Por. There are fome fhrewd contents in yon' fame That fteal the colour from Baffanio's cheek: Some dear friend dead; else nothing in the world Of any conftant man. What, worfe and worfe! With leave, Baffanio, I am half yourself, any thing That this fame paper brings you. Baff. O fweet Portia! Here are a few of the unpleasant'ft words That ever blotted paper. Gentle Lady, When I did first impart my love to you, And then I told you true; and yet, dear Lady, [paper, How much I was a braggart. When I told you,. And not one veffel 'fcap'd the dreadful touch Sal. Not one, my Lord. Befides, it should appear, that if he had K. 3 Of Of forfeiture, of juftice, and his bond. Jef. When I was with him, I have heard him swear, To Tubal and to Chus his countrymen, That he would rather have Anthonio's fiesh, Por. Is it your dear friend that is thus in trouble? Pay him fix thousand, and deface the bond; Shall lofe a hair through my Baffanio's fault. Bal. [reads.] Sweet Baffanio, my fhips have all mifcarry'd, my creditors grow cruel, my eftate is very low, my bond to the Jew is forfeit; and fince, in paying it, it is impoffible I should live, all debts are cleared between you and me, if I might but fee you at my death; notwithstanding, use your pleasure: if your love do not perfuade you to come, let not my letter. your wedding day. Bid your friends welcome, fhew a merry cheer; } Por, gone. Por. O love! dispatch all business, and be No bed fhall e'er be guilty of my stay; No reft be interpofer 'twixt us twain. SCENE IV. Changes to a freet in Venice. [Exeunt. Enter Shylock, Solarino, Anthonio, and the Goaler. Ant. Hear me yet, good Shylock. Shy. I'll have my bond; speak not against my bond: I've fworn an oath that I will have my bond. Thou call'dft me dog before thou hadst a caufe; Ant. I pray thee, hear me 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, Sola. It is the most impenetrable cur Ant. Let him alone, [Exit Shylock. I'll follow him no more with bootlefs pray'rs: I oft deliver'd from his forfeitures Many. that have at times made moan to me; Sola. I am fure the Duke Will never grant this forfeiture to hold. Ant. The Duke cannot deny the course of law; Will much impeach the justice of the state; Since that the trade and profit of the city SCENE V. Changes to Belmont. [Exeunt: Enter Portia, Neriffa, Lorenzo, JeJica, and Balthazar. Lor. Madam, although I fpeak it in your prefence,. You have a noble and a true conceit Of God-like amity; which appears moft ftrongly Por. I never did repent of doing good, The husbandry and manage of my houfe, For mine own part, I have tow'rd heaven breath'd a fecret vow, To live in prayer and contemplation, Only attended by Neriffa here, Until her husband and my Lord's return. There is a monastery two miles off, And And there we will abide. I do defire you, The which my love and fome neceffity Now lays upon me. Lor. Madam, with all my heart; I shall obey you in all fair commands. Por. My people do already know my mind, Lor. Fair thoughts and happy hours attend on you! Jef. I wish your Ladyfhip all heart's content. Por. I thank you for your wish, and am well pleased To wish it back on you: fare you well, Jeffica. Now, Balthazar, [Exeunt Feffica and Lorenzo. As I have ever found thee honeft, true, So let me find thee ftill: take this same letter, In fpeed to Padua; fee thou render this Into my coufin's hand, Doctor Bellario; And look what notes and garments he doth give thee, Which trades to Venice: wafte no time in words, Ner. Shall they fee us? Por. They fhall, Neriffa; but in fuch a habit, When we are both apparell'd like young men, I'll prove the prettier fellow of the two, And wear my dagger with the braver grace; And fpeak between the change of man and boy, • With a reed voice; and turn two mincing steps Into a manly ftride; and fpeak of frays, 'Like a fine bragging youth; and tell quaint lies, How honourable ladies fought my love, [Exit. • Which |