ExitwithJessicaandSalarinoEnterANTONIOANTONIOWho’sthere？GRATIANOSigniorAntonio！ANTONIOFie，fie，Gratiano！wherearealltherest？
’Tisnineo’clock：ourfriendsallstayforyou。
Nomasqueto-night：thewindiscomeabout；
Bassaniopresentlywillgoaboard：
Ihavesenttwentyouttoseekforyou。GRATIANOIamgladon’t：IdesirenomoredelightThantobeundersailandgoneto-night。
ExeuntSCENEVII。Belmont。AroominPORTIA’Shouse。Flourishofcornets。EnterPORTIA，withthePRINCEOFMOROCCO，andtheirtrainsPORTIAGodrawasidethecurtainsanddiscoverTheseveralcasketstothisnobleprince。
Nowmakeyourchoice。MOROCCOThefirst，ofgold，whothisinscriptionbears，’Whochoosethmeshallgainwhatmanymendesire；’
Thesecond，silver，whichthispromisecarries，’Whochoosethmeshallgetasmuchashedeserves；’
Thisthird，dulllead，withwarningallasblunt，’Whochoosethmemustgiveandhazardallhehath。’
HowshallIknowifIdochoosetheright？PORTIATheoneofthemcontainsmypicture，prince：
Ifyouchoosethat，thenIamyourswithal。MOROCCOSomegoddirectmyjudgment！Letmesee；
Iwillsurveytheinscriptionsbackagain。
Whatsaysthisleadencasket？
’Whochoosethmemustgiveandhazardallhehath。’
Mustgive：forwhat？forlead？hazardforlead？
Thiscasketthreatens。MenthathazardallDoitinhopeoffairadvantages：
Agoldenmindstoopsnottoshowsofdross；
I’llthennorgivenorhazardaughtforlead。
Whatsaysthesilverwithhervirginhue？
’Whochoosethmeshallgetasmuchashedeserves。’
Asmuchashedeserves！Pausethere，Morocco，Andweighthyvaluewithanevenhand：
Ifthoube’stratedbythyestimation，Thoudostdeserveenough；andyetenoughMaynotextendsofarastothelady：
AndyettobeafeardofmydeservingWerebutaweakdisablingofmyself。
AsmuchasIdeserve！Why，that’sthelady：
Idoinbirthdeserveher，andinfortunes，Ingracesandinqualitiesofbreeding；
Butmorethanthese，inloveIdodeserve。
WhatifIstray’dnofurther，butchosehere？
Let’sseeoncemorethissayinggravedingold’Whochoosethmeshallgainwhatmanymendesire。’
Why，that’sthelady；alltheworlddesiresher；
Fromthefourcornersoftheearththeycome，Tokissthisshrine，thismortal-breathingsaint：
TheHyrcaniandesertsandthevastywildsOfwideArabiaareasthoroughfaresnowForprincestocomeviewfairPortia：
Thewaterykingdom，whoseambitiousheadSpitsinthefaceofheaven，isnobarTostoptheforeignspirits，buttheycome，Aso’erabrook，toseefairPortia。
Oneofthesethreecontainsherheavenlypicture。
Is’tlikethatleadcontainsher？’TweredamnationTothinksobaseathought：itweretoogrossToribhercereclothintheobscuregrave。
OrshallIthinkinsilvershe’simmured，Beingtentimesundervaluedtotriedgold？
Osinfulthought！NeversorichagemWassetinworsethangold。TheyhaveinEnglandAcointhatbearsthefigureofanangelStampedingold，butthat’sinsculp’dupon；
ButhereanangelinagoldenbedLiesallwithin。Delivermethekey：
HeredoIchoose，andthriveIasImay！PORTIAThere，takeit，prince；andifmyformliethere，ThenIamyours。
HeunlocksthegoldencasketMOROCCOOhell！whathavewehere？
AcarrionDeath，withinwhoseemptyeyeThereisawrittenscroll！I’llreadthewriting。
ReadsAllthatglittersisnotgold；
Oftenhaveyouheardthattold：
ManyamanhislifehathsoldButmyoutsidetobehold：
Gildedtombsdowormsenfold。
Hadyoubeenaswiseasbold，Younginlimbs，injudgmentold，Youranswerhadnotbeeninscroll’d：
Fareyouwell；yoursuitiscold。
Cold，indeed；andlabourlost：
Then，farewell，heat，andwelcome，frost！
Portia，adieu。IhavetoogrievedaheartTotakeatediousleave：thusloserspart。
Exitwithhistrain。FlourishofcornetsPORTIAAgentleriddance。Drawthecurtains，go。
Letallofhiscomplexionchoosemeso。
ExeuntSCENEVIII。Venice。Astreet。EnterSALARINOandSALANIOSALARINOWhy，man，IsawBassanioundersail：
WithhimisGratianogonealong；
AndintheirshipIamsureLorenzoisnot。SALANIOThevillainJewwithoutcriesraisedtheduke，WhowentwithhimtosearchBassanio’sship。SALARINOHecametoolate，theshipwasundersail：
ButtherethedukewasgiventounderstandThatinagondolawereseentogetherLorenzoandhisamorousJessica：
Besides，AntoniocertifiedthedukeTheywerenotwithBassanioinhisship。SALANIOIneverheardapassionsoconfused，Sostrange，outrageous，andsovariable，AsthedogJewdidutterinthestreets：
’Mydaughter！Omyducats！Omydaughter！
FledwithaChristian！OmyChristianducats！
Justice！thelaw！myducats，andmydaughter！
Asealedbag，twosealedbagsofducats，Ofdoubleducats，stolenfrommebymydaughter！
Andjewels，twostones，tworichandpreciousstones，Stolenbymydaughter！Justice！findthegirl；
Shehaththestonesuponher，andtheducats。’SALARINOWhy，alltheboysinVenicefollowhim，Crying，hisstones，hisdaughter，andhisducats。SALANIOLetgoodAntoniolookhekeephisday，Orheshallpayforthis。SALARINOMarry，wellremember’d。
Ireason’dwithaFrenchmanyesterday，Whotoldme，inthenarrowseasthatpartTheFrenchandEnglish，theremiscarriedAvesselofourcountryrichlyfraught：
IthoughtuponAntoniowhenhetoldme；
Andwish’dinsilencethatitwerenothis。SALANIOYouwerebesttotellAntoniowhatyouhear；
Yetdonotsuddenly，foritmaygrievehim。SALARINOAkindergentlemantreadsnottheearth。
IsawBassanioandAntoniopart：
BassaniotoldhimhewouldmakesomespeedOfhisreturn：heanswer’d，’Donotso；
Slubbernotbusinessformysake，BassanioButstaytheveryripingofthetime；
AndfortheJew’sbondwhichhehathofme，Letitnotenterinyourmindoflove：
Bemerry，andemployyourchiefestthoughtsTocourtshipandsuchfairostentsofloveAsshallconvenientlybecomeyouthere：’
Andeventhere，hiseyebeingbigwithtears，Turninghisface，heputhishandbehindhim，AndwithaffectionwondroussensibleHewrungBassanio’shand；andsotheyparted。SALANIOIthinkheonlylovestheworldforhim。
Ipraythee，letusgoandfindhimoutAndquickenhisembracedheavinessWithsomedelightorother。SALARINODoweso。
ExeuntSCENEIX。Belmont。AroominPORTIA’Shouse。EnterNERISSAwithaServitorNERISSAQuick，quick，Ipraythee；drawthecurtainstraight：
ThePrinceofArragonhathta’enhisoath，Andcomestohiselectionpresently。
Flourishofcornets。EnterthePRINCEOFARRAGON，PORTIA，andtheirtrainsPORTIABehold，therestandthecaskets，nobleprince：
IfyouchoosethatwhereinIamcontain’d，Straightshallournuptialritesbesolemnized：
Butifyoufail，withoutmorespeech，mylord，Youmustbegonefromhenceimmediately。ARRAGONIamenjoin’dbyoathtoobservethreethings：
First，nevertounfoldtoanyoneWhichcasket’twasIchose；next，ifIfailOftherightcasket，neverinmylifeTowooamaidinwayofmarriage：Lastly，IfIdofailinfortuneofmychoice，Immediatelytoleaveyouandbegone。PORTIATotheseinjunctionseveryonedothswearThatcomestohazardformyworthlessself。ARRAGONAndsohaveIaddress’dme。FortunenowTomyheart’shope！Gold；silver；andbaselead。
’Whochoosethmemustgiveandhazardallhehath。’
Youshalllookfairer，ereIgiveorhazard。
Whatsaysthegoldenchest？ha！letmesee：
’Whochoosethmeshallgainwhatmanymendesire。’
Whatmanymendesire！that’many’maybemeantBythefoolmultitude，thatchoosebyshow，Notlearningmorethanthefondeyedothteach；
Whichpriesnottotheinterior，but，likethemartlet，Buildsintheweatherontheoutwardwall，Evenintheforceandroadofcasualty。
Iwillnotchoosewhatmanymendesire，BecauseIwillnotjumpwithcommonspiritsAndrankmewiththebarbarousmultitudes。
Why，thentothee，thousilvertreasure-house；
Tellmeoncemorewhattitlethoudostbear：
’Whochoosethmeshallgetasmuchashedeserves：’
Andwellsaidtoo；forwhoshallgoaboutTocozenfortuneandbehonourableWithoutthestampofmerit？LetnonepresumeTowearanundeserveddignity。
O，thatestates，degreesandofficesWerenotderivedcorruptly，andthatclearhonourWerepurchasedbythemeritofthewearer！
Howmanythenshouldcoverthatstandbare！
Howmanybecommandedthatcommand！
Howmuchlowpeasantrywouldthenbeglean’dFromthetrueseedofhonour！andhowmuchhonourPick’dfromthechaffandruinofthetimesTobenew-varnish’d！Well，buttomychoice：
’Whochoosethmeshallgetasmuchashedeserves。’
Iwillassumedesert。Givemeakeyforthis，Andinstantlyunlockmyfortuneshere。
HeopensthesilvercasketPORTIAToolongapauseforthatwhichyoufindthere。ARRAGONWhat’shere？theportraitofablinkingidiot，Presentingmeaschedule！Iwillreadit。
HowmuchunlikeartthoutoPortia！
Howmuchunlikemyhopesandmydeservings！
’Whochoosethmeshallhaveasmuchashedeserves。’
DidIdeservenomorethanafool’shead？
Isthatmyprize？aremydesertsnobetter？PORTIATooffend，andjudge，aredistinctofficesAndofopposednatures。ARRAGONWhatishere？
ReadsThefireseventimestriedthis：
Seventimestriedthatjudgmentis，Thatdidneverchooseamiss。
Sometherebethatshadowskiss；
Suchhavebutashadow’sbliss：
Therebefoolsalive，Iwis，Silver’do’er；andsowasthis。
Takewhatwifeyouwilltobed，Iwilleverbeyourhead：
Sobegone：youaresped。
StillmorefoolIshallappearBythetimeIlingerhereWithonefool’sheadIcametowoo，ButIgoawaywithtwo。
Sweet，adieu。I’llkeepmyoath，Patientlytobearmywroth。
ExeuntArragonandtrainPORTIAThushaththecandlesingedthemoth。
O，thesedeliberatefools！whentheydochoose，Theyhavethewisdombytheirwittolose。NERISSATheancientsayingisnoheresy，Hangingandwivinggoesbydestiny。PORTIACome，drawthecurtain，Nerissa。
EnteraServantServantWhereismylady？PORTIAHere：whatwouldmylord？ServantMadam，thereisalightedatyourgateAyoungVenetian，onethatcomesbeforeTosignifytheapproachingofhislord；
Fromwhomhebringethsensibleregreets，Towit，besidescommendsandcourteousbreath，Giftsofrichvalue。YetIhavenotseenSolikelyanambassadoroflove：
AdayinAprilnevercamesosweet，Toshowhowcostlysummerwasathand，Asthisfore-spurrercomesbeforehislord。PORTIANomore，Ipraythee：IamhalfafeardThouwiltsayanonheissomekintothee，Thouspend’stsuchhigh-daywitinpraisinghim。
Come，come，Nerissa；forIlongtoseeQuickCupid’spostthatcomessomannerly。NERISSABassanio，lordLove，ifthywillitbe！
ExeuntACTIIISCENEI。Venice。Astreet。EnterSALANIOandSALARINOSALANIONow，whatnewsontheRialto？SALARINOWhy，yetitlivesthereuncheck’dthatAntoniohathashipofrichladingwreckedonthenarrowseas；
theGoodwins，Ithinktheycalltheplace；averydangerousflatandfatal，wherethecarcassesofmanyatallshiplieburied，astheysay，ifmygossipReportbeanhonestwomanofherword。SALANIOIwouldshewereaslyingagossipinthataseverknappedgingerormadeherneighboursbelievesheweptforthedeathofathirdhusband。Butitistrue，withoutanyslipsofprolixityorcrossingtheplainhighwayoftalk，thatthegoodAntonio，thehonestAntonio，——OthatIhadatitlegoodenoughtokeephisnamecompany！——SALARINOCome，thefullstop。SALANIOHa！whatsayestthou？Why，theendis，hehathlostaship。SALARINOIwoulditmightprovetheendofhislosses。SALANIOLetmesay’amen’betimes，lestthedevilcrossmyprayer，forherehecomesinthelikenessofaJew。
EnterSHYLOCK
Hownow，Shylock！whatnewsamongthemerchants？SHYLOCKYouknow，nonesowell，nonesowellasyou，ofmydaughter’sflight。SALARINOThat’scertain：I，formypart，knewthetailorthatmadethewingssheflewwithal。SALANIOAndShylock，forhisownpart，knewthebirdwasfledged；andthenitisthecomplexionofthemalltoleavethedam。SHYLOCKSheisdamnedforit。SALANIOThat’scertain，ifthedevilmaybeherjudge。SHYLOCKMyownfleshandbloodtorebel！SALANIOOutuponit，oldcarrion！rebelsitattheseyears？SHYLOCKIsay，mydaughterismyfleshandblood。SALARINOThereismoredifferencebetweenthyfleshandhersthanbetweenjetandivory；morebetweenyourbloodsthanthereisbetweenredwineandrhenish。Buttellus，doyouhearwhetherAntoniohavehadanylossatseaorno？SHYLOCKThereIhaveanotherbadmatch：abankrupt，aprodigal，whodarescarceshowhisheadontheRialto；abeggar，thatwasusedtocomesosmuguponthemart；lethimlooktohisbond：hewaswonttocallmeusurer；lethimlooktohisbond：hewaswonttolendmoneyforaChristiancourtesy；lethimlooktohisbond。SALARINOWhy，Iamsure，ifheforfeit，thouwiltnottakehisflesh：what’sthatgoodfor？SHYLOCKTobaitfishwithal：ifitwillfeednothingelse，itwillfeedmyrevenge。Hehathdisgracedme，andhinderedmehalfamillion；laughedatmylosses，mockedatmygains，scornedmynation，thwartedmybargains，cooledmyfriends，heatedmineenemies；andwhat’shisreason？IamaJew。HathnotaJeweyes？hathnotaJewhands，organs，dimensions，senses，affections，passions？fedwiththesamefood，hurtwiththesameweapons，subjecttothesamediseases，healedbythesamemeans，warmedandcooledbythesamewinterandsummer，asaChristianis？Ifyouprickus，dowenotbleed？
ifyoutickleus，dowenotlaugh？ifyoupoisonus，dowenotdie？andifyouwrongus，shallwenotrevenge？Ifwearelikeyouintherest，wewillresembleyouinthat。IfaJewwrongaChristian，whatishishumility？Revenge。IfaChristianwrongaJew，whatshouldhissufferancebebyChristianexample？Why，revenge。Thevillanyyouteachme，Iwillexecute，anditshallgohardbutI
willbettertheinstruction。
EnteraServantServantGentlemen，mymasterAntonioisathishouseanddesirestospeakwithyouboth。SALARINOWehavebeenupanddowntoseekhim。
EnterTUBALSALANIOHerecomesanotherofthetribe：athirdcannotbematched，unlessthedevilhimselfturnJew。
ExeuntSALANIO，SALARINO，andServantSHYLOCKHownow，Tubal！whatnewsfromGenoa？
hastthoufoundmydaughter？TUBALIoftencamewhereIdidhearofher，butcannotfindher。SHYLOCKWhy，there，there，there，there！adiamondgone，costmetwothousandducatsinFrankfort！Thecurseneverfelluponournationtillnow；Ineverfeltittillnow：twothousandducatsinthat；andotherprecious，preciousjewels。Iwouldmydaughterweredeadatmyfoot，andthejewelsinherear！
wouldshewerehearsedatmyfoot，andtheducatsinhercoffin！Nonewsofthem？Why，so：andIknownotwhat’sspentinthesearch：why，thoulossuponloss！thethiefgonewithsomuch，andsomuchtofindthethief；andnosatisfaction，norevenge：
nornoinluckstirringbutwhatlightsonmyshoulders；nosighsbutofmybreathing；notearsbutofmyshedding。TUBALYes，othermenhaveilllucktoo：Antonio，asI
heardinGenoa，——SHYLOCKWhat，what，what？illluck，illluck？TUBALHathanargosycastaway，comingfromTripolis。SHYLOCKIthankGod，IthankGod。Is’ttrue，is’ttrue？TUBALIspokewithsomeofthesailorsthatescapedthewreck。SHYLOCKIthankthee，goodTubal：goodnews，goodnews！
ha，ha！where？inGenoa？TUBALYourdaughterspentinGenoa，asIheard，inonenightfourscoreducats。SHYLOCKThoustickestadaggerinme：Ishallneverseemygoldagain：fourscoreducatsatasitting！
fourscoreducats！TUBALTherecamediversofAntonio’screditorsinmycompanytoVenice，thatswearhecannotchoosebutbreak。SHYLOCKIamverygladofit：I’llplaguehim；
I’lltorturehim：Iamgladofit。TUBALOneofthemshowedmearingthathehadofyourdaughterforamonkey。SHYLOCKOutuponher！Thoutorturestme，Tubal：
itwasmyturquoise；IhaditofLeahwhenIwasabachelor：
Iwouldnothavegivenitforawildernessofmonkeys。TUBALButAntonioiscertainlyundone。SHYLOCKNay，that’strue，that’sverytrue。Go，Tubal，feemeanofficer；bespeakhimafortnightbefore。
I
willhavetheheartofhim，ifheforfeit；for，wereheoutofVenice，IcanmakewhatmerchandiseI
will。Go，go，Tubal，andmeetmeatoursynagogue；
go，goodTubal；atoursynagogue，Tubal。
ExeuntSCENEII。Belmont。AroominPORTIA’Shouse。EnterBASSANIO，PORTIA，GRATIANO，NERISSA，andAttendantsPORTIAIprayyou，tarry：pauseadayortwoBeforeyouhazard；for，inchoosingwrong，Iloseyourcompany：thereforeforbearawhile。
There’ssomethingtellsme，butitisnotlove，Iwouldnotloseyou；andyouknowyourself，Hatecounselsnotinsuchaquality。
Butlestyoushouldnotunderstandmewell，——
Andyetamaidenhathnotonguebutthought，——
IwoulddetainyouheresomemonthortwoBeforeyouventureforme。IcouldteachyouHowtochooseright，butIamthenforsworn；
SowillIneverbe：somayyoumissme；
Butifyoudo，you’llmakemewishasin，ThatIhadbeenforsworn。Beshrewyoureyes，Theyhaveo’erlook’dmeanddividedme；
Onehalfofmeisyours，theotherhalfyours，Mineown，Iwouldsay；butifmine，thenyours，Andsoallyours。O，thesenaughtytimesPutbarsbetweentheownersandtheirrights！
Andso，thoughyours，notyours。Proveitso，Letfortunegotohellforit，notI。
Ispeaktoolong；but’tistopeizethetime，Toekeitandtodrawitoutinlength，Tostayyoufromelection。BASSANIOLetmechooseForasIam，Iliveupontherack。PORTIAUpontherack，Bassanio！thenconfessWhattreasonthereismingledwithyourlove。BASSANIONonebutthatuglytreasonofmistrust，Whichmakesmefeartheenjoyingofmylove：
Theremayaswellbeamityandlife’Tweensnowandfire，astreasonandmylove。PORTIAAy，butIfearyouspeakupontherack，Wheremenenforceddospeakanything。BASSANIOPromisemelife，andI’llconfessthetruth。PORTIAWellthen，confessandlive。BASSANIO’Confess’and’love’
Hadbeentheverysumofmyconfession：
Ohappytorment，whenmytorturerDothteachmeanswersfordeliverance！
Butletmetomyfortuneandthecaskets。PORTIAAway，then！Iamlock’dinoneofthem：
Ifyoudoloveme，youwillfindmeout。
Nerissaandtherest，standallaloof。
Letmusicsoundwhilehedothmakehischoice；
Then，ifhelose，hemakesaswan-likeend，Fadinginmusic：thatthecomparisonMaystandmoreproper，myeyeshallbethestreamAndwaterydeath-bedforhim。Hemaywin；
Andwhatismusicthen？ThenmusicisEvenastheflourishwhentruesubjectsbowToanew-crownedmonarch：suchitisAsarethosedulcetsoundsinbreakofdayThatcreepintothedreamingbridegroom’sear，Andsummonhimtomarriage。Nowhegoes，Withnolesspresence，butwithmuchmorelove，ThanyoungAlcides，whenhedidredeemThevirgintributepaidbyhowlingTroyTothesea-monster：IstandforsacrificeTherestaloofaretheDardanianwives，Withblearedvisages，comeforthtoviewTheissueoftheexploit。Go，Hercules！
Livethou，Ilive：withmuch，muchmoredismayIviewthefightthanthouthatmakestthefray。
Music，whilstBASSANIOcommentsonthecasketstohimselfSONG。
Tellmewhereisfancybred，Orintheheart，orinthehead？
Howbegot，hownourished？
Reply，reply。
Itisengender’dintheeyes，Withgazingfed；andfancydiesInthecradlewhereitlies。
Letusallringfancy’sknellI’llbeginit，——Ding，dong，bell。ALLDing，dong，bell。BASSANIOSomaytheoutwardshowsbeleastthemselves：
Theworldisstilldeceivedwithornament。
Inlaw，whatpleasotaintedandcorrupt，But，beingseasonedwithagraciousvoice，Obscurestheshowofevil？Inreligion，Whatdamnederror，butsomesoberbrowWillblessitandapproveitwithatext，Hidingthegrossnesswithfairornament？
ThereisnovicesosimplebutassumesSomemarkofvirtueonhisoutwardparts：
Howmanycowards，whoseheartsareallasfalseAsstairsofsand，wearyetupontheirchinsThebeardsofHerculesandfrowningMars；
Who，inwardsearch’d，haveliverswhiteasmilk；
Andtheseassumebutvalour’sexcrementTorenderthemredoubted！Lookonbeauty，Andyoushallsee’tispurchasedbytheweight；
Whichthereinworksamiracleinnature，Makingthemlightestthatwearmostofit：
SoarethosecrispedsnakygoldenlocksWhichmakesuchwantongambolswiththewind，Uponsupposedfairness，oftenknownTobethedowryofasecondhead，Theskullthatbredtheminthesepulchre。
ThusornamentisbuttheguiledshoreToamostdangeroussea；thebeauteousscarfVeilinganIndianbeauty；inaword，TheseemingtruthwhichcunningtimesputonToentrapthewisest。Therefore，thougaudygold，HardfoodforMidas，Iwillnoneofthee；
Nornoneofthee，thoupaleandcommondrudge’Tweenmanandman：butthou，thoumeagrelead，Whichratherthreatenestthandostpromiseaught，Thypalenessmovesmemorethaneloquence；
AndherechooseI；joybetheconsequence！PORTIA[Aside]Howalltheotherpassionsfleettoair，Asdoubtfulthoughts，andrash-embraceddespair，Andshudderingfear，andgreen-eyedjealousy！
Olove，Bemoderate；allaythyecstasy，Inmeasurereinthyjoy；scantthisexcess。
Ifeeltoomuchthyblessing：makeitless，ForfearIsurfeit。BASSANIOWhatfindIhere？
OpeningtheleadencasketFairPortia’scounterfeit！Whatdemi-godHathcomesonearcreation？Movetheseeyes？
Orwhether，ridingontheballsofmine，Seemtheyinmotion？Herearesever’dlips，Partedwithsugarbreath：sosweetabarShouldsundersuchsweetfriends。HereinherhairsThepainterplaysthespiderandhathwovenAgoldenmeshtoentraptheheartsofmen，Fasterthangnatsincobwebs；buthereyes，——
Howcouldheseetodothem？havingmadeone，MethinksitshouldhavepowertostealbothhisAndleaveitselfunfurnish’d。Yetlook，howfarThesubstanceofmypraisedothwrongthisshadowInunderprizingit，sofarthisshadowDothlimpbehindthesubstance。Here’sthescroll，Thecontinentandsummaryofmyfortune。
ReadsYouthatchoosenotbytheview，Chanceasfairandchooseastrue！
Sincethisfortunefallstoyou，Becontentandseeknonew，IfyoubewellpleasedwiththisAndholdyourfortuneforyourbliss，TurnyouwhereyourladyisAndclaimherwithalovingkiss。
Agentlescroll。Fairlady，byyourleave；
Icomebynote，togiveandtoreceive。
Likeoneoftwocontendinginaprize，Thatthinkshehathdonewellinpeople’seyes，Hearingapplauseanduniversalshout，Giddyinspirit，stillgazinginadoubtWhetherthesepearlsofpraisebehisorno；
So，thricefairlady，standI，evenso；
AsdoubtfulwhetherwhatIseebetrue，Untilconfirm’d，sign’d，ratifiedbyyou。PORTIAYouseeme，LordBassanio，whereIstand，SuchasIam：thoughformyselfaloneIwouldnotbeambitiousinmywish，Towishmyselfmuchbetter；yet，foryouIwouldbetrebledtwentytimesmyself；
Athousandtimesmorefair，tenthousandtimesmorerich；
Thatonlytostandhighinyouraccount，Imightinvirtue，beauties，livings，friends，Exceedaccount；butthefullsumofmeIssumofsomething，which，totermingross，Isanunlesson’dgirl，unschool’d，unpractised；
Happyinthis，sheisnotyetsooldButshemaylearn；happierthanthis，Sheisnotbredsodullbutshecanlearn；
HappiestofallisthathergentlespiritCommitsitselftoyourstobedirected，Asfromherlord，hergovernor，herking。
MyselfandwhatisminetoyouandyoursIsnowconverted：butnowIwasthelordOfthisfairmansion，masterofmyservants，Queeno’ermyself：andevennow，butnow，Thishouse，theseservantsandthissamemyselfAreyours，mylord：Igivethemwiththisring；
Whichwhenyoupartfrom，lose，orgiveaway，LetitpresagetheruinofyourloveAndbemyvantagetoexclaimonyou。BASSANIOMadam，youhavebereftmeofallwords，Onlymybloodspeakstoyouinmyveins；
Andthereissuchconfusioninmypowers，AsaftersomeorationfairlyspokeByabelovedprince，theredothappearAmongthebuzzingpleasedmultitude；
Whereeverysomething，beingblenttogether，Turnstoawildofnothing，saveofjoy，Express’dandnotexpress’d。ButwhenthisringPartsfromthisfinger，thenpartslifefromhence：
O，thenbeboldtosayBassanio’sdead！NERISSAMylordandlady，itisnowourtime，Thathavestoodbyandseenourwishesprosper，Tocry，goodjoy：goodjoy，mylordandlady！GRATIANOMylordBassanioandmygentlelady，Iwishyouallthejoythatyoucanwish；
ForIamsureyoucanwishnonefromme：
AndwhenyourhonoursmeantosolemnizeThebargainofyourfaith，Idobeseechyou，EvenatthattimeImaybemarriedtoo。BASSANIOWithallmyheart，sothoucanstgetawife。GRATIANOIthankyourlordship，youhavegotmeone。
Myeyes，mylord，canlookasswiftasyours：
Yousawthemistress，Ibeheldthemaid；
Youloved，Ilovedforintermission。
Nomorepertainstome，mylord，thanyou。
Yourfortunestooduponthecasketthere，Andsodidminetoo，asthematterfalls；
ForwooinghereuntilIsweatagain，AndsweatinguntilmyveryroofwasdryWithoathsoflove，atlast，ifpromiselast，IgotapromiseofthisfaironehereTohaveherlove，providedthatyourfortuneAchievedhermistress。PORTIAIsthistrue，Nerissa？NERISSAMadam，itis，soyoustandpleasedwithal。BASSANIOAnddoyou，Gratiano，meangoodfaith？GRATIANOYes，faith，mylord。BASSANIOOurfeastshallbemuchhonour’dinyourmarriage。GRATIANOWe’llplaywiththemthefirstboyforathousandducats。NERISSAWhat，andstakedown？GRATIANONo；weshallne’erwinatthatsport，andstakedown。
Butwhocomeshere？Lorenzoandhisinfidel？
What，andmyoldVenetianfriendSalerio？
EnterLORENZO，JESSICA，andSALERIO，aMessengerfromVeniceBASSANIOLorenzoandSalerio，welcomehither；
IfthattheyouthofmynewinteresthereHavepowertobidyouwelcome。Byyourleave，Ibidmyveryfriendsandcountrymen，SweetPortia，welcome。PORTIASodoI，mylord：
Theyareentirelywelcome。LORENZOIthankyourhonour。Formypart，mylord，Mypurposewasnottohaveseenyouhere；
ButmeetingwithSaleriobytheway，Hedidentreatme，pastallsayingnay，Tocomewithhimalong。SALERIOIdid，mylord；
AndIhavereasonforit。SigniorAntonioCommendshimtoyou。
GivesBassanioaletterBASSANIOEreIopehisletter，Iprayyou，tellmehowmygoodfrienddoth。SALERIONotsick，mylord，unlessitbeinmind；
Norwell，unlessinmind：hisletterthereWillshowyouhisestate。GRATIANONerissa，cheeryonstranger；bidherwelcome。
Yourhand，Salerio：what’sthenewsfromVenice？
Howdoththatroyalmerchant，goodAntonio？
Iknowhewillbegladofoursuccess；
WearetheJasons，wehavewonthefleece。SALERIOIwouldyouhadwonthefleecethathehathlost。PORTIATherearesomeshrewdcontentsinyonsamepaper，ThatstealsthecolourfromBassanio’scheek：
Somedearfrienddead；elsenothingintheworldCouldturnsomuchtheconstitutionOfanyconstantman。What，worseandworse！
Withleave，Bassanio：Iamhalfyourself，AndImustfreelyhavethehalfofanythingThatthissamepaperbringsyou。BASSANIOOsweetPortia，Hereareafewoftheunpleasant’stwordsThateverblottedpaper！Gentlelady，WhenIdidfirstimpartmylovetoyou，Ifreelytoldyou，allthewealthIhadRaninmyveins，Iwasagentleman；
AndthenItoldyoutrue：andyet，dearlady，Ratingmyselfatnothing，youshallseeHowmuchIwasabraggart。WhenItoldyouMystatewasnothing，IshouldthenhavetoldyouThatIwasworsethannothing；for，indeed，Ihaveengagedmyselftoadearfriend，Engagedmyfriendtohismereenemy，Tofeedmymeans。Hereisaletter，lady；
Thepaperasthebodyofmyfriend，Andeverywordinitagapingwound，Issuinglife-blood。Butisittrue，Salerio？
Haveallhisventuresfail’d？What，notonehit？
FromTripolis，fromMexicoandEngland，FromLisbon，BarbaryandIndia？
Andnotonevessel’scapethedreadfultouchOfmerchant-marringrocks？SALERIONotone，mylord。
Besides，itshouldappear，thatifhehadThepresentmoneytodischargetheJew，Hewouldnottakeit。NeverdidIknowAcreature，thatdidbeartheshapeofman，Sokeenandgreedytoconfoundaman：
Hepliesthedukeatmorningandatnight，Anddothimpeachthefreedomofthestate，Iftheydenyhimjustice：twentymerchants，Thedukehimself，andthemagnificoesOfgreatestport，haveallpersuadedwithhim；
ButnonecandrivehimfromtheenviouspleaOfforfeiture，ofjusticeandhisbond。JESSICAWhenIwaswithhimIhaveheardhimswearToTubalandtoChus，hiscountrymen，ThathewouldratherhaveAntonio’sfleshThantwentytimesthevalueofthesumThathedidowehim：andIknow，mylord，Iflaw，authorityandpowerdenynot，ItwillgohardwithpoorAntonio。PORTIAIsityourdearfriendthatisthusintrouble？BASSANIOThedearestfriendtome，thekindestman，Thebest-condition’dandunweariedspiritIndoingcourtesies，andoneinwhomTheancientRomanhonourmoreappearsThananythatdrawsbreathinItaly。PORTIAWhatsumoweshetheJew？BASSANIOFormethreethousandducats。PORTIAWhat，nomore？
Payhimsixthousand，anddefacethebond；
Doublesixthousand，andthentreblethat，BeforeafriendofthisdescriptionShallloseahairthroughBassanio’sfault。
Firstgowithmetochurchandcallmewife，AndthenawaytoVenicetoyourfriend；
FornevershallyouliebyPortia’ssideWithanunquietsoul。YoushallhavegoldTopaythepettydebttwentytimesover：
Whenitispaid，bringyourtruefriendalong。
MymaidNerissaandmyselfmeantimeWillliveasmaidsandwidows。Come，away！
Foryoushallhenceuponyourwedding-day：
Bidyourfriendswelcome，showamerrycheer：
Sinceyouaredearbought，Iwillloveyoudear。
Butletmeheartheletterofyourfriend。BASSANIO[Reads]SweetBassanio，myshipshaveallmiscarried，mycreditorsgrowcruel，myestateisverylow，mybondtotheJewisforfeit；andsinceinpayingit，itisimpossibleIshouldlive，alldebtsareclearedbetweenyouandI，ifImightbutseeyouatmydeath。Notwithstanding，useyourpleasure：ifyourlovedonotpersuadeyoutocome，letnotmyletter。PORTIAOlove，dispatchallbusiness，andbegone！BASSANIOSinceIhaveyourgoodleavetogoaway，Iwillmakehaste：but，tillIcomeagain，Nobedshalle’erbeguiltyofmystay，Norestbeinterposer’twixtustwain。
ExeuntSCENEIII。Venice。Astreet。EnterSHYLOCK，SALARINO，ANTONIO，andGaolerSHYLOCKGaoler，looktohim：tellnotmeofmercy；
Thisisthefoolthatlentoutmoneygratis：
Gaoler，looktohim。ANTONIOHearmeyet，goodShylock。SHYLOCKI’llhavemybond；speaknotagainstmybond：
IhaveswornanoaththatIwillhavemybond。
Thoucall’dstmedogbeforethouhadstacause；
But，sinceIamadog，bewaremyfangs：
Thedukeshallgrantmejustice。Idowonder，Thounaughtygaoler，thatthouartsofondTocomeabroadwithhimathisrequest。ANTONIOIpraythee，hearmespeak。SHYLOCKI’llhavemybond；Iwillnotheartheespeak：
I’llhavemybond；andthereforespeaknomore。
I’llnotbemadeasoftanddull-eyedfool，Toshakethehead，relent，andsigh，andyieldToChristianintercessors。Follownot；
I’llhavenospeaking：Iwillhavemybond。
ExitSALARINOItisthemostimpenetrablecurThateverkeptwithmen。ANTONIOLethimalone：
I’llfollowhimnomorewithbootlessprayers。
Heseeksmylife；hisreasonwellIknow：
Ioftdeliver’dfromhisforfeituresManythathaveattimesmademoantome；
Thereforehehatesme。SALARINOIamsurethedukeWillnevergrantthisforfeituretohold。ANTONIOThedukecannotdenythecourseoflaw：
ForthecommoditythatstrangershaveWithusinVenice，ifitbedenied，Willmuchimpeachthejusticeofhisstate；
SincethatthetradeandprofitofthecityConsistethofallnations。Therefore，go：
Thesegriefsandlosseshavesobatedme，ThatIshallhardlyspareapoundoffleshTo-morrowtomybloodycreditor。
Well，gaoler，on。PrayGod，BassaniocomeToseemepayhisdebt，andthenIcarenot！
ExeuntSCENEIV。Belmont。AroominPORTIA’Shouse。EnterPORTIA，NERISSA，LORENZO，JESSICA，andBALTHASARLORENZOMadam，althoughIspeakitinyourpresence，YouhaveanobleandatrueconceitOfgodlikeamity；whichappearsmoststronglyInbearingthustheabsenceofyourlord。
Butifyouknewtowhomyoushowthishonour，Howtrueagentlemanyousendrelief，Howdearaloverofmylordyourhusband，IknowyouwouldbeprouderoftheworkThancustomarybountycanenforceyou。PORTIAIneverdidrepentfordoinggood，Norshallnotnow：forincompanionsThatdoconverseandwastethetimetogether，WhosesoulsdobearanequalyokeOflove，TheremustbeneedsalikeproportionOflineaments，ofmannersandofspirit；
WhichmakesmethinkthatthisAntonio，Beingthebosomloverofmylord，Mustneedsbelikemylord。Ifitbeso，HowlittleisthecostIhavebestow’dInpurchasingthesemblanceofmysoulFromoutthestateofhellishmisery！
Thiscomestoonearthepraisingofmyself；
Thereforenomoreofit：hearotherthings。
Lorenzo，IcommitintoyourhandsThehusbandryandmanageofmyhouseUntilmylord’sreturn：formineownpart，IhavetowardheavenbreathedasecretvowToliveinprayerandcontemplation，OnlyattendedbyNerissahere，Untilherhusbandandmylord’sreturn：
Thereisamonasterytwomilesoff；
Andtherewillweabide。IdodesireyouNottodenythisimposition；
ThewhichmyloveandsomenecessityNowlaysuponyou。LORENZOMadam，withallmyheart；
Ishallobeyyouinallfaircommands。PORTIAMypeopledoalreadyknowmymind，AndwillacknowledgeyouandJessicaInplaceofLordBassanioandmyself。
Andsofarewell，tillweshallmeetagain。LORENZOFairthoughtsandhappyhoursattendonyou！JESSICAIwishyourladyshipallheart’scontent。PORTIAIthankyouforyourwish，andamwellpleasedTowishitbackonyou：fareyouwellJessica。
ExeuntJESSICAandLORENZO
Now，Balthasar，AsIhaveeverfoundtheehonest-true，Soletmefindtheestill。Takethissameletter，AndusethoualltheendeavourofamanInspeedtoPadua：seethourenderthisIntomycousin’shand，DoctorBellario；
And，look，whatnotesandgarmentshedothgivethee，Bringthem，Ipraythee，withimaginedspeedUntothetranect，tothecommonferryWhichtradestoVenice。Wastenotimeinwords，Butgettheegone：Ishallbetherebeforethee。BALTHASARMadam，Igowithallconvenientspeed。
ExitPORTIAComeon，Nerissa；IhaveworkinhandThatyouyetknownotof：we’llseeourhusbandsBeforetheythinkofus。NERISSAShalltheyseeus？PORTIATheyshall，Nerissa；butinsuchahabit，ThattheyshallthinkweareaccomplishedWiththatwelack。I’llholdtheeanywager，Whenwearebothaccoutredlikeyoungmen，I’llprovetheprettierfellowofthetwo，Andwearmydaggerwiththebravergrace，AndspeakbetweenthechangeofmanandboyWithareedvoice，andturntwomincingstepsIntoamanlystride，andspeakoffraysLikeafinebraggingyouth，andtellquaintlies，Howhonourableladiessoughtmylove，WhichIdenying，theyfellsickanddied；
Icouldnotdowithal；thenI’llrepent，Andwishforallthat，thatIhadnotkilledthem；
AndtwentyofthesepunyliesI’lltell，ThatmenshallswearIhavediscontinuedschoolAboveatwelvemonth。IhavewithinmymindAthousandrawtricksofthesebraggingJacks，WhichIwillpractise。NERISSAWhy，shallweturntomen？PORTIAFie，whataquestion’sthat，Ifthouwertnearalewdinterpreter！
Butcome，I’lltelltheeallmywholedeviceWhenIaminmycoach，whichstaysforusAttheparkgate；andthereforehasteaway，Forwemustmeasuretwentymilesto-day。
ExeuntSCENEV。Thesame。Agarden。EnterLAUNCELOTandJESSICALAUNCELOTYes，truly；for，lookyou，thesinsofthefatheraretobelaiduponthechildren：therefore，I
promiseye，Ifearyou。Iwasalwaysplainwithyou，andsonowIspeakmyagitationofthematter：
thereforebeofgoodcheer，fortrulyIthinkyouaredamned。Thereisbutonehopeinitthatcandoyouanygood；andthatisbutakindofbastardhopeneither。JESSICAAndwhathopeisthat，Ipraythee？LAUNCELOTMarry，youmaypartlyhopethatyourfathergotyounot，thatyouarenottheJew’sdaughter。JESSICAThatwereakindofbastardhope，indeed：
sothesinsofmymothershouldbevisiteduponme。LAUNCELOTTrulythenIfearyouaredamnedbothbyfatherandmother：thuswhenIshunScylla，yourfather，I
fallintoCharybdis，yourmother：well，youaregonebothways。JESSICAIshallbesavedbymyhusband；hehathmademeaChristian。LAUNCELOTTruly，themoretoblamehe：wewereChristiansenowbefore；e’enasmanyascouldwelllive，onebyanother。ThismakingChristianswillraisethepriceofhogs：ifwegrowalltobepork-eaters，weshallnotshortlyhavearasheronthecoalsformoney。
EnterLORENZOJESSICAI’lltellmyhusband，Launcelot，whatyousay：herehecomes。LORENZOIshallgrowjealousofyoushortly，Launcelot，ifyouthusgetmywifeintocorners。JESSICANay，youneednotfearus，Lorenzo：LauncelotandI
areout。Hetellsmeflatly，thereisnomercyformeinheaven，becauseIamaJew’sdaughter：andhesays，youarenogoodmemberofthecommonwealth，forinconvertingJewstoChristians，youraisethepriceofpork。LORENZOIshallanswerthatbettertothecommonwealththanyoucanthegettingupofthenegro’sbelly：theMooriswithchildbyyou，Launcelot。LAUNCELOTItismuchthattheMoorshouldbemorethanreason：
butifshebelessthananhonestwoman，sheisindeedmorethanItookherfor。LORENZOHoweveryfoolcanplayupontheword！
Ithinkthebestgraceofwitwillshortlyturnintosilence，anddiscoursegrowcommendableinnoneonlybutparrots。Goin，sirrah；bidthempreparefordinner。LAUNCELOTThatisdone，sir；theyhaveallstomachs。LORENZOGoodlyLord，whatawit-snapperareyou！
thenbidthempreparedinner。LAUNCELOTThatisdonetoo，sir；only’cover’istheword。LORENZOWillyoucoverthen，sir？LAUNCELOTNotso，sir，neither；Iknowmyduty。LORENZOYetmorequarrellingwithoccasion！Wiltthoushowthewholewealthofthywitinaninstant？Ipraytree，understandaplainmaninhisplainmeaning：
gotothyfellows；bidthemcoverthetable，serveinthemeat，andwewillcomeintodinner。LAUNCELOTForthetable，sir，itshallbeservedin；forthemeat，sir，itshallbecovered；foryourcomingintodinner，sir，why，letitbeashumoursandconceitsshallgovern。
ExitLORENZOOdeardiscretion，howhiswordsaresuited！
ThefoolhathplantedinhismemoryAnarmyofgoodwords；andIdoknowAmanyfools，thatstandinbetterplace，Garnish’dlikehim，thatforatricksywordDefythematter。Howcheerestthou，Jessica？
Andnow，goodsweet，saythyopinion，HowdostthouliketheLordBassanio’swife？JESSICAPastallexpressing。ItisverymeetTheLordBassanioliveanuprightlife；
For，havingsuchablessinginhislady，Hefindsthejoysofheavenhereonearth；
Andifonearthhedonotmeanit，thenInreasonheshouldnevercometoheavenWhy，iftwogodsshouldplaysomeheavenlymatchAndonthewagerlaytwoearthlywomen，AndPortiaone，theremustbesomethingelsePawn’dwiththeother，forthepoorrudeworldHathnotherfellow。LORENZOEvensuchahusbandHastthouofmeassheisforawife。JESSICANay，butaskmyopiniontooofthat。LORENZOIwillanon：first，letusgotodinner。JESSICANay，letmepraiseyouwhileIhaveastomach。LORENZONo，praythee，letitservefortable-talk；
’Then，howso’erthouspeak’st，’mongotherthingsIshalldigestit。JESSICAWell，I’llsetyouforth。
ExeuntACTIVSCENEI。Venice。Acourtofjustice。EntertheDUKE，theMagnificoes，ANTONIO，BASSANIO，GRATIANO，SALERIO，andothersDUKEWhat，isAntoniohere？ANTONIOReady，sopleaseyourgrace。DUKEIamsorryforthee：thouartcometoanswerAstonyadversary，aninhumanwretchuncapableofpity，voidandemptyFromanydramofmercy。ANTONIOIhaveheardYourgracehathta’engreatpainstoqualifyHisrigorouscourse；butsincehestandsobdurateAndthatnolawfulmeanscancarrymeOutofhisenvy’sreach，IdoopposeMypatiencetohisfury，andamarm’dTosuffer，withaquietnessofspirit，Theverytyrannyandrageofhis。DUKEGoone，andcalltheJewintothecourt。SALERIOHeisreadyatthedoor：hecomes，mylord。
EnterSHYLOCKDUKEMakeroom，andlethimstandbeforeourface。
Shylock，theworldthinks，andIthinksotoo，Thatthoubutlead’stthisfashionofthymaliceTothelasthourofact；andthen’tisthoughtThou’ltshowthymercyandremorsemorestrangeThanisthystrangeapparentcruelty；
Andwherethounowexact’stthepenalty，Whichisapoundofthispoormerchant’sflesh，Thouwiltnotonlyloosetheforfeiture，But，touch’dwithhumangentlenessandlove，Forgiveamoietyoftheprincipal；
Glancinganeyeofpityonhislosses，Thathaveoflatesohuddledonhisback，EnowtopressaroyalmerchantdownAndpluckcommiserationofhisstateFrombrassybosomsandroughheartsofflint，FromstubbornTurksandTartars，nevertrain’dToofficesoftendercourtesy。
Weallexpectagentleanswer，Jew。SHYLOCKIhavepossess’dyourgraceofwhatI
purpose；
AndbyourholySabbathhaveIswornTohavethedueandforfeitofmybond：
Ifyoudenyit，letthedangerlightUponyourcharterandyourcity’sfreedom。