To Tubal and to Chus, his countrymen,
That he would rather have Antonio's flesh,
Than twenty times the value of the sum
That he did owe him: and I know, my lord,
If law, authority, and power deny not,

It will

go hard with poor Antonio.

Por. Is it your dear friend, that is thus in trouble?

Bas. The dearest friend to me, the kindest

man,

T'he best condition'd and unwearied spirit

In doing courtesies; and one in whom
The ancient Roman honor more appears,
Than any that draws breath in Italy.

Por. What sum owes he the Jew?
Bas. For me, three thousand ducats.
Por.
What, no more?
Pay him six thousand, and deface the bond;
Double six thousand, and then treble that,
Before a friend of this description

Should lose a hair through Bassanio's fault.
First, go with me to church, and call me wife,
And then away to Venice to your friend;

For never shall you lie by Portia's side
With an unquiet soul. You shall have gold
To pay the petty debt twenty times over.
When it is paid, bring your true friend along:
My maid Nerissa, and myself, meantime,
Will live as maids and widows. Come, away;
For you shall hence upon your wedding-day.

Bid friends welcome; show a merry

cheer;

your Since you are dear bought, I will love you dear.But let me hear the letter of your friend.

1

Bas. [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.
Bas. 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,

Nor rest be interposer 'twixt us twain.

[Exeunt.

SCENE III.

Venice. A street.

Enter SHYLOCK, SALANIO, ANTONIO, and JAILER.

Shy. Jailer, look to him; tell not me of

mercy:

This is the fool that lent out money gratis :

Jailer, look to him.

Ant.

Hear me yet, good Shylock.

1 Countenance.