Ant. Content, in faith: I'll seal to such a bond, That won three fields of Sultan Solyman,— And say, there is much kindness in the Jew. I would out-stare the sternest eyes that look, Bass. You shall not seal to such a bond for me, Out-brave the heart most daring on the earth, I'll rather dwell1 in my necessity. Pluck the young sucking cubs from the she-bear, Yea, mock the lion when he roars for prey, To win thee, lady: But, alas the while! If Hercules, and Lichas, play at dice Which is the better man, the greater throw May turn by fortune from the weaker hand: So is Alcides beaten by his page; Ant. Why, fear not, man; I will not forfeit it; Of thrice three times the value of this bond. are; Whose own hard dealings teaches them suspect A pound of man's flesh, taken from a man, [Exit. Hie thee, gentle Jew. And so may I, blind fortune leading me, Por. In way of marriage; therefore, be advis'd. chance. Por. First, forward to the temple; after dinner Good fortune then! [Cornets. [Exeunt. SCENE II.-Venice. A street. Enter Launcelot Gobbo. To make me bless'd'st, or cursed'st among men. Ant. This Hebrew will turn Christian; he grows kind. Bass. I like not fair terms, and a villain's mind. Ant. Come on: in this there can be no dis-run from this Jew, my master: The fiend is at mine may, My ships come home a month before the day. Laun. Certainly my conscience will serve me to elbow; and tempts me, saying to me, Gobbo, Launcelot Gobbo, good Launcelot, or good Gobbo, or [Exeunt. good Launcelot Gobbo, use your legs, take the start, run away: My conscience says,-no; take heed, honest Launcelot; take heed, honest Gobbe; or, as aforesaid, honest Launcelot Gobbo, do noi run; scorn running with thy heels: Well, the most SCENE I.-Belmont. A room in Portia's house. courageous fiend bids me pack; via! says the Flourish of cornets. Enter the Prince of Mo-fiend; away! says the fiend, for the heavens; rouse rocco, and his train; Portia, Nerissa, and other up a brave mind, says the fiend, and run. Well, of her attendants. ACT II. Mor. Mislike me not for my complexion, His wife, who wins me by that means I told you, For my affection. Mor. Even for that I thank you; (1) Abide. (2) Allusion to the eastern custom for lovers to testify their passion by cutting themselves in their mistresses' sight. my conscience, hanging about the neck of my heart, says very wisely to me,-my honest friend Launcelot, being an honest man's son,-or rather an honest woman's son ;-for, indeed, my father did something smack, something grow to, he had a kind of taste;-well, my conscience says, Launcelot, budge not; budge, says the fiend; budge not, says my conscience: Conscience, say Ì, you counsel well; fiend, say I, you counsel well: to be ruled by my conscience, I should stay with the Jew my master, who (God bless the mark!) is a kind of devil; and, to run away from the Jew, I should be ruled by the fiend, who, saving your reverence, is the devil himself: Certainly, the Jew is the very devil incarnation; and, in my conscience, my conscience is but a kind of hard conscience, to offer to counsel me to stay with the Jew: The fiend gives the more friendly counsel: I will run, fiend; my heels are at your commandment, I will run, Enter old Gobbo, with a basket. Gob. Master, young man, you, I pray you; which is the way to master Jew's? Laun. [Aside.] O heavens, this is my true begotten father! who, being more than sand-blind, high-gravel blind, knows me not:-I will try conclusions with him. Gob. Master young gentleman, I pray you, which is the way to master Jew's? Laun. Turn up on your right hand, at the next lowers. turning, but, at the next turning of all, on your Enter Bassanio, with Leonardo, and other fol left; marry, at the very next turning, turn of no hand, but turn down indirectly to the Jew's house. Gob. By God's sonties, 'twill be a hard way to hit. Can you tell me whether one Launcelot, that dwells with him, dwell with him, or no? Laun. Talk you of young master Launcelot ?Mark me now; [aside.] now will I raise the waters-Talk you of young master Launcelot? Gob. No master, sir, but a poor man's son; his father, though I say it, is an honest exceeding poor man, and, God be thanked, well to live. Laun. Well, let his father be what he will, we talk of young master Launcelot. Bass. You may do so;-but let it be so hasted, Laun. To him, father. Bass. Gramercy; Would'st thou aught with me? Laun. Not a poor boy, sir, but the rich Jew's man; that would, sir, as my father shall specify,Gob. He hath a great infection, sir, as one would say, to serve Gob. Your worship's friend, and Launcelot, sir. Laun. Ergo, master Launcelot; talk not of Gob. His master and he (saving your worship's master Launcelot, father; for the young gentleman reverence,) are scarce cater-cousins: (according to fates and destinies, and such odd Laun. To be brief, the very truth is, that the sayings; the sisters three, and such branches of Jew having done me wrong, doth cause me, as my learning,) is, indeed, deceased; or, as you would father, being I hope an old man, shall frutify unto say, in plain terms, gone to heaven. Gob. Marry, God forbid! the boy was the very staff of my age, my very prop. Laun. Do I look like a cudgel, or a hovel-post, a staff, or a prop ?-Do you know me, father? Gob. Alack the day, I know you not, young gentleman: but, I pray you, tell me, is my boy (God rest his soul!) alive, or dead? Laun. Do you not know me, father? Gob. Alack, sir, I am sand-blind, I know you not. Laun. Nay, indeed, if you had your eyes, you might fail of the knowing me: it is a wise father that knows his own child. Well, old man, I will tell you news of your son: Give me your blessing: truth will come to light; murder cannot be hid long, a man's son may; but, in the end, truth will out. Gob. Pray you, sir, stand up; I am sure, you are not Launcelot, my boy. Laun. Pray you, let's have no more fooling about it, but give me your blessing; I am Launcelot, your boy that was, your son that is, your child that shall be. Gob. I cannot think you are my son. Laun. I know not what I shall think of that: but I am Launcelot, the Jew's man; and, I am sure, Margery, your wife, is my mother. you, Gob. I have a dish of doves, that I would bestow upon your worship; and my suit is, Laun. In very brief the suit is impertinent to myself, as your worship shall know by this honest old man; and, though I say it, though old man, yet, poor man, my father. Bass. One speak for both;-What would you? Gob. This is the very defect of the matter, sir. Shylock, thy master, spoke with me this day, Laun. The old proverb is very well parted between my master Shylock and you, sir; you have the grace of God, sir, and he hath enough. Bass. Thou speak'st it well: Go, father, with Take leave of thy old master, and inquire [To his followers. More guarded than his fellows': See it done. Laun. Father, in:-I cannot get a service, no ;Gob. Her name is Margery, indeed: I'll be sworn, I have ne'er a tongue in my head.-Well; [lookif thou be Launcelot, thou art mine own flesh and ing on his palm.] if any man in Italy have a fairer blood. Lord worshipp'd might he be! what a beard table, which doth offer to swear upon a book.-hast thou got! thou hast got more hair on thy chin, I shall have good fortune; Go to, here's a simple than Dobbin my thill-horse1 has on his tail. Laun. It should seem then, that Dobbin's tail grows backward; I am sure he had more hair on his tail, than I have on my face, when I last saw him. Gob. I.ord, how art thou chang'd! How dost thou and thy master agree? I have brought him present; How 'gree you now? a I Laun. Well, well; but, for my own part, as have set up my rest to run away, so I will not rest till I have run some ground: my master's a very Jew: Give him a present! give him a halter: am famish'd in his service; you may tell every finger I have with my ribs. Father, am glad you are come; give me your present to one master Bassanio, who, indeed, gives rare new liveries: if I serve not him, I will run as far as God has any ground.-O rare fortune! here comes the man;to him, father; for I am a Jew, if I serve the Jew any longer. (1) Shaft-horse (2) Ornamented. an eye. line of life! here's a small trifle of wives: Alas, Yonder, sir, he walks. (3) The palm of the hand extended. Thou art too wild, too rude, and bold of voice ;- I be misconstrued in the place I go to, Gra. Signior Bassanio, hear me: Like one well studied in a sad ostent2 Gra. Nay, but I bar to-night; you shall not gage me By what we do to-night. Bass. No, that were pity; 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. Gra. And I must to Lorenzo, and the rest; But we will visit you at supper-time. [Exeunt. SCENE III.-The same. A room in Shylock's house. Enter Jessica and Launcelot. Jes. I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so; Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil, Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness; But fare thee well; there is a ducat for thee. And, Launcelot, soon at supper shalt thou see Lorenzo, who is thy new master's guest: Give him this letter; do it secretly, And so farewell; I would not have my father See me talk with thee. Laun. Adieu!-tears exhibit my tongue.-Most beautiful Pagan,-most sweet Jew! If a Christian do not play the knave, and get thee, I am much deceived: But, adieu! these foolish drops do somewhat drown my manly spirit, adieu! [Exit. Jes. Farewell, good Launcelot.Alack, what heinous sin is it in me, To be asham'd to be my father's child! But though I am a daughter to his blood, I am not to his manners: 0 Lorenzo, If thou keep promise, I shall end this strife; Become a Christian, and thy loving wife. SCENE IV. The same. A street. Enter Gratiano, Lorenzo, Salarino, and Salanio. Lor. Nay, we will slink away in supper-time; Disguise us at my lodging, and return All in an hour. [Exit. Gra. We have not made good preparation. Salar. We have not spoke us yet of torchbearers. (1) Gross, licentious. (2) Show of staid and serious demeanour. Salan. 'Tis vile, unless it may be quaintly or der'd; And better, in my mind, not undertook. Lor. 'Tis now but four o'clock; we have two hours To furnish us: Enter Launcelot, with a letter. Friend Launcelot, what's the news? Laun. An it shall please you to break up this, it shall seem to signify. Lor. I know the hand: in faith, 'tis a fair hand; And whiter than the paper it writ on, Is the fair hand that writ. Gra. Love-news, in faith. Laun. Marry, sir, to bid my old master the Jew to sup to-night with my new master the Christian. Lor. Hold here, take this:-tell gentle Jessica, I will not fail her ;-speak it privately; go.Gentlemen, [Exit Launcelot. Will you prepare you for this masque to-night? am provided of a torch-bearer. I Salar. Ay, marry, I'll be gone about it straight. Salan. And so will I. Lor. Meet me, and Gratiano, At Gratiano's lodging some hour hence. [Exeunt Salar, and Salan. SCENE V.-The same. Before Shylock's house. Enter Shylock and Launcelot. Shy. Well, thou shalt see, thy eyes shall be thy judge, The difference of old Shylock and Bassanio:- Laun. Enter Jessica. Jes. Call you? What is your will? Shy. I am bid forth to supper, Jessica; There are my keys:-But wherefore should I go; Laun. I beseech you, sir, go; my young master doth expect your reproach. Lor. Lorenzo, and thy love. then it was not for nothing that my nose fell a bleed-Albeit I'll swear that I do know your tongue. ing on Black-Monday last, at six o'clock i'the morning, falling out that year on Ash-Wednesday was four year in the afternoon. Shy. What! are there masques? Hear you me, Lock up my doors; and when you hear the drum, Shy. The patch is kind enough; but a huge feeder, Do, as I bid you, [Exit. Shut doors after you: Fast bind, fast find; SCENE VI.-The same. [Exit. Jes. Lorenzo, certain; and my love, indeed; For who love I so much? And now who knows, But you, Lorenzo, whether I am yours? Lor. Heaven, and thy thoughts, are witness that thou art. Jes. Here, catch this casket; it is worth the pains. I am glad 'tis night, you do not look on me, For I am much asham'd of my exchange: But love is blind, and lovers cannot see The pretty follies that themselves commit; For if they could, Cupid himself would blush To see me thus transformed to a boy. Lor. Descend, for you must be my torch-bearer. Jes. What, must I hold a candle to my shames? They in themselves, good sooth, are too, too light. Why, 'tis an office of discovery, love; And I should be obscur'd. Lor. So are you, sweet, For the close night doth play the run-away, Enter Jessica, below. What, art thou come?-On, gentlemen, away, Enter Gratiano and Our masquing mates by this time for us stay. Salarino, masked. Gra. This is the pent-house, under which Lorenzo Desir'd us to make stand. Salar. His hour is almost past. Gra. And it is marvel he out-dwells his hour, Por lovers ever run before the clock. Salar. O, ten times faster Venus' pigeons fly To seal love's bonds new made, than they are wont, To keep obliged faith unforfeited! Gra. That ever holds: Who riseth from a feast, With that keen appetite that he sits down? Where is the horse that doth untread again His tedious measures with the unbated fire That he did pace them first? All things that are, Are with more spirit chased than enjoy'd. How like a younker, or a prodigal, The scarfed bark puts from her native bay, Hugg'd and embraced by the strumpet wind! How like the prodigal doth she return, With over-weather'd ribs, and ragged sails, Lean, rent, and beggar'd by the strumpet wind! Enter Lorenzo. Salar. Here comes Lorenzo; more of this hereafter. Lor. Sweet friends, your patience for my long abode; Not I, but my affairs, have made you wait; Enter Jessica above, in boy's clothes. Jes. Who are you? Tell me, for more certainty, (1) Decorated with flags. [Exit with Jessica and Salarino. Enter Antonio. Ant. Who's there? Gra. Signior Antonio? Ant. Fie, fie, Gratiano? where are all the rest? 'Tis nine o'clock; our friends all stay for you:-No masque to-night; the wind is come about, Bassanio presently will go aboard: I have sent twenty out to seek for you. Gra. I am glad on't; I desire no more delight, Than to be under sail, and gone to-night. Exe. SCENE VII.-Belmont. A room in Portia's house. Flourish of cornets. Enter Portia, with the prince of Morocco, and both their trains. Por. Go, draw aside the curtains, and discover The several caskets to this noble prince :Now make your choice. Mor. The first, of gold, who this inscription bears; Who chooseth me, shall gain what many men desire. The second; silver, which this promise carries ;Who chooseth me, shall get as much as he deserves. The 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 ? : Por. The one of them contains my picture, prince; If you choose that, then I am yours withal. Mor. Some god direct my judgment! Let me see, I will survey the inscriptions back again : Who chooseth me, must give and hazard all he hath. Do it in hope of fair advantages: A golden mind stoops not to shows of dross upon; Then I am yours. [He unlocks the golden casket. All that glisters is not gold, Then, farewell, heat; and, welcome, frost.- Let all of his complexion choose me so. [Exeunt. Salan. The villain Jew with outcries rais'd the duke; Who went with him to search Bassanio's ship. Salar. He came too late, the ship was under sail stones, Stol'n by my daughter!-Justice! find the girl. Salar. Why, all the boys in Venice follow him, Salar. Marry, well remember'd : Yet do not suddenly, for it may grieve him. Salar. A kinder gentleman treads not the earth. Salar. Do we so. [Exeunt. SCENE IX.-Belmont. A room in Portia's The prince of Arragon has ta'en his oath, Flourish of cornets. Enter the prince of Arragon, Por. Behold, there stand the caskets, noble prince: Ar. I am enjoin'd by oath to observe three things (5) Shows, tokens. (6) The heaviness he is fond of. |