The Merchant of Venice EText - Act I - Enotes

7/26/2019 The Merchant of Venice EText - Act I - Enotes

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Act I

Scene I

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[Venice]

Enter Antonio, Salerio, and Solanio.

ANTONIO:

In sooth, I know not why I am so sadIt wearies me you say it wearies youBut how I caught it, found it, or came by it,What stuff 'tis made of, whereof it is born,I am to learn (5)And such a want-wit sadness makes of me,That I have much ado to know myself.

ANTONIO:

Really, I dont know why Im so sadIt wearies me you say it wearies youBut how I caught it, found it, or came by it,What its made of, where it started,I must find outAnd sadness makes me so crazyThat I dont know who I am.

SALERIO:

Your mind is tossing on the oceanThere, where your argosies, with portly sail,

Like signiors and rich burghers on the flood,

(10)

Or, as it were, the pageants of the sea,Do overpeer the petty traffickers,That curt'sy to them, do them reverence,As they fly by them with their woven wings.

SALERIO:

Your mind is tossing on the ocean,Where your ships, with full sails Like gentlemen and rich citizens on the waterOr as if they were in a procession of the seaLook over the minor merchants,That bow to them, pay them respect,As they fly by them with their woven wings.

SOLANIO:

Believe me, sir, had I such venture forth, (15)The better part of my affections wouldBe with my hopes abroad. I should be stillPlucking the grass, to know where sits thewindPeering in maps, for ports, and piers, androads:And every object that might make mefear (20)

SOLANIO:

Believe me, sir, if I had such venture outthere,The better part of my thoughts wouldBe with my hope of their safe arrival. Id beStill plucking the grass to know where thewind blows,Looking over maps for ports and piers androadsAnd every object that would make me afraid


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Misfortune to my ventures, out of doubtWould make me sad.

ofMisfortune to my ships,Would make me sad without a doubt.

SALERIO:

My wind, cooling my broth,Would blow me to an ague, when I thoughtWhat harm a wind too great might do at sea.

(25)

I should not see the sandy hour-glass run,But I should think of shallows and of flatsAnd see my wealthy Andrew dock'd in sand,Vailing her high-top lower than her ribs,To kiss her burial. Should I go to church, (30)And see the holy edifice of stone,And not bethink me straight of dangerousrocks,Which, touching but my gentle vessel's side,

Would scatter all her spices on the stream,Enrobe the roaring waters with my silks, (35)And, in a word, but even now worth this,And now worth nothing? Shall I have thethoughtTo think on this and shall I lack the thoughtThat such a thing, bechanc'd, would make mesad?But tell not me I know, Antonio (40)Is sad to think upon his merchandise.

SALERIO:

My breath, cooling my soup,Would make me ill, when I thought aboutThe damage a mighty wind might do at sea.

I shouldnt see the time pass in the sands ofan hour-glassBut Id be thinking about shallows andsandbars,And seeing my wealthy ship of war runaground,Lowering her high top sails lower than herhullTo sink. Even if I went to churchAnd saw the holy building of stone,

Id be thinking right away about dangerousrocks,Which, touching only my gentle vessel's sideWould scatter all her spices across the water,Spreading my silk cargo across the roaringwaters,And, in a word, one minute worth this amounof money,And now worth nothing. If I had the mindTo think about all this, and if I lacked themind to see

That such a thing could happen, wouldnt itmake me sad?But dont tell me I know AntonioIs sad to think about his shipments.

ANTONIO:

Believe me, no I thank my fortune for it,My ventures are not in one bottom trusted,

Nor to one place nor is my whole estate

Upon the fortune of this present year: (45)Therefore my merchandise makes me not sad.

ANTONIO:

Believe me, no I thank my fortune for it,My cargos are not all loaded on one ship,Or going to one place, and my whole estate is

notBased on the fortune of this present yearSo, my shipments dont make me sad.

SALANIO:

Why, then you are in love.SALANIO:

ANTONIO:

Fie, fie!

ANTONIO:

Nonsense, nonsense!


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SALANIO:

Not in love neither? Then let us say, you aresad,Because you are not merry: and 'twere aseasy (50)For you to laugh, and leap, and say you aremerry,Because you are not sad. Now, by two-headedJanus,

Nature hath fram'd strange fellows in hertime:Some that will evermore peep through theireyes,And laugh, like parrots, at a bag-piper (55)And other of such vinegar aspect,That they'll not show their teeth in way ofsmile,Though Nestor swear the jest be laughable.

Enter Bassanio, Lorenzo, and Gratiano.

Here comes Bassanio, your most noblekinsman,Gratiano, and Lorenzo: Fare you well (60)We leave you now with better company.

SALANIO:

Not in love either? Then lets say you are sadBecause you are not happy and its easy tosay thatBecause you laugh and leap and say you arehappy,Because you are not sad. Now, looking at

both sides,Nature has made strange fellows in her time:Some that will peep through their eyesforever,And laugh like parrots at a bag-piper,And the others of such sour dispositionThat they'll never smileAlthough a wise old man swears that the jokeis funny.

Here comes Bassanio, your most noble

relative,Gratiano, and Lorenzo. Goodbye,We leave you now in better company.

SALERIO:

I would have stay'd till I had made you merry,If worthier friends had not prevented me.

SALERIO:

Id have stayed until I had made you happy,If worthier friends hadnt stopped me.

ANTONIO:

Your worth is very dear in my regard.I take it, your own business calls on you, (65)And you embrace the occasion to depart.

ANTONIO:

I appreciate your concern.I see your own business needs you,And you take this opportunity to leave.

SALERIO:Good morrow, my good lords.

SALERIO:Good morning, my good lords.

BASSANIO:

Good signiors both, when shall we laugh?say,when?You grow exceeding strange: must it be so?

(70)

BASSANIO:

Good gentlemen, when are we gettingtogether? Say when.Youre turning into strangers has it come tothat?


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SALERIO:

We'll make our leisures to attend on yours.SALERIO:

We'll wait until youre free.

Exeunt Salerio, and Solanio.

LORENZO:

My Lord Bassanio, since you have foundAntonio,We two will leave you but at dinner-time,I pray you have in mind where we must meet.

LORENZO:

My Lord Bassanio, since you have foundAntonio,Well leave you but, at dinnertime,Please remember where were meeting.

BASSANIO:

I will not fail you. (75)BASSANIO:

I wont forget.

GRATIANO:

You look not well, Signior AntonioYou have too much respect upon the world:They lose it that do buy it with much care:Believe me, you are marvellously chang'd.

GRATIANO:

You dont look well, Mr. AntonioYoure thinking too much about the worldThey lose it that buy it with a lot of worry.Believe me, youve changed drastically.

ANTONIO:

I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano(80)

A stage, where every man must play a part,

And mine a sad one.

ANTONIO:

I only think of the world as the world,GratianoA stage, where every man must play a part,

And my part is a sad one.

GRATIANO:

Let me play the fool!With mirth and laughter let old wrinklescomeAnd let my liver rather heat with wine, (85)Than my heart cool with mortifying groans.Why should a man whose blood is warm

withinSit like his grandsire cut in alabaster?Sleep when he wakes? and creep into the

jaundiceBy being peevish? I tell thee what, Antonio,

(90)I love thee, and it is my love that speaksThere are a sort of men, whose visagesDo cream and mantle like a standing pondAnd do a wilful stillness entertain,With purpose to be dress'd in an opinion (95)Of wisdom, gravity, profound conceit

GRATIANO:

Let me play the foolLet old wrinkles come with happiness andlaughterAnd let my liver get hot with wine ratherThan my heart turns cold with depressinggroans.

Why should a man whos hot-bloodedSit like a statue of his grandfather,Sleeping when hes awake, and creeping into

jaundiceBy being spiteful? I tell you what, AntonioYou are my friend, and its my friendship thaspeaksThere is a kind of men whose facesLook foamy and covered like a standing

pond,And who maintain a stubborn silence,So that people will think they have


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As who should say, I am Sir Oracle,And, when I ope my lips, let no dog bark!O, my Antonio, I do know of these,That therefore only are reputed wise, (100)For saying nothing who, I am very sure,If they should speak, would almost damnthose earsWhich, hearing them, would call their

brothers, fools.

I'll tell thee more of this another time:But fish not with this melancholy bait, (105)For this fool-gudgeon, this opinion.Come, good Lorenzo: Fare ye well, awhile:I'll end my exhortation after dinner.

Wisdom, seriousness, profound ideas,Such as saying I am Sir Fortune Teller,And when I open my lips, dont let any dog

bark.Oh, my Antonio, I know about these menThat are only considered wiseBecause they say nothing when, I am verysure,If they should speak, they would almost damn

those earsWhich, hearing them, would call their

brothers fools.I'll tell you more about this another time.But dont fish for this foolish worthlessguppy,This opinion of mine, with this depressing

bait.Come, good Lorenzo. Goodbye until laterI'll end my speech after dinner.

LORENZO:

Well, we will leave youthen till dinner-time. (110)I must be one of these same dumb wise men,For Gratiano never lets me speak.

LORENZO:

OK, well leave you then until dinnertime.I must be one of these same dumb wise men,Because Gratiano never lets me speak.

GRATIANO:

Well, keep me company but two years more,Thou shalt not know the sound of thine owntongue.

GRATIANO:

Well, keep me company for only two moreyears, andYoull never know the sound of your ownvoice.

ANTONIO:

Farewell: I'll grow a talker for this gear. (115)ANTONIO:

Goodbye, I'll be a better talker by dinner.

GRATIANO:Thanks, i' faith for silence is onlycommendableIn a neat's tongue dried, and a maid notvendible.

GRATIANO:Thanks, really, because silence is onlycommendableIn a cows dried tongue, and in a girl whosnot for sale.

[Gratiano and Lorenzo exit.]

ANTONIO: ANTONIO:


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Is that any thing now? Is that anything to think about now?

BASSANIO:

Gratiano speaks an infinite deal of nothing,morethan any man in all Venice: his reasons are astwo grains (120)of wheat hid in two bushels of chaff you shallseek allday ere you find them and when you havethem they arenot worth the search.

BASSANIO:

Gratiano speaks an infinite deal aboutnothing, more thanany man in all Venice. His reasons are liketwo grains of wheat hiddenIn two bushels of cornhusks: you can look allday before you findthem, and when you have them, they arentworth the search.

ANTONIO:

Well tell me now, what lady is the sameTo whom you swore a secret pilgrimage,

(125)

That you to-day promis'd to tell me of?

ANTONIO:

Well, tell me now about the lady,The one you swore to make a secret trip to,The one you promised to tell me about today?

BASSANIO:

'Tis not unknown to you, Antonio,How much I have disabled mine estate,By something showing a more swelling portThan my faint means would grantcontinuance: (130)

Nor do I now make moan to be abridg'dFrom such a noble rate but my chief careIs to come fairly off from the great debtsWherein my time, something too prodigal,Hath left me gag'd. To you, Antonio, (135)I owe the most in money and in loveAnd from your love I have a warrantyTo unburthen all my plots and purposes,How to get clear of all the debts I owe.

BASSANIO:

You know, Antonio,How much I have wasted my moneyBy putting on a fancier appearanceThan my small funds could supportI dont come to you now to ask that you

Forgive my debts, because my chief concernIs to make good on these great debtsWhich my behavior, sometimes recklessAnd wasteful, has left me broke. To you,Antonio,I owe the most, in money and in friendship,And, from your friendship, I have a guaranteeTo get rid of all my plots and intentions as toHow to get clear all the debts I owe.

ANTONIO:

I pray you, good Bassanio, let me know it(140)

And, if it stand, as you yourself still do,Within the eye of honour, be assur'd,My purse, my person, my extremest means,Lie all unlock'd to your occasions.

ANTONIO:

Please, good Bassanio, tell meAnd if it is, honorable, as you yourself stillare,Be assured that my purse, my person,My utmost ability can be used for your

benefit.

BASSANIO:

In my schooldays, when I had lost one shaft,

BASSANIO:

When I was in school, when I had lost one


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(145)

I shot his fellow of the self-same flightThe self-same way, with more advised watch,To find the other forth and by adventuring

bothI oft found both: I urge this childhood proof,Because what follows is pure innocence.

(150)

I owe you much and, like a wilful youth,

That which I owe is lost: but if you pleaseTo shoot another arrow that self wayWhich you did shoot the first, I do not doubt,As I will watch the aim, or to find both, (155)Or bring your latter hazard back again,And thankfully rest debtor for the first.

arrow,I shot another one of identical lengthIn an identical way, with more thoughtfulcare,To find the one I lost, and by risking both, IoftenFound both. Im telling you about thischildhood event,Because I say next is as pure and innocent.

I owe you a lot, and, like a willful youth,I have lost what I owe you, but if you will

pleaseLend me money in the identical wayThat you lent me the first money, I dontdoubt,As Ill be more careful, to find both sums,Or Ill bring your second loan back againAnd just owe you thankfully for the first.

ANTONIO:

You know me well, and herein spend buttime,To wind about my love with circumstanceAnd, out of doubt, you do me now morewrong (160)In making question of my uttermost,Than if you had made waste of all I have.Then do but say to me what I should do,That in your knowledge may by me be done,

And I am prest unto it: therefore speak. (165)

ANTONIO:

You know me well, and waste time hereTo twist a story about my friendship withexamplesAnd, no doubt, you insult meBy questioning the limits of my friendshipAs if you had wasted everything I have.You only have say to me what I should doThat you think I can do,And I am committed to it so, ask me.

BASSANIO:

In Belmont is a lady richly left,And she is fair, and, fairer than that word,Of wondrous virtues. Sometimes from hereyesI did receive fair speechless messages:Her name is Portia nothing

undervalued (170)To Cato's daughter, Brutus' Portia.

Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worthFor the four winds blow in from every coastRenowned suitors, and her sunny locksHang on her temples like a golden fleece

(175)

Which makes her seat of Belmont, Colchos'strand,And many Jasons come in quest of her.O, my Antonio! had I but the meansTo hold a rival place with one of them,

BASSANIO:

In Belmont, there is a rich heiressAnd she is beautiful and, more beautiful thanthat word,She has wonderful virtues. Sometimes, IreceiveBeautiful, silent messages from her eyes.

Her name is Portiathe poets daughter andThe assassins Portia fall short bycomparison.The wide world is not ignorant of her worth,Because the four winds blow in famous menwhoWant to marry her from every coast, and hergolden curlsHang on her head like a golden fleece,Which makes Belmont, her home, a richisland in a lake,And many sailors and heroes come to find


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Scene II

I have a mind presages me such thrift, (180)That I should questionless be fortunate.

her.Oh, my Antonio! If I only had the meansTo compete with one of them,I have a mind that predicts such good luck formeThat I will undoubtedly be a very lucky one.

ANTONIO:

Thou know'st that all my fortunes are at seaNeither have I money, nor commodityTo raise a present sum: therefore go forth,Try what my credit can in Venice do (185)That shall be rack'd, even to the uttermost,To furnish thee to Belmont, to fair Portia.Go, presently inquire, and so will I,Where money is and I no question make,To have it of my trust, or for my sake. (190)

ANTONIO:

You know that all my funds are invested inshipsAt sea I dont have the money or goodsTo raise such a large sum So, go out,See what my credit in Venice can do for you,Credit that shall be stretched, even to theouter limits,To supply you for your trip to Belmont to

beautiful Portia.Go now and ask where money can be found,

And I will too, and I will not objectTo borrowing it on my account or in myname.

Exeunt.


[Belmont]

Enter Portia with her waiting woman Nerissa.

PORTIA:

By my troth, Nerissa, my little body is a-weary ofthis great world.

PORTIA:

Honestly, Nerissa, my little body is weary ofthisgreat world.

NERISSA:

You would be, sweet madam, if your miserieswerein the same abundance as your good fortunesare and yet,for aught I see, they are as sick that surfeit

NERISSA:

You would be, sweet madam, if your miseriewere as abundantas your good fortunes are and yet, for all Isee, they that are sickfrom over-eating are as sick as those that


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with too much, (5)as they that starve with nothing. It is no meanhappiness,therefore, to be seated in the mean superfluitycomessooner by white hairs, but competency liveslonger.

starve with nothing.Its not an insignificant happiness, therefore,to be well situated inregard to financial resources: having morethan enough comesat some time or other to old men, but having sufficient income lasts longer.

PORTIA:

Good sentences, and well pronounced.PORTIA:

Good sentences, and well said.

NERISSA:

They would be better, if well followed. (10)NERISSA:

They would be better sentences, if youfollowed them well.

PORTIA:

If to do were as easy as to know what weregood todo, chapels had been churches, and poormen's cottages

princes' palaces. It is a good divine thatfollows his owninstructions: I can easier teach twenty whatwere good to

be done, than be one of the twenty to followmine own (15)

teaching. The brain may devise laws for theblood but ahot temper leaps o'er a cold decree: such ahare is madnessthe youth, to skip o'er the meshes of goodcounselthe cripple. But this reasoning is not in thefashion tochoose me a husband:O me, the wordchoose! I may (20)neither choose whom I would, nor refuse

whom I dislikeso is the will of a living daughter curbed bythe will of adead father:Is it not hard, Nerissa, that Icannot chooseone, nor refuse none?

PORTIA:

If knowing what to do were as easy asknowing what was good to do,chapels would have been churches, and poormen's cottages would have

been princes' palaces. It is a good prophet thafollows his own instructionsIts easier for me to teach twenty people whatwas good to do than to be oneof that twenty and follow my own teaching.The brain may come up with

laws to control society, but one hot temperjumps over a cold lawMadness the Youth is just such a jumper,skipping over the nets of GoodAdvice the Cripple. But thinking this way isnot the way tochoose a husband for me. Oh, me, the wordchoose! I cannotchoose someone I like or refuse someone Idislikeso is the behavior of a living daughter curbed

by the will of a dead father.Isnt it hard, Nerissa, that I cannot choose oneor refuse none?

NERISSA:

Your father was ever virtuous and holy men

at their (25)

NERISSA:

Your father was always a holy man, and holy

men have good


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death have good inspirations therefore, thelottery thathe hath devised in these three chests, of gold,silver, andlead, (whereof who chooses his meaningchooses you,)will, no doubt, never be chosen by anyrightly, but onewho you shall rightly love. But what warmth

is there in (30)your affection towards any of these princelysuitors thatare already come?

ideas when they die so the lottery that he hasthought up in thesethree chests, made of gold, of silver, and oflead, by means of whichwhoever chooses the right chest chooses you,will, no doubt, never bechosen by the right man except the one youshall rightly love. Butwhat warmth is there in your affections

towards any of these princesthat have already come to try?

PORTIA:

I pray thee, over-name them and as thounamestthem I will describe them and according to

my descriptionlevel at my affection. (35)

PORTIA:

Please say their names again, and, as youname them, Illdescribe them and, according to my

description, you can figureout how I feel about them..

NERISSA:

First, there is the Neapolitan prince.NERISSA:

First, there is the Neapolitan prince.

PORTIA:

Ay, that's a colt, indeed, for he doth nothing

but talkof his horse and he makes it a greatappropriation to hisown good parts that he can shoe him himself:I am muchafraid my lady his mother played false with asmith. (40)

PORTIA:

Yes, hes a cunning fellow indeed, because h

doesnt do a thingbut talk about his horse and he makes it agreat attribute tohis own good qualities that he can shoe himhimself I am very afraid,my lady, his mother had an affair with a

blacksmith.

NERISSA:

Then, is there the county Palatine.

NERISSA:

Then there is the Count Palatine.

PORITA:

He doth nothing but frown as who shouldsay, An youwill not have me, choose he hears merrytales, and smilesnot: I fear he will prove the weeping

philosopher when hegrows old, being so full of unmannerlysadness in his youth. (45)

PORITA:

He doesnt do a thing but frown, as someonewould say, If you willnot have me, choose. He hears happy talesand doesnt smile:Im afraid he will probably be the weeping

philosopher when he grows old,being so full of rude sadness in his youth. Iwould rather be married


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I had rather be married to a death's head witha bone in hismouth, than to either of these. God defend mefrom thesetwo!

to a skull with a bone in his mouth than toeither ofthese princes. God defend me from these two

NERISSA:

How say you by the French lord, Monsieur LeBon?

NERISSA:

What do you have to say about the Frenchlord, Monsieur Le Bon?

PORTIA:

God made him, and therefore let him pass fora man. (50)In truth, I know it is a sin to be a mocker but,he! why, hehath a horse better than the Neapolitan's a

better bad habitof frowning than the count Palatine: he isevery man in noman: if a throstle sing he falls straight acapering he willfence with his own shadow: if I should marryhim I should (55)marry twenty husbands: If he would despiseme I would forgivehim for if he love me to madness I shallnever requite

him.

PORTIA:

God made him, and so let him pass for a manIntruth, I know it is a sin to be a mocker, buthim! Why, he has ahorse better than the Neapolitan's, a better bahabit offrowning than the Count Palatine he is everyman in no man. If athrush sings, he starts dancing right away hewill fence withhis own shadow if I should refuse him, Iwould be refusing twentyhusbands. If he would only despise me, Iwould forgive him, because if heloves me like crazy, Ill never be able toreturn such love.

NERISSA:

What say you then to Falconbridge, the youngbaronof England? (60)

NERISSA:

What do you say then about Falconbridge, theyoung baron ofEngland?

PORTIA:

You know I say nothing to him for heunderstands notme, nor I him: he hath neither Latin, French,nor Italianand you will come into the court, and swearthat I have a

poor pennyworth in the English. He is aproper man's picturebut, alas! who can converse with a dumbshow? How (65)

oddly he is suited! I think he bought his

PORTIA:

You know I say nothing to him, because hedoesnt understand me,and I dont understand him: He doesnt knowLatin, French, or Italian, and youwill come into the court and swear that I onlyknow a pennys worthof English. Hes the picture of a proper man,

but alas, who cantalk with someone who cant talk? How oddlyhe is dressed! I think he

bought his shirt in Italy, his hose in France,


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doublet in Italy,his round hose in France, his bonnet inGermany and his

behaviour everywhere.

his hatin Germany, and his behavior everywhere.

NERISSA:

What think you of the Scottish lord, hisneighbour?

NERISSA:

What do you think about the Scottish lord, hineighbor?

PORTIA:

That he hath a neighbourly charity in him forhe borrowed (70)a box of the ear of the Englishman, and sworehe would

pay him again when he was able: I think theFrenchman

became his surety, and sealed under for

another.

PORTIA:

I think that he has neighborly charity in him,because he borroweda moneybox from the Englishman, and sworehe would pay himagain when he was able I think theFrenchman became his guarantorand it was sealed by another.

NERISSA:

How like you the young German, the Duke ofSaxony'snephew? (75)

NERISSA:

How do you like the young German, the Dukof Saxony's nephew?

PORTIA:

Very vilely in the morning, when he is soberand mostvilely in the afternoon, when he is drunk:when he is best,he is a little worse than a man and when he isworst, he islittle better than a beast: and the worst fall thatever fell, Ihope I shall make shift to go without him.

(80)

PORTIA:

Very disgusting in the morning when he issober, and mostdisgusting in the afternoon when he is drunk:when he is best, he isa little worse than a man, and when he isworst, he is little

better than a beast. If the worst that couldhappen happens, I hope Ill

be able to go on without him.

NERISSA:

If he should offer to choose, and choose therightcasket, you should refuse to perform yourfather's will, ifyou should refuse to accept him.

NERISSA:

If he offers to choose, and chooses the rightchest,you would be refusing to perform yourfather's will, if yourefused to accept him.

PORTIA: PORTIA:


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Therefore, for fear of the worst, I pray thee,set a deepglass of Rhenish wine on the contrary casketfor, if the (85)devil be within and that temptation without, Iknow hewill choose it. I will do anything, Nerissa, ereI will bemarried to a sponge.

So, for fear of the worst, please set a deepglass of Rhenish wine on the wrong chest

because if the devil werewithin the chest and that temptation on top ofit, I know he will choose it. Iwill do anything, Nerissa, before Ill bemarried to a sponge.

NERISSA:

You need not fear, lady, the having any oftheselords: they have acquainted me with theirdeterminations: (90)which is, indeed, to return to their home, andtotrouble you with no more suit unless you may

be wonby some other sort than your father'simposition, dependingon the caskets.

NERISSA:

You dont need to be afraid, lady, of havingany of these lordsthey have told me their intentions, which isindeed to go back to their homes, and totrouble you with no moresuits, unless you may be won by some otherway than your father's

command, that getting you depends on thechests.

PORTIA:

If I live to be as old as Sibylla I will die aschaste as (95)Diana, unless I be obtained by the manner ofmy father's

will. I am glad this parcel of wooers are soreasonablefor there is not one among them but I dote onhis veryabsence, and I pray God grant them a fairdeparture.

PORTIA:

If I live to be as old as Sibylla the witch, Illdie as pure asDiana the goddess of purity, unless I amobtained by the letter of my father's will.

I am glad this batch of would-be husbands areso reasonable because there isntone of them that I am not foolishly in lovewith his very absence, and I pray Godgrant them a fair departure.

NERISSA:

Do you not remember, lady, in your father's

time, (100)a Venetian, a scholar and a soldier that camehither incompany of the Marquis of Montferrat?

NERISSA:

Dont you not remember, lady, in your

father's time, a Venetian, ascholar and a soldier, that came here in thecompany of the Marquisof Montserrat?

PORTIA:

Yes, yes, it was Bassanio as I think, so washecalled.

PORTIA:

Yes, yes, it was Bassanio, I think, or so hewas called.


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Scene III

NERISSA:

True, madam he, of all the men that ever myfoolish (105)eyes looked upon, was the best deserving afair lady.

NERISSA:

True, madam he, that, of all the men that Ihave ever seenwith my foolish eyes, was the most deservingof a beautiful lady.

PORTIA:

I remember him well and I remember him

worthyof thy praise.

Enter a Servingman.

How now! what news?

PORTIA:

I remember him well, and I remember him

worthy of your praise.

How is it now! Whats the news?

SERVINGMAN:

The four strangers seek for you, madam, to

take (110)their leave: and there is a forerunner comefrom a fifth,the Prince of Morocco who brings word, the

prince, hismaster, will be here to-night.

SERVINGMAN:

The four strangers are looking for you,

madam, to say their goodbyes,and there is a messenger come from a fifth,the Prince ofMorocco, who brings word the Prince, hismaster, will be heretonight.

PORTIA:

If I could bid the fifth welcome with so good

a heartas I can bid the other four farewell, I should

be glad of (115)his approach: if he have the condition of asaint and thecomplexion of a devil, I had rather he shouldshrive methan wive me. Come, Nerissa. Sirrah, go

before whileswe shut the gate upon one wooer, anotherknocks at thedoor. (120)

PORTIA:

If I could welcome the fifth with as good a

heart as Ican bid the other four goodbye, I would behappy of hisarrival if he has the condition of a saint andthe complexionof a devil, I would rather he heard myconfession than marry me.Come, Nerissa. Servant, go ahead of me.While we shut the gate on one would-behusband, another knocks at thedoor.

Exeunt.



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16/23

contrary? contrary?

SHYLOCK:

Ho! no, no, no, nomy meaning in sayinghe is agood man, is, to have you understand me thathe is sufficient: (15)Yet his means are in supposition: he hath an

argosybound to Tripolis, another to the Indies Iunderstand moreoverupon the Rialto, he hath a third at Mexico, afourth forEngland and other ventures he hath,squander'd abroad. Butships are but boards, sailors but men: there beland-rats and (20)water-rats, land-thieves and water-thieves I

mean, piratesand then, there is the peril of waters, winds,and rocks. Theman is, notwithstanding, sufficientthreethousand ducats

I think I may take his bond.

SHYLOCK:

Hey, no, no, no, no: my meaning in saying heis a good manis to have you understand me, that he issufficiently credit-worthy,yet his money is all tied up: he has a large

merchant ship going toTripoli, another to the Indies I understand,moreover, in the Marketplace,he has a third to Mexico, a fourth to England,and other ventures hehas wasted abroad. But ships are only boardsof wood, sailors onlymen there are land-rats and water rats, land-thieves andwater-thieves,I mean pirates,and then

there is the peril ofwaters, winds, and rocks. The man is, in spiteof all this, sufficientlycredit worthy. Three thousand dollars - I thinkI may take his promise to pay.

BASSANIO:

Be assured you may. (25)BASSANIO:

Be assured you may.

SHYLOCK:

I will be assured I may and that I may beassured, Iwill bethink me. May I speak with Antonio?

SHYLOCK:

Ill be assured that I may and, that I may beassured, Iwill think it over. May I speak with Antonio?

BASSANIO:

If it please you to dine with us.BASSANIO:

If it pleases you to dine with us.

SHYLOCK:

Yes, to smell pork to eat of the habitationwhich your

prophet, the Nazarite, conjured the devil into!I will buy (30)with you, sell with you, talk with you, walkwith you, andso following but I will not eat with you, drinkwith you,

nor pray with you.What news on the

SHYLOCK:

Yes, to smell pork to eat in the temple thatyour

prophet, the Nazarene, conjured the devilinto. Ill buy withyou, sell with you, talk with you, walk withyou, and sofollowing but Ill not eat with you, drink wityou, nor pray

with you. Whats the news in the


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Rialto?Who is hecomes here?

Marketplace? Whos coming here?

Enter Antonio.

BASSANIO:

This is Signior Antonio. (35)

BASSANIO:

This is Mr. Antonio.

SHYLOCK:

How like a fawning publican he looks!I hate him for he is a Christian:But more, for that, in low simplicity,He lends out money gratis, and brings downThe rate of usance here with us in Venice.

(40)

If I can catch him once upon the hip,I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.He hates our sacred nation and he rails,Even there where merchants most docongregate,On me, my bargains, and my well-wonthrift, (45)Which he calls interest. Cursed be my tribeIf I forgive him!

SHYLOCK:

He looks like a flattering tax collector!I hate him because he is a ChristianBut more, because, in his low simplicity,He lends out money free, and brings downThe rate of interest with us here in Venice.If I can catch him once at a disadvantage,Ill feed the ancient grudge I bear him untilits fat.He hates our sacred nation and he abuses meEven there where merchants congregate mostof the time,Insulting me, my bargains, and my well-wonsuccess,Which he calls interest. Cursed be my tribe oIsraelIf I forgive him!

BASSANIO:

Shylock, do you hear?BASSANIO:

Shylock, do you hear me?

SHYLOCK:

I am debating of my present store:And, by the near guess of my memory, (50)I cannot instantly raise up the grossOf full three thousand ducats. What of that?

Tubal, a wealthy Hebrew of my tribe,Will furnish me. But soft: how many monthsDo you desire?Rest you fair, goodsignior: (55)Your worship was the last man in our mouths.

SHYLOCK:

I am debating about my present monies,And, by the nearest guess, I remember thatI cannot instantly raise up the whole sumOf three thousand dollars. What about that?

Tubal, a wealthy Hebrew of my tribe,Will supply me. But wait! How many monthsDo you want?

Relax, good sirWe were just talking about you.

ANTONIO:

Shylock, albeit I neither lend nor borrow,

By taking, nor by giving of excess,Yet, to supply the ripe wants of my friend,

ANTONIO:

Shylock, although I dont lend or borrow

By taking or by giving excess money,Still, to supply the urgent wants of my friend,


18/23

I'll break a custom:Is he yet possess'd (60)How much you would?

I'll break a custom.

Does he knowHow much you want?

SHYLOCK:

Ay, ay, three thousand ducats.SHYLOCK:

Yes, yes, three thousand dollars.

ANTONIO:

And for three months.ANTONIO:

And for three months.

SHYLOCK:

I had forgotthree months. You told me so.Well then, your bond and, let me see. buthear you: (65)

Methought you said, you neither lend norborrow,Upon advantage.

SHYLOCK:

I had forgotten three months you told me soWell then, your promise to pay and, let mesee. But listen,

I thought you said you dont lend or borrowBy charging interest.

ANTONIO:

I do never use it.ANTONIO:

I never charge interest.

SHYLOCK:

When Jacob graz'd his uncle Laban's sheep,This Jacob from our holy Abram was (70)(As his wise mother wrought in his behalf)The third possessor ay, he was the third.

SHYLOCK:

When Jacob grazed his uncle Laban's sheep,This Jacob was the son of our holy Abraham,As his wise mother said he was,The third possessor yes, he was the third,

ANTONIO:

And what of him? did he take interest?ANTONIO:

And what about him? Did he charge interest?

SHYLOCK:

No, not take interest not, as you would say,Directly interest: mark what Jacob did. (75)When Laban and himself were compromis'dThat all the eanlings which were streak'd and

piedShould fall, as Jacob's hire the ewes, beingrank,In the end of autumn turned to the rams:And when the work of generation was, (80)

Between these woolly breeders, in the act,

SHYLOCK:

No, not charge interest not, as you wouldsay,Directly charge interest listen to what Jacobdid.When Laban and he agreedThat all the lambs which were streaked andmulticoloredShould be given to Jacob, the ewes, beingdivided,

Were bred with the rams at the end of


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The skilful shepherd pill'd me certain wands,And, in the doing of the deed of kind,He stuck them up before the fulsome ewesWho, then conceiving, did in eaning-time (85)Fall party-colour'd lambs, and those wereJacob's.This was a way to thrive, and he was blestAnd thrift is blessing, if men steal it not.

autumnAnd just when the rams and the ewesWere in the act of procreation,The skilful shepherd peeled certain sticks,And, at the moment of mating,He stuck them up before the fat ewes,Who, then conceiving, did in lambing timeGave birth to multicolored lambs, and thosewere Jacob's.

This was a way to thrive, and he was blestAnd good luck is blessing, if men dont stealit.

ANTONIO:

This was a venture, sir, that Jacob serv'd forA thing not in his power to bring to pass, (90)But sway'd and fashion'd by the hand ofHeaven.

Was this inserted to make interest good?Or is your gold and silver ewes and rams?

ANTONIO:

This was an enterprise, sir, that Jacob workedforA thing that was not in his power to bring to

pass,

But swayed and fashioned by the hand ofheaven.Are you telling me this to make interest goodOr is your gold and silver ewes and rams?

SHYLOCK:

I cannot tell I make it breed as fast:But note me, signior. (95)

SHYLOCK:

I cannot tell I make it breed as fast as ewesand rams.But listen to me, sir.

ANTONIO:

Mark you this, Bassanio,The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.An evil soul producing holy witnessIs like a villain with a smiling cheekA goodly apple rotten at the heart (100)O, what a goodly outside falsehood hath!

ANTONIO:

Pay attention, Bassanio,The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.An evil soul producing holy witnessIs like a villain with a smiling cheek,A good apple rotten at the heart.Oh,, what a good outside lying has!

SHYLOCK:

Three thousand ducats'tis a good roundsum.Three months from twelve, then let me seethe rate.

SHYLOCK:

Three thousand dollars its a good roundsum.Three months from twelve then let me seethe rate.

ANTONIO:

Well, Shylock, shall we be beholden to you?ANTONIO:

Well, Shylock, shall we be indebted to you?


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SHYLOCK:

Signior Antonio, many a time and oft, (105)In the Rialto you have rated meAbout my moneys, and my usances:Still have I borne it with a patient shrug,For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe:You call me,misbeliever, cut-throat dog,

(110)

And spet upon my Jewish gaberdine,

And all for use of that which is mine own.Well then, it now appears you need my help:Go to then: you come to me, and you say,Shylock, we would have monies you sayso (115)You, that did void your rheum upon my

beard,And foot me, as you spurn a stranger curOver your threshold monies is your suit.What should I say to you? Should I not say,Hath a dog money? is it possible (120)A cur can lend three thousand ducats? orShall I bend low, and in a bondman's key,With 'bated breath, and whisperinghumbleness,Say this,'Fair sir, you spat on me on Wednesday last

(125)

You spurn'd me such a day another timeYou call'd medog and for these courtesiesI'll lend you thus much moneys?'

SHYLOCK:

Mr. Antonio, many times and oftenIn the Marketplace you have abused meAbout my monies and my interest ratesI still have taken it with a patient shrug,Because suffering is the badge of all our tribeYou call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog,And spat on my Jewish clothes,And all because of using of that which is my

own.Well then, it now appears you need my helpCome on, then you come to me, and you say'Shylock, we would have money. You sayso:You that spit on my beard,And kick me as you spurn a strange dogOn your doorstep money is what you ask forWhat should I say to you? Shouldnt I sayHas a dog got money? Is it possibleA dog can lend you three thousand dollars?OrShall I bend low and, in a bondman's voice,With soft breathing and whisperinghumbleness,Say this:Fair sir, you spit on me on Wednesday lastYou spurned me such a day another timeYou called me dog and for these courtesiesI'll lend you thus much money?

ANTONIO:

I am as like to call thee so again,To spit on thee again, to spurn thee too. (130)If thou wilt lend this money, lend it notAs to thy friends (for when did friendshiptakeA breed for barren metal of his friend?)But lend it rather to thine enemy

Who, if he break, thou mayst with betterface (135)Exact the penalty.

ANTONIO:

I am likely to call you so again,To spit on you again, to spurn you too.If you will lend this money, dont lend itAs if to your friends, because when didfriendship takeRace as pure proof of his friends worthiness

But lend it rather to your enemy,Who, if he defaults may faceExact the penalty better.

SHYLOCK:

Why, look you, how you storm!I would be friends with you, and have yourlove,Forget the shames that you have stain'd me

with,

SHYLOCK:

Why, look, how you get angry!I wish to be friends with you, and have yourfriendship,Forget the shames that you have stained me

with,


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Supply your present wants, and take nodoit (140)Of usance for my monies, and you'll not hearme:This is kind I offer.

Supply you need right now, and dont pay ajotOf interest for my money, and you'll not hearme complain:I offer you kindness.

BASSANIO:

This were kindness.BASSANIO:

This was kindness?

SHYLOCK:

This kindness will I show:Go with me to a notary, seal me there (145)Your single bond and, in a merry sport,If you repay me not on such a day,In such a place, such sum, or sums, as areExpress'd in the condition, let the forfeitBe nominated for an equal pound (150)

Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and takenIn what part of your body pleaseth me.

SHYLOCK:

I will show you this kindness.Go with me to a notary, seal your single

promiseto pay me there and, in a happy sport,If you dont repay me on such a day,In such a place, such sum or sums as areExpressed in the conditions, let the penalty

Be an equal poundOf your beautiful flesh, to be cut off andtakenIn whatever part of your body that pleasesme.

ANTONIO:

Content, in faith I'll seal to such a bond,And say there is much kindness in the Jew.

ANTONIO:

Happily, in faith I'll put my seal to such apromise to pay,

And say there is much kindness in the Jew.

BASSANIO:

You shall not seal to such a bond for me(155)

I'll rather dwell in my necessity.

BASSANIO:

You shall not put your seal to such a promiseto payFor me Id rather live in my poverty.

ANTONIO:

Why, fear not, man, I will not forfeit itWithin these two months,that's a month

beforeThis bond expires,I do expect returnOf thrice three times the value of this bond.

(160)

ANTONIO:

Why, dont be afraid, man I wont default inpaymentWithin the next two months, that's a month

beforeThis promise to pay expires, I expect to get areturnOf three times three of the value of this

promise to pay.

SHYLOCK:

O father Abram, what these Christians are,

SHYLOCK:

Oh, father Abraham, what are these


22/23

Whose own hard dealings teaches themsuspectThe thoughts of others! Pray you, tell me thisIf he should break his day, what should I gainBy the exaction of the forfeiture? (165)A pound of man's flesh, taken from a man,Is not so estimable, profitable neither,As flesh of muttons, beefs, or goats. I say,To buy his favour, I extend this friendship

If he will take it, so if not, adieu (170)And, for my love, I pray you wrong me not.

Christians,Whose own hard dealings teach them tosuspectThe thoughts of others. Please, tell me thisIf he should break his promise, what should IgainBy taking his forfeit?A pound of man's flesh, taken from a man,Is not so valuable, or profitable either,

As flesh of mutton, beef, or goat. I say,To buy his good will, I extend this friendshipIf he will take it, okay if not, goodbyeAnd, for my friendship, please dont insultme.

ANTONIO:

Yes, Shylock, I will seal unto this bond.ANTONIO:

Yes, Shylock, Ill put my seal to this promiseto pay.

SHYLOCK:

Then meet me forthwith at the notary'sGive him direction for this merry bond,And I will go and purse the ducats straight

(175)

See to my house, left in the fearful guardOf an unthrifty knave and presentlyI will be with you.

SHYLOCK:

Then meet me immediately at the notary'sGive him directions for confirming this happy

promise to pay,And Ill go and get the dollars right away,Check on my house, left in the careOf an unlucky rogue, and Ill be with youSoon.

Exit.

ANTONIO:

Hie thee, gentle Jew.This Hebrew will turn Christian he growskind. (180)

ANTONIO:

Hurry, gentle Jew.

This Hebrew will become a Christian: hesgetting kind.

BASSANIO:

I like not fair terms and a villain's mind.BASSANIO:

I dont like fair terms and a villain's mind.

ANTONIO:

Come on in this there can be no dismay,My ships come home a month before the day.

ANTONIO:

Come on in this transaction, there can be nofearMy ships come home a month before the due

date.


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Exeunt.

Documents

The Merchant of Venice EText - Act I - Enotes