And with an unthrift love did run from Venice As far as Belmont. Jess. And in fuch a night, Did young Lorenzo fwear he lov'd her well, And ne'er a true one. Lor. And in fuch a night, Did pretty Jeffica, like a little fhrew, Slander her love, and he forgave it her. Jess. I would out-night you, did nobody come; But, hark! I hear the footing of a man, Enter BALTHAZAR. Lor. (rifing) Who comes so fast in filence of the night? Bal. A friend. I Lor. What friend! Your name, pray you friend? Bal. Balthazar is my name; and I bring word My mistress will, before the break of day, you Lor. We'll expect her coming. Come, bring your mufic forth into the air. [Exit BAL. How sweet the moon-light fleeps upon this bank! Jess. I'm never merry, when I hear sweet music. Lor. The reafon is your spirits are attentive. If they perchance but hear a trumpet found, You fhall perceive them make a mutual stand, Since nought so stockish, hard and full of rage, The motions of his fpirit are dull as night, Let no fuch man be trusted !-Mark the mufic! .... [Music, Enter PORTIA and NERISSA, at a distance. Por. That light we fee, is burning in my hall. How far that little candle throws its beams! So fhines a good deed in a naughty world. Ner. When the moon fhone, we did not fee the candle. Por. So doth the greater glory dim the lefs. A substitute shines brightly as a king, Until a king be by; and then his state Empties itself, as doth an inland brook Into the main of waters. Mufic! hark! Ner. It is your mufic, madam, from the house. Por. Nothing is good, I fee, without refpect; Methinks, it founds much fweeter than by day. Ner. Silence beftows that virtue on it, madam. Por. The crow doth fing as fweetly as the lark, When neither is attended; and, I think The The nightingale, if she would fing by day, Lor. That is the voice, Or I am much deceiv'd, of Portia. [Rifing and approaching towards PORȚIA. Madam, although I speak it in your presence, Of god-like amity; which appears moft ftrongly Por. I never did repent for doing good, This comes too near the praifing of myfelf; Only Only attended by Neriffa here, Until her husband and my lord's return. And there we will abide. I do defire you The which my love, and fome neceffity, Now lays upon you. Lor. Madam, with all my heart; I fhall obey you in all fair commands. Por. My people do already know my mind, And will acknowledge you and Jeffica In place of lord Bassanio and myself. So fare you well, till we shall meet again. Lor. Fair thoughts, and happy hours attend on you! Por. I thank you for your wish, and am well pleas'd To with it back on you; fare you well, Jeffica.[Exeunt JEs, and Lon. Now, Balthazar, As I have ever found thee honeft, true, So let me find thee ftill. Take this fame letter, And ufe thou all th' endeavour of a man, In fpeed to Padua ; fee thou render this Into my coufin's hand, doctor Bellario: And, look, what notes and ga ments he doth give thee, |