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To raise a present sum: therefore go forth,

Por. You know, I say nothing to him; for he underTry what my credit can in Venice do;

stands not me,nor I him: he hath neither Latin, French, That shall be rack'd, even to the uttermost, nor Italian; and you will come into the court and swear, To furnish thee to Belmont, to fair Portia. that I have a poor pennyworth in the English. He is a Go, presently inquire, and so will I,

proper man's picture; but, alas! who can converse Where money is; and I no question make,

with a dumb show? How oddly he is suited! I think, he To have it of my trust, or for my sake. [Exeunt. bought his doublet in Italy, his round hose in France,

his bonnet in Germany,and his behaviour every where. SCENE II. Belmont. Aroom in Portia's house. Ner. What think you of the Scottish lord, his neighEnter Portia and Nerissa.

bonr? Por. By my troth, Nerissa, my little body is aweary Por. That he hath a neighbourly charity in him; for of this great world.

he borrowed a box of the ear ofihe Englishman, and Ner. You would be, sweet madam, if your miseries swore he would pay him again, when he was able: I were in the same abundance, as your good fortunes think, the Frenchman became his surety, and sealed are: and yet, for aught I see, they are as sick that under for another. surfeit with too much, as they that starve with nothing. Ner. How like you the young German, the duke of It is no mcan happiness, therefore, to be seated in the Saxony's nephew ? mean ; superfluity comes sooner by white hairs, but Pro. Very vilely in the norning, when he is sober; competency lives longer.

and most vilely in the afternoon, when he is drunk:
Por. Good sentences, and well pronounced! wheu he is best, he is little worse than a man; and when
Ner. They would do better, if well followed. he is worst, he is little better than a beast: and the worst
Por. If to do were as easy, as to know what were good fall that ever fell, I hope, I shall make shift to go with-
to do, chapels had been churches, and poor men's cot-out him.
tages,princes' palaces. It is a good divine that follows Ner.If he should offer to choose, and choose the right
his own instructions. I can easier teach twenty what casket, you should refuse to perform your father's
were good to be done,than be one of the twenty to fol- will, if you should refuse to accept him.
low mine own teaching. The brain may devise laws for Por. Therefore, for fear of the worst, I pray thee, set
the blood; but a hot temper leaps over a cold decree: a deep glass of Rhenish wine on the contrary casket:
such a hare is madness, the youth, to skip o'er the me- for, if the devil be within and that temptation without,
shes of good counsel, the cripple. But this reasoning is I know he will choose it. I will do anything, Nerissa,
not in the fashion to choose me a husband. - O me, the ere I will be married to a sponge.
word choose! I may neither choose, whom I would, nor Ner. You need not fear, lady, the having any of these
refuse, whom I dislike; so is the will of a living daugh- lords; they have acquainted me with their determina-
ter curb’d by the will of a dead father. -Is it not hard, tions: which is indeed, to return to their home, and
Nerissa, that I cannot choose one, nor refuse none? to trouble you with no more suit; unless you may be

Ner. Your father was ever virtuous; and holy men, won by some other sort, than your father's imposition,
at their death, have good inspirations; therefore, the depending on the caskets.
lottery that he hath devised in these three chests, of Por.If I live to be as old,as Sibylla, I will die as chaste,
gold, silver, and lead, (whereof who chooses his mean- as Diana, unless I be obtained by the manner of my fa-
ing, chooses you,) will, no doubt, never be chosen ther's will: I am glad this parcel of wooers are so rea-
by any rightly, but one who you shall rightly love. sonable ; for there is not one among them but I dote on
But what warmth is there in your affection towards his very absence, and I pray God grant them a fair de-
any of these princely suitors that are already come ? parture.

Por. I pray thee, over-name them: and as thou Ner. Do you not remember, lady, in your father's
namest them, I will describe them: and, according time, a Venetian, a scholar, and a soldier, that came
to my description, level at my afl'ection.

hither in company of the marquis of Montferrat? Ner. First, there is the Neapolitan prince.

Por. Yes, yes, it was Bassauio; as I think, so was he
Por. Ay, that's a colt, indeed, for he doth nothing called.
but talk of his horse ; and he makes it a great appro- Ner. True, madam; he, of all the men that ever my
priation to his own good parts, that he can shoe him foolish eyes looked upon, was the best deserving a fair
himself. I am much afraid, my lady his mother played lady.
false with a smith.

Por. I remember him well; and I remember him
Ner. Then, is there the county Palatine. worthy of thy praise.—How now! what news ?
Por. He doth nothing but frown; as who should say,

Enter a Servant.
An if you will not have me, choose: he hears merry Serv. The four strangers seek for you, madam, to
tales, and smiles not: Ifear, he will prove the weeping take their leare: and there is a fore-runner come from
philosopher when he grows old, being so full of un- a fifth, the prince of Morocco; who brings word, the
mannerly sadness in his youth. I had rather be mar- prince, his master, will be here to-night.
ried to a death's head with a bone in his mouth, than Por. If I could bid the fifth welcome with so good
to either of these. God defend me from these two! heart as I can bid the other four farewell, I should
Ner. How say you by the French lord, Monsieur Le be glad of his approach : if he have the condition of a
Bon?

saint, and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he
Por. God made him, and therefore let him pass for should shrive me than wive me. Come, Nerissa.--Sir-
a map! In truth, I know it is a sin to be a mocker ; but, rah, go before !-- Whiles we shut the gate upon one
he! why, he hath a horse better than the Neapolitan's; wooer, another knocks at the door. [Lxeunt.
a better bad habit of frowning than the count Palatine;
he is every man in no man: ifa throstle sing, he falls SCENE III.- Venice. A public place.
straight a capering; he will fence with his own shadow:

Enter Bassanio and SHYLOCK,
if I should marry him, I should marry twenty husbands. Shy. Three thousand ducats,-well.
If he wonld despise me, I would forgive him; for if he Bass. Ay, sir, for three months.
love me to madness, I shall never requite him. Shy. l'or three months, -well.
Ner. What say you then to Faulconbridge, the young

Bass. For the which, as I told you, Antonio shall be baron of England ?

bound.

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Shy. Antonio shall become bound, — well.

Shy. No, not take interest; not, as you would say,
Bass. May you stead me? Will you pleasure me? Directly interest; mark what Jacob did.
Shall I know your answer ?

When Laban and himself were compromis'd,
Shy. Three thousand ducats, for three months, and That all the eanlings which were streak'd and pied,
Antonio bound.

Should fall as Jacob's hire; the ewes, being rank,
Bass. Your answer to that.

In the end of autumn turned to the rams: Shy. Antonio is a good man.

And when the work of generation was Bass. Have you heard any imputation to the con- Between these woolly breeders in the act,

The skilful shepherd peeld me certain wands, Shy. Ho, no, no, no, no; -my meaning in saying he And, in the doing of thedeed of kind, is a good man, is to have you understand me, that he is He stuck them up before the fulsome ewes ; sufficient: yet his means are in supposition: he hath Who, then conceiving, did in eaning time an argosy bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies; I Fall party-colour'd lambs, and those were Jacob's. understand moreover upon the Rialto, he hath a third This was a way to thrive, and he was blest; at Mexico, a fourth for England, -and other ventures and thrift is blessing, if men steal it not. he hath, squander'd abroad: but ships are but boards, Ant. This was a venture, sir, that Jacob serv'd for; sailors but men: there be land-rats, and water-rats, Athing not in his power to bring to pass, water-thieves, and land-thieves ; I mean, pirates; and But sway'd, and fashion'd, by the hand of heaven. then, there is the peril of waters, winds, and rocks: Was this inserted to make interest good? the man is, notwithstanding, sufficient;--three thou- Or is your gold and silver, ewes and rams? sand ducats ; — I think, I may take his bond.

Sny. I cannot tell ; I make it breed as fast: Bass. Be assured, you may.

But note me, signior. Shy. I will be assured, I may; and, that I may be as

I

Ant. Mark you this, Bassanio, sured, I will bethink me. May I speak with Antonio ? The devil can cite scripture for his purpose. Bass. If it please you to dine with us.

An evil soul, producing holy witness, Shy. Yes, to smell pork; to eat of the habitation which is like a villain with a smiling cheek: your prophet, the Nazarite, conjured the devil into: A goodly apple rotten at the heart; I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk o, what a goodly outside falsehood hath! with you, and so following ; but I will not eat with you, Shy.Three thousand d•ıcats, 'tis a good round sum. drink with you, nor pray with you. What news on the Three months from twelve, then let me see the rate. Rialto? ---Who is he comes here?

Ant. Well, Shylock, shall we be beholden to you?

Shy. Signior Antonio, many a time and oft
Enter AntonIO.

In the Rialto you have rated me
Bass. This is signior Antonio.

About my monies, and my usances:
Shy. [.Aside.)llow like a fawning publican he looks! Still have I borne it with a patient shrng;
I hate him, for he is a christian :

For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe:
But more, for that, in low simplicity,

You call me-misbeliever, cut-throat dog, Helends out money gratis, and brings down

And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine, The rate of usance here with us in Venice.

And all for use of that which is mine own. If I can catch him once upon the hip,

Well then, it now appears, you need my help: I will feed fat the ancient grudge l bear him.

Go to then; you come to me, and you say, He hates our sacred nation; and he rails,

Shylock, we would have monies; you say so;
Even there where merchants most do congregate,

You, that did void your rheum upon my beard,
On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift, And foot me, as you spurn a stranger car
Which he calls interest. Cursed be my tribe, Over your threshold; monies is your suit.
If I forgive him!

What should I say to you? Should I not say,
Bas. Shylock, do you hear?

Hath a dog money?, is it possible, Shy. I am debating of my present store;

A cur can lend three thousand ducats? or And, by the near guess of my memory,

Shall I bend low, and in a bondman's key, I cannot instantly raise up the gross

With’bated breath, and whispering humbleness, Of full three thousand ducats : what of that?

Say this, Tubal, a wealthy Hebrew of my tribe,

Fair sir, you spit on me on Wednesday last; Will furnish me: but soft; how many months You spurn'd me such a day; another time desire ?-Rest you fair, good signior; You callod

-dog ; and for these courtesies

[To Antonio. I'll lend you thus much monies. Your worship was the last man in our mouths.

Ant. I am as like to call thee so again, Art. Shylock, albeit I neither lend, nor borrow, To spit on thee again, to spurn thee too. By taking, nor by giving of excess,

If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not Yet, to supply the ripe wants of my friend,

As to thy friends ; (for when did friendship take I'll break a custom. - Is he yet possess’d,

A breed for barren metal of his friend?)
How much you would ?

But lend it rather to thine enemy;
Shy Ay, ay, three thousand ducats.

Who, if he break, thou may'st with better face
Ant. And for three months.

Exact the penalty.
Shy. I had forgot,-three months, you told me so. Shy. Why, look yon, how you storm!
Wellthen, your bond ; and, let me sec,—but hear you; I would be friends with you, and have your love,
Methought, you said, you neither lend, nor borrow, Forget the shames that you have staind me with,
Upon advantage.

Supply your present wants, and take no doit
Ant. I do never use it.

Of usance for my monies, and you'll not hear me:
Shy. When Jacob graz’d his uncle Laban's sheep, This is kind I offer.
This Jacob from our holy Abraham was

Ant. This were kindness.
(As his wise mother wrought in his behalf,)

Shy. This kindness will I show:-
The third possessor; ay, he was the third.

Go with me to a notary, seal me there
Ant. And what of him? did he take interest? Your single bond and in a merry sport

Do you

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If you repay me not on such a day,

Pluck the young sucking cubs from the she-bear,
In such a prace, such sum, or sums, as are

Yea, mock the lion, when he roars for prey,
Express'd in the condition, let the forfeit

To win thee, lady; but, alas the while!
Be nominated for an equal pound

If Hercules and Lichas play at dice
Ofyonr fair flesh, to be cut ofland taken

Which is the better man, the greater throw
In what part of your body pleaseth me.

May turn by fortune from the weaker hand:
Ant. Content, in faith; I'll seal to such a bond,

Sois Alcides beaten by his page;
And say, there is much kindness in the Jew.

And so may I, blind fortune leading me,
Bass. You shall not seal to such a bond for me, Miss that, which one unworthier may attain,
I'll rather dwell in my necessity.

And die with grieving.
Ant. Why, fear not, man; I will not forfeit it; Por. You must take your chance;
Within these two months, that's a month before And either not attempt to choose at all,
This bond expires, I do expect return

Or swear, before you choose,-if you choose wrong,
Of thrice three times the value ofthis bond.

Never to speak to lady afterward
Shy. 0, father Abraham, what these Christians are; In way of marriage ; therefore be advi:ed!
Whose own hard dealings teaches them suspect Mor. Nor will not; come, bring me unto my chance!
The thoughts of others! Pray you, tell me this: Por. First, forward to the temple; after dinner
If he should break his day, what should I gain Your hazard shall be made.
By the exaction of the forfeiture?

Mor. Good fortune then !

Cornets.
A pound of man's flesh, taken from a man,

To make me bless't, or cursed'st among men.[Exeunt.
Is not so estimable, profitable neither,
As flesh of muttons, beefs, or goats. I say,

SCENEI.Venice. A street.
To buy his favour, I extend this friendship:

EnterLAUNCELOT GOBBO.
If he will take it, so; if not, adieu;

Laun. Certainly my conscience will serve me to run
And, for my love, I pray you, wrong me not. from this Jew, my master. The fiend is at mine elbow;
Ant. Yes, Shylock, I will seal unto this bond. and tempts me, saying to me,Gobbo, Launcelot Gobbo,
Shy. Then meet me forth with at the notary's; good Launcelot, or good Gobbo, or good Launcelot
Give him direction for this merry bond,

Gobbo, use your legs, take the start, run away: my And I will go and purse the ducats straight;

conscience says,-no, take heed, honest Launcelot; See to my house, left in the fearful guard

take heed, honest Gobbo; or,as aforesaid, honest of an unthrifty knave; and presently

Launcelot Gobbo; do not run; scorn running with I will be with you.

(Exit. thy heels! Well, the most courageous fiends bids me Ant. Hie thee, gentle Jew.

pack; via! says the fiend; away! says the fiend, for This Hebrew will turn Christian; he grows kind. the heavens; rouse up a brave mind,says the fiend, and Bass. I like not fair terms, and a villain's mind. run. Well, my conscience, hanging about the neck of Ant. Comeon ; in this there can be no dismay, my heart, says very wisely to me,-my honest friend My ships come home a month before the day. (Exeunt. Launcelot, being an honest man's son-or rather an

honest woman's son ;-for,indeed, my father did someА ст II.

thing smack, something grow to , he had a kind of

taste ;-well, my conscience says, Launcelot, budge SCENE I.-Belmont. A room in Portia's house,

not; budge, says the fiend: budge not, says my conFlourish of cornets. Enter the Prince of Morocco,and science : Conscience, says, you counsel well; fiend, say his train; Portia, Nerissa,and other of her Attend- I, you counsel well: to be ruled by my conscience, I

should stay with the Jew, my master, who, (God bless Mor. Mislike me not for my complexion,

the mark !) is a kind of devil; and, to run away from The shadow'd livery of the burnish'd sun,

the Jew, I should be ruled by the fiend, who, saving To whom I am a neighbour, and near bred.

your reverence, is the devil himself: certainly, the Bring me the fairest creature northward born, Jew is the very devil incarnation ; and, in my conscienWhere Phoebus' fire scarce thaws the icicles, ce, my conscience is but a kind of hard conscience, to And let us make incision for your love,

offer to counsel me to stay with the Jew. The fiend To prove whose blood is reddest, his, or mine. gives the more friendly connsel: I will run, fiend; I tell thee, lady, this aspect of mine

my heels are at your commandment, I will run.
Hath fear'd the valiant; by my love, I swear,

Enter old GOBBO, with a basket.
The best-regarded virgins of our clime

Gob. Master, young man, you, I pray you; which is
Have lov'd it too: I would not change this hne, the way to master Jew's ?
Except to steal your thoughts, my gentle queen! Laun. [ Aside.] Oheavens, this is my true begotten
Por. In terms of choice I am not solely led

father! who, being more than sand-blind, high-gravel By nice direction of a maiden's eyes;

blind, knows me not:- I will try conclusions with him. Besides, the lottery of my destiny

Gob. Master, young gentleman, I pray you, which Bars me the right of voluntary choosing:

is the way to master Jew's? But, if my father had not scanted me,

Laun. Turn up on your right hand, at the next turn-
And hedg’d me by his wit, to yield myself

ing, but, at the next turning of all, on your left; marry,
His wife, who wins me by that means I told you, at the very next turning, turn of no hand, but turn
Yourself, renowned prince, then stood as fair, down indirectly to the Jew's house.
As any comer I have look'd on yet,

Gab. By God's sonties, 'twill be a hard way to hit.
For my affection.

Can you tell me, whether one Launcelot, that dwells Mor. Even for that I thank you;

with him, dwell with him, or no ? Therefore, I pray you, lead me to the caskets, Laun. Talk you of young master Launcelot? --- Mark To try my fortune. By this scimitar,

me now; (aside.] now will I raise the waters: - talk That slew the Sophy, and a Persian prince,

you of youmg master Launcelot? That won three fields of Sultan Solyman, –

Gob. No master sir, but a poor man's son ; his father, would out-stare the sternest eyes that look,

thongh I say it, is an honest exceeding poor man, and, Out-brave the heart most daring on the earth, God be thanked, well to live.

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Laun. Well, let his father be what he will, we talk Laun. Indeed, the short and the long is, I serve the
of young master Launcelot,

Jew, and I have a desire, as my father shall specify,---
Gob. Your worship's friend, and Launcelot, sir. Gob. His master and he, (saving your worship's re-
Laun. But I pray you ergo, old man, ergo, I beseech verence) are scarce cater-cousins :-
you; talk you of young master Launcelot?

Laun. To be brief, the very truth is, that the Jew
Gob. Of Launcelot, au't please your mastership. having done me wrong, doth cause me, as my father,
Laun. Ergo, master Launcelot; talk not of master being I hope an old man, shall frutify unto you,
Launcelot, father; for the young gentleman (accord- Gob. I have here a dish of doves, that I would bestow
ing to fates and destinies, and such odd sayings, the "pon your worship; and my suit is,
sisters three,and such branches of learning,) is indeed, Laun.In very brief, the suit is impertinent to myself,
deceased; or, as you would say, in plain terms, gone as your worship shall know by this honest old man;
to heaven.

and, though I say it, though old man, yet, poor man, Gob. Marry, God forbid! the boy was the very stall my father. of my age, my very prop.

Bass. One speak for both ;--what would you? Laun. DoIlok like a cudgel, or a hovel-post, a staff, Laun. Serve you, sir. or a prop ?-Do you know me, father?

Gob. This is the very defect of the matter, sir. Gob. Alack the day, I know you not, young gentle- Bass. I know thee well, thou hast obtain'd thy suit : man: but, I pray you, tell me, is my boy, (God rest Shylock, thy master, spoke with me this day, his soul!) alive, or dead?

And hath preferr'd thee, if it be preferment, Laun. Do you not know me, father?

To leave a rich Jew's service, to become Gob. Alack, sir, I am sand-blind, I know you not.

The follower of so poor a gentleman.
Laun. Nay, indeed, if you had your eyes, you might Laun. The old proverb is very well parted between
fail of the knowing me: it is a wise father that knows my master Shylock and you, sir; you have the grace
his own child. Well, old man, I will tell you news of of God, sir, and he hath enough.
your son. Give me your blessing; truth will come to Pass. Thou speak'st it well. Go, father, with thy
light; murder cannot be hid long, a man's son may;
but, in the end, truth will out.

Take leave of thy old master, and enquire
Gob. Pray you, sir, stand up; I am sure you are not My lodging out !--Give him a livery[To his Followers.
Launcelot, my boy:

More guarded than his fellows, 'See it done!
Laun. Pray you, let's have no more fooling about it, Laun. Father, in :-I cannot get a service, no; I have
but give me your blessing. I am Launcelot, your boy ne'er a tongue in my head.-Well; [Looking on his
that was, your son that is, your child that shall be. palm.] if any man in Italy have a fairer table, which
Gob. I cannot think you are my son.

doth offer to swear upon a book.--I shall have good Laun. I know not what I shallthink of that; but I am fortune; go to, here's a simple line of life! here's a Launcelot, the Jew's man; and, I am sure, Margery, small trille of wives: alas, fifteen wives is nothing; your wife, is my mother.

eleven widows, and nine maids, is a simple coming-in Gob. Her name is Margery, indeed: I'll be sworn, if for one man; and then, to 'scape drowning thrice; thou be Launcelot, thou art mine own flesh and blood. and to be in peril of my life with the edge of a featherLord worshipp'd might he be! what a beard hast thon bed;-here are simple’scapes! Well, if fortune be a got! thou hast got more on thy chin, than Dobbin my woman, she's a good wench for this

gear.--Father, thill-horse has on his tail,

come; I'll take my leave of the Jew in the twinkling of Laun. It should scem, then, that Dobbin's tail grows an eye.

[Exeunt Launcelot and old Gobbo.
backward ; I am sure he had more hair on his tail, than Bass. I pray thee, good Leonardo, think on this;
I have on my face, when I last saw him.

These things being bought, and orderly bestow'd,
Gob. Lord, how art thou chang'd! How dost thou Return in haste, for I do feast to-night
and thy master agree? I have brought him a present; My best estem'd acquaintance; hie thee, go!
How 'gree you now?

Leon. My best endeavours shall be done herein.
Laun. Well, well; but for mine own part, as I
have set up my rest to run away, so I will not rest

Enter Gratiano. till I have run some ground: my master's a very Gra. Where is your master ? Jew! Give him a present! give him a halter. I am Leon. Youder, sir, he walks.

[Exit Leonardo. famish'd in his service; you may tell every singer I have Gra. Signior Bassanio,with my ribs. Father, I am glad you are come; give Bass. Gratiano! me your present to one master Bassanio, who, indeed, Gra. I have a suit to you. gives rare new liveries ; if I serve not him, I will run as Bass. You have obtain'dit. far, as God has any ground. ---O rare fortune! here Gra. You must not deny me; I must go with you to comes the man ;-to him, father : for I am a Jew, if I Belmont. serve the Jew any longer.

Bass. Why,then you must.---But hear thee, Gratiano;

Thou art too wild, too rude, and bold of voice;Enter Bassanio, with Leonando, and other Followers. Parts that become thee happily enough,

Bass. You may do so ;—but let it be so hasted, that And in such eyes as ours appear not faults ; supper bercady at the farthest by five of the clock.See But where thču art not known, why, there they show these letters deliver’d; put the liveries to making; and Something too liberal;* pray thee, take pain desire Gratiano to come anon to my lodging! To allay with some cold drops of modesty

[Exit a Servant. Thy skipping spirit; lest, through thy wild behaviour, Laun. To him, father!

I be misconstrued in the place I go to,
Gob. God bless your worship!

And lose my hopes.
Bass. Gramercy; would'st thou aught with me? Gra. Signior Bassanio, hear me:
Gob. Here's my son, sir, a poor boy,

If I do not put on a sober habit,
Laun. Not a poor boy, sir, but the rich Jew's man; Talk with respect, and swear but now and then,
that would, sir, as my father shall specify,-- Wear prayer-books in my pocket, look demurely;

Gob. He hath a great infection, sir, as one would say, Vay more, while grace is saying, hood mine eyes to serve,

Thus with my hat, and sigh, and say, amen;

IA В.

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Use all the observance of civility,

Gra. Was not that letter from fair Jessica?
Like one well studied in a sad ostent

Lor. I must needs tell thee all : she hath directed,
To please his grandam, never trust me more.

How I shall take her from her father's house;
Bass. Well, we shall see your bearing.

What gold, and jewels, sheis furnish'd with;
Gra. Nay, but I bar to-night; you shall not gage me What page's suit she hath in readiness.
By what we do to-night.

If e'er the Jew her father come to heaven,
Bass. No, that were pity;

It will be for his gentle daughter's sake:
I would entreat you rather to put on

And never dare misfortune cross her foot,
Your boldest suit of mirth, for we have friends Unless she do it under this excuse, --
That purpose merriment. But fare you well,

That she is issue to a faithless Jew.
I have some business.

Come, go with me; peruse this as thou goest :
Gra. And I must to Lorenzo, and the rest;

Fair Jessica shall be my torch-bearer. (Exeunt.
But we will visit you at supper-time. (Exeunt.

SCENE V.—The same. Before Shylock's house. SCENE III.-The same. A room in Shylock's house.

Enter SHYLOCK and LAUNCELOT.

Shy. Well, thou shalt see, thy eyes shall be thy judge,
Enter Jessica and LAUNCELOT.

The difference of old Shylock and Bassanio:-
Jes. I am sorry, thou wilt leave my fatherso;
Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil,

What, Jessica !-thou shalt not gormandize,

As thou hast done with me ;-what, Jessica!-
Didst robit of some taste oftediousness :

And sleep and snore, and rend apparel out:-
But fare thee well; there is a ducat for thee.

Why, Jessica, I say!
And, Launcelot, soon at supper shalt thou see

Laun. Why, Jessica !
Lorenzo, who is thy new master's guest:

Shy. Who bids thee call? I do not bid thee call.
Give him this letter; do it secretly,
And so farewell! I would not have my father

Laun. Your worship was wont to tell me, I could do

nothing without bidding.
See me talk with thee.
Laun. Adieu !-tears exhibit my tongue.-Most beau-

Enter Jessica.
tiful pagan,-most sweet Jew! If a Christian do not

Jes. Call you ? What is your will? play the knave, and get thee, I am much deceived.

Shy. I am bid forth to supper, Jessica; But, adieu! these foolish drops do somewhat drown There are my keys. — But wherefore should I go? my manly spirit; adieu !

[Exit. I am not bid for love; they flatter me:
Jes. Farewell, good Launcelot!-

But yet I'll go in hate, to feed upon
Alack, what heinous sin is it in me,

The prodigal Christiau. Jessica, my girl,
To be asham'd to be my father's child!

Look to my house!—I am right loatli to go;
But though I am a daughter to his blood,

There is some ill a-brewing towards my rest,
I am not to his manners : 0 Lorenzo,

For I did dream of money-bags to-night.
If thou keep promise, I shall end this strife;
Become a Christian, and thy loving wife.

Laun. I beseech you, sir, go; my young master doth [Exit.

expect your reproach. SCENE IV.-The same. A street.

Shy. So do I his.

Laun. And they have conspired together,- I will not Enter Gratiano, Lokexzo, SALARINO, and SALAXIO. say, you shall see a masque; but if you do, then it Lor. Nay, we will slink away at supper-time; was not for nothing that my nose fell a bleeding on Disguise us at my lodging, and return

Black-Monday last, at six o'clock i'the morning, fallAll in an hour,

ng out that year on Ash-Wednesday was four year Gra. We have not made good preparation.

in the afternoon.
Salar. We have not spoke us yet of torch-bearers. Shy. What! are there masques? Hear you

me,Jessica:
Salan. 'Tis vile, unless it may be quaintly order'd; Lock up my doors : and when you hear the drum,
And better, in my mind, not undertook.

And the vile squeaking of the wry-neck'd fife,
Lor. 'Tis now but four o'clock; we have two hours Clamber not you up to the casements then,
To furnish us:-

Nor thrust your head into the public street,

To gaze on Christian fools with varnish'd faces; Enter LauncELOT, with a letter.

But stop my house's cars, I mean my casements: Friend Launcelot, what's the news?

Let not the sound of shallow foppery enter
Laun. Anit shall please you to break up this, it shall My sober house.-By Jacob's stafi'I swear,
seem to signify.

I have no mind of feasting forth to-night:
Lor. I know the hand: in faith, 'tis a fair hand; But I will go.-Go you before me, sirrah:
And whiter than the paper it writon,

Say, I will come.
Is the fair hand that writ.

Laun. I will go before, sir.
Gra. Love-news, in faith.

Mistress, look out at window, for all this;
Laun. By your leave, sir !

There will come a Christian by,
Lor. Whither goest thon?

Will be worth a Jewess' eye.

(Exit Laun. Laun. Marry, sir, to bid my old master the Jew to Shy. What says that fool of Hagar's offspring, ha? snp to-night with my new master the Christian. Jes. His words were, Farewell, mistress; nothing else.

Lor. Hold here, take this :-tell gentle Jessica. I will shy. The patch is kind enough; but a huge feeder, not fail her!-speak it privately; go.-Gentlemen, Snail-slow in profit, and he sleeps by day

[Exit Launcelot. More than the wild cat; drones hive not with me; Will

ll you prepare you for this masque to-night? Therefore I part with him; and part with him
I am provided of a torch-bearer.

To one, that I would have him help to waste
Salar. Ay, marry, I'll be gone about it straight. His borrow'd purse.--Well, Jessica, goin;
Salan. And so will l.

Perhaps, I will return immediately;
Lor. Meet me, and Gratiano,

Do, as I bid you,
At Gratiano's lodging some hour hence.

Shut doors after you ; Fast bind, fast find;
Salar. 'Tis good we do so.[Exeunt Salar. and Salan. A proverb never stale in thrifty mind.

Exit.

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