Baff. Shylock, do you hear? Shy. I am debating of my present store, And by the near guefs of my memory, I cannot inftantly raise up the grofs Of full three thoufand ducats: what of that? [To Anth. Your Worship was the last man in our mouths. Anth. Shylock, although I neither lend nor borrow, By taking, nor by giving of excefs; Yet, to fupply the ripe wants of my friend, I'll break a cuftom.- -Is he yet poffefs' How much you would? Shy. Ay, ay, three thousand ducats. Anth. And for three months. Shy. I had forgot, three months you told me fo; Well then, your bond; and let me fee,—but hear you, Methought you faid you neither lend nor borrow Upon advantage. Anth. I do never use it. Shy. When Jacob gras'd his uncle Laban's fheep,This Jacob from our holy Abraham was (As his wife mother wrought in his behalf) The third poffeffor; ay, he was the third. Anth. And what of him? did he take intereft? Shy. No, not take int'reft; not, as you would say, Directly, int'reft; mark what Jacob did. When Laban and himfelf were compromis'd, That all the yeanlings, which were streak'd and pied, The skilful fhepherd peel'd me certain wands; Anth. This was a venture, Sir, that Jacob ferv'd for; A thing not in his power to bring to pafs, But fway'd, and fashion'd, by the hand of heav'n. Anth. Mark you this, Baffanio? The devil can cite fcripture for his purpose.- O, what a goodly outfide's falfehood hath! Shy. Three thousand ducats! 'tis a good round fum. Still have I borne it with a patient fhrug; A cur can lend three thousand ducats? Or, Say this, Fair Sir, you spit on me last Wednesday, Anth. I am as like to call thee fo again, As to thy friend, (for when did friendship take Who, if he break, thou may'st with better face Shy. Why, how you ftorm? I would be friends with you, and have your love; Anth. This were kindness. Shy. This kindness will I fhow; Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken In what part of your body it fhall please me. Anth. Content, in faith; I'll feal to fuch a bond, And fay, there is much kindnefs in the Jew. Baff. You fhall not feal to fuch a bond for me, I'll rather dwell in my neceffity. Anth. Why, fear not, man; I will not forfeit it; Within thefe two months (that's a month before This bond expires) I do expect return Of thrice three times the value of this bond. Shy. O father Abraham, what these Chriftians are! A pound of man's flesh, taken from a man, As flesh of muttons, beefs, or goats. I fay, * Breed of Metal, meaning moncy at ufury, money that breeds more-The old editions (two of them) have it, A bribe of barren metal ノ And for my love, I pray you, wrong me not. Anth. Yes, Shylock, I will feal unto this bond. And I will go and purse the ducats ftrait; I will be with you. Anth. Hie thee gentle Jew. [Exit. This Hebrew will turn Chriftian; he grows kind. My fhips come home a month before the day. [Exeunt. ACT II. SCENE I. Belmont. Enter Morochius, a Tawny-Moor, all in white; and three or four followers accordingly; with Portia, Neriffa, and her train. Flourish cornets. Mor. Μ' Iflike me not for my complexion, The fhadow'd livery of the burnish'd fun, Have lov'd it too: I would not change this hue, Bars me the right of voluntary chufing. His wife, who wins me by that means I told you; H As any comer I have look'd on yet, For my affection. Mor. Ev'n for that I thank you; Therefore, I pray you, lead me to the caskets And fo may I, blind fortune leading me, Por. You must take your chance, And either not attempt to chufe at all, Or fwear, before you chufe, if you chufe wrong, In way of marriage; therefore be advis'd. Mor. Nor will not; therefore bring me chance. to my Por. Firft, forward to the temple; after dinner Your hazard fhall be made. Mor. Good fortune then, [Cornets. To make me blefs'd, or curfed'ft among men ! [Exeunt. SCENE II. Changes to Venice. Enter Launcelot alone. Laun. Certainly my confcience will ferve me to run from this Jew my mafter. The fiend is at mine elbow, and tempts me, faying to me, Gobbo, Launcelot Gobbo, good Launcelot, or good Gobbo, or good Launcelot Gobbo, ufe your legs, take the ftart, run away. My confcience fays, No; take heed, honeft Launcelot ; take heed, honeft Gobbo; or, as aforefaid, honeft Launcelot Gobbo, do not run ; fcorn running with thy |