ACTISCENEI。Venice。Astreet。EnterANTONIO，SALARINO，andSALANIOANTONIOInsooth，IknownotwhyIamsosad：
Itweariesme；yousayitweariesyou；
ButhowIcaughtit，foundit，orcamebyit，Whatstuff’tismadeof，whereofitisborn，Iamtolearn；
Andsuchawant-witsadnessmakesofme，ThatIhavemuchadotoknowmyself。SALARINOYourmindistossingontheocean；
There，whereyourargosieswithportlysail，Likesigniorsandrichburghersontheflood，Or，asitwere，thepageantsofthesea，Dooverpeerthepettytraffickers，Thatcurtsytothem，dothemreverence，Astheyflybythemwiththeirwovenwings。SALANIOBelieveme，sir，hadIsuchventureforth，ThebetterpartofmyaffectionswouldBewithmyhopesabroad。IshouldbestillPluckingthegrass，toknowwheresitsthewind，Peeringinmapsforportsandpiersandroads；
AndeveryobjectthatmightmakemefearMisfortunetomyventures，outofdoubtWouldmakemesad。SALARINOMywindcoolingmybrothWouldblowmetoanague，whenIthoughtWhatharmawindtoogreatatseamightdo。
Ishouldnotseethesandyhour-glassrun，ButIshouldthinkofshallowsandofflats，AndseemywealthyAndrewdock’dinsand，Vailingherhigh-toplowerthanherribsTokissherburial。ShouldIgotochurchAndseetheholyedificeofstone，Andnotbethinkmestraightofdangerousrocks，Whichtouchingbutmygentlevessel’sside，Wouldscatterallherspicesonthestream，Enrobetheroaringwaterswithmysilks，And，inaword，butevennowworththis，Andnowworthnothing？ShallIhavethethoughtTothinkonthis，andshallIlackthethoughtThatsuchathingbechancedwouldmakemesad？
Buttellnotme；Iknow，AntonioIssadtothinkuponhismerchandise。ANTONIOBelieveme，no：Ithankmyfortuneforit，Myventuresarenotinonebottomtrusted，Nortooneplace；norismywholeestateUponthefortuneofthispresentyear：
Thereforemymerchandisemakesmenotsad。SALARINOWhy，thenyouareinlove。ANTONIOFie，fie！SALARINONotinloveneither？Thenletussayyouaresad，Becauseyouarenotmerry：and’twereaseasyForyoutolaughandleapandsayyouaremerry，Becauseyouarenotsad。Now，bytwo-headedJanus，Naturehathframedstrangefellowsinhertime：
SomethatwillevermorepeepthroughtheireyesAndlaughlikeparrotsatabag-piper，AndotherofsuchvinegaraspectThatthey’llnotshowtheirteethinwayofsmile，ThoughNestorswearthejestbelaughable。
EnterBASSANIO，LORENZO，andGRATIANOSALANIOHerecomesBassanio，yourmostnoblekinsman，GratianoandLorenzo。Fareyewell：
Weleaveyounowwithbettercompany。SALARINOIwouldhavestay’dtillIhadmadeyoumerry，Ifworthierfriendshadnotpreventedme。ANTONIOYourworthisverydearinmyregard。
Itakeit，yourownbusinesscallsonyouAndyouembracetheoccasiontodepart。SALARINOGoodmorrow，mygoodlords。BASSANIOGoodsigniorsboth，whenshallwelaugh？
say，when？
Yougrowexceedingstrange：mustitbeso？SALARINOWe’llmakeourleisurestoattendonyours。
ExeuntSalarinoandSalanioLORENZOMyLordBassanio，sinceyouhavefoundAntonio，Wetwowillleaveyou：butatdinner-time，Iprayyou，haveinmindwherewemustmeet。BASSANIOIwillnotfailyou。GRATIANOYoulooknotwell，SigniorAntonio；
Youhavetoomuchrespectupontheworld：
Theyloseitthatdobuyitwithmuchcare：
Believeme，youaremarvellouslychanged。ANTONIOIholdtheworldbutastheworld，Gratiano；
Astagewhereeverymanmustplayapart，Andmineasadone。GRATIANOLetmeplaythefool：
Withmirthandlaughterletoldwrinklescome，AndletmyliverratherheatwithwineThanmyheartcoolwithmortifyinggroans。
Whyshouldaman，whosebloodiswarmwithin，Sitlikehisgrandsirecutinalabaster？
SleepwhenhewakesandcreepintothejaundiceBybeingpeevish？Itelltheewhat，Antonio——
Ilovethee，anditismylovethatspeaks——
ThereareasortofmenwhosevisagesDocreamandmantlelikeastandingpond，Anddoawilfulstillnessentertain，Withpurposetobedress’dinanopinionOfwisdom，gravity，profoundconceit，Aswhoshouldsay’IamSirOracle，AndwhenIopemylipsletnodogbark！’
OmyAntonio，IdoknowoftheseThatthereforeonlyarereputedwiseForsayingnothing；when，Iamverysure，Iftheyshouldspeak，wouldalmostdamnthoseears，Which，hearingthem，wouldcalltheirbrothersfools。
I’lltelltheemoreofthisanothertime：
Butfishnot，withthismelancholybait，Forthisfoolgudgeon，thisopinion。
Come，goodLorenzo。Fareyewellawhile：
I’llendmyexhortationafterdinner。LORENZOWell，wewillleaveyouthentilldinner-time：
Imustbeoneofthesesamedumbwisemen，ForGratianoneverletsmespeak。GRATIANOWell，keepmecompanybuttwoyearsmoe，Thoushaltnotknowthesoundofthineowntongue。ANTONIOFarewell：I’llgrowatalkerforthisgear。GRATIANOThanks，i’faith，forsilenceisonlycommendableInaneat’stonguedriedandamaidnotvendible。
ExeuntGRATIANOandLORENZOANTONIOIsthatanythingnow？BASSANIOGratianospeaksaninfinitedealofnothing，morethananymaninallVenice。Hisreasonsareastwograinsofwheathidintwobushelsofchaff：
youshallseekalldayereyoufindthem，andwhenyouhavethem，theyarenotworththesearch。ANTONIOWell，tellmenowwhatladyisthesameTowhomyousworeasecretpilgrimage，Thatyouto-daypromisedtotellmeof？BASSANIO’Tisnotunknowntoyou，Antonio，HowmuchIhavedisabledmineestate，BysomethingshowingamoreswellingportThanmyfaintmeanswouldgrantcontinuance：
NordoInowmakemoantobeabridgedFromsuchanoblerate；butmychiefcareIstocomefairlyofffromthegreatdebtsWhereinmytimesomethingtooprodigalHathleftmegaged。Toyou，Antonio，Iowethemost，inmoneyandinlove，AndfromyourloveIhaveawarrantyTounburdenallmyplotsandpurposesHowtogetclearofallthedebtsIowe。ANTONIOIprayyou，goodBassanio，letmeknowit；
Andifitstand，asyouyourselfstilldo，Withintheeyeofhonour，beassured，Mypurse，myperson，myextremestmeans，Lieallunlock’dtoyouroccasions。BASSANIOInmyschool-days，whenIhadlostoneshaft，Ishothisfellowoftheself-sameflightTheself-samewaywithmoreadvisedwatch，Tofindtheotherforth，andbyadventuringbothIoftfoundboth：Iurgethischildhoodproof，Becausewhatfollowsispureinnocence。
Ioweyoumuch，and，likeawilfulyouth，ThatwhichIoweislost；butifyoupleaseToshootanotherarrowthatselfwayWhichyoudidshootthefirst，Idonotdoubt，AsIwillwatchtheaim，ortofindbothOrbringyourlatterhazardbackagainAndthankfullyrestdebtorforthefirst。ANTONIOYouknowmewell，andhereinspendbuttimeTowindaboutmylovewithcircumstance；
AndoutofdoubtyoudomenowmorewrongInmakingquestionofmyuttermostThanifyouhadmadewasteofallIhave：
ThendobutsaytomewhatIshoulddoThatinyourknowledgemaybymebedone，AndIamprestuntoit：therefore，speak。BASSANIOInBelmontisaladyrichlyleft；
Andsheisfair，and，fairerthanthatword，Ofwondrousvirtues：sometimesfromhereyesIdidreceivefairspeechlessmessages：
HernameisPortia，nothingundervaluedToCato’sdaughter，Brutus’Portia：
Noristhewideworldignorantofherworth，ForthefourwindsblowinfromeverycoastRenownedsuitors，andhersunnylocksHangonhertempleslikeagoldenfleece；
WhichmakesherseatofBelmontColchos’strand，AndmanyJasonscomeinquestofher。
OmyAntonio，hadIbutthemeansToholdarivalplacewithoneofthem，Ihaveamindpresagesmesuchthrift，ThatIshouldquestionlessbefortunate！ANTONIOThouknow’stthatallmyfortunesareatsea；
NeitherhaveImoneynorcommodityToraiseapresentsum：thereforegoforth；
TrywhatmycreditcaninVenicedo：
Thatshallberack’d，eventotheuttermost，TofurnishtheetoBelmont，tofairPortia。
Go，presentlyinquire，andsowillI，Wheremoneyis，andInoquestionmakeTohaveitofmytrustorformysake。
ExeuntSCENEII：Belmont。AroominPORTIA’Shouse。
EnterPORTIAandNERISSAPORTIABymytroth，Nerissa，mylittlebodyisawearyofthisgreatworld。NERISSAYouwouldbe，sweetmadam，ifyourmiserieswereinthesameabundanceasyourgoodfortunesare：
andyet，foraughtIsee，theyareassickthatsurfeitwithtoomuchastheythatstarvewithnothing。
Itisnomeanhappinesstherefore，tobeseatedinthemean：superfluitycomessoonerbywhitehairs，butcompetencyliveslonger。PORTIAGoodsentencesandwellpronounced。NERISSATheywouldbebetter，ifwellfollowed。PORTIAIftodowereaseasyastoknowwhatweregoodtodo，chapelshadbeenchurchesandpoormen’scottagesprinces’palaces。Itisagooddivinethatfollowshisowninstructions：Icaneasierteachtwentywhatweregoodtobedone，thanbeoneofthetwentytofollowmineownteaching。Thebrainmaydeviselawsfortheblood，butahottemperleapso’eracolddecree：suchahareismadnesstheyouth，toskipo’erthemeshesofgoodcounselthecripple。Butthisreasoningisnotinthefashiontochoosemeahusband。Ome，theword’choose！’
ImayneitherchoosewhomIwouldnorrefusewhomI
dislike；soisthewillofalivingdaughtercurbedbythewillofadeadfather。Isitnothard，Nerissa，thatIcannotchooseonenorrefusenone？NERISSAYourfatherwasevervirtuous；andholymenattheirdeathhavegoodinspirations：thereforethelottery，thathehathdevisedinthesethreechestsofgold，silverandlead，whereofwhochooseshismeaningchoosesyou，will，nodoubt，neverbechosenbyanyrightlybutonewhoshallrightlylove。Butwhatwarmthisthereinyouraffectiontowardsanyoftheseprincelysuitorsthatarealreadycome？PORTIAIpraythee，over-namethem；andasthounamestthem，Iwilldescribethem；and，accordingtomydescription，levelatmyaffection。NERISSAFirst，thereistheNeapolitanprince。PORTIAAy，that’sacoltindeed，forhedothnothingbuttalkofhishorse；andhemakesitagreatappropriationtohisowngoodparts，thathecanshoehimhimself。Iammuchafeardmyladyhismotherplayedfalsewithasmith。NERISSAThenthereistheCountyPalatine。PORTIAHedothnothingbutfrown，aswhoshouldsay’Ifyouwillnothaveme，choose：’hehearsmerrytalesandsmilesnot：Ifearhewillprovetheweepingphilosopherwhenhegrowsold，beingsofullofunmannerlysadnessinhisyouth。Ihadratherbemarriedtoadeath’s-headwithaboneinhismouththantoeitherofthese。Goddefendmefromthesetwo！NERISSAHowsayyoubytheFrenchlord，MonsieurLeBon？PORTIAGodmadehim，andthereforelethimpassforaman。
Intruth，Iknowitisasintobeamocker：
but，he！why，hehathahorsebetterthantheNeapolitan’s，abetterbadhabitoffrowningthantheCountPalatine；heiseverymaninnoman；
ifathrostlesing，hefallsstraightacapering：
hewillfencewithhisownshadow：ifIshouldmarryhim，I
shouldmarrytwentyhusbands。IfhewoulddespisemeIwouldforgivehim，forifhelovemetomadness，I
shallneverrequitehim。NERISSAWhatsayyou，then，toFalconbridge，theyoungbaronofEngland？PORTIAYouknowIsaynothingtohim，forheunderstandsnotme，norIhim：hehathneitherLatin，French，norItalian，andyouwillcomeintothecourtandswearthatIhaveapoorpennyworthintheEnglish。
Heisaproperman’spicture，but，alas，whocanconversewithadumb-show？Howoddlyheissuited！
IthinkheboughthisdoubletinItaly，hisroundhoseinFrance，hisbonnetinGermanyandhisbehavioreverywhere。NERISSAWhatthinkyouoftheScottishlord，hisneighbour？PORTIAThathehathaneighbourlycharityinhim，forheborrowedaboxoftheearoftheEnglishmanandsworehewouldpayhimagainwhenhewasable：
I
thinktheFrenchmanbecamehissuretyandsealedunderforanother。NERISSAHowlikeyoutheyoungGerman，theDukeofSaxony’snephew？PORTIAVeryvilelyinthemorning，whenheissober，andmostvilelyintheafternoon，whenheisdrunk：
whenheisbest，heisalittleworsethanaman，andwhenheisworst，heislittlebetterthanabeast：
andtheworstfallthateverfell，IhopeIshallmakeshifttogowithouthim。NERISSAIfheshouldoffertochoose，andchoosetherightcasket，youshouldrefusetoperformyourfather’swill，ifyoushouldrefusetoaccepthim。PORTIATherefore，forfearoftheworst，Ipraythee，setadeepglassofrhenishwineonthecontrarycasket，forifthedevilbewithinandthattemptationwithout，Iknowhewillchooseit。Iwilldoanything，Nerissa，ereI’llbemarriedtoasponge。NERISSAYouneednotfear，lady，thehavinganyoftheselords：theyhaveacquaintedmewiththeirdeterminations；whichis，indeed，toreturntotheirhomeandtotroubleyouwithnomoresuit，unlessyoumaybewonbysomeothersortthanyourfather’simpositiondependingonthecaskets。PORTIAIfIlivetobeasoldasSibylla，I
willdieaschasteasDiana，unlessIbeobtainedbythemannerofmyfather’swill。Iamgladthisparcelofwooersaresoreasonable，forthereisnotoneamongthembutIdoteonhisveryabsence，andIprayGodgrantthemafairdeparture。NERISSADoyounotremember，lady，inyourfather’stime，aVenetian，ascholarandasoldier，thatcamehitherincompanyoftheMarquisofMontferrat？PORTIAYes，yes，itwasBassanio；asIthink，hewassocalled。NERISSATrue，madam：he，ofallthementhatevermyfoolisheyeslookedupon，wasthebestdeservingafairlady。PORTIAIrememberhimwell，andIrememberhimworthyofthypraise。
EnteraServing-manHownow！whatnews？ServantThefourstrangersseekforyou，madam，totaketheirleave：andthereisaforerunnercomefromafifth，thePrinceofMorocco，whobringswordtheprincehismasterwillbehereto-night。PORTIAIfIcouldbidthefifthwelcomewithsogoodaheartasIcanbidtheotherfourfarewell，I
shouldbegladofhisapproach：ifhehavetheconditionofasaintandthecomplexionofadevil，Ihadratherheshouldshrivemethanwiveme。Come，Nerissa。Sirrah，gobefore。
Whilesweshutthegatesupononewooer，anotherknocksatthedoor。
ExeuntSCENEIII。Venice。Apublicplace。EnterBASSANIOandSHYLOCKSHYLOCKThreethousandducats；well。BASSANIOAy，sir，forthreemonths。SHYLOCKForthreemonths；well。BASSANIOForthewhich，asItoldyou，Antonioshallbebound。SHYLOCKAntonioshallbecomebound；well。BASSANIOMayyousteadme？willyoupleasureme？
shallI
knowyouranswer？SHYLOCKThreethousandducatsforthreemonthsandAntoniobound。BASSANIOYouranswertothat。SHYLOCKAntonioisagoodman。BASSANIOHaveyouheardanyimputationtothecontrary？SHYLOCKOh，no，no，no，no：mymeaninginsayingheisagoodmanistohaveyouunderstandmethatheissufficient。Yethismeansareinsupposition：
hehathanargosyboundtoTripolis，anothertotheIndies；Iunderstandmoreover，upontheRialto，hehathathirdatMexico，afourthforEngland，andotherventureshehath，squanderedabroad。Butshipsarebutboards，sailorsbutmen：therebeland-ratsandwater-rats，water-thievesandland-thieves，I
meanpirates，andthenthereistheperilofwaters，windsandrocks。Themanis，notwithstanding，sufficient。Threethousandducats；IthinkImaytakehisbond。BASSANIOBeassuredyoumay。SHYLOCKIwillbeassuredImay；and，thatImaybeassured，Iwillbethinkme。MayIspeakwithAntonio？BASSANIOIfitpleaseyoutodinewithus。SHYLOCKYes，tosmellpork；toeatofthehabitationwhichyourprophettheNazariteconjuredthedevilinto。
I
willbuywithyou，sellwithyou，talkwithyou，walkwithyou，andsofollowing，butIwillnoteatwithyou，drinkwithyou，norpraywithyou。WhatnewsontheRialto？Whoishecomeshere？
EnterANTONIOBASSANIOThisisSigniorAntonio。SHYLOCK[Aside]Howlikeafawningpublicanhelooks！
IhatehimforheisaChristian，ButmoreforthatinlowsimplicityHelendsoutmoneygratisandbringsdownTherateofusanceherewithusinVenice。
IfIcancatchhimonceuponthehip，IwillfeedfattheancientgrudgeIbearhim。
Hehatesoursacrednation，andherails，Eventherewheremerchantsmostdocongregate，Onme，mybargainsandmywell-wonthrift，Whichhecallsinterest。Cursedbemytribe，IfIforgivehim！BASSANIOShylock，doyouhear？SHYLOCKIamdebatingofmypresentstore，And，bythenearguessofmymemory，IcannotinstantlyraiseupthegrossOffullthreethousandducats。Whatofthat？
Tubal，awealthyHebrewofmytribe，Willfurnishme。Butsoft！howmanymonthsDoyoudesire？
ToANTONIO
Restyoufair，goodsignior；
Yourworshipwasthelastmaninourmouths。ANTONIOShylock，althoughIneitherlendnorborrowBytakingnorbygivingofexcess，Yet，tosupplytheripewantsofmyfriend，I’llbreakacustom。Isheyetpossess’dHowmuchyewould？SHYLOCKAy，ay，threethousandducats。ANTONIOAndforthreemonths。SHYLOCKIhadforgot；threemonths；youtoldmeso。
Wellthen，yourbond；andletmesee；buthearyou；
MethoughtyousaidyouneitherlendnorborrowUponadvantage。ANTONIOIdoneveruseit。SHYLOCKWhenJacobgrazedhisuncleLaban’ssheep——
ThisJacobfromourholyAbramwas，Ashiswisemotherwroughtinhisbehalf，Thethirdpossessor；ay，hewasthethird——ANTONIOAndwhatofhim？didhetakeinterest？SHYLOCKNo，nottakeinterest，not，asyouwouldsay，Directlyinterest：markwhatJacobdid。
WhenLabanandhimselfwerecompromisedThatalltheeanlingswhichwerestreak’dandpiedShouldfallasJacob’shire，theewes，beingrank，Intheendofautumnturnedtotherams，And，whentheworkofgenerationwasBetweenthesewoollybreedersintheact，Theskilfulshepherdpeel’dmecertainwands，And，inthedoingofthedeedofkind，Hestuckthemupbeforethefulsomeewes，WhothenconceivingdidineaningtimeFallparti-colour’dlambs，andthosewereJacob’s。
Thiswasawaytothrive，andhewasblest：
Andthriftisblessing，ifmenstealitnot。ANTONIOThiswasaventure，sir，thatJacobservedfor；
Athingnotinhispowertobringtopass，Butsway’dandfashion’dbythehandofheaven。
Wasthisinsertedtomakeinterestgood？
Orisyourgoldandsilverewesandrams？SHYLOCKIcannottell；Imakeitbreedasfast：
Butnoteme，signior。ANTONIOMarkyouthis，Bassanio，ThedevilcanciteScriptureforhispurpose。
AnevilsoulproducingholywitnessIslikeavillainwithasmilingcheek，Agoodlyapplerottenattheheart：
O，whatagoodlyoutsidefalsehoodhath！SHYLOCKThreethousandducats；’tisagoodroundsum。
Threemonthsfromtwelve；then，letmesee；therate——ANTONIOWell，Shylock，shallwebebeholdingtoyou？SHYLOCKSigniorAntonio，manyatimeandoftIntheRialtoyouhaveratedmeAboutmymoneysandmyusances：
StillhaveIborneitwithapatientshrug，Forsufferanceisthebadgeofallourtribe。
Youcallmemisbeliever，cut-throatdog，AndspituponmyJewishgaberdine，Andallforuseofthatwhichismineown。
Wellthen，itnowappearsyouneedmyhelp：
Goto，then；youcometome，andyousay’Shylock，wewouldhavemoneys：’yousayso；
You，thatdidvoidyourrheumuponmybeardAndfootmeasyouspurnastrangercurOveryourthreshold：moneysisyoursuitWhatshouldIsaytoyou？ShouldInotsay’Hathadogmoney？isitpossibleAcurcanlendthreethousandducats？’OrShallIbendlowandinabondman’skey，Withbatedbreathandwhisperinghumbleness，Saythis；
’Fairsir，youspitonmeonWednesdaylast；
Youspurn’dmesuchaday；anothertimeYoucall’dmedog；andforthesecourtesiesI’lllendyouthusmuchmoneys’？ANTONIOIamasliketocalltheesoagain，Tospitontheeagain，tospurntheetoo。
Ifthouwiltlendthismoney，lenditnotAstothyfriends；forwhendidfriendshiptakeAbreedforbarrenmetalofhisfriend？
Butlenditrathertothineenemy，Who，ifhebreak，thoumaystwithbetterfaceExactthepenalty。SHYLOCKWhy，lookyou，howyoustorm！
Iwouldbefriendswithyouandhaveyourlove，Forgettheshamesthatyouhavestain’dmewith，SupplyyourpresentwantsandtakenodoitOfusanceformymoneys，andyou’llnothearme：
ThisiskindIoffer。BASSANIOThiswerekindness。SHYLOCKThiskindnesswillIshow。
Gowithmetoanotary，sealmethereYoursinglebond；and，inamerrysport，Ifyourepaymenotonsuchaday，Insuchaplace，suchsumorsumsasareExpress’dinthecondition，lettheforfeitBenominatedforanequalpoundOfyourfairflesh，tobecutoffandtakenInwhatpartofyourbodypleasethme。ANTONIOContent，i’faith：I’llsealtosuchabondAndsaythereismuchkindnessintheJew。BASSANIOYoushallnotsealtosuchabondforme：
I’llratherdwellinmynecessity。ANTONIOWhy，fearnot，man；Iwillnotforfeitit：
Withinthesetwomonths，that’samonthbeforeThisbondexpires，IdoexpectreturnOfthricethreetimesthevalueofthisbond。SHYLOCKOfatherAbram，whattheseChristiansare，WhoseownharddealingsteachesthemsuspectThethoughtsofothers！Prayyou，tellmethis；
Ifheshouldbreakhisday，whatshouldIgainBytheexactionoftheforfeiture？
Apoundofman’sfleshtakenfromamanIsnotsoestimable，profitableneither，Asfleshofmuttons，beefs，orgoats。Isay，Tobuyhisfavour，Iextendthisfriendship：
Ifhewilltakeit，so；ifnot，adieu；
And，formylove，Iprayyouwrongmenot。ANTONIOYesShylock，Iwillsealuntothisbond。SHYLOCKThenmeetmeforthwithatthenotary’s；
Givehimdirectionforthismerrybond，AndIwillgoandpursetheducatsstraight，Seetomyhouse，leftinthefearfulguardOfanunthriftyknave，andpresentlyIwillbewithyou。ANTONIOHiethee，gentleJew。
ExitShylockTheHebrewwillturnChristian：hegrowskind。BASSANIOIlikenotfairtermsandavillain’smind。ANTONIOComeon：inthistherecanbenodismay；
Myshipscomehomeamonthbeforetheday。
ExeuntACTIISCENEI。Belmont。AroominPORTIA’Shouse。Flourishofcornets。EnterthePRINCEOFMOROCCOandhistrain；PORTIA，NERISSA，andothersattendingMOROCCOMislikemenotformycomplexion，Theshadow’dliveryoftheburnish’dsun，TowhomIamaneighbourandnearbred。
Bringmethefairestcreaturenorthwardborn，WherePhoebus’firescarcethawstheicicles，Andletusmakeincisionforyourlove，Toprovewhosebloodisreddest，hisormine。
Itellthee，lady，thisaspectofmineHathfear’dthevaliant：bymyloveIswearThebest-regardedvirginsofourclimeHavelovedittoo：Iwouldnotchangethishue，Excepttostealyourthoughts，mygentlequeen。PORTIAIntermsofchoiceIamnotsolelyledBynicedirectionofamaiden’seyes；
Besides，thelotteryofmydestinyBarsmetherightofvoluntarychoosing：
ButifmyfatherhadnotscantedmeAndhedgedmebyhiswit，toyieldmyselfHiswifewhowinsmebythatmeansItoldyou，Yourself，renownedprince，thenstoodasfairAsanycomerIhavelook’donyetFormyaffection。MOROCCOEvenforthatIthankyou：
Therefore，Iprayyou，leadmetothecasketsTotrymyfortune。BythisscimitarThatslewtheSophyandaPersianprinceThatwonthreefieldsofSultanSolyman，Iwouldoutstarethesternesteyesthatlook，Outbravetheheartmostdaringontheearth，Plucktheyoungsuckingcubsfromtheshe-bear，Yea，mockthelionwhenheroarsforprey，Towinthee，lady。But，alasthewhile！
IfHerculesandLichasplayatdiceWhichisthebetterman，thegreaterthrowMayturnbyfortunefromtheweakerhand：
SoisAlcidesbeatenbyhispage；
AndsomayI，blindfortuneleadingme，Missthatwhichoneunworthiermayattain，Anddiewithgrieving。PORTIAYoumusttakeyourchance，AndeithernotattempttochooseatallOrswearbeforeyouchoose，ifyouchoosewrongNevertospeaktoladyafterwardInwayofmarriage：thereforebeadvised。MOROCCONorwillnot。Come，bringmeuntomychance。PORTIAFirst，forwardtothetemple：afterdinnerYourhazardshallbemade。MOROCCOGoodfortunethen！
Tomakemeblestorcursed’stamongmen。
Cornets，andexeuntSCENEII。Venice。Astreet。EnterLAUNCELOTLAUNCELOTCertainlymyconsciencewillservemetorunfromthisJewmymaster。Thefiendisatmineelbowandtemptsmesayingtome’Gobbo，LauncelotGobbo，goodLauncelot，’or’goodGobbo，’orgoodLauncelotGobbo，useyourlegs，takethestart，runaway。
Myconsciencesays’No；takeheed，’honestLauncelot；
takeheed，honestGobbo，or，asaforesaid，’honestLauncelotGobbo；donotrun；scornrunningwiththyheels。’Well，themostcourageousfiendbidsmepack：’Via！’saysthefiend；’away！’saysthefiend；’fortheheavens，rouseupabravemind，’
saysthefiend，’andrun。’Well，myconscience，hangingabouttheneckofmyheart，saysverywiselytome’MyhonestfriendLauncelot，beinganhonestman’sson，’orratheranhonestwoman’sson；for，indeed，myfatherdidsomethingsmack，somethinggrowto，hehadakindoftaste；well，myconsciencesays’Launcelot，budgenot。’’Budge，’saysthefiend。’Budgenot，’saysmyconscience。
’Conscience，’sayI，’youcounselwell；’’Fiend，’
sayI，’youcounselwell：’toberuledbymyconscience，IshouldstaywiththeJewmymaster，who，Godblessthemark，isakindofdevil；and，torunawayfromtheJew，Ishouldberuledbythefiend，who，savingyourreverence，isthedevilhimself。CertainlytheJewistheverydevilincarnal；and，inmyconscience，myconscienceisbutakindofhardconscience，tooffertocounselmetostaywiththeJew。Thefiendgivesthemorefriendlycounsel：Iwillrun，fiend；myheelsareatyourcommand；Iwillrun。
EnterOldGOBBO，withabasketGOBBOMasteryoungman，you，Iprayyou，whichisthewaytomasterJew’s？LAUNCELOT[Aside]Oheavens，thisismytrue-begottenfather！
who，beingmorethansand-blind，high-gravelblind，knowsmenot：Iwilltryconfusionswithhim。GOBBOMasteryounggentleman，Iprayyou，whichisthewaytomasterJew’s？LAUNCELOTTurnuponyourrighthandatthenextturning，but，atthenextturningofall，onyourleft；marry，attheverynextturning，turnofnohand，butturndownindirectlytotheJew’shouse。GOBBOByGod’ssonties，’twillbeahardwaytohit。CanyoutellmewhetheroneLauncelot，thatdwellswithhim，dwellwithhimorno？LAUNCELOTTalkyouofyoungMasterLauncelot？
AsideMarkmenow；nowwillIraisethewaters。TalkyouofyoungMasterLauncelot？GOBBONomaster，sir，butapoorman’sson：
hisfather，thoughIsayit，isanhonestexceedingpoormanand，Godbethanked，welltolive。LAUNCELOTWell，lethisfatherbewhata’will，wetalkofyoungMasterLauncelot。GOBBOYourworship’sfriendandLauncelot，sir。LAUNCELOTButIprayyou，ergo，oldman，ergo，I
beseechyou，talkyouofyoungMasterLauncelot？GOBBOOfLauncelot，an’tpleaseyourmastership。LAUNCELOTErgo，MasterLauncelot。TalknotofMasterLauncelot，father；fortheyounggentleman，accordingtoFatesandDestiniesandsuchoddsayings，theSistersThreeandsuchbranchesoflearning，isindeeddeceased，or，asyouwouldsayinplainterms，gonetoheaven。GOBBOMarry，Godforbid！theboywastheverystaffofmyage，myveryprop。LAUNCELOTDoIlooklikeacudgelorahovel-post，astafforaprop？Doyouknowme，father？GOBBOAlacktheday，Iknowyounot，younggentleman：
but，Iprayyou，tellme，ismyboy，Godresthissoul，aliveordead？LAUNCELOTDoyounotknowme，father？GOBBOAlack，sir，Iamsand-blind；Iknowyounot。LAUNCELOTNay，indeed，ifyouhadyoureyes，youmightfailoftheknowingme：itisawisefatherthatknowshisownchild。Well，oldman，Iwilltellyounewsofyourson：givemeyourblessing：truthwillcometolight；murdercannotbehidlong；aman’ssonmay，butatthelengthtruthwillout。GOBBOPrayyou，sir，standup：IamsureyouarenotLauncelot，myboy。LAUNCELOTPrayyou，let’shavenomorefoolingaboutit，butgivemeyourblessing：IamLauncelot，yourboythatwas，yoursonthatis，yourchildthatshallbe。GOBBOIcannotthinkyouaremyson。LAUNCELOTIknownotwhatIshallthinkofthat：
butIamLauncelot，theJew’sman，andIamsureMargeryyourwifeismymother。GOBBOHernameisMargery，indeed：I’llbesworn，ifthoubeLauncelot，thouartmineownfleshandblood。
Lordworshippedmighthebe！whatabeardhastthougot！thouhastgotmorehaironthychinthanDobbinmyfill-horsehasonhistail。LAUNCELOTItshouldseem，then，thatDobbin’stailgrowsbackward：IamsurehehadmorehairofhistailthanIhaveofmyfacewhenIlastsawhim。GOBBOLord，howartthouchanged！Howdostthouandthymasteragree？Ihavebroughthimapresent。How’greeyounow？LAUNCELOTWell，well：but，formineownpart，asIhavesetupmyresttorunaway，soIwillnotresttillI
haverunsomeground。Mymaster’saveryJew：
givehimapresent！givehimahalter：Iamfamishedinhisservice；youmaytelleveryfingerIhavewithmyribs。Father，Iamgladyouarecome：givemeyourpresenttooneMasterBassanio，who，indeed，givesrarenewliveries：ifIservenothim，I
willrunasfarasGodhasanyground。Orarefortune！herecomestheman：tohim，father；
forI
amaJew，ifIservetheJewanylonger。
EnterBASSANIO，withLEONARDOandotherfollowersBASSANIOYoumaydoso；butletitbesohastedthatsupperbereadyatthefarthestbyfiveoftheclock。
Seetheselettersdelivered；puttheliveriestomaking，anddesireGratianotocomeanontomylodging。
ExitaServantLAUNCELOTTohim，father。GOBBOGodblessyourworship！BASSANIOGramercy！wouldstthouaughtwithme？GOBBOHere’smyson，sir，apoorboy，——LAUNCELOTNotapoorboy，sir，buttherichJew’sman；thatwould，sir，asmyfathershallspecify——GOBBOHehathagreatinfection，sir，asonewouldsay，toserve——LAUNCELOTIndeed，theshortandthelongis，I
servetheJew，andhaveadesire，asmyfathershallspecify——GOBBOHismasterandhe，savingyourworship’sreverence，arescarcecater-cousins——LAUNCELOTTobebrief，theverytruthisthattheJew，havingdonemewrong，dothcauseme，asmyfather，being，I
hope，anoldman，shallfrutifyuntoyou——GOBBOIhavehereadishofdovesthatIwouldbestowuponyourworship，andmysuitis——LAUNCELOTInverybrief，thesuitisimpertinenttomyself，asyourworshipshallknowbythishonestoldman；
and，thoughIsayit，thougholdman，yetpoorman，myfather。BASSANIOOnespeakforboth。Whatwouldyou？LAUNCELOTServeyou，sir。GOBBOThatistheverydefectofthematter，sir。BASSANIOIknowtheewell；thouhastobtain’dthysuit：
Shylockthymasterspokewithmethisday，Andhathpreferr’dthee，ifitbeprefermentToleavearichJew’sservice，tobecomeThefollowerofsopooragentleman。LAUNCELOTTheoldproverbisverywellpartedbetweenmymasterShylockandyou，sir：youhavethegraceofGod，sir，andhehathenough。BASSANIOThouspeak’stitwell。Go，father，withthyson。
TakeleaveofthyoldmasterandinquireMylodgingout。GivehimaliveryMoreguardedthanhisfellows’：seeitdone。LAUNCELOTFather，in。Icannotgetaservice，no；
Ihavene’eratongueinmyhead。Well，ifanymaninItalyhaveafairertablewhichdothoffertoswearuponabook，Ishallhavegoodfortune。Goto，here’sasimplelineoflife：here’sasmalltrifleofwives：alas，fifteenwivesisnothing！elevenwidowsandninemaidsisasimplecoming-inforoneman：andthento’scapedrowningthrice，andtobeinperilofmylifewiththeedgeofafeather-bed；
herearesimplescapes。Well，ifFortunebeawoman，she’sagoodwenchforthisgear。Father，come；I’lltakemyleaveoftheJewinthetwinklingofaneye。
ExeuntLauncelotandOldGobboBASSANIOIpraythee，goodLeonardo，thinkonthis：
Thesethingsbeingboughtandorderlybestow’d，Returninhaste，forIdofeastto-nightMybest-esteem’dacquaintance：hiethee，go。LEONARDOMybestendeavoursshallbedoneherein。
EnterGRATIANOGRATIANOWhereisyourmaster？LEONARDOYonder，sir，hewalks。
ExitGRATIANOSigniorBassanio！BASSANIOGratiano！GRATIANOIhaveasuittoyou。BASSANIOYouhaveobtain’dit。GRATIANOYoumustnotdenyme：ImustgowithyoutoBelmont。BASSANIOWhythenyoumust。Buthearthee，Gratiano；
Thouarttoowild，toorudeandboldofvoice；
PartsthatbecometheehappilyenoughAndinsucheyesasoursappearnotfaults；
Butwherethouartnotknown，why，theretheyshowSomethingtooliberal。Praythee，takepainToallaywithsomecolddropsofmodestyThyskippingspirit，lestthroughthywildbehaviorIbemisconstruedintheplaceIgoto，Andlosemyhopes。GRATIANOSigniorBassanio，hearme：
IfIdonotputonasoberhabit，Talkwithrespectandswearbutnowandthen，Wearprayer-booksinmypocket，lookdemurely，Naymore，whilegraceissaying，hoodmineeyesThuswithmyhat，andsighandsay’amen，’
Usealltheobservanceofcivility，LikeonewellstudiedinasadostentTopleasehisgrandam，nevertrustmemore。BASSANIOWell，weshallseeyourbearing。GRATIANONay，butIbarto-night：youshallnotgaugemeBywhatwedoto-night。BASSANIONo，thatwerepity：
IwouldentreatyourathertoputonYourboldestsuitofmirth，forwehavefriendsThatpurposemerriment。Butfareyouwell：
Ihavesomebusiness。GRATIANOAndImusttoLorenzoandtherest：
Butwewillvisityouatsupper-time。
ExeuntSCENEIII。Thesame。AroominSHYLOCK’Shouse。EnterJESSICAandLAUNCELOTJESSICAIamsorrythouwiltleavemyfatherso：
Ourhouseishell，andthou，amerrydevil，Didstrobitofsometasteoftediousness。
Butfaretheewell，thereisaducatforthee：
And，Launcelot，soonatsuppershaltthouseeLorenzo，whoisthynewmaster’sguest：
Givehimthisletter；doitsecretly；
Andsofarewell：IwouldnothavemyfatherSeemeintalkwiththee。LAUNCELOTAdieu！tearsexhibitmytongue。Mostbeautifulpagan，mostsweetJew！ifaChristiandidnotplaytheknaveandgetthee，Iammuchdeceived。But，adieu：thesefoolishdropsdosomethingdrownmymanlyspirit：adieu。JESSICAFarewell，goodLauncelot。
ExitLauncelotAlack，whatheinoussinisitinmeTobeashamedtobemyfather’schild！
ButthoughIamadaughtertohisblood，Iamnottohismanners。OLorenzo，Ifthoukeeppromise，Ishallendthisstrife，BecomeaChristianandthylovingwife。
ExitSCENEIV。Thesame。Astreet。EnterGRATIANO，LORENZO，SALARINO，andSALANIOLORENZONay，wewillslinkawayinsupper-time，Disguiseusatmylodgingandreturn，Allinanhour。GRATIANOWehavenotmadegoodpreparation。SALARINOWehavenotspokeusyetoftorchbearers。SALANIO’Tisvile，unlessitmaybequaintlyorder’d，Andbetterinmymindnotundertook。LORENZO’Tisnowbutfouro’clock：wehavetwohoursTofurnishus。
EnterLAUNCELOT，withaletterFriendLauncelot，what’sthenews？LAUNCELOTAnitshallpleaseyoutobreakupthis，itshallseemtosignify。LORENZOIknowthehand：infaith，’tisafairhand；
AndwhiterthanthepaperitwritonIsthefairhandthatwrit。GRATIANOLove-news，infaith。LAUNCELOTByyourleave，sir。LORENZOWhithergoestthou？LAUNCELOTMarry，sir，tobidmyoldmastertheJewtosupto-nightwithmynewmastertheChristian。LORENZOHoldhere，takethis：tellgentleJessicaIwillnotfailher；speakitprivately。
Go，gentlemen，ExitLauncelotWillyouprepareyouforthismasquetonight？
Iamprovidedofatorch-bearer。SALANIOAy，marry，I’llbegoneaboutitstraight。SALANIOAndsowillI。LORENZOMeetmeandGratianoAtGratiano’slodgingsomehourhence。SALARINO’Tisgoodwedoso。
ExeuntSALARINOandSALANIOGRATIANOWasnotthatletterfromfairJessica？LORENZOImustneedstelltheeall。ShehathdirectedHowIshalltakeherfromherfather’shouse，Whatgoldandjewelssheisfurnish’dwith，Whatpage’ssuitshehathinreadiness。
Ife’ertheJewherfathercometoheaven，Itwillbeforhisgentledaughter’ssake：
Andneverdaremisfortunecrossherfoot，Unlessshedoitunderthisexcuse，ThatsheisissuetoafaithlessJew。
Come，gowithme；perusethisasthougoest：
FairJessicashallbemytorch-bearer。
ExeuntSCENEV。Thesame。BeforeSHYLOCK’Shouse。EnterSHYLOCKandLAUNCELOTSHYLOCKWell，thoushaltsee，thyeyesshallbethyjudge，ThedifferenceofoldShylockandBassanio：——
What，Jessica！——thoushaltnotgormandise，Asthouhastdonewithme：——What，Jessica！——
Andsleepandsnore，andrendapparelout；——
Why，Jessica，Isay！LAUNCELOTWhy，Jessica！SHYLOCKWhobidstheecall？Idonotbidtheecall。LAUNCELOTYourworshipwaswonttotellmethatIcoulddonothingwithoutbidding。
EnterJessicaJESSICACallyou？whatisyourwill？SHYLOCKIambidforthtosupper，Jessica：
Therearemykeys。ButwhereforeshouldIgo？
Iamnotbidforlove；theyflatterme：
ButyetI’llgoinhate，tofeeduponTheprodigalChristian。Jessica，mygirl，Looktomyhouse。Iamrightloathtogo：
Thereissomeilla-brewingtowardsmyrest，ForIdiddreamofmoney-bagsto-night。LAUNCELOTIbeseechyou，sir，go：myyoungmasterdothexpectyourreproach。SHYLOCKSodoIhis。LAUNCELOTAntheyhaveconspiredtogether，Iwillnotsayyoushallseeamasque；butifyoudo，thenitwasnotfornothingthatmynosefella-bleedingonBlack-Mondaylastatsixo’clocki’themorning，fallingoutthatyearonAsh-Wednesdaywasfouryear，intheafternoon。SHYLOCKWhat，aretheremasques？Hearyoume，Jessica：
Lockupmydoors；andwhenyouhearthedrumAndthevilesquealingofthewry-neck’dfife，Clambernotyouuptothecasementsthen，NorthrustyourheadintothepublicstreetTogazeonChristianfoolswithvarnish’dfaces，Butstopmyhouse’sears，Imeanmycasements：
LetnotthesoundofshallowfopperyenterMysoberhouse。ByJacob’sstaff，Iswear，Ihavenomindoffeastingforthto-night：
ButIwillgo。Goyoubeforeme，sirrah；
SayIwillcome。LAUNCELOTIwillgobefore，sir。Mistress，lookoutatwindow，forallthis，TherewillcomeaChristianboy，willbeworthaJewess’eye。
ExitSHYLOCKWhatsaysthatfoolofHagar’soffspring，ha？JESSICAHiswordswere’Farewellmistress；’nothingelse。SHYLOCKThepatchiskindenough，butahugefeeder；
Snail-slowinprofit，andhesleepsbydayMorethanthewild-cat：droneshivenotwithme；
ThereforeIpartwithhim，andpartwithhimToonethatwouldhavehimhelptowasteHisborrow’dpurse。Well，Jessica，goin；
PerhapsIwillreturnimmediately：
DoasIbidyou；shutdoorsafteryou：
Fastbind，fastfind；
Aproverbneverstaleinthriftymind。
ExitJESSICAFarewell；andifmyfortunebenotcrost，Ihaveafather，youadaughter，lost。
ExitSCENEVI。Thesame。EnterGRATIANOandSALARINO，masquedGRATIANOThisisthepent-houseunderwhichLorenzoDesiredustomakestand。SALARINOHishourisalmostpast。GRATIANOAnditismarvelheout-dwellshishour，Forloverseverrunbeforetheclock。SALARINOO，tentimesfasterVenus’pigeonsflyToseallove’sbondsnew-made，thantheyarewontTokeepobligedfaithunforfeited！GRATIANOThateverholds：whorisethfromafeastWiththatkeenappetitethathesitsdown？
WhereisthehorsethatdothuntreadagainHistediousmeasureswiththeunbatedfireThathedidpacethemfirst？Allthingsthatare，Arewithmorespiritchasedthanenjoy’d。
HowlikeayounkeroraprodigalThescarfedbarkputsfromhernativebay，Hugg’dandembracedbythestrumpetwind！
Howliketheprodigaldothshereturn，Withover-weather’dribsandraggedsails，Lean，rentandbeggar’dbythestrumpetwind！SALARINOHerecomesLorenzo：moreofthishereafter。
EnterLORENZOLORENZOSweetfriends，yourpatienceformylongabode；
NotI，butmyaffairs，havemadeyouwait：
Whenyoushallpleasetoplaythethievesforwives，I’llwatchaslongforyouthen。Approach；
HeredwellsmyfatherJew。Ho！who’swithin？
EnterJESSICA，above，inboy’sclothesJESSICAWhoareyou？Tellme，formorecertainty，AlbeitI’llswearthatIdoknowyourtongue。LORENZOLorenzo，andthylove。JESSICALorenzo，certain，andmyloveindeed，ForwholoveIsomuch？AndnowwhoknowsButyou，Lorenzo，whetherIamyours？LORENZOHeavenandthythoughtsarewitnessthatthouart。JESSICAHere，catchthiscasket；itisworththepains。
Iamglad’tisnight，youdonotlookonme，ForIammuchashamedofmyexchange：
ButloveisblindandloverscannotseeTheprettyfolliesthatthemselvescommit；
Foriftheycould，CupidhimselfwouldblushToseemethustransformedtoaboy。LORENZODescend，foryoumustbemytorchbearer。JESSICAWhat，mustIholdacandletomyshames？
Theyinthemselves，good-sooth，aretootoolight。
Why，’tisanofficeofdiscovery，love；
AndIshouldbeobscured。LORENZOSoareyou，sweet，Eveninthelovelygarnishofaboy。
Butcomeatonce；
Fortheclosenightdothplaytherunaway，Andwearestay’dforatBassanio’sfeast。JESSICAIwillmakefastthedoors，andgildmyselfWithsomemoreducats，andbewithyoustraight。
ExitaboveGRATIANONow，bymyhood，aGentileandnoJew。LORENZOBeshrewmebutIloveherheartily；
Forsheiswise，ifIcanjudgeofher，Andfairsheis，ifthatmineeyesbetrue，Andtruesheis，asshehathprovedherself，Andtherefore，likeherself，wise，fairandtrue，Shallshebeplacedinmyconstantsoul。
EnterJESSICA，belowWhat，artthoucome？On，gentlemen；away！
Ourmasquingmatesbythistimeforusstay。