Then, if he lose, he makes a swan-like end, [Music plays, and Bassanio goes to the caskets. Hard food for Midas, I will none of thee: Nor none of thee, thou pale and common drudge, Bass. What find I here? Fair Portia's counterfeit! what demi-god (55) You that choose not by the view, Be content, and seek no new. If you be well pleas'd with this, you where your lady is, And claim her with a loving kiss. A gentle scroll; fair lady, by your leave; [Kissing her. I come by note to give, and to receive. (55) The position of the third casket has been designated before in note 46: and it has, in fact, more of the shape of a casket than either of the other two. Por. You see me, lord Bassanio, where I stand, Such as I am; tho' for myself alone, I would not be ambitious in my wish, you, A thousand times more fair, ten thousand times But she may learn; more happy then in this, And be my vantage to exclaim on you. Bass. Madam, you have bereft me of all words; But when this ring Parts from this finger, then parts life from hence ; O, then be bold to say Bassanio's dead. Ner. My lord and lady, it is now our time, That have stood by, and seen your wishes prosper, To cry, great joy, good joy, my lord and lady! Gra. My lord Bassanio, and my gentle lady, I wish you all the joy that you can wish; For, I am sure, you wish none from me; And when your honours mean to solemnize The bargain of your faith, I do beseech you, Ev'n at that time, I may be married too. Bass. With all my heart, so thou canst get a wife. To have her love, provided that your fortune Por. Is this true, Nerissa? Ner. Madam, it is, so you stand pleas'd withal. Bass. And do you, Gratiano, mean good faith? Gra. Yes, faith, my lord. Bass. Our feast shall be much honour'd in your marriage. Gra. We'll play with them, the first boy, for a thousand ducats. Ner. What, and stake down? [stake down. Gra. No, we shall ne'er win at that sport, and But who comes here? Lorenzo and his infidel? What, and my old Venetian friend, Salanio? Enter LORENZO, JESSICA, and SALANIO. Bass. Lorenzo and Salanio welcome hither; If that the youth of our new interest here, [leave, Have power to bid you welcome. By your I bid my friends and contrymen, (Sweet Portia) welcome. [come. Por. So do I, my lord; they are entirely welLor. I thank your honour; for my part, my lord, My purpose was not to have seen you here; But meeting with Salanio by the way, He did intreat me, past all saying nay, To come with him along. Sal. I did, my lord, And I have reason for't; Signior Anthonio Commends him to you. [Gives Bassanio a Letter. I Bass. Ere I ope his letter, pray you tell me how my good friend doth. Sal. Not sick, my lord, unless it be in mind: |