How like the prodigal doth she return, With over-weather'd ribs, and ragged sails, 17 Lean, rent, and beggar'd by the strumpet wind! Salar. Here comes Lorenzo ;—more of this hereafter. Enter LORENZO. 20 Lor. Sweet friends, your patience for my long abode; Not I, but my affairs, have made you wait; When you shall please to play the thieves for wives, Jess. Who are you? Tell me, for more certainty, Albeit I'll swear that I do know your tongue. Lor. Lorenzo, and thy love. Jess. Lorenzo, certain ; and my love, indeed; For who love I so much? And now who knows, 30 But you, Lorenzo, whether I am yours? Lor. Heaven, and thy thoughts, are witness that thou art. 35 Jess. 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 transformèd to a boy. 39 Lor. Descend, for you must be my torch-bearer. Jess. What, must I hold a candle to my shames? They in themselves, good sooth, are too-too light. And I should be obscur'd. Lor. So are you, sweet, 45 Even in the lovely garnish of a boy. But come at once; For the close night doth play the run-away, Fess. I will make fast the doors, and gild myself With some more ducats, and be with you straight. 50 [Exit, from above. Grat. Now, by my hood, a Gentile, and no Jew. And fair she is, if that mine eyes be true; Enter JESSICA, below. What, art thou come?-On, gentlemen; away! 55 [Exit with JESSICA and SALARINO. Enter ANTONIO. Ant. Who's there? Grat. Signior Antonio? Ant. Fie, fie, Gratiano! where are all the rest? 'Tis nine o'clock: our friends all stay for you. No mask to-night; the wind is come about; I have sent twenty out to seek for you. Than to be under sail, and gone to-night. Grat. I am glad on't; I desire no more delight, 60 65 [Exeunt. 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. 5 D The second, silver, which this promise carries :- ΙΟ 'Some god direct my judgment! Let me see.' 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 : What says this leaden casket? Who chooseth me, must give and hazard all he hath. 15 Must give-For what? for lead? hazard for lead? A golden mind stoops not to shows of dross; As much as I deserve!-Why, that's the lady: 20 25 30 35 40 45 To stop the foreign spirits; but they come, One of these three contains her heavenly picture. Is't like, that lead contains her? 'Twere damnation |