passages mean, childish, and vulgar: and some which ought not to have been exhibited, as we are told they were, to a maiden queen. But there are scattered through the whole many sparks of genius; nor is there any play that has more evident marks of the hand of Shakspeare. JOHNSON. PERSONS REPRESENTED. Duke of Venice. Prince of Morocco, suitors to Portia. Prince of Arragon, Antonio, the merchant of Venice. Bassanio, his friend. Salanio, Salarino, friends to Antonio and Bassanio. Gratiano, Lorenzo, in love with Jessica. Shylock, a Jew. Tubal, a Jew, his friend. Launcelot Gobbo, a clown, servant to Shylock. Old Gobbo, father to Launcelot. Salerio, a messenger from Venice. Leonardo, servant to Bassanio. Magnificoes of Venice, officers of the court of Justice, jailer, servants, and other attendants. Scene, partly at Venice, and partly at Belmont, the seat of Portia, on the Continent. MERCHANT OF VENICE. ACT I. SCENE I. Venice. A street. Enter Antonio, Salarino, and Salanio. Antonio. IN sooth, I know not why I am so sad ; And such a want-wit sadness makes of me, Salar. Your mind is tossing on the ocean; That curt'sy to them, do them reverence, As they fly by them with their woven wings. Salan. Believe me, sir, had I such venture forth, The better part of my affections would * Ships of large burthen. |