Some dear friend dead; else nothing in the world 240 Of any constant man. What, worse and worse?– And I must freely have the half of any thing 246 Bass. O sweet Portia, Here are a few of the unpleasant'st words, That ever blotted paper! Gentle lady, When I did first impart my love to you, I freely told you, all the wealth I had Ran in my veins,-I was a gentleman; 250 And then I told you true: and yet, dear lady, How much I was a braggart. When I told you My state was nothing, I should then have told you That I was worse than nothing; for, indeed, 255 And every word in it a gaping wound, 260 Have all his ventures fail'd? What, not one hit? And not one vessel 'scape the dreadful touch Solan, Not one, my lord. Besides, it should appear, that if he had 265 270 So keen and greedy to confound a man. Of greatest port, have all persuaded with him; Of forfeiture, of justice, and his bond. 271 275 Jess. When I was with him, I have heard him swear, To Tubal, and to Chus, his countrymen, 280 That he would rather have Antonio's flesh, Than twenty times the value of the sum That he did owe him and I know, my lord, It will go hard with poor Antonio. 285 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 The ancient Roman honour more appears, 290 Than any that draws breath in Italy. What, no more? Pay him six thousand, and deface the bond; 295 Shall lose a hair through Bassanio's fault. For never shall you lie by Portia's side 300 With an unquiet soul, You shall have gold To pay the petty debt twenty times over; 305 309 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. 316 Por. O love, despatch all business, and be gone. Bass. Since I have your good leave to go away, I will make haste: but, till I come again, 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, SALARINO, ANTONIO, and JAILER. Shy. Jailer, look to him.-Tell not me of mercy; This is the fool that lent out money gratis. Jailer, look to him. 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: 5 Thou call'dst me dog before thou hadst a cause : ΙΟ 'I'll have my bond; I will not hear thee speak.' 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; Salar. It is the most impenetrable cur 15 [Exit. That ever kept with men. Ant. Let him alone; I'll follow him no more with bootless prayers. Many that have at times made moan to me; Salar. I am sure the duke Will never grant this forfeiture to hold. Ant. The duke cannot deny the course of law, For the commodity that strangers have 'Twill much impeach the justice of the state; 20 25 30 35 To see me pay his debt, and then I care not! [Exeunt. SCENE IV. Belmont. A room in Portia's house. Enter PORTIA, NERISSA, LORENZO, JESSICA, and Lor. Madam, although I speak it in your presence, You have a noble and a true conceit Of god-like amity; which appears most strongly But, if you knew to whom you show this honour, 5 |