Sale. 'Would you had won the fleece that he hath lost! Por. There are some shrewd contents in yon' same paper, That steal the colour from Bassanio's cheek: Some dear friend dead; else nothing in the world Of any constant man. What, worse and worse?- Bass. And not one vessel 'scape the dreadful touch Of merchant-marring rocks? Sale. Not one, my lord. Besides, it should appear, that if he had Of greatest port, have all persuaded with him; Jes. When I was with him, I have heard him swear, To Tubal, and to Chus, his countrymen, That he would rather have Antonio's flesh, It will go hard with poor Antonio. Por. Is it your dear friend, that is thus in trouble? Bass. The dearest friend to me, the kindest man, The best condition'd and unwearied spirit In doing courtesies; and one in whom Por. What, no more? 2 The chief men. 1 Pay him six thousand, and deface the bond; Shall lose a hair through Bassanio's fault. Bid Bass. [Reads.] Sweet Bassanio, my ships have all miscarried, my creditors grow cruel, my estate is very low, my bond to the Jew is forfeit; and since, in paying it, it is impossible I should live, all debts are cleared between you and I, if I might but see you at my death notwithstanding, use your pleasure: if your love do not persuade you to come, let not my letter. Por. O love, despatch all business, and be gone. Bass. Since I have your good leave to go away, I will make haste: but, till I come again, No bed shall e'er be guilty of my stay, No rest be interposer 'twixt us twain. [Exeunt. 3 Face. SCENE III. Venice. A Street. Enter SHYLOCK, SALANIO, ANTONIO, and Gaoler. Shy. Gaoler, look to him; -Tell not me of mercy; This is the fool that lent out money gratis ;— Ant. Hear me yet, good Shylock. Shy. I'll have my bond; speak not against my bond; I have sworn an oath, that I will have my bond: Shy. I'll have my bond; I will not hear thee speak: To shake the head, relent, and sigh, and yield I'll have no speaking; I will have my bond. [Exit SHYLOCK. Salan. It is the most impenetrable cur, That ever kept with men. Ant. Let him alone; I'll follow him no more with bootless prayers. 4 Foolish. He seeks my life; his reason well I know Many that have at times made moan to me; Salan. I am sure, the duke Will never grant this forfeiture to hold. Ant. The duke cannot deny the course of law; For the commodity that strangers have With us in Venice, if it be denied, Will much impeach the justice of the state; Well, gaoler, on:-Pray God, Bassanio come [Exeunt. SCENE IV. Belmont. A Room in Portia's House. Enter PORTIA, NERISSA, LORENZO, JESSICA, and BALTHAZAR. Lor. Madam, although I speak it in your presence, You have a noble and a true conceit Of god-like amity; which appears most strongly lord. But, if you knew to whom you show this honour, |