第3章

You’llaskme，whyIratherchoosetohaveAweightofcarrionfleshthantoreceiveThreethousandducats：I’llnotanswerthat：

But，say，itismyhumour：isitanswer’d？

WhatifmyhousebetroubledwitharatAndIbepleasedtogivetenthousandducatsTohaveitbaned？What，areyouanswer’dyet？

Somementherearelovenotagapingpig；

Some，thataremadiftheybeholdacat；

Andothers，whenthebagpipesingsi’thenose，Cannotcontaintheirurine：foraffection，Mistressofpassion，swaysittothemoodOfwhatitlikesorloathes。Now，foryouranswer：

Asthereisnofirmreasontoberender’d，Whyhecannotabideagapingpig；

Whyhe，aharmlessnecessarycat；

Whyhe，awoollenbagpipe；butofforceMustyieldtosuchinevitableshameAstooffend，himselfbeingoffended；

SocanIgivenoreason，norIwillnot，MorethanalodgedhateandacertainloathingIbearAntonio，thatIfollowthusAlosingsuitagainsthim。Areyouanswer’d？BASSANIOThisisnoanswer，thouunfeelingman，Toexcusethecurrentofthycruelty。SHYLOCKIamnotboundtopleasetheewithmyanswers。BASSANIODoallmenkillthethingstheydonotlove？SHYLOCKHatesanymanthethinghewouldnotkill？BASSANIOEveryoffenceisnotahateatfirst。SHYLOCKWhat，wouldstthouhaveaserpentstingtheetwice？ANTONIOIprayyou，thinkyouquestionwiththeJew：

YoumayaswellgostanduponthebeachAndbidthemainfloodbatehisusualheight；

YoumayaswellusequestionwiththewolfWhyhehathmadetheewebleatforthelamb；

YoumayaswellforbidthemountainpinesTowagtheirhightopsandtomakenonoise，Whentheyarefrettenwiththegustsofheaven；

Youmayaswelldoanythingmosthard，Asseektosoftenthat——thanwhichwhat’sharder？——

HisJewishheart：therefore，Idobeseechyou，Makenomoreoffers，usenofarthermeans，ButwithallbriefandplainconveniencyLetmehavejudgmentandtheJewhiswill。BASSANIOForthythreethousandducatshereissix。SHYLOCKWhatjudgmentshallIdread，doingWereinsixpartsandeverypartaducat，Iwouldnotdrawthem；Iwouldhavemybond。DUKEHowshaltthouhopeformercy，renderingnone？SHYLOCKWhatjudgmentshallIdread，doingnowrong？

Youhaveamongyoumanyapurchasedslave，Which，likeyourassesandyourdogsandmules，Youuseinabjectandinslavishparts，Becauseyouboughtthem：shallIsaytoyou，Letthembefree，marrythemtoyourheirs？

Whysweattheyunderburthens？lettheirbedsBemadeassoftasyoursandlettheirpalatesBeseason’dwithsuchviands？Youwillanswer’Theslavesareours：’sodoIansweryou：

Thepoundofflesh，whichIdemandofhim，Isdearlybought；’tismineandIwillhaveit。

Ifyoudenyme，fieuponyourlaw！

ThereisnoforceinthedecreesofVenice。

Istandforjudgment：answer；shallIhaveit？DUKEUponmypowerImaydismissthiscourt，UnlessBellario，alearneddoctor，WhomIhavesentfortodeterminethis，Comehereto-day。SALERIOMylord，herestayswithoutAmessengerwithlettersfromthedoctor，NewcomefromPadua。DUKEBringustheletter；callthemessenger。BASSANIOGoodcheer，Antonio！What，man，courageyet！

TheJewshallhavemyflesh，blood，bonesandall，Erethoushaltloseformeonedropofblood。ANTONIOIamataintedwetheroftheflock，Meetestfordeath：theweakestkindoffruitDropsearliesttotheground；andsoletmeYoucannotbetterbeemploy’d，Bassanio，Thantolivestillandwritemineepitaph。

EnterNERISSA，dressedlikealawyer’sclerkDUKECameyoufromPadua，fromBellario？NERISSAFromboth，mylord。Bellariogreetsyourgrace。

PresentingaletterBASSANIOWhydostthouwhetthyknifesoearnestly？SHYLOCKTocuttheforfeiturefromthatbankruptthere。GRATIANONotonthysole，butonthysoul，harshJew，Thoumakestthyknifekeen；butnometalcan，No，notthehangman’saxe，bearhalfthekeennessOfthysharpenvy。Cannoprayerspiercethee？SHYLOCKNo，nonethatthouhastwitenoughtomake。GRATIANOO，bethoudamn’d，inexecrabledog！

Andforthylifeletjusticebeaccused。

ThoualmostmakestmewaverinmyfaithToholdopinionwithPythagoras，ThatsoulsofanimalsinfusethemselvesIntothetrunksofmen：thycurrishspiritGovern’dawolf，who，hang’dforhumanslaughter，Evenfromthegallowsdidhisfellsoulfleet，And，whilstthoulay’stinthyunhallow’ddam，Infuseditselfinthee；forthydesiresArewolvish，bloody，starvedandravenous。SHYLOCKTillthoucanstrailthesealfromoffmybond，Thoubutoffend’stthylungstospeaksoloud：

Repairthywit，goodyouth，oritwillfallTocurelessruin。Istandhereforlaw。DUKEThisletterfromBellariodothcommendAyoungandlearneddoctortoourcourt。

Whereishe？NERISSAHeattendethherehardby，Toknowyouranswer，whetheryou’lladmithim。DUKEWithallmyheart。SomethreeorfourofyouGogivehimcourteousconducttothisplace。

MeantimethecourtshallhearBellario’sletter。Clerk[Reads]

YourgraceshallunderstandthatatthereceiptofyourletterIamverysick：butintheinstantthatyourmessengercame，inlovingvisitationwaswithmeayoungdoctorofRome；hisnameisBalthasar。

I

acquaintedhimwiththecauseincontroversybetweentheJewandAntoniothemerchant：weturnedo’ermanybookstogether：heisfurnishedwithmyopinion；which，betteredwithhisownlearning，thegreatnesswhereofIcannotenoughcommend，comeswithhim，atmyimportunity，tofillupyourgrace’srequestinmystead。Ibeseechyou，lethislackofyearsbenoimpedimenttolethimlackareverendestimation；forIneverknewsoyoungabodywithsooldahead。Ileavehimtoyourgraciousacceptance，whosetrialshallbetterpublishhiscommendation。DUKEYouhearthelearn’dBellario，whathewrites：

Andhere，Itakeit，isthedoctorcome。

EnterPORTIA，dressedlikeadoctoroflawsGivemeyourhand。ComeyoufromoldBellario？PORTIAIdid，mylord。DUKEYouarewelcome：takeyourplace。

AreyouacquaintedwiththedifferenceThatholdsthispresentquestioninthecourt？PORTIAIaminformedthoroughlyofthecause。

Whichisthemerchanthere，andwhichtheJew？DUKEAntonioandoldShylock，bothstandforth。PORTIAIsyournameShylock？SHYLOCKShylockismyname。PORTIAOfastrangenatureisthesuityoufollow；

YetinsuchrulethattheVenetianlawCannotimpugnyouasyoudoproceed。

Youstandwithinhisdanger，doyounot？ANTONIOAy，sohesays。PORTIADoyouconfessthebond？ANTONIOIdo。PORTIAThenmusttheJewbemerciful。SHYLOCKOnwhatcompulsionmustI？tellmethat。PORTIAThequalityofmercyisnotstrain’d，ItdroppethasthegentlerainfromheavenUpontheplacebeneath：itistwiceblest；

Itblessethhimthatgivesandhimthattakes：

’Tismightiestinthemightiest：itbecomesThethronedmonarchbetterthanhiscrown；

Hissceptreshowstheforceoftemporalpower，Theattributetoaweandmajesty，Whereindothsitthedreadandfearofkings；

Butmercyisabovethissceptredsway；

Itisenthronedintheheartsofkings，ItisanattributetoGodhimself；

AndearthlypowerdoththenshowlikestGod’sWhenmercyseasonsjustice。Therefore，Jew，Thoughjusticebethyplea，considerthis，That，inthecourseofjustice，noneofusShouldseesalvation：wedoprayformercy；

AndthatsameprayerdothteachusalltorenderThedeedsofmercy。IhavespokethusmuchTomitigatethejusticeofthyplea；

Whichifthoufollow，thisstrictcourtofVeniceMustneedsgivesentence’gainstthemerchantthere。SHYLOCKMydeedsuponmyhead！Icravethelaw，Thepenaltyandforfeitofmybond。PORTIAIshenotabletodischargethemoney？BASSANIOYes，hereItenderitforhiminthecourt；

Yea，twicethesum：ifthatwillnotsuffice，Iwillbeboundtopayittentimeso’er，Onforfeitofmyhands，myhead，myheart：

Ifthiswillnotsuffice，itmustappearThatmalicebearsdowntruth。AndIbeseechyou，Wrestoncethelawtoyourauthority：

Todoagreatright，doalittlewrong，Andcurbthiscrueldevilofhiswill。PORTIAItmustnotbe；thereisnopowerinVeniceCanalteradecreeestablished：

’Twillberecordedforaprecedent，AndmanyanerrorbythesameexampleWillrushintothestate：itcannotbe。SHYLOCKADanielcometojudgment！yea，aDaniel！

Owiseyoungjudge，howIdohonourthee！PORTIAIprayyou，letmelookuponthebond。SHYLOCKHere’tis，mostreverenddoctor，hereitis。PORTIAShylock，there’sthricethymoneyoffer’dthee。SHYLOCKAnoath，anoath，Ihaveanoathinheaven：

ShallIlayperjuryuponmysoul？

No，notforVenice。PORTIAWhy，thisbondisforfeit；

AndlawfullybythistheJewmayclaimApoundofflesh，tobebyhimcutoffNearestthemerchant’sheart。Bemerciful：

Takethricethymoney；bidmetearthebond。SHYLOCKWhenitispaidaccordingtothetenor。

Itdothappearyouareaworthyjudge；

Youknowthelaw，yourexpositionHathbeenmostsound：Ichargeyoubythelaw，Whereofyouareawell-deservingpillar，Proceedtojudgment：bymysoulIswearThereisnopowerinthetongueofmanToalterme：Istayhereonmybond。ANTONIOMostheartilyIdobeseechthecourtTogivethejudgment。PORTIAWhythen，thusitis：

Youmustprepareyourbosomforhisknife。SHYLOCKOnoblejudge！Oexcellentyoungman！PORTIAFortheintentandpurposeofthelawHathfullrelationtothepenalty，Whichhereappearethdueuponthebond。SHYLOCK’Tisverytrue：Owiseanduprightjudge！

Howmuchmoreelderartthouthanthylooks！PORTIAThereforelaybareyourbosom。SHYLOCKAy，hisbreast：

Sosaysthebond：dothitnot，noblejudge？

’Nearesthisheart：’thosearetheverywords。PORTIAItisso。AretherebalanceheretoweighTheflesh？SHYLOCKIhavethemready。PORTIAHavebysomesurgeon，Shylock，onyourcharge，Tostophiswounds，lesthedobleedtodeath。SHYLOCKIsitsonominatedinthebond？PORTIAItisnotsoexpress’d：butwhatofthat？

’Tweregoodyoudosomuchforcharity。SHYLOCKIcannotfindit；’tisnotinthebond。PORTIAYou，merchant，haveyouanythingtosay？ANTONIOButlittle：Iamarm’dandwellprepared。

Givemeyourhand，Bassanio：fareyouwell！

GrievenotthatIamfallentothisforyou；

ForhereinFortuneshowsherselfmorekindThanishercustom：itisstillheruseToletthewretchedmanoutlivehiswealth，ToviewwithholloweyeandwrinkledbrowAnageofpoverty；fromwhichlingeringpenanceOfsuchmiserydothshecutmeoff。

Commendmetoyourhonourablewife：

TellhertheprocessofAntonio’send；

SayhowIlovedyou，speakmefairindeath；

And，whenthetaleistold，bidherbejudgeWhetherBassaniohadnotoncealove。

Repentbutyouthatyoushallloseyourfriend，Andherepentsnotthathepaysyourdebt；

ForiftheJewdocutbutdeepenough，I’llpayitpresentlywithallmyheart。BASSANIOAntonio，IammarriedtoawifeWhichisasdeartomeaslifeitself；

Butlifeitself，mywife，andalltheworld，Arenotwithmeesteem’dabovethylife：

Iwouldloseall，ay，sacrificethemallHeretothisdevil，todeliveryou。PORTIAYourwifewouldgiveyoulittlethanksforthat，Ifshewereby，tohearyoumaketheoffer。GRATIANOIhaveawife，whom，Iprotest，Ilove：

Iwouldshewereinheaven，soshecouldEntreatsomepowertochangethiscurrishJew。NERISSA’Tiswellyouofferitbehindherback；

Thewishwouldmakeelseanunquiethouse。SHYLOCKThesebetheChristianhusbands。Ihaveadaughter；

WouldanyofthestockofBarrabasHadbeenherhusbandratherthanaChristian！

AsideWetrifletime：Ipraythee，pursuesentence。PORTIAApoundofthatsamemerchant’sfleshisthine：

Thecourtawardsit，andthelawdothgiveit。SHYLOCKMostrightfuljudge！PORTIAAndyoumustcutthisfleshfromoffhisbreast：

Thelawallowsit，andthecourtawardsit。SHYLOCKMostlearnedjudge！Asentence！Come，prepare！PORTIATarryalittle；thereissomethingelse。

Thisbonddothgivetheeherenojotofblood；

Thewordsexpresslyare’apoundofflesh：’

Takethenthybond，takethouthypoundofflesh；

But，inthecuttingit，ifthoudostshedOnedropofChristianblood，thylandsandgoodsAre，bythelawsofVenice，confiscateUntothestateofVenice。GRATIANOOuprightjudge！Mark，Jew：Olearnedjudge！SHYLOCKIsthatthelaw？PORTIAThyselfshaltseetheact：

For，asthouurgestjustice，beassuredThoushalthavejustice，morethanthoudesirest。GRATIANOOlearnedjudge！Mark，Jew：alearnedjudge！SHYLOCKItakethisoffer，then；paythebondthriceAndlettheChristiango。BASSANIOHereisthemoney。PORTIASoft！

TheJewshallhavealljustice；soft！nohaste：

Heshallhavenothingbutthepenalty。GRATIANOOJew！anuprightjudge，alearnedjudge！PORTIAThereforepreparetheetocutofftheflesh。

Shedthounoblood，norcutthoulessnormoreButjustapoundofflesh：ifthoucut’stmoreOrlessthanajustpound，beitbutsomuchAsmakesitlightorheavyinthesubstance，OrthedivisionofthetwentiethpartOfonepoorscruple，nay，ifthescaledoturnButintheestimationofahair，Thoudiestandallthygoodsareconfiscate。GRATIANOAsecondDaniel，aDaniel，Jew！

Now，infidel，Ihaveyouonthehip。PORTIAWhydoththeJewpause？takethyforfeiture。SHYLOCKGivememyprincipal，andletmego。BASSANIOIhaveitreadyforthee；hereitis。PORTIAHehathrefuseditintheopencourt：

Heshallhavemerelyjusticeandhisbond。GRATIANOADaniel，stillsayI，asecondDaniel！

Ithankthee，Jew，forteachingmethatword。SHYLOCKShallInothavebarelymyprincipal？PORTIAThoushalthavenothingbuttheforfeiture，Tobesotakenatthyperil，Jew。SHYLOCKWhy，thenthedevilgivehimgoodofit！

I’llstaynolongerquestion。PORTIATarry，Jew：

Thelawhathyetanotherholdonyou。

ItisenactedinthelawsofVenice，IfitbeprovedagainstanalienThatbydirectorindirectattemptsHeseekthelifeofanycitizen，Theparty’gainstthewhichhedothcontriveShallseizeonehalfhisgoods；theotherhalfComestotheprivycofferofthestate；

Andtheoffender’slifeliesinthemercyOfthedukeonly，’gainstallothervoice。

Inwhichpredicament，Isay，thoustand’st；

Foritappears，bymanifestproceeding，ThatindirectlyanddirectlytooThouhastcontrivedagainsttheverylifeOfthedefendant；andthouhastincurr’dThedangerformerlybymerehearsed。

Downthereforeandbegmercyoftheduke。GRATIANOBegthatthoumaysthaveleavetohangthyself：

Andyet，thywealthbeingforfeittothestate，Thouhastnotleftthevalueofacord；

Thereforethoumustbehang’datthestate’scharge。DUKEThatthoushaltseethedifferenceofourspirits，Ipardontheethylifebeforethouaskit：

Forhalfthywealth，itisAntonio’s；

Theotherhalfcomestothegeneralstate，Whichhumblenessmaydriveuntoafine。PORTIAAy，forthestate，notforAntonio。SHYLOCKNay，takemylifeandall；pardonnotthat：

YoutakemyhousewhenyoudotakethepropThatdothsustainmyhouse；youtakemylifeWhenyoudotakethemeanswherebyIlive。PORTIAWhatmercycanyourenderhim，Antonio？GRATIANOAhaltergratis；nothingelse，forGod’ssake。ANTONIOSopleasemylordthedukeandallthecourtToquitthefineforonehalfofhisgoods，Iamcontent；sohewillletmehaveTheotherhalfinuse，torenderit，Uponhisdeath，untothegentlemanThatlatelystolehisdaughter：

Twothingsprovidedmore，that，forthisfavour，HepresentlybecomeaChristian；

Theother，thathedorecordagift，Hereinthecourt，ofallhediespossess’d，UntohissonLorenzoandhisdaughter。DUKEHeshalldothis，orelseIdorecantThepardonthatIlatepronouncedhere。PORTIAArtthoucontented，Jew？whatdostthousay？SHYLOCKIamcontent。PORTIAClerk，drawadeedofgift。SHYLOCKIprayyou，givemeleavetogofromhence；

Iamnotwell：sendthedeedafterme，AndIwillsignit。DUKEGettheegone，butdoit。GRATIANOInchristeningshaltthouhavetwogod-fathers：

HadIbeenjudge，thoushouldsthavehadtenmore，Tobringtheetothegallows，notthefont。

ExitSHYLOCKDUKESir，Ientreatyouhomewithmetodinner。PORTIAIhumblydodesireyourgraceofpardon：

ImustawaythisnighttowardPadua，AnditismeetIpresentlysetforth。DUKEIamsorrythatyourleisureservesyounot。

Antonio，gratifythisgentleman，For，inmymind，youaremuchboundtohim。

ExeuntDukeandhistrainBASSANIOMostworthygentleman，IandmyfriendHavebyyourwisdombeenthisdayacquittedOfgrievouspenalties；inlieuwhereof，Threethousandducats，dueuntotheJew，Wefreelycopeyourcourteouspainswithal。ANTONIOAndstandindebted，overandabove，Inloveandservicetoyouevermore。PORTIAHeiswellpaidthatiswellsatisfied；

AndI，deliveringyou，amsatisfiedAndthereindoaccountmyselfwellpaid：

Mymindwasneveryetmoremercenary。

Iprayyou，knowmewhenwemeetagain：

Iwishyouwell，andsoItakemyleave。BASSANIODearsir，offorceImustattemptyoufurther：

Takesomeremembranceofus，asatribute，Notasafee：grantmetwothings，Iprayyou，Nottodenyme，andtopardonme。PORTIAYoupressmefar，andthereforeIwillyield。

ToANTONIO

Givemeyourgloves，I’llwearthemforyoursake；

ToBASSANIO

And，foryourlove，I’lltakethisringfromyou：

Donotdrawbackyourhand；I’lltakenomore；

Andyouinloveshallnotdenymethis。BASSANIOThisring，goodsir，alas，itisatrifle！

Iwillnotshamemyselftogiveyouthis。PORTIAIwillhavenothingelsebutonlythis；

AndnowmethinksIhaveamindtoit。BASSANIOThere’smoredependsonthisthanonthevalue。

ThedearestringinVenicewillIgiveyou，Andfinditoutbyproclamation：

Onlyforthis，Iprayyou，pardonme。PORTIAIsee，sir，youareliberalinoffersYoutaughtmefirsttobeg；andnowmethinksYouteachmehowabeggarshouldbeanswer’d。BASSANIOGoodsir，thisringwasgivenmebymywife；

Andwhensheputiton，shemademevowThatIshouldneithersellnorgivenorloseit。PORTIAThat’scuseservesmanymentosavetheirgifts。

Anifyourwifebenotamad-woman，AndknowhowwellIhavedeservedthering，Shewouldnotholdoutenemyforever，Forgivingittome。Well，peacebewithyou！

ExeuntPortiaandNerissaANTONIOMyLordBassanio，lethimhavethering：

LethisdeservingsandmylovewithalBevaluedagainstyourwife’scommandment。BASSANIOGo，Gratiano，runandovertakehim；

Givehimthering，andbringhim，ifthoucanst，UntoAntonio’shouse：away！makehaste。

ExitGratianoCome，youandIwillthitherpresently；

AndinthemorningearlywillwebothFlytowardBelmont：come，Antonio。

ExeuntSCENEII。Thesame。Astreet。EnterPORTIAandNERISSAPORTIAInquiretheJew’shouseout，givehimthisdeedAndlethimsignit：we’llawayto-nightAndbeadaybeforeourhusbandshome：

ThisdeedwillbewellwelcometoLorenzo。

EnterGRATIANOGRATIANOFairsir，youarewello’erta’enMyLordBassaniouponmoreadviceHathsentyouherethisring，anddothentreatYourcompanyatdinner。PORTIAThatcannotbe：

HisringIdoacceptmostthankfully：

Andso，Iprayyou，tellhim：furthermore，Iprayyou，showmyyoutholdShylock’shouse。GRATIANOThatwillIdo。NERISSASir，Iwouldspeakwithyou。

AsidetoPORTIA

I’llseeifIcangetmyhusband’sring，WhichIdidmakehimsweartokeepforever。PORTIA[AsidetoNERISSA]Thoumayst，Iwarrant。

WeshallhaveoldswearingThattheydidgivetheringsawaytomen；

Butwe’lloutfacethem，andoutswearthemtoo。

AloudAway！makehaste：thouknowistwhereIwilltarry。NERISSACome，goodsir，willyoushowmetothishouse？

ExeuntACTVSCENEI。Belmont。AvenuetoPORTIA’Shouse。EnterLORENZOandJESSICALORENZOThemoonshinesbright：insuchanightasthis，WhenthesweetwinddidgentlykissthetreesAndtheydidmakenonoise，insuchanightTroilusmethinksmountedtheTroyanwallsAndsigh’dhissoultowardtheGreciantents，WhereCressidlaythatnight。JESSICAInsuchanightDidThisbefearfullyo’ertripthedewAndsawthelion’sshadowerehimselfAndrandismay’daway。LORENZOInsuchanightStoodDidowithawillowinherhandUponthewildseabanksandwaftherloveTocomeagaintoCarthage。JESSICAInsuchanightMedeagather’dtheenchantedherbsThatdidrenewoldAEson。LORENZOInsuchanightDidJessicastealfromthewealthyJewAndwithanunthriftlovedidrunfromVeniceAsfarasBelmont。JESSICAInsuchanightDidyoungLorenzoswearhelovedherwell，StealinghersoulwithmanyvowsoffaithAndne’eratrueone。LORENZOInsuchanightDidprettyJessica，likealittleshrew，Slanderherlove，andheforgaveither。JESSICAIwouldout-nightyou，didnobodycome；

But，hark，Ihearthefootingofaman。

EnterSTEPHANOLORENZOWhocomessofastinsilenceofthenight？STEPHANOAfriend。LORENZOAfriend！whatfriend？yourname，Iprayyou，friend？STEPHANOStephanoismyname；andIbringwordMymistresswillbeforethebreakofdayBehereatBelmont；shedothstrayaboutByholycrosses，whereshekneelsandpraysForhappywedlockhours。LORENZOWhocomeswithher？STEPHANONonebutaholyhermitandhermaid。

Iprayyou，ismymasteryetreturn’d？LORENZOHeisnot，norwehavenotheardfromhim。

Butgowein，Ipraythee，Jessica，AndceremoniouslyletusprepareSomewelcomeforthemistressofthehouse。

EnterLAUNCELOTLAUNCELOTSola，sola！woha，ho！sola，sola！LORENZOWhocalls？LAUNCELOTSola！didyouseeMasterLorenzo？

MasterLorenzo，sola，sola！LORENZOLeavehollaing，man：here。LAUNCELOTSola！where？where？LORENZOHere。LAUNCELOTTellhimthere’sapostcomefrommymaster，withhishornfullofgoodnews：mymasterwillbehereeremorning。

ExitLORENZOSweetsoul，let’sin，andthereexpecttheircoming。

Andyetnomatter：whyshouldwegoin？

MyfriendStephano，signify，Iprayyou，Withinthehouse，yourmistressisathand；

Andbringyourmusicforthintotheair。

ExitStephanoHowsweetthemoonlightsleepsuponthisbank！

HerewillwesitandletthesoundsofmusicCreepinourears：softstillnessandthenightBecomethetouchesofsweetharmony。

Sit，Jessica。LookhowthefloorofheavenIsthickinlaidwithpatinesofbrightgold：

There’snotthesmallestorbwhichthoubehold’stButinhismotionlikeanangelsings，Stillquiringtotheyoung-eyedcherubins；

Suchharmonyisinimmortalsouls；

ButwhilstthismuddyvestureofdecayDothgrosslycloseitin，wecannothearit。

EnterMusiciansCome，ho！andwakeDianawithahymn！

Withsweetesttouchespierceyourmistress’ear，Anddrawherhomewithmusic。

MusicJESSICAIamnevermerrywhenIhearsweetmusic。LORENZOThereasonis，yourspiritsareattentive：

Fordobutnoteawildandwantonherd，Orraceofyouthfulandunhandledcolts，Fetchingmadbounds，bellowingandneighingloud，Whichisthehotconditionoftheirblood；

Iftheybuthearperchanceatrumpetsound，Oranyairofmusictouchtheirears，Youshallperceivethemmakeamutualstand，Theirsavageeyesturn’dtoamodestgazeBythesweetpowerofmusic：thereforethepoetDidfeignthatOrpheusdrewtrees，stonesandfloods；

Sincenoughtsostockish，hardandfullofrage，Butmusicforthetimedothchangehisnature。

Themanthathathnomusicinhimself，Norisnotmovedwithconcordofsweetsounds，Isfitfortreasons，stratagemsandspoils；

ThemotionsofhisspiritaredullasnightAndhisaffectionsdarkasErebus：

Letnosuchmanbetrusted。Markthemusic。

EnterPORTIAandNERISSAPORTIAThatlightweseeisburninginmyhall。

Howfarthatlittlecandlethrowshisbeams！

Soshinesagooddeedinanaughtyworld。NERISSAWhenthemoonshone，wedidnotseethecandle。PORTIASodoththegreaterglorydimtheless：

AsubstituteshinesbrightlyasakingUntothekingbeby，andthenhisstateEmptiesitself，asdothaninlandbrookIntothemainofwaters。Music！hark！NERISSAItisyourmusic，madam，ofthehouse。PORTIANothingisgood，Isee，withoutrespect：

Methinksitsoundsmuchsweeterthanbyday。NERISSASilencebestowsthatvirtueonit，madam。PORTIAThecrowdothsingassweetlyasthelark，Whenneitherisattended，andIthinkThenightingale，ifsheshouldsingbyday，Wheneverygooseiscackling，wouldbethoughtNobetteramusicianthanthewren。

Howmanythingsbyseasonseason’dareTotheirrightpraiseandtrueperfection！

Peace，ho！themoonsleepswithEndymionAndwouldnotbeawaked。

MusicceasesLORENZOThatisthevoice，OrIammuchdeceived，ofPortia。PORTIAHeknowsmeastheblindmanknowsthecuckoo，Bythebadvoice。LORENZODearlady，welcomehome。PORTIAWehavebeenprayingforourhusbands’

healths，Whichspeed，wehope，thebetterforourwords。

Aretheyreturn’d？LORENZOMadam，theyarenotyet；

Butthereiscomeamessengerbefore，Tosignifytheircoming。PORTIAGoin，Nerissa；

GiveordertomyservantsthattheytakeNonoteatallofourbeingabsenthence；

Noryou，Lorenzo；Jessica，noryou。

AtucketsoundsLORENZOYourhusbandisathand；Ihearhistrumpet：

Wearenotell-tales，madam；fearyounot。PORTIAThisnightmethinksisbutthedaylightsick；

Itlooksalittlepaler：’tisaday，Suchasthedayiswhenthesunishid。

EnterBASSANIO，ANTONIO，GRATIANO，andtheirfollowersBASSANIOWeshouldholddaywiththeAntipodes，Ifyouwouldwalkinabsenceofthesun。PORTIALetmegivelight，butletmenotbelight；

Foralightwifedothmakeaheavyhusband，AndneverbeBassaniosoforme：

ButGodsortall！Youarewelcomehome，mylord。BASSANIOIthankyou，madam。Givewelcometomyfriend。

Thisistheman，thisisAntonio，TowhomIamsoinfinitelybound。PORTIAYoushouldinallsensebemuchboundtohim。

For，asIhear，hewasmuchboundforyou。ANTONIONomorethanIamwellacquittedof。PORTIASir，youareverywelcometoourhouse：

Itmustappearinotherwaysthanwords，ThereforeIscantthisbreathingcourtesy。GRATIANO[ToNERISSA]ByyondermoonIswearyoudomewrong；

Infaith，Igaveittothejudge’sclerk：

Wouldheweregeltthathadit，formypart，Sinceyoudotakeit，love，somuchatheart。PORTIAAquarrel，ho，already！what’sthematter？GRATIANOAboutahoopofgold，apaltryringThatshedidgiveme，whoseposywasForalltheworldlikecutler’spoetryUponaknife，’Loveme，andleavemenot。’NERISSAWhattalkyouoftheposyorthevalue？

Yousworetome，whenIdidgiveityou，ThatyouwouldwearittillyourhourofdeathAndthatitshouldliewithyouinyourgrave：

Thoughnotforme，yetforyourvehementoaths，Youshouldhavebeenrespectiveandhavekeptit。

Gaveitajudge’sclerk！no，God’smyjudge，Theclerkwillne’erwearhairon’sfacethathadit。GRATIANOHewill，anifhelivetobeaman。NERISSAAy，ifawomanlivetobeaman。GRATIANONow，bythishand，Igaveittoayouth，Akindofboy，alittlescrubbedboy，Nohigherthanthyself；thejudge’sclerk，Apratingboy，thatbegg’ditasafee：

Icouldnotformyheartdenyithim。PORTIAYouweretoblame，Imustbeplainwithyou，Topartsoslightlywithyourwife’sfirstgift：

AthingstuckonwithoathsuponyourfingerAndsorivetedwithfaithuntoyourflesh。

IgavemylovearingandmadehimswearNevertopartwithit；andherehestands；

IdarebeswornforhimhewouldnotleaveitNorpluckitfromhisfinger，forthewealthThattheworldmasters。Now，infaith，Gratiano，Yougiveyourwifetoounkindacauseofgrief：

An’tweretome，Ishouldbemadatit。BASSANIO[Aside]Why，IwerebesttocutmylefthandoffAndswearIlosttheringdefendingit。GRATIANOMyLordBassaniogavehisringawayUntothejudgethatbegg’ditandindeedDeservedittoo；andthentheboy，hisclerk，Thattooksomepainsinwriting，hebegg’dmine；

AndneithermannormasterwouldtakeaughtButthetworings。PORTIAWhatringgaveyoumylord？

Notthat，Ihope，whichyoureceivedofme。BASSANIOIfIcouldaddalieuntoafault，Iwoulddenyit；butyouseemyfingerHathnottheringuponit；itisgone。PORTIAEvensovoidisyourfalseheartoftruth。

Byheaven，Iwillne’ercomeinyourbedUntilIseethering。NERISSANorIinyoursTillIagainseemine。BASSANIOSweetPortia，IfyoudidknowtowhomIgavethering，IfyoudidknowforwhomIgavetheringAndwouldconceiveforwhatIgavetheringAndhowunwillinglyIleftthering，Whennoughtwouldbeacceptedbutthering，Youwouldabatethestrengthofyourdispleasure。PORTIAIfyouhadknownthevirtueofthering，Orhalfherworthinessthatgavethering，Oryourownhonourtocontainthering，Youwouldnotthenhavepartedwiththering。

Whatmanistheresomuchunreasonable，IfyouhadpleasedtohavedefendeditWithanytermsofzeal，wantedthemodestyTourgethethingheldasaceremony？

Nerissateachesmewhattobelieve：

I’lldiefor’tbutsomewomanhadthering。BASSANIONo，bymyhonour，madam，bymysoul，Nowomanhadit，butacivildoctor，WhichdidrefusethreethousandducatsofmeAndbegg’dthering；thewhichIdiddenyhimAndsuffer’dhimtogodispleasedaway；

EvenhethatdidupholdtheverylifeOfmydearfriend。WhatshouldIsay，sweetlady？

Iwasenforcedtosenditafterhim；

Iwasbesetwithshameandcourtesy；

MyhonourwouldnotletingratitudeSomuchbesmearit。Pardonme，goodlady；

For，bytheseblessedcandlesofthenight，Hadyoubeenthere，Ithinkyouwouldhavebegg’dTheringofmetogivetheworthydoctor。PORTIALetnotthatdoctore’ercomenearmyhouse：

SincehehathgotthejewelthatIloved，Andthatwhichyoudidsweartokeepforme，Iwillbecomeasliberalasyou；

I’llnotdenyhimanythingIhave，No，notmybodynormyhusband’sbed：

KnowhimIshall，Iamwellsureofit：

Lienotanightfromhome；watchmelikeArgus：

Ifyoudonot，ifIbeleftalone，Now，byminehonour，whichisyetmineown，I’llhavethatdoctorformybedfellow。NERISSAAndIhisclerk；thereforebewelladvisedHowyoudoleavemetomineownprotection。GRATIANOWell，doyouso；letnotmetakehim，then；

ForifIdo，I’llmartheyoungclerk’spen。ANTONIOIamtheunhappysubjectofthesequarrels。PORTIASir，grievenotyou；youarewelcomenotwithstanding。BASSANIOPortia，forgivemethisenforcedwrong；

And，inthehearingofthesemanyfriends，Isweartothee，evenbythineownfaireyes，WhereinIseemyself——PORTIAMarkyoubutthat！

Inbothmyeyeshedoublyseeshimself；

Ineacheye，one：swearbyyourdoubleself，Andthere’sanoathofcredit。BASSANIONay，buthearme：

Pardonthisfault，andbymysoulIswearInevermorewillbreakanoathwiththee。ANTONIOIoncedidlendmybodyforhiswealth；

Which，butforhimthathadyourhusband’sring，Hadquitemiscarried：Idarebeboundagain，Mysoulupontheforfeit，thatyourlordWillnevermorebreakfaithadvisedly。PORTIAThenyoushallbehissurety。GivehimthisAndbidhimkeepitbetterthantheother。ANTONIOHere，LordBassanio；sweartokeepthisring。BASSANIOByheaven，itisthesameIgavethedoctor！PORTIAIhaditofhim：pardonme，Bassanio；

For，bythisring，thedoctorlaywithme。NERISSAAndpardonme，mygentleGratiano；

Forthatsamescrubbedboy，thedoctor’sclerk，Inlieuofthislastnightdidliewithme。GRATIANOWhy，thisislikethemendingofhighwaysInsummer，wherethewaysarefairenough：

What，arewecuckoldserewehavedeservedit？PORTIASpeaknotsogrossly。Youareallamazed：

Hereisaletter；readitatyourleisure；

ItcomesfromPadua，fromBellario：

ThereyoushallfindthatPortiawasthedoctor，Nerissathereherclerk：LorenzohereShallwitnessIsetforthassoonasyouAndevenbutnowreturn’d；IhavenotyetEnter’dmyhouse。Antonio，youarewelcome；

AndIhavebetternewsinstoreforyouThanyouexpect：unsealthislettersoon；

ThereyoushallfindthreeofyourargosiesArerichlycometoharboursuddenly：

YoushallnotknowbywhatstrangeaccidentIchancedonthisletter。ANTONIOIamdumb。BASSANIOWereyouthedoctorandIknewyounot？GRATIANOWereyoutheclerkthatistomakemecuckold？NERISSAAy，buttheclerkthatnevermeanstodoit，Unlessheliveuntilhebeaman。BASSANIOSweetdoctor，youshallbemybed-fellow：

WhenIamabsent，thenliewithmywife。ANTONIOSweetlady，youhavegivenmelifeandliving；

ForhereIreadforcertainthatmyshipsAresafelycometoroad。PORTIAHownow，Lorenzo！

Myclerkhathsomegoodcomfortstooforyou。NERISSAAy，andI’llgivethemhimwithoutafee。

TheredoIgivetoyouandJessica，FromtherichJew，aspecialdeedofgift，Afterhisdeath，ofallhediespossess’dof。LORENZOFairladies，youdropmannainthewayOfstarvedpeople。PORTIAItisalmostmorning，AndyetIamsureyouarenotsatisfiedOftheseeventsatfull。Letusgoin；

Andchargeusthereuponinter’gatories，Andwewillanswerallthingsfaithfully。GRATIANOLetitbeso：thefirstinter’gatoryThatmyNerissashallbeswornonis，Whethertillthenextnightshehadratherstay，Orgotobednow，beingtwohourstoday：

Butwerethedaycome，Ishouldwishitdark，ThatIwerecouchingwiththedoctor’sclerk。

Well，whileIliveI’llfearnootherthingSosoreaskeepingsafeNerissa’sring。