Portia stops
him and says since he conspired to kill a Venetian he actually has to forfeit everything he owns. And beg
for his life.

Finally holding the upper hand, Antonio decides that as punishment, Shylock has to sign an agreement
saying that when he dies, all his money will go to Jessica and her new Christian husband. Also, Shylock
must convert to Christianity. Shylock leaves a broken man.

Portia grabs Nerissa and tries to get home before the men return and find out their wives were the ones in
court that day. Antonio and Bassanio try to get Balthazar to accept a gift before he goes, and though
Portia (as Balthazar) tries to refuse it, the men press her. She asks for Bassanio's ring (which is really her
ring, symbolizing their marriage trust). Bassanio refuses to give it to her, but then Antonio suggests he's
whipped and foolish, so Bassanio caves in and gives Balthazar the ring at the last minute.

Finally everyone gets home to Belmont; the women have narrowly arrived before the men. Nerissa
launches into a fight with Graziano about the missing ring (as it turns out, she too gave a ring symbolizing
marital fidelity), accusing him of giving it to a woman. Portia then lights into Bassanio for the same thing.
Portia complains about the men breaking faith for this lawyer guy, and she pledges to sleep with this
learned man too, breaking her marriage vows like Bassanio did by giving up her ring.

Antonio has come home to Belmont with them and he feels responsible for the fights. To make up for it he
promises his soul as a guarantee that Bassanio will be faithful to Portia. Portia accepts the offer of
Antonio's soul and she gives him a ring to give to Bassanio. Turns out it's the original ring. Portia explains
that she and Nerissa were the young lawyer and the clerk who rescued Antonio from Shylock. Also, she's
got a letter that says some of Antonio's ships have come home with cash after all. The play ends with
happiness for most of the characters in the play all except Shylock.

CHARACTERS
Shylock - A Jewish moneylender in Venice. Angered by his mistreatment at the hands of Venices
Christians, particularly Antonio, Shylock schemes to eke out his revenge by ruthlessly demanding as
payment a pound of Antonios flesh. Although seen by the rest of the plays characters as an inhuman
monster, Shylock at times diverges from stereotype and reveals himself to be quite human. These
contradictions, and his eloquent expressions of hatred, have earned Shylock a place as one of
Shakespeares most memorable characters.
Read an in-depth analysis of Shylock.

Portia - A wealthy heiress from Belmont. Portias beauty is matched only by her intelligence. Bound by a
clause in her fathers will that forces her to marry whichever suitor chooses correctly among three
caskets, Portia is nonetheless able to marry her true love, Bassanio. Far and away the most clever of the
plays characters, it is Portia, in the disguise of a young law clerk, who saves Antonio from Shylocks
knife.
Read an in-depth analysis of Portia.

Antonio - The merchant whose love for his friend Bassanio prompts him to sign Shylocks contract and
almost lose his life. Antonio is something of a mercurial figure, often inexplicably melancholy and, as
Shylock points out, possessed of an incorrigible dislike of Jews. Nonetheless, Antonio is beloved of his
friends and proves merciful to Shylock, albeit with conditions.
Read an in-depth analysis of Antonio.

Bassanio - A gentleman of Venice, and a kinsman and dear friend to Antonio. Bassanios love for the
wealthy Portia leads him to borrow money from Shylock with Antonio as his guarantor. An ineffectual
businessman, Bassanio proves himself a worthy suitor, correctly identifying the casket that contains
Portias portrait.

Gratiano - A friend of Bassanios who accompanies him to Belmont. A coarse and garrulous young man,
Gratiano is Shylocks most vocal and insulting critic during the trial. While Bassanio courts Portia,
Gratiano falls in love with and eventually weds Portias lady-in-waiting, Nerissa.

Jessica - Although she is Shylocks daughter, Jessica hates life in her fathers house, and elopes with
the young Christian gentleman, Lorenzo. The fate of her soul is often in doubt: the plays characters
wonder if her marriage can overcome the fact that she was born a Jew, and we wonder if her sale of a
ring given to her father by her mother is excessively callous.

Lorenzo - A friend of Bassanio and Antonio, Lorenzo is in love with Shylocks daughter, Jessica. He
schemes to help Jessica escape from her fathers house, and he eventually elopes with her to Belmont.

Nerissa - Portias lady-in-waiting and confidante. She marries Gratiano and escorts Portia on Portias trip
to Venice by disguising herself as her law clerk.

Launcelot Gobbo - Bassanios servant. A comical, clownish figure who is especially adept at making
puns, Launcelot leaves Shylocks service in order to work for Bassanio.

The prince of Morocco - A Moorish prince who seeks Portias hand in marriage. The prince of Morocco
asks Portia to ignore his dark countenance and seeks to win her by picking one of the three caskets.
Certain that the caskets reflect Portias beauty and stature, the prince of Morocco picks the gold chest,
which proves to be incorrect.

The prince of Arragon - An arrogant Spanish nobleman who also attempts to win Portias hand by
picking a casket. Like the prince of Morocco, however, the prince of Arragon chooses unwisely. He picks
the silver casket, which gives him a message calling him an idiot instead of Portias hand.

Salarino - A Venetian gentleman, and friend to Antonio, Bassanio, and Lorenzo. Salarino escorts the
newlyweds Jessica and Lorenzo to Belmont, and returns with Bassanio and Gratiano for Antonios trial.
He is often almost indistinguishable from his companion Solanio.

Solanio - A Venetian gentleman, and frequent counterpart to Salarino.

The duke of Venice - The ruler of Venice, who presides over Antonios trial. Although a powerful man,
the dukes state is built on respect for the law, and he is unable to help Antonio.

Old Gobbo - Launcelots father, also a servant in Venice.

Tubal - A Jew in Venice, and one of Shylocks friends.

Doctor Bellario - A wealthy Paduan lawyer and Portias cousin. Doctor Bellario never appears in the
play, but he gives Portias servant the letters of introduction needed for her to make her appearance in
court.

Balthasar - Portias servant, whom she dispatches to get the appropriate materials from Doctor Bellario.
 ACT 1
Portia to Nerissa, No. 1
Nerissa, my body is aweary Of this
Act 1, Scene 1
world.
Antonio, a wealthy Venetian
importer/exporter, and two of his friends,
NERISSA
Salarino and Solanio, are on stage.
the lottery that your father hath devised
ANTONIO
in these three chests of gold, silver, and lead,
In sooth I know not why I am so sad.
whereof who chooses his meaning chooses you,
SALARINO
PORTIA
Your mind is tossing on the ocean, there
I pray thee, say their names, and I will
where your ships sail,
describe them, and according to my description
SOLANIO
level at my affection.
Believe me, sir, misfortune to my
NERISSA
ventures would make me sad.
First, there is the Neapolitan prince.
SALARINO
PORTIA
I know Antonio is sad to think upon his
Ay, that's a colt indeed, for he do
merchandise.
nothing but talk of his horse.
ANTONIO
NERISSA
Believe me, no.
Then is there is the County Palatine.
SOLANIO
PORTIA
Why then you are in love.
He hears merry tales and smiles not.
ANTONIO
NERISSA
Fie, fie!
How say you by the French lord,
SOLANIO
Monsieur Le Bon?
Not in love neither? Then let us say you are
PORTIA
sad because you are not merry.
God made him, and therefore let him
Bassanio, Lorenzo and Gratiano
pass for a man.
enter.
NERISSA
SALANIO
What say you then to Falconbridge, the
Here comes Bassanio, your most noble
young baron of England?
kinsman, Gratiano, and Lorenzo. Fare you well.
PORTIA
We leave you now with better company.
You know I say nothing to him, for he
Salarino and Solanio exit.
understands not me, nor I him.
NERISSA
GRATIANO
How like you the young German, the
You look not well, Signior Antonio.
Duke of Saxony's nephew?
ANTONIO
PORTIA
I hold the world but as the world,
Very vilely in the morning, when he is
Gratiano, a stage where every man must play
sober, and most vilely in the afternoon, when
part, and mine a sad one.
he is drunk.
NERISSA
GRATIANO
Do you not remember, lady, in your
Come good Lorenzo. Fare you well a
father's time, a Venetian, a scholar and a
while. I'll end my exhortation after dinner.
soldier,
LORENZO
PORTIA
I must be one of these dumb wise men, for
it was Bassanio,
Gratiano never lets me speak.
NERISSA
Gratiano and Lorenzo exit.
True, madam. He, of all the men that
ever my foolish eyes looked upon, was the best
ANTONIO
deserving a fair lady.
Well, tell me now what lady is the same
PORTIA
to whom you swore a secret pilgrimage.
I remember him well,
BASSANIO
A
and she is fair, and, fairer than that
Serving man
word, of wondrous virtues. Her name is Portia
enters.
ANTONIO
SERVINGMAN
Therefore go forth: try what my credit
The four strangers seek for you, madam,
can do in venice
to take their leave.
They exit.
PORTIA
If I could bid the fifth welcome with so
Act 1, Scene 2
good heart as I can bid the other four farewell,
Portia and her waiting-
I should be glad to his approach. Come Nerissa.
gentlewoman, Nerissa, enter.
Whiles we shut the gate upon one wooer, I do never use it.
another knocks at the door. SHYLOCK
They exit. When Jacob grazed his Uncle Laban's
sheep --- this Jacob from our holy Abram was
Act 1, Scene 3 the third possessor; ay, he was the third ----
Bassanio and Shylock are on stage, ANTONIO
negotiating the terms of Bassanio's Did he take interest?
proposed loan, based on Antonio's credit. ANTONIO ASIDE TO BASSANIO
SHYLOCK Mark you this, Bassanio, the devil can
Three thousand ducats, well. cite Scripture for his purpose!
BASSANIO SHYLOCK
Ay, sir, for three months. Three thousand ducats. Tis a good
SHYLOCK round sum. Three months from twelve,
For three months, well. then let me see, the rate -----
BASSANIO ANTONIO
For the which, as I told you, Antonio Well, Shylock, shall we be beholding to
shall be bound. you?
SHYLOCK Shylock to Antonio
Antonio shall become bound, well.
Antonio is a good man. Yet his means Signior Antonio, you have many
are uncertain. The man is, Times berated me about my
notwithstanding, sufficient. Three money,
thousand ducats. I think I may take his Which I have borne with a shrug,
bond. as a sign
BASSANIO You need my help.
Be assured you may. ANTONIO
SHYLOCK If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not
May I speak with Antonio? as to thy friends. But lend it rather to thine
BASSANIO enemy, who, if he break, thou mayst with
If it please you to dine with us. better face exact the penalty.
SHYLOCK SHYLOCK
Yes, to smell pork! I will buy with you, Why, look you how you storm! This is
sell with you, but I will not eat with you, drink kind I offer.
with you, nor pray with you. BASSANIO
Antonio enters. This were kindness!
BASSANIO SHYLOCK
This is Signior Antonio. This kindness will I show. If you repay
SHYLOCK ASIDE me not on such a day, let the forfeit be
I hate him for he is a Christian. He hates nominated for an equal pound of your fair
our sacred nation, and my well-won thrift, flesh.
which he calls interest. BASSANIO
BASSANIO You shall not seal to such a bond for me! I'll
Shylock, do you hear? rather dwell in my neediness.
SHYLOCK They exit.
I am debating of my present store, and,
by the near guess of my memory, I cannot Act 2, Scene 1
instantly raise up the gross of full three The Prince of Morocco, a tawny
thousand ducats. But soft, how many months Moor, with Portia, Nerissa and their train
do you desire? enter.
ANTONIO TO BASSANIO PORTIA
Is he yet possessed how much you The lottery of my destiny bars me the
would? right of voluntary choosing.
SHYLOCK MOROCCO
Ay, ay, three thousand ducats. I pray you lead me to the caskets to try
ANTONIO my fortune.
And for three months. PORTIA
SHYLOCK You must take your chance and either
I had forgot --- three months. not attempt to choose at all
SHYLOCK TO BASSANIO MOROCCO
You told me so. Come, bring me unto my chance.
SHYLOCK TO ANTONIO PORTIA
thought you said you neither lend nor After dinner your hazard shall be made.
borrow upon advantage. MOROCCO
ANTONIO
 Good fortune then, to make me blest ---
or cursed'st among men!
They
exit.
Act 2, Scene 2
Lancelet, Shylock's servant, is on
stage alone.
LANCELET
Certainly my conscience will serve
me to run from this Jew my master. To be
ruled by my conscience, I should stay with
the Jew my master, who is a kind of devil;
and to run away from the Jew, I should be
ruled by the fiend, who is the devil himself.
I will run, fiend. My heels are at your
commandment. I will run.
Old Gobbo, Lancelet's father, enters.
GOBBO
Master young man, you, I pray you,
which is the way to Master Jew's?
LANCELET ASIDE
heavens, this is my true begotten
father, who being more than sandblind,
knows me not.
GOBBO
Master young gentleman, I pray you,
which is the way to Master Jew's. Can you tell
me whether one Lancelet, that dwells with him,
dwell with him or no?
LANCELET
Talk you of young Master Lancelet?
GOBBO
No, master, sir, but a poor man's son.
LANCELET
Do you not know me, father?
GOBBO
Alack, sir, I am sandblind. I know you
not.
LANCELET
Give me your blessing. Truth will come
to light. In the end, truth will out. I am
Lancelet, the Jew's man, and I am sure
Margery your wife is my mother.
GOBBO
Her name is Margery, indeed. I'll be
sworn if thou be Lancelet, thou art mine own
flesh and blood. Lord, how art thou changed!
How dost thou and thy master agree? I have
brought him a present.
LANCELET
Well, well. I have set up my rest to run
away, so I will not rest till I have run some
ground.
Bassanio enters
LANCELET
To him, father.
GOBBO TO BASSANIO
God bless your Worship?
BASSANIO
Would st thou aught with me?
GOBBO
Here's my son, sir, a poor boy ----
LANCELET
Not a poor boy, sir, but the rich Jew's
man, that would, sir -----
GOBBO
He hath a great infection, sir, as one
would say, to serve ----
BASSANIO
One speak for both. What would you?
LANCELET
Serve you, sir.
BASSANIO TO LANCELET
Thou hast obtained thy suit. Shylock thy
master spoke with me this day, and hath
recommended thee, if it be advancement to
leave a rich Jew's service, to become the
follower of so poor a gentleman.
LANCELET
The old proverb is very well parted
between my master Shylock and you.
BASSANIO
Thou speak'st it well. Go, father, with thy
son. Take leave of thy old master, and inquire
my lodging out.
Lancelet and old Gobbo exit.
Gratiano enters.
GRATIANO
Signior Bassanio! I must go with you to
Belmont.
BASSANIO
Why then you must. But hear thee,
Gratiano.
GRATIANO
Signior Bassanio, hear me. If I do not
put on a sober habit, never trust me more.
BASSANIO
Well, we shall see your bearing.
GRATIANO
Nay, but I bar tonight. You shall not
gauge me by what we do tonight.
BASSANIO
I would entreat you rather to put on
your boldest suit of mirth, for we have friends
that purpose merriment. But fare you well. I
have some business.
GRATIANO
And I must to Lorenzo and the rest. But we
will visit you at supper time.
They exit.
Act 2, Scene 3
Jessica, Shylock's daughter, and
Lancelet are on stage.
JESSICA
I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so.
There is a ducat for thee, and Lancelet, soon at
supper shalt thou see Lorenzo, who is thy new
master's guest. Give him this letter. Do it
secretly, and so farewell.
LANCELET
Adieu. Tears exhibit my tongue, most
beautiful pagan, most sweet Jew.
Lancelet exits.
JESSICA
 O, Lorenzo, if thou keep promise, I shall head into the public street to gaze on Christian
end this strife, become a Christian and thy fools with varnished faces.
loving wife. LANCELET ASIDE TO JESSICA
She exits. Mistress, look out at window for all this.
He exits.
SHYLOCK
Act 2, Scene 4 Perhaps I will return immediately. Do as I
Gratiano, Lorenzo, Salarino and Solanio are on bid you. Shut doors after you.
stage preparing for Bassanio's masquerade He exits.
dinner party. JESSICA
Farewell, and if my fortune be not crossed,
LORENZO I have a father, you a daughter, lost.
we will slink away in supper time, She exits.
disguise us at my lodging, and return all in an
hour. Tis not but four o'clock. We have two Act 2, Scene 6
hours to furnish us. Gratiano and Salarino enter,
Lancelet enters, handing Lorenzo masked.
Jessica's letter. GRATIANO
LORENZO This is the penthouse under which
I know the hand; in faith, tis a fair Lorenzo desired us to make stand. It is marvel
hand. he out dwells his hour, for lovers ever run
GRATIANO before the clock. All things that are, are with
Love news, in faith! more spirit chased than enjoyed.
LORENZO Lorenzo enters.
Hold here, take this. LORENZO
Lorenzo gives Lancelet money. Sweet friends, your patience for my long
LORENZO abode. Not I but my affairs have made you
Tell gentle Jessica I will not fail her. wait. Here dwells my father Jew. Ho! Who's
Speak it privately. within?
Lancelet exits. Salarino and Solanio Jessica enters above, dressed as a
exit. boy.
GRATIANO JESSICA
Was not that letter from fair Jessica? Who are you? Tell me for more
LORENZO certainty, albeit I'll swear that I do know your
She hath directed how I shall take her tongue.
from her father's house, what gold and jewels LORENZO
she is furnished with, what page's suit she hath Lorenzo, and thy love.
in readiness. Come, go with me. Peruse this as JESSICA
thou goest. Lorenzo certain, for who love I so
He hands Gratiano the letter. much? And now who knows but you, Lorenzo,
LORENZO whether I am yours.
Fair Jessica shall be my torchbearer. LORENZO
They exit. Heaven and thy thoughts are witness
that thou art.
Act 2, Scene 5 JESSICA
Shylock and Lancelet are on stage. But love is blind, and lovers cannot see
SHYLOCK the petty follies that themselves commit,
What Jessica! Why, Jessica, I say! for if they could, Cupid himself would
Jessica enters. blush to see me thus transformed to a
JESSICA boy.
Call you? What is your will? LORENZO
SHYLOCK Descend, for you must be my
I am bid forth to supper, Jessica. There torchbearer.
are my keys. Jessica, my girl, look to my house. JESSICA
I am right loath to go. There is some ill a- Why, tis an office of discovery, love,
brewing towards my rest. and I should be obscured.
LANCELET LORENZO
I beseech you, sir, go. My young master So are you, sweet, even in the lovely
doth expect your approach. I will not say you garnish of a boy.
shall see a masque--- JESSICA
SHYLOCK I will make fast the doors and gold myself
What, are there masques. Hear you me, with some more ducats, and be with you
Jessica. Lock up my doors. Thrust not your straight.
Jessica exits, above.
LORENZO
Curse me but I love her heartily, for she
is wise, if I can judge of her, and fair she is, if
that mine eyes be true, and true she is, as she
hath proved herself.
Jessica enters, below. All exit but
Gratiano. Antonio enters.
ANTONIO
Fie, fie, Gratiano, where are all the rest?
No masque tonight; the wind is come about;
Bassanio presently will go aboard.
GRATIANO
I am glad on t. I desire no more delight
than to be under sail and gone tonight.
They exit.
Act 2, Scene 7
Portia and the Prince of Morocco
enter.
PORTIA
Go, draw aside the curtains and discover
the several caskets to this noble prince.
PORTIA
Now make your choice.
MOROCCO
This first, of gold, who this inscription
bears, Who chooseth me shall gain what many
men desire; the second, silver, which this
promise carriers, Who chooseth me shall get
as much as he deserves; this third, dull lead,
with warning all as blunt, Who chooseth me
must give and hazard all he hath. How shall I
know if I do choose the right?
PORTIA
The one of them contains my picture,
prince. If you choose that, then I am
yours withal.
MOROCCO
Deliver me the key. Here do I choose,
and thrive I as I may.
PORTIA
There, take it, prince.
She hands him the key.
PORTIA
And if my form lie there, then I am yours.
Morocco opens the gold casket.
MOROCCO
There is a written scroll. I'll read the
writing. All that glisters is not gold --- often
have you heard that told. Fare you well your
suit is cold. Cold indeed and labor lost! Then,
Portia, adieu. Thus losers part.
He exits.
PORTIA
A gentle riddance! Draw the curtains,
go.
They exit.
Act 2, Scene 8
Salarino and Solanio enter.
SALARINO
Why, man, I saw Bassanio under sail:
with him is Gratiano gone along; and in their
ship I am sure Lorenzo is not.
SOLANIO
I never heard a passion so confused as
the Jew did utter in the streets. My daughter,
O my ducats, fled with a Christian! O my
Christian ducats! A sealed bag, of double
ducats, stol'n from me by my daughter, and
jewels, two rich and precious stones stol'n from
me by my daughter! Justice! Find the girl! She
hath the stones upon her, and the ducats.
SALARINO
I reasoned with a Frenchman yesterday
who told me, in the Narrow Seas that part the
French and English, there miscarried a vessel
of our country richly fraught. I thought upon
Antonio when he told me, and wished in
silence that it were not his.
SOLANIO
You were best to tell Antonio what you
hear.
SALARINO
A kinder gentleman treads not the
earth. I saw Bassanio and Antonio part.
Bassanio told him he would make some speed
of his return. He answered Do not so.
Antonio said be merry, and employ your
chiefest thoughts to courtship and such fair
appearances of love as shall conveniently
become you there. He wrung Bassanio's hand -
-- and so they parted.
They exit.
Act 2, Scene 9
In Belmont, Nerissa and a servant
are on stage.
NERISSA
Quick, quick, I pray thee, draw the curtain
straight.
The Prince of Arragon and Portia
enter.
PORTIA
Behold, there stand the caskets, noble
prince. If you choose that wherein I am
contained, straight shall our nuptial
rites be solemnized. But if you fail, my
lord, you must be gone from hence
immediately.
ARRAGON
I am enjoined by oath to observe three
things: First, never to unfold to anyone which
casket twas I chose; next, if I fail of the right
casket, never in my life to woo a maid in way of
marriage; lastly, if I do fail in fortune of my
choice, immediately to leave you, and be gone.
PORTIA
To these injunctions everyone doth
swear that comes to hazard for my worthless
self.
ARRAGON
And so have I addressed me.Well, but to
my choice. Who chooseth me shall get as
much as he deserves. I will assume that I
deserve the best. Give me a key for this.
He is given a key. He opens the
silver casket.
ARRAGON
The portrait of a blinking idiot. Did I
deserve no more than a fool's head? Is that my
prize? Are my deserts no better?
PORTIA
To offend and judge are distinct offices
and of opposed natures.
ARRAGON
What is here?
He reads.
ARRAGON
There be fools alive, certainly, with gray
hair, and so was this. So be gone; you are sped.
He exits.
PORTIA
Thus hath the candle singed the moth.
O, these deliberate fools, when they do choose,
they have the wisdom by their wit to lose.
Come, draw the curtain, Nerissa.
A Messenger enters.
MESSENGER
Madam, there is alighted at your gate a
young Venetian. He bringeth sensible regreets;
gifts of rich value; yet I have not seen so likely
an ambassador of love. A day in April never
came so sweet.
PORTIA
No more, I pray you. Come, come
Nerissa, for I long to see quick Cupid's post
that comes so mannerly.
NERISSA
Bassanio, Lord Love, if thy will it be!
They exit.
Act 3, Scene 1
Solanio and Salarino are on stage.
SOLANIO
Now, what news on the Rialto?
SALARINO
Why, yet it lives there unchecked that
Antonio hath a ship of rich lading wracked on
the Narrow Seas.
Shylock enters.
SOLANIO
How now, Shylock, what news among
the merchants?
SHYLOCK
You knew of my daughter's flight.
SALARINO
That's certain.
SHYLOCK
My own flesh and blood to rebel!
SALARINO
There is more difference between thy
flesh and hers than between red wine and
Rhenish. But tell us, do you hear whether
Antonio have had any loss at sea or no?
SHYLOCK
Thee I have another bad match! He was
wont to call me usurer; let him look to
his bond.
SALARINO
Why, I am sure if he forfeit, thou wilt
not take his flesh! What's that good for?
SHYLOCK
To bait fish withal.
A Servingman enters.
SERVINGMAN
Gentlemen, my master Antonio is at his
house and desires to speak with you both.
Salarino, Solanio and the
Servingman exit. Tubal, another
moneylender, enters.
SHYLOCK
How now, Tubal, what news from
Genoa? Hast thou found my daughter?
TUBAL
I often came where I did hear of her, but
cannot find her.
SHYLOCK
A diamond gone cost me two thousand
ducats in Frankfurt! No news of them? And I
know not what's spent in the search!
TUBAL
Yes, other men have ill luck, too.
Antonio, as I heard in Genoa ----
SHYLOCK
What? Ill luck?
TUBAL
I spoke with some of the sailors that
escaped the wrack.
SHYLOCK
I thank thee, good Tubal.
TUBAL
Your daughter spent in Genoa, as I
heard, one night fourscore ducats.
SHYLOCK
Thou stick'st a dagger in me. I shall
never see my gold again.
TUBAL
One of them showed me a ring that he
had of your daughter for a monkey.
SHYLOCK
Curses on her! Thou torturest me,
Tubal.
TUBAL
But Antonio is certainly undone.
SHYLOCK
Nay, that's true, that's very true.
They exit.
Act 3, Scene 2
Bassanio, Gratiano, Portia and
Nerissa enter.
PORTIA
I pray you tarry, pause a day or two
before you hazard, for in choosing wrong I lose
your company; therefore forbear a while. I
would detain you here some month or two
before you venture for me. I could teach you
how to choose right, but then I am forsworn. So
will I never be. So my you miss me. But if you
do, you'll make me wish a sin, that I had been
forsworn.
BASSANIO
Let me choose, for as I am, I live upon
the rack.
PORTIA
Upon the rack, Bassanio? Then confess
what treason there is mingled with your love.
BASSANIO
None but that ugly treason of mistrust,
which makes me doubt th' enjoying of
my love.
PORTIA
Well, then, confess and live.
BASSANIO
Confess and love had been the very
sum of my confession. O happy torment, when
my torturer doth teach me answers for
deliverance! But let me to my fortune and the
caskets.
PORTIA
Away, then. I am locked in one of them.
If you do love me, you will find me out. Nerissa
and the rest, stand all aloof.
BASSANIO
Therefore, then, thou gaudy gold, hard
food for Midas, I will none of thee. For none of
thee, thou silver, currency, the servant to
everyone. But thou, thou meager lead, thy
paleness moves me more than eloquence, and
here choose I. Joy be the consequence!
Bassanio is given a key.
PORTIA ASIDE
love, be moderate, allay thy ecstasy,
scant this excess! I feel too much thy
blessing.
Bassanio opens the lead casket.
BASSANIO
What find I here? Fair Portia's
counterfeit. What artist has so nearly
duplicated Portia as to seem a god?
NERISSA
My lord and lady, it is now our time to
cry Good joy, good joy, my lord and lady!
GRATIANO
My Lord Bassanio, and my gentle lady, I
wish you all the joy that you can wish, for I am
sure you can wish none from me. I do beseech
you even at that time I may be married too.
BASSANIO
With all my heart, so thou canst get a
wife.
GRATIANO
I thank your Lordship, you have got me
one. My eyes, my lord, can look as swift as
yours; you saw the mistress, I beheld the maid.
I got a promise of this fair one here to have her
love, provided that your fortune achieved her
mistress.
PORTIA
Is this true, Nerissa?
NERISSA
Madam, it is, so you stand pleased
withal.
BASSANIO
And do you, Gratiano, mean good faith?
GRATIANO
Yes, faith, my lord.
BASSANIO
Our feast shall be much honored in your
marriage.
Lorenzo, Jessica, and Salerio, a
messenger from Venice.
LORENZO TO BASSANIO
For my part, my lord, my purpose
was not to have seen you here, but meeting
with Salerio by the way, he did entreat me
past all saying nay to come with him along.
Salerio hands Bassanio a letter, and
Bassanio opens it.
GRATANIO
Your hand Salerio. What's the news
from Venice? How doth that royal merchant,
good Antonio?
PORTIA
Thee are some shrewd contents in yond
same paper that steals the color from
Bassanio's cheek. What, worse and
worse? With leave, Bassanio, I am half
yourself, and I must freely have the half
of anything that this same paper brings
you.
BASSANIO
sweet Portia, here are a few of the
unpleasant'st words that ever blotted paper.
Gentle lady, I should have told you that I
was worse than nothing. But is it true,
Salerio? Hath all his ventures failed? And
not one vessel scape the dreadful touch of
merchant-marring rocks?
SALERIO
Not one, my lord. Besides, it should
appear that if he had the present money to
discharge the Jew, he would not take it. He
plies the Duke at morning and at night, and
doth impeach the freedom of the state if they
deny him justice.
JESSICA
When I was with him, I have heard him
swear to Tubal that he would rather have
Antonio's flesh than twenty times the value of
the sum that he did owe him.
PORTIA
Is it your dear friend that is thus in
trouble?
BASSANIO
The dearest friend to me.
PORTIA
What sum owes he the Jew?
BASSANIO
For me, three thousand ducats.
PORTIA
What, no more? Pay him six
thousand and deface the bond. First go with
 me to church and call me wife, and then JESSICA
away to Venice to your friend! You shall I wish your Ladyship all heart's content.
have gold to pay the petty debt twenty times Lorenzo and Jessica exit.
over. But let me hear the letter of your PORTIA
friend. Now, Balthazar, take this same letter in
Bassanio reads the letter to Portia. speed to Padua. See thou render this into my
PORTIA cousin's hands, Doctor Bellario.
love, dispatch all business and be She gives him a paper.
gone! PORTIA
BASSANO Waste no time in words, but get thee gone. I
Since I have your good leave to go away, shall be there before thee.
I will make haste. Balthazar exits.
They exit. PORTIA
Come on, Nerissa, I have work in hand
Act 3, Scene 3 that you yet know not of. We'll see our
Shylock, Antonio, Solanio and the Jailer are on husbands before they think of us.
stage. NERISSA
SHYLOCK Shall they see us?
Jailer, look to him. Tell not me of
mercy.This is the fool that lent out Portia to Nerissa, No. 2
money gratis.
ANTONIO They shall, Nerissa, but dressed in
Hear me yet, good Shylock. such clothes
SHYLOCK NERISSA
I'll have my bond. Thou call'dst Why, shall we turn to men?
me dog before thou hadst a cause, but PORTIA
since I am a dog, beware my fangs. Fie, what a question's that? I'll tell thee all
ANTONIO my whole device when I am in my coach.
I pray thee, hear me speak---- They exit.
SHYLOCK
I'll have my bond. I will not hear thee Act 3, Scene 5
speak. I'll not be made a soft and dull-eyed Lancelet
fool, and yield to Christian intercessors. and Jessica
He exits. enter.
SOLANIO LANCELET
I am sure the duke will never grant this Thee is but one hope in it that can do
forfeiture to hold. you any good.
ANTONIO JESSICA
The duke cannot deny the course of law, for the And what hope is that, I pray thee?
commodity that strangers have with us in LANCELET
Venice, if it be denied, will much impeach the Marry, that you are not the Jew's
justice of the state, since that the trade and daughter.
profit of the city consisteth of all nations. JESSICA
They exit. I shall be saved by my husband. He hath
made me a Christian.
Act 3, Scene 4 LANCELET
Portia, Nerissa, Lorenzo, Jessica and Truly the more to blame him! This
Balthazar, a man of Portia's, are on stage. making of Christians will raise the
PORTIA price of hogs.
Lorenzo, I commit into your hands the Lorenzo enters. Lancelet exits.
husbandry and manage of my house unto my LORENZO
lord's return. For mine own part, I have toward How cheer'st thou, Jessica? How dost
heaven breathed a secret vow to live in prayer thou like the Lord Bassanio's wife?
and contemplation, only attended by Nerissa JESSICA
here, until her husband and my lord's return. Past all expressing. The Lord Bassanio,
There is a monastery two miles off, and there having such a blessing in this lady, finds the
we will abide. joys of heaven here on earth.
LORENZO LORENZO
Madam, with all my heart, I shall obey Even such a husband hast thou of me as
you in all fair commands. she is for a wife.
PORTIA JESSICA
My people do already know my mind Nay, but ask my opinion too of that!
and will acknowledge you and Jessica in place LORENZO
of Lord Bassanio and myself. I will anon. First let us go to dinner.
 They exit. From both, my lord. Bellario greets your
Grace.
Act 4, Scene 1 She (He) hands him a paper, which
The Duke of Venice, Antonio, he reads.
Bassanio, Gratiano and others enter. DUKE
DUKE This letter from Bellario doth commend
What, is Antonio here? a young and learned doctor to our court. Where
ANTONIO is he?
Ready, so please your Grace. NERISSA
DUKE He attendeth here hard by to know your
I am sorry for thee. Thou art come to answer whether you'll admit him.
answer a stony adversary. Go, one, and call the DUKE
Jew into the court. With all my heart. Go give him
Shylock enters. courteous conduct to this place.
DUKE The Duke reads the letter.
Shylock, the world thinks, and I think so
too, that thou'lt show thy mercy. We all expect DUKE READING
a gentle answer, Jew. I am very sick. A young doctor of
SHYLOCK Rome; his name is Balthazar. He is furnished
By our holy Sabbath have I sworn to with my opinion, which, bettered with his own
have the due and forfeit of my bond. You'll ask learning comes with him at my importunity to
me why I rather choose to have a weight of fill up your Grace's request in my stead. I leave
carrion flesh than to receive three thousand him to your gracious acceptance.
ducats. Now, for your answer: as there is no DUKE
firm reason to be rendered, I give no reason. You hear the learned Bellario what he
Are you answered? writes.
BASSANIO Portia enters, disguised as a lawyer.
This is no answer. DUKE
SHYLOCK Come you from old Bellario?
I am not bound to please thee with my PORTIA
answers. I did, my lord.
ANTONIO DUKE
I pray you, think you question with the Are you acquainted with the difference
Jew. You may as well forbid the mountain that holds this present question in the court?
pines to wag their high tops and to make no PORTIA
noise when they are agitated with the gusts of I am informed thoroughly of the cause.
heaven. Let me have judgment and the Jew his Is your name Shylock?
will. SHYLOCK
BASSANIO Shylock is my name.
For thy three thousand ducats here is PORTIA
six. Of a strange nature is the suit you
SHYLOCK follow, yet in such rule that the Venetian law
I would have my bond. cannot impugn you as you do proceed.
DUKE PORTIA TO ANTONIO
How shalt thou hope for mercy, You stand within his danger, do you
rend'ring none? not?
Shylock to Duke of Venice ANTONIO
Ay, so he says.
What judgment shall I dread, PORTIA
doing no wrong, Do you confess the bond?
DUKE ANTONIO
Upon my power I may dismiss this court I do.
unless Bellario, a learned doctor whom I PORTIA
have sent for to determine this, come Then must the Jew be merciful.
here today. SHYLOCK
ANTONIO On what compulsion must I? Tell me
I am a tainted sheep of the flock, that.
meetest for death. The weakest kind of fruit
drops earliest to the ground, and so let me.
Nerissa enters, disguised as a lawyer's clerk. Portia to Shylock, No. 1
DUKE
Came you from Padua, from Bellario? The quality of mercy is not strained.
NERISSA It droppeth upon this earth as if rained
From heaven. It blesseth both him that
gives
And him that takes; a gift from the
mighty,
The monarch better than his crown, who
lives
But as a temporal sway, where mercy
Is above the crown's power; it's God's
hand.
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
and
Earthly power doth then show when
God's love
Seasons justice. It's an attribution
To God himself. Therefore in the course
of
Justice none of us should see salvation.
Praying for mercy doth teach us that we
All should surrender to deeds of mercy.
SHYLOCK
I crave the law, the penalty and forfeit of
my bond.
PORTIA
Is he not able to discharge the money?
BASSANIO
Yes. Here I tender it for him in the
court, yea, twice the sum.
BASSANIO TO THE DUKE
I beseech you to do a great right, and
curb this cruel devil of his will.
PORTIA
There is no power in Venice can alter a
decree established.
SHYLOCK
wise young judge, how I do honor
thee?
PORTIA
I pray you let me look upon the bond.
SHYLOCK
Here tis, most reverend doctor, here it
is.
He hands Portia a paper.
PORTIA
Why, this bond is forfeit, and
lawfully by this the Jew may claim a
pound of flesh, to be by him cut off
nearest the merchant's heart. Be
merciful; take twice thy money; bid me
tear the bond.
SHYLOCK
It doth appear you are a worthy
judge; you know the law. I charge you
by the law. Proceed to judgment. I stay
here on my bond.
PORTIA
Why, then, this it is: you must prepare
your bosom for his knife----
SHYLOCK
noble judge! O excellent young man!
How much more elder art thou than thy
looks!
PORTIA TO ANTONIO
Therefore lay bare your bosom---
SHYLOCK
Ay, his breast! So says the bond,
doth it not, noble judge? Nearest his
heart. Those are the very words.
PORTIA
It is so. You, merchant, have you
anything to say?
Antonio to Bassanio
I'm well prepared, Bassanio, believe
Me. Give me your hand and fare you
well.
Tell your wife of the process that did
bring
Me to this end, and speak me fair in
death.
If the Jew cut the vulnerable part,
I'll pay it instantly with all my heart.
BASSANIO
Antonio, I am married to a wife which is
as dear to me as life itself, but life itself, my
wife, and all the world are not with me
esteemed above thy life.
PORTIA
Your wife would give you little thanks
for that if she were by to hear you make
the offer.
GRATIANO
I have a wife who I protest I love. I
would she were in heaven, so she could entreat
some power to change the currish Jew.
NERISSA
Tis well you offer it behind her back.
The wish would make else an unquiet house.
SHYLOCK
These be the Christian husbands! We
trifle time. I pray thee, pursue sentence.
PORTIA
A pound of that same merchant's flesh
is thine: The court awards it, and the law doth
give it.
SHYLOCK
Most rightful judge! A sentence! Come,
prepare.
PORTIA
Tarry a little. There is something else.
This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood.
The words expressly are a pound of flesh.
SHYLOCK
Is that the law?
PORTIA
Thyself shalt see the act. For, as thou
urgest justice, be assured thou shalt have
justice more than thou desir'st.
SHYLOCK
I take this offer then. Pay the bond twice
and let the Christian go.
BASSANIO
Here is the money.
PORTIA
 Soft! The Jew shall have all justice.
Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.
Shed thou no blood, nor cut thou less nor more
but just a pound of flesh
SHYLOCK
Give me my principal and let me go.
BASSANIO
I have it ready for thee. Here it is.
PORTIA
He hath refused it in the open court. He
shall have merely justice and his bond.
SHYLOCK
Shall I not have barely my principal?
PORTIA
Thou shalt have nothing but the
forfeiture.
SHYLOCK
I'll stay no longer question.
He begins to exit.
PORTIA
Tarry. The law hath yet another hold on
you.
DUKE
I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it.
For half thy wealth, it is Antonio's; the other
half comes to the general state.
SHYLOCK
Nay, take my life and all. You take my
house when you do take the prop that doth
sustain my house; you take my life when you
do take the means whereby I live.
PORTIA
What mercy can you render him,
Antonio?
ANTONIO
So please my lord the Duke and all the
court to quit the fine for one half of his goods, I
am content, so he will let me have the other
half in use, to render it upon his death unto the
gentleman that lately stole his daughter.
DUKE
He shall do this.
PORTIA
Art thou contented, Jew?
SHYLOCK
I am content. I pray you give me leave to
go from hence. I am not well.
Shylock exits. The duke and his train exit.
BASSANIO TO PORTIA
Most worthy gentleman, I and
my friend have been this day acquitted
of grievous penalties, in lieu whereof
three thousand ducats due unto the Jew
we freely cope your courteous pains
withal.
PORTIA
He is well paid that is well satisfied,
and I, delivering you, am satisfied, and
therein do account myself well paid. I pray
you know me when we meet again.
She begins to exit.
BASSANIO
Dear sir, of force I must attempt
you further. Take some remembrance of
us as a tribute, not as fee. I pray you:
not to deny me.
PORTIA
You press me far, and therefore I
will yield. For your love I'll take this ring
from you. Do not draw back your hand;
I'll take no more, and you in love shall
not deny me this.
BASSANIO
This ring, good sir? I will not shame
myself to give you this.
PORTIA
I will have nothing else but only this.
BASSANIO
There's more depends on this than on
the value. I pray you pardon me.
PORTIA
I see, sir, you are liberal in offers. You
taught me first to beg, and now methinks you
teach me how a beggar should be answered.
BASSANIO
Good sir, this ring was given me by my
wife, and when she put it on, she made me vow
that I should neither sell, nor give nor lose it.
PORTIA
That scuse serves many men to save their
gifts. And if your wife be not a madwoman, and
know how well I have deserved this ring, she
would not hold out enemy forever for giving it
to me.
Portia and Nerissa exit.
ANTONIO
My Lord Bassanio, let him have the
ring.
BASSANI
Go, Gratiano, run and overtake him.
Give him the ring.
Gratiano exits.
BASSANIO
In the morning early will we both fly
toward Belmont. Come, Antonio.
They exit.
Act 4, Scene 2
Portia and Nerissa enter, still in
disguise.
PORTIA
Inquire the Jew's house out; give
him this deed and let him sign it. We'll
away tonight, and be a day before our
husbands home. This deed will be well
welcome to Lorenzo.
Gratiano enters.
GRATIANO
Fair sir, my Lord Bassanio, upon
more advice, hath sent you here this ring.
He gives her the ring.
PORTIA
That cannot be. His ring I do
accept most thankfully, and so I pray
 you tell him. Furthermore, I pray you
show my youth old Shylock's house.
GRATIANO
That will I do.
NERISSA ASIDE TO PORTIA
I'll see if I can get my husband's
ring, which I did make him swear to
keep forever.
PORTIA ASIDE TO NERISSA
Thou mayst, I warrant!
She exits.
NERISSA
Come, good sir, will you show me to this
house?
They exit.
Act 5, Scene 1
Lorenzo and Jessica are on stage in Belmont.
LORENZO
The moon shines bright. In such
a night did Jessica steal from the
wealthy Jew, and with an unthrift love
did run from Venice as far as Belmont.
JESSICA
In such a night did young Lorenzo
swear he loved her well, stealing her soul
with many vows of faith, and ne'er a true
one. I would out-night you did nobody
come, but hark, I hear the footing of a man.
A Messenger, Stephano, enters.
STEPHANO
My mistress will before the break of day
be here at Belmont.
LORENZO
Who comes with her?
STEPHANO
None but a holy hermit and her maid. I
pray you, is my master yet returned?
LORENZO
He is not, nor we have not heard
from him. Stephano, I pray you, your
mistress is at hand, and bring your music
forth into the air.
Stephano exits. Stephano reenters
wit musicians. Music plays.
JESSICA
I am never merry when I hear sweet
music.
LORENZO
The reason is, your spirits are
attentive. The man that hath no music in
himself, nor is not moved with concord of
sweet sounds, is fit for treasons,
stratagems, and spoils. Let no such man be
trusted. Mark the music.
Portia and Nerissa enter.
PORTIA
That light we see is burning in my hall.
So shines a good deed in a naughty world.
NERISSA
When the moon shone we did not see
the candle.
PORTIA
So doth the greater glory dim the less. A
substitute shines brightly as a king unto
a king be by.
NERISSA
It is your music, madam, of the house.
PORTIA
Nothing is good, I see, except for the
circumstances that attend it.
The music ceases.
LORENZO
Dear lady, welcome home.
PORTIA
We have been praying for our husbands'
welfare. Are they returned?
LORENZO
Madam, they are not yet.
PORTIA
Go in, Nerissa. Give order to my
servants that they take no note at all of our
being absent hence --- nor you, Lorenzo ---
Jessica, nor you.
A trumpet sounds.
LORENZO
Your husband is at hand. I hear his
trumpet. We are no tell-tales, madam, fear you
not.
PORTIA
This night methinks is but the daylight
sick; it looks a little paler. Tis a day such as the
day is when the sun is hid.
Bassanio, Antonio, Gratiano and
others enter.
PORTIA
Let me give light, but let me not be
light, for a light wife doth make a heavy
husband, and never be Bassanio so for me.
You are welcome home, my lord.
Gratiano and Nerissa talk aside.
BASSANIO
Give welcome to my friend. This
is the man, this is Antonio.
PORTIA
Sir, you are very welcome to our house.
GRATIANO TO NERISSA
By yonder moon I swear you do me
wrong! In faith, I gave it to the judge's clerk.
PORTIA
A quarrel ho, already! What's the
matter?
GRATIANO
About a hoop of gold, a paltry ring that
she did give me.
NERISSA
What talk you of the value? You swore
to me when I did give it you that you
would wear it till your hour of death.
You should have been respective and
have kept it. Gave it a judge's clerk!
GRATIANO
Now, by this hand, I gave it to a youth, a
kind of boy, a little scrubbed boy, a prating boy
that begged it as a fee.
Portia to Gratiano
BASSANIO
I must be plain with you. Your were to Nay, but hear me. Pardon this fault, and
blame by my soul I swear I never more will break an
To part with your wife's first gift, when oath with thee.
she came ANTONIO
The ring, you'd not parted with it. What I dare be bound again, my soul upon the
kind forfeit, that your lord will never more break
Of reasonable man would not so retain faith advisedly.
It with zeal, so no one would ever find PORTIA
It? There's a message Nerissa doth Then you shall be his surety.
bring. She gives him a ring.
I'll bet my life some woman hath the PORTIA
ring. And bid him keep it better than the
other.
BASSANIO ASIDE ANTONIO
Why, I were best to cut my left hand off Here, Lord Bassanio, swear to keep this
and swear I lost the ring defending it. ring.
PORTIA BASSANIO
What ring gave you, my lord? By heaven, it is the same I gave the
BASSANIO doctor!
If I could add a lie unto a fault, I would PORTIA
deny it, but you see my finger hath not the ring I had it of him.
upon it. It is gone. NERISSA
PORTIA And pardon me, my gentle Gratiano.
Even so void is your false heart of truth. She shows a ring.
By heaven, I will ne'er come in your bed until I PORTIA
see the ring! You are all amazed.
NERISSA TO GRATIANO She hands a paper to Bassanio.
Nor I in yours till I again see mine! PORTIA
BASSANIO Here is a letter. It comes from Padua from
Sweet Portia, if you did know to whom I Bellario. There you shall find that Portia was
gave the ring, if you did know for whom I gave the doctor; Nerissa there, her clerk. Antonio,
the ring, and would conceive for what I gave you are welcome, and I have better news in
the ring, and how unwillingly I left the ring, store for you than you expect.
when naught would be accepted but the ring, She hands him a letter.
you would abate the strength of your PORTIA
displeasure. By my honor, madam, by my soul, There you shall find three of your ships
no woman had it, but a civil doctor, which did are richly come to harbor suddenly.
refuse three thousand ducats of me and begged ANTONIO
the ring. What should I say, sweet lady? I was I am dumbstruck.
enforced to send it after him. I was beset with BASSANIO
shame and courtesy. Were you the doctor and I knew you
PORTIA not?
Let not that doctor e'er come near my ANTONIO
house. Since he hath got the jewel that I loved, Sweet lady, you have given me life and
and that which you did swear to keep for me, I living; for here I read for certain that my ships
will become as liberal as you. are safely come to harbor.
NERISSA PORTIA
And I his clerk. Be well advised how you How now, Lorenzo? My clerk hath some
do leave me to mine own protection. good comforts too for you.
ANTONIO Nerissa hands him a paper.
I am th' unhappy subject of these NERISSA
quarrels. Thee do I give to you and Jessica,
PORTIA from the rich Jew, special deed of gift,
Sir, grieve not you. You are welcome after his death, of all he dies possessed
notwithstanding. of.
BASSANIO LORENZO
Portia, forgive me this enforced wrong. I Fair ladies, you drop manna in the way
swear to thee ----- of starved people.
PORTIA GRATIANO
Mark you but that! Swear by your Let it be so. Well, while I live, I'll fear no
double self, and there's a credible oath. other thing so sore as keeping safe Nerissa's
ring.