You’llaskme，whyIratherchoosetohaveAweightofcarrionfleshthantoreceiveThreethousandducats：I’llnotanswerthat：
But，say，itismyhumour：isitanswer’d？
WhatifmyhousebetroubledwitharatAndIbepleasedtogivetenthousandducatsTohaveitbaned？What，areyouanswer’dyet？
Somementherearelovenotagapingpig；
Some，thataremadiftheybeholdacat；
Andothers，whenthebagpipesingsi’thenose，Cannotcontaintheirurine：foraffection，Mistressofpassion，swaysittothemoodOfwhatitlikesorloathes。Now，foryouranswer：
Asthereisnofirmreasontoberender’d，Whyhecannotabideagapingpig；
Whyhe，aharmlessnecessarycat；
Whyhe，awoollenbagpipe；butofforceMustyieldtosuchinevitableshameAstooffend，himselfbeingoffended；
SocanIgivenoreason，norIwillnot，MorethanalodgedhateandacertainloathingIbearAntonio，thatIfollowthusAlosingsuitagainsthim。Areyouanswer’d？BASSANIOThisisnoanswer，thouunfeelingman，Toexcusethecurrentofthycruelty。SHYLOCKIamnotboundtopleasetheewithmyanswers。BASSANIODoallmenkillthethingstheydonotlove？SHYLOCKHatesanymanthethinghewouldnotkill？BASSANIOEveryoffenceisnotahateatfirst。SHYLOCKWhat，wouldstthouhaveaserpentstingtheetwice？ANTONIOIprayyou，thinkyouquestionwiththeJew：
YoumayaswellgostanduponthebeachAndbidthemainfloodbatehisusualheight；
YoumayaswellusequestionwiththewolfWhyhehathmadetheewebleatforthelamb；
YoumayaswellforbidthemountainpinesTowagtheirhightopsandtomakenonoise，Whentheyarefrettenwiththegustsofheaven；
Youmayaswelldoanythingmosthard，Asseektosoftenthat——thanwhichwhat’sharder？——
HisJewishheart：therefore，Idobeseechyou，Makenomoreoffers，usenofarthermeans，ButwithallbriefandplainconveniencyLetmehavejudgmentandtheJewhiswill。BASSANIOForthythreethousandducatshereissix。SHYLOCKWhatjudgmentshallIdread，doingWereinsixpartsandeverypartaducat，Iwouldnotdrawthem；Iwouldhavemybond。DUKEHowshaltthouhopeformercy，renderingnone？SHYLOCKWhatjudgmentshallIdread，doingnowrong？
Youhaveamongyoumanyapurchasedslave，Which，likeyourassesandyourdogsandmules，Youuseinabjectandinslavishparts，Becauseyouboughtthem：shallIsaytoyou，Letthembefree，marrythemtoyourheirs？
Whysweattheyunderburthens？lettheirbedsBemadeassoftasyoursandlettheirpalatesBeseason’dwithsuchviands？Youwillanswer’Theslavesareours：’sodoIansweryou：
Thepoundofflesh，whichIdemandofhim，Isdearlybought；’tismineandIwillhaveit。
Ifyoudenyme，fieuponyourlaw！
ThereisnoforceinthedecreesofVenice。
Istandforjudgment：answer；shallIhaveit？DUKEUponmypowerImaydismissthiscourt，UnlessBellario，alearneddoctor，WhomIhavesentfortodeterminethis，Comehereto-day。SALERIOMylord，herestayswithoutAmessengerwithlettersfromthedoctor，NewcomefromPadua。DUKEBringustheletter；callthemessenger。BASSANIOGoodcheer，Antonio！What，man，courageyet！
TheJewshallhavemyflesh，blood，bonesandall，Erethoushaltloseformeonedropofblood。ANTONIOIamataintedwetheroftheflock，Meetestfordeath：theweakestkindoffruitDropsearliesttotheground；andsoletmeYoucannotbetterbeemploy’d，Bassanio，Thantolivestillandwritemineepitaph。
EnterNERISSA，dressedlikealawyer’sclerkDUKECameyoufromPadua，fromBellario？NERISSAFromboth，mylord。Bellariogreetsyourgrace。
PresentingaletterBASSANIOWhydostthouwhetthyknifesoearnestly？SHYLOCKTocuttheforfeiturefromthatbankruptthere。GRATIANONotonthysole，butonthysoul，harshJew，Thoumakestthyknifekeen；butnometalcan，No，notthehangman’saxe，bearhalfthekeennessOfthysharpenvy。Cannoprayerspiercethee？SHYLOCKNo，nonethatthouhastwitenoughtomake。GRATIANOO，bethoudamn’d，inexecrabledog！
Andforthylifeletjusticebeaccused。
ThoualmostmakestmewaverinmyfaithToholdopinionwithPythagoras，ThatsoulsofanimalsinfusethemselvesIntothetrunksofmen：thycurrishspiritGovern’dawolf，who，hang’dforhumanslaughter，Evenfromthegallowsdidhisfellsoulfleet，And，whilstthoulay’stinthyunhallow’ddam，Infuseditselfinthee；forthydesiresArewolvish，bloody，starvedandravenous。SHYLOCKTillthoucanstrailthesealfromoffmybond，Thoubutoffend’stthylungstospeaksoloud：
Repairthywit，goodyouth，oritwillfallTocurelessruin。Istandhereforlaw。DUKEThisletterfromBellariodothcommendAyoungandlearneddoctortoourcourt。
Whereishe？NERISSAHeattendethherehardby，Toknowyouranswer，whetheryou’lladmithim。DUKEWithallmyheart。SomethreeorfourofyouGogivehimcourteousconducttothisplace。
MeantimethecourtshallhearBellario’sletter。Clerk[Reads]
YourgraceshallunderstandthatatthereceiptofyourletterIamverysick：butintheinstantthatyourmessengercame，inlovingvisitationwaswithmeayoungdoctorofRome；hisnameisBalthasar。
I
acquaintedhimwiththecauseincontroversybetweentheJewandAntoniothemerchant：weturnedo’ermanybookstogether：heisfurnishedwithmyopinion；which，betteredwithhisownlearning，thegreatnesswhereofIcannotenoughcommend，comeswithhim，atmyimportunity，tofillupyourgrace’srequestinmystead。Ibeseechyou，lethislackofyearsbenoimpedimenttolethimlackareverendestimation；forIneverknewsoyoungabodywithsooldahead。Ileavehimtoyourgraciousacceptance，whosetrialshallbetterpublishhiscommendation。DUKEYouhearthelearn’dBellario，whathewrites：
Andhere，Itakeit，isthedoctorcome。
EnterPORTIA，dressedlikeadoctoroflawsGivemeyourhand。ComeyoufromoldBellario？PORTIAIdid，mylord。DUKEYouarewelcome：takeyourplace。
AreyouacquaintedwiththedifferenceThatholdsthispresentquestioninthecourt？PORTIAIaminformedthoroughlyofthecause。
Whichisthemerchanthere，andwhichtheJew？DUKEAntonioandoldShylock，bothstandforth。PORTIAIsyournameShylock？SHYLOCKShylockismyname。PORTIAOfastrangenatureisthesuityoufollow；
YetinsuchrulethattheVenetianlawCannotimpugnyouasyoudoproceed。
Youstandwithinhisdanger，doyounot？ANTONIOAy，sohesays。PORTIADoyouconfessthebond？ANTONIOIdo。PORTIAThenmusttheJewbemerciful。SHYLOCKOnwhatcompulsionmustI？tellmethat。PORTIAThequalityofmercyisnotstrain’d，ItdroppethasthegentlerainfromheavenUpontheplacebeneath：itistwiceblest；
Itblessethhimthatgivesandhimthattakes：
’Tismightiestinthemightiest：itbecomesThethronedmonarchbetterthanhiscrown；
Hissceptreshowstheforceoftemporalpower，Theattributetoaweandmajesty，Whereindothsitthedreadandfearofkings；
Butmercyisabovethissceptredsway；
Itisenthronedintheheartsofkings，ItisanattributetoGodhimself；
AndearthlypowerdoththenshowlikestGod’sWhenmercyseasonsjustice。Therefore，Jew，Thoughjusticebethyplea，considerthis，That，inthecourseofjustice，noneofusShouldseesalvation：wedoprayformercy；
AndthatsameprayerdothteachusalltorenderThedeedsofmercy。IhavespokethusmuchTomitigatethejusticeofthyplea；
Whichifthoufollow，thisstrictcourtofVeniceMustneedsgivesentence’gainstthemerchantthere。SHYLOCKMydeedsuponmyhead！Icravethelaw，Thepenaltyandforfeitofmybond。PORTIAIshenotabletodischargethemoney？BASSANIOYes，hereItenderitforhiminthecourt；
Yea，twicethesum：ifthatwillnotsuffice，Iwillbeboundtopayittentimeso’er，Onforfeitofmyhands，myhead，myheart：
Ifthiswillnotsuffice，itmustappearThatmalicebearsdowntruth。AndIbeseechyou，Wrestoncethelawtoyourauthority：
Todoagreatright，doalittlewrong，Andcurbthiscrueldevilofhiswill。PORTIAItmustnotbe；thereisnopowerinVeniceCanalteradecreeestablished：
’Twillberecordedforaprecedent，AndmanyanerrorbythesameexampleWillrushintothestate：itcannotbe。SHYLOCKADanielcometojudgment！yea，aDaniel！
Owiseyoungjudge，howIdohonourthee！PORTIAIprayyou，letmelookuponthebond。SHYLOCKHere’tis，mostreverenddoctor，hereitis。PORTIAShylock，there’sthricethymoneyoffer’dthee。SHYLOCKAnoath，anoath，Ihaveanoathinheaven：
ShallIlayperjuryuponmysoul？
No，notforVenice。PORTIAWhy，thisbondisforfeit；
AndlawfullybythistheJewmayclaimApoundofflesh，tobebyhimcutoffNearestthemerchant’sheart。Bemerciful：
Takethricethymoney；bidmetearthebond。SHYLOCKWhenitispaidaccordingtothetenor。
Itdothappearyouareaworthyjudge；
Youknowthelaw，yourexpositionHathbeenmostsound：Ichargeyoubythelaw，Whereofyouareawell-deservingpillar，Proceedtojudgment：bymysoulIswearThereisnopowerinthetongueofmanToalterme：Istayhereonmybond。ANTONIOMostheartilyIdobeseechthecourtTogivethejudgment。PORTIAWhythen，thusitis：
Youmustprepareyourbosomforhisknife。SHYLOCKOnoblejudge！Oexcellentyoungman！PORTIAFortheintentandpurposeofthelawHathfullrelationtothepenalty，Whichhereappearethdueuponthebond。SHYLOCK’Tisverytrue：Owiseanduprightjudge！
Howmuchmoreelderartthouthanthylooks！PORTIAThereforelaybareyourbosom。SHYLOCKAy，hisbreast：
Sosaysthebond：dothitnot，noblejudge？
’Nearesthisheart：’thosearetheverywords。PORTIAItisso。AretherebalanceheretoweighTheflesh？SHYLOCKIhavethemready。PORTIAHavebysomesurgeon，Shylock，onyourcharge，Tostophiswounds，lesthedobleedtodeath。SHYLOCKIsitsonominatedinthebond？PORTIAItisnotsoexpress’d：butwhatofthat？
’Tweregoodyoudosomuchforcharity。SHYLOCKIcannotfindit；’tisnotinthebond。PORTIAYou，merchant，haveyouanythingtosay？ANTONIOButlittle：Iamarm’dandwellprepared。
Givemeyourhand，Bassanio：fareyouwell！
GrievenotthatIamfallentothisforyou；
ForhereinFortuneshowsherselfmorekindThanishercustom：itisstillheruseToletthewretchedmanoutlivehiswealth，ToviewwithholloweyeandwrinkledbrowAnageofpoverty；fromwhichlingeringpenanceOfsuchmiserydothshecutmeoff。
Commendmetoyourhonourablewife：
TellhertheprocessofAntonio’send；
SayhowIlovedyou，speakmefairindeath；
And，whenthetaleistold，bidherbejudgeWhetherBassaniohadnotoncealove。
Repentbutyouthatyoushallloseyourfriend，Andherepentsnotthathepaysyourdebt；
ForiftheJewdocutbutdeepenough，I’llpayitpresentlywithallmyheart。BASSANIOAntonio，IammarriedtoawifeWhichisasdeartomeaslifeitself；
Butlifeitself，mywife，andalltheworld，Arenotwithmeesteem’dabovethylife：
Iwouldloseall，ay，sacrificethemallHeretothisdevil，todeliveryou。PORTIAYourwifewouldgiveyoulittlethanksforthat，Ifshewereby，tohearyoumaketheoffer。GRATIANOIhaveawife，whom，Iprotest，Ilove：
Iwouldshewereinheaven，soshecouldEntreatsomepowertochangethiscurrishJew。NERISSA’Tiswellyouofferitbehindherback；
Thewishwouldmakeelseanunquiethouse。SHYLOCKThesebetheChristianhusbands。Ihaveadaughter；
WouldanyofthestockofBarrabasHadbeenherhusbandratherthanaChristian！
AsideWetrifletime：Ipraythee，pursuesentence。PORTIAApoundofthatsamemerchant’sfleshisthine：
Thecourtawardsit，andthelawdothgiveit。SHYLOCKMostrightfuljudge！PORTIAAndyoumustcutthisfleshfromoffhisbreast：
Thelawallowsit，andthecourtawardsit。SHYLOCKMostlearnedjudge！Asentence！Come，prepare！PORTIATarryalittle；thereissomethingelse。
Thisbonddothgivetheeherenojotofblood；
Thewordsexpresslyare’apoundofflesh：’
Takethenthybond，takethouthypoundofflesh；
But，inthecuttingit，ifthoudostshedOnedropofChristianblood，thylandsandgoodsAre，bythelawsofVenice，confiscateUntothestateofVenice。GRATIANOOuprightjudge！Mark，Jew：Olearnedjudge！SHYLOCKIsthatthelaw？PORTIAThyselfshaltseetheact：
For，asthouurgestjustice，beassuredThoushalthavejustice，morethanthoudesirest。GRATIANOOlearnedjudge！Mark，Jew：alearnedjudge！SHYLOCKItakethisoffer，then；paythebondthriceAndlettheChristiango。BASSANIOHereisthemoney。PORTIASoft！
TheJewshallhavealljustice；soft！nohaste：
Heshallhavenothingbutthepenalty。GRATIANOOJew！anuprightjudge，alearnedjudge！PORTIAThereforepreparetheetocutofftheflesh。
Shedthounoblood，norcutthoulessnormoreButjustapoundofflesh：ifthoucut’stmoreOrlessthanajustpound，beitbutsomuchAsmakesitlightorheavyinthesubstance，OrthedivisionofthetwentiethpartOfonepoorscruple，nay，ifthescaledoturnButintheestimationofahair，Thoudiestandallthygoodsareconfiscate。GRATIANOAsecondDaniel，aDaniel，Jew！
Now，infidel，Ihaveyouonthehip。PORTIAWhydoththeJewpause？takethyforfeiture。SHYLOCKGivememyprincipal，andletmego。BASSANIOIhaveitreadyforthee；hereitis。PORTIAHehathrefuseditintheopencourt：
Heshallhavemerelyjusticeandhisbond。GRATIANOADaniel，stillsayI，asecondDaniel！
Ithankthee，Jew，forteachingmethatword。SHYLOCKShallInothavebarelymyprincipal？PORTIAThoushalthavenothingbuttheforfeiture，Tobesotakenatthyperil，Jew。SHYLOCKWhy，thenthedevilgivehimgoodofit！
I’llstaynolongerquestion。PORTIATarry，Jew：
Thelawhathyetanotherholdonyou。
ItisenactedinthelawsofVenice，IfitbeprovedagainstanalienThatbydirectorindirectattemptsHeseekthelifeofanycitizen，Theparty’gainstthewhichhedothcontriveShallseizeonehalfhisgoods；theotherhalfComestotheprivycofferofthestate；
Andtheoffender’slifeliesinthemercyOfthedukeonly，’gainstallothervoice。
Inwhichpredicament，Isay，thoustand’st；
Foritappears，bymanifestproceeding，ThatindirectlyanddirectlytooThouhastcontrivedagainsttheverylifeOfthedefendant；andthouhastincurr’dThedangerformerlybymerehearsed。
Downthereforeandbegmercyoftheduke。GRATIANOBegthatthoumaysthaveleavetohangthyself：
Andyet，thywealthbeingforfeittothestate，Thouhastnotleftthevalueofacord；
Thereforethoumustbehang’datthestate’scharge。DUKEThatthoushaltseethedifferenceofourspirits，Ipardontheethylifebeforethouaskit：
Forhalfthywealth，itisAntonio’s；
Theotherhalfcomestothegeneralstate，Whichhumblenessmaydriveuntoafine。PORTIAAy，forthestate，notforAntonio。SHYLOCKNay，takemylifeandall；pardonnotthat：
YoutakemyhousewhenyoudotakethepropThatdothsustainmyhouse；youtakemylifeWhenyoudotakethemeanswherebyIlive。PORTIAWhatmercycanyourenderhim，Antonio？GRATIANOAhaltergratis；nothingelse，forGod’ssake。ANTONIOSopleasemylordthedukeandallthecourtToquitthefineforonehalfofhisgoods，Iamcontent；sohewillletmehaveTheotherhalfinuse，torenderit，Uponhisdeath，untothegentlemanThatlatelystolehisdaughter：
Twothingsprovidedmore，that，forthisfavour，HepresentlybecomeaChristian；
Theother，thathedorecordagift，Hereinthecourt，ofallhediespossess’d，UntohissonLorenzoandhisdaughter。DUKEHeshalldothis，orelseIdorecantThepardonthatIlatepronouncedhere。PORTIAArtthoucontented，Jew？whatdostthousay？SHYLOCKIamcontent。PORTIAClerk，drawadeedofgift。SHYLOCKIprayyou，givemeleavetogofromhence；
Iamnotwell：sendthedeedafterme，AndIwillsignit。DUKEGettheegone，butdoit。GRATIANOInchristeningshaltthouhavetwogod-fathers：
HadIbeenjudge，thoushouldsthavehadtenmore，Tobringtheetothegallows，notthefont。
ExitSHYLOCKDUKESir，Ientreatyouhomewithmetodinner。PORTIAIhumblydodesireyourgraceofpardon：
ImustawaythisnighttowardPadua，AnditismeetIpresentlysetforth。DUKEIamsorrythatyourleisureservesyounot。
Antonio，gratifythisgentleman，For，inmymind，youaremuchboundtohim。
ExeuntDukeandhistrainBASSANIOMostworthygentleman，IandmyfriendHavebyyourwisdombeenthisdayacquittedOfgrievouspenalties；inlieuwhereof，Threethousandducats，dueuntotheJew，Wefreelycopeyourcourteouspainswithal。ANTONIOAndstandindebted，overandabove，Inloveandservicetoyouevermore。PORTIAHeiswellpaidthatiswellsatisfied；
AndI，deliveringyou，amsatisfiedAndthereindoaccountmyselfwellpaid：
Mymindwasneveryetmoremercenary。
Iprayyou，knowmewhenwemeetagain：
Iwishyouwell，andsoItakemyleave。BASSANIODearsir，offorceImustattemptyoufurther：
Takesomeremembranceofus，asatribute，Notasafee：grantmetwothings，Iprayyou，Nottodenyme，andtopardonme。PORTIAYoupressmefar，andthereforeIwillyield。
ToANTONIO
Givemeyourgloves，I’llwearthemforyoursake；
ToBASSANIO
And，foryourlove，I’lltakethisringfromyou：
Donotdrawbackyourhand；I’lltakenomore；
Andyouinloveshallnotdenymethis。BASSANIOThisring，goodsir，alas，itisatrifle！
Iwillnotshamemyselftogiveyouthis。PORTIAIwillhavenothingelsebutonlythis；
AndnowmethinksIhaveamindtoit。BASSANIOThere’smoredependsonthisthanonthevalue。
ThedearestringinVenicewillIgiveyou，Andfinditoutbyproclamation：
Onlyforthis，Iprayyou，pardonme。PORTIAIsee，sir，youareliberalinoffersYoutaughtmefirsttobeg；andnowmethinksYouteachmehowabeggarshouldbeanswer’d。BASSANIOGoodsir，thisringwasgivenmebymywife；
Andwhensheputiton，shemademevowThatIshouldneithersellnorgivenorloseit。PORTIAThat’scuseservesmanymentosavetheirgifts。
Anifyourwifebenotamad-woman，AndknowhowwellIhavedeservedthering，Shewouldnotholdoutenemyforever，Forgivingittome。Well，peacebewithyou！
ExeuntPortiaandNerissaANTONIOMyLordBassanio，lethimhavethering：
LethisdeservingsandmylovewithalBevaluedagainstyourwife’scommandment。BASSANIOGo，Gratiano，runandovertakehim；
Givehimthering，andbringhim，ifthoucanst，UntoAntonio’shouse：away！makehaste。
ExitGratianoCome，youandIwillthitherpresently；
AndinthemorningearlywillwebothFlytowardBelmont：come，Antonio。
ExeuntSCENEII。Thesame。Astreet。EnterPORTIAandNERISSAPORTIAInquiretheJew’shouseout，givehimthisdeedAndlethimsignit：we’llawayto-nightAndbeadaybeforeourhusbandshome：
ThisdeedwillbewellwelcometoLorenzo。
EnterGRATIANOGRATIANOFairsir，youarewello’erta’enMyLordBassaniouponmoreadviceHathsentyouherethisring，anddothentreatYourcompanyatdinner。PORTIAThatcannotbe：
HisringIdoacceptmostthankfully：
Andso，Iprayyou，tellhim：furthermore，Iprayyou，showmyyoutholdShylock’shouse。GRATIANOThatwillIdo。NERISSASir，Iwouldspeakwithyou。
AsidetoPORTIA
I’llseeifIcangetmyhusband’sring，WhichIdidmakehimsweartokeepforever。PORTIA[AsidetoNERISSA]Thoumayst，Iwarrant。
WeshallhaveoldswearingThattheydidgivetheringsawaytomen；
Butwe’lloutfacethem，andoutswearthemtoo。
AloudAway！makehaste：thouknowistwhereIwilltarry。NERISSACome，goodsir，willyoushowmetothishouse？
ExeuntACTVSCENEI。Belmont。AvenuetoPORTIA’Shouse。EnterLORENZOandJESSICALORENZOThemoonshinesbright：insuchanightasthis，WhenthesweetwinddidgentlykissthetreesAndtheydidmakenonoise，insuchanightTroilusmethinksmountedtheTroyanwallsAndsigh’dhissoultowardtheGreciantents，WhereCressidlaythatnight。JESSICAInsuchanightDidThisbefearfullyo’ertripthedewAndsawthelion’sshadowerehimselfAndrandismay’daway。LORENZOInsuchanightStoodDidowithawillowinherhandUponthewildseabanksandwaftherloveTocomeagaintoCarthage。JESSICAInsuchanightMedeagather’dtheenchantedherbsThatdidrenewoldAEson。LORENZOInsuchanightDidJessicastealfromthewealthyJewAndwithanunthriftlovedidrunfromVeniceAsfarasBelmont。JESSICAInsuchanightDidyoungLorenzoswearhelovedherwell，StealinghersoulwithmanyvowsoffaithAndne’eratrueone。LORENZOInsuchanightDidprettyJessica，likealittleshrew，Slanderherlove，andheforgaveither。JESSICAIwouldout-nightyou，didnobodycome；
But，hark，Ihearthefootingofaman。
EnterSTEPHANOLORENZOWhocomessofastinsilenceofthenight？STEPHANOAfriend。LORENZOAfriend！whatfriend？yourname，Iprayyou，friend？STEPHANOStephanoismyname；andIbringwordMymistresswillbeforethebreakofdayBehereatBelmont；shedothstrayaboutByholycrosses，whereshekneelsandpraysForhappywedlockhours。LORENZOWhocomeswithher？STEPHANONonebutaholyhermitandhermaid。
Iprayyou，ismymasteryetreturn’d？LORENZOHeisnot，norwehavenotheardfromhim。
Butgowein，Ipraythee，Jessica，AndceremoniouslyletusprepareSomewelcomeforthemistressofthehouse。
EnterLAUNCELOTLAUNCELOTSola，sola！woha，ho！sola，sola！LORENZOWhocalls？LAUNCELOTSola！didyouseeMasterLorenzo？
MasterLorenzo，sola，sola！LORENZOLeavehollaing，man：here。LAUNCELOTSola！where？where？LORENZOHere。LAUNCELOTTellhimthere’sapostcomefrommymaster，withhishornfullofgoodnews：mymasterwillbehereeremorning。
ExitLORENZOSweetsoul，let’sin，andthereexpecttheircoming。
Andyetnomatter：whyshouldwegoin？
MyfriendStephano，signify，Iprayyou，Withinthehouse，yourmistressisathand；
Andbringyourmusicforthintotheair。
ExitStephanoHowsweetthemoonlightsleepsuponthisbank！
HerewillwesitandletthesoundsofmusicCreepinourears：softstillnessandthenightBecomethetouchesofsweetharmony。
Sit，Jessica。LookhowthefloorofheavenIsthickinlaidwithpatinesofbrightgold：
There’snotthesmallestorbwhichthoubehold’stButinhismotionlikeanangelsings，Stillquiringtotheyoung-eyedcherubins；
Suchharmonyisinimmortalsouls；
ButwhilstthismuddyvestureofdecayDothgrosslycloseitin，wecannothearit。
EnterMusiciansCome，ho！andwakeDianawithahymn！
Withsweetesttouchespierceyourmistress’ear，Anddrawherhomewithmusic。
MusicJESSICAIamnevermerrywhenIhearsweetmusic。LORENZOThereasonis，yourspiritsareattentive：
Fordobutnoteawildandwantonherd，Orraceofyouthfulandunhandledcolts，Fetchingmadbounds，bellowingandneighingloud，Whichisthehotconditionoftheirblood；
Iftheybuthearperchanceatrumpetsound，Oranyairofmusictouchtheirears，Youshallperceivethemmakeamutualstand，Theirsavageeyesturn’dtoamodestgazeBythesweetpowerofmusic：thereforethepoetDidfeignthatOrpheusdrewtrees，stonesandfloods；
Sincenoughtsostockish，hardandfullofrage，Butmusicforthetimedothchangehisnature。
Themanthathathnomusicinhimself，Norisnotmovedwithconcordofsweetsounds，Isfitfortreasons，stratagemsandspoils；
ThemotionsofhisspiritaredullasnightAndhisaffectionsdarkasErebus：
Letnosuchmanbetrusted。Markthemusic。
EnterPORTIAandNERISSAPORTIAThatlightweseeisburninginmyhall。
Howfarthatlittlecandlethrowshisbeams！
Soshinesagooddeedinanaughtyworld。NERISSAWhenthemoonshone，wedidnotseethecandle。PORTIASodoththegreaterglorydimtheless：
AsubstituteshinesbrightlyasakingUntothekingbeby，andthenhisstateEmptiesitself，asdothaninlandbrookIntothemainofwaters。Music！hark！NERISSAItisyourmusic，madam，ofthehouse。PORTIANothingisgood，Isee，withoutrespect：
Methinksitsoundsmuchsweeterthanbyday。NERISSASilencebestowsthatvirtueonit，madam。PORTIAThecrowdothsingassweetlyasthelark，Whenneitherisattended，andIthinkThenightingale，ifsheshouldsingbyday，Wheneverygooseiscackling，wouldbethoughtNobetteramusicianthanthewren。
Howmanythingsbyseasonseason’dareTotheirrightpraiseandtrueperfection！
Peace，ho！themoonsleepswithEndymionAndwouldnotbeawaked。
MusicceasesLORENZOThatisthevoice，OrIammuchdeceived，ofPortia。PORTIAHeknowsmeastheblindmanknowsthecuckoo，Bythebadvoice。LORENZODearlady，welcomehome。PORTIAWehavebeenprayingforourhusbands’
healths，Whichspeed，wehope，thebetterforourwords。
Aretheyreturn’d？LORENZOMadam，theyarenotyet；
Butthereiscomeamessengerbefore，Tosignifytheircoming。PORTIAGoin，Nerissa；
GiveordertomyservantsthattheytakeNonoteatallofourbeingabsenthence；
Noryou，Lorenzo；Jessica，noryou。
AtucketsoundsLORENZOYourhusbandisathand；Ihearhistrumpet：
Wearenotell-tales，madam；fearyounot。PORTIAThisnightmethinksisbutthedaylightsick；
Itlooksalittlepaler：’tisaday，Suchasthedayiswhenthesunishid。
EnterBASSANIO，ANTONIO，GRATIANO，andtheirfollowersBASSANIOWeshouldholddaywiththeAntipodes，Ifyouwouldwalkinabsenceofthesun。PORTIALetmegivelight，butletmenotbelight；
Foralightwifedothmakeaheavyhusband，AndneverbeBassaniosoforme：
ButGodsortall！Youarewelcomehome，mylord。BASSANIOIthankyou，madam。Givewelcometomyfriend。
Thisistheman，thisisAntonio，TowhomIamsoinfinitelybound。PORTIAYoushouldinallsensebemuchboundtohim。
For，asIhear，hewasmuchboundforyou。ANTONIONomorethanIamwellacquittedof。PORTIASir，youareverywelcometoourhouse：
Itmustappearinotherwaysthanwords，ThereforeIscantthisbreathingcourtesy。GRATIANO[ToNERISSA]ByyondermoonIswearyoudomewrong；
Infaith，Igaveittothejudge’sclerk：
Wouldheweregeltthathadit，formypart，Sinceyoudotakeit，love，somuchatheart。PORTIAAquarrel，ho，already！what’sthematter？GRATIANOAboutahoopofgold，apaltryringThatshedidgiveme，whoseposywasForalltheworldlikecutler’spoetryUponaknife，’Loveme，andleavemenot。’NERISSAWhattalkyouoftheposyorthevalue？
Yousworetome，whenIdidgiveityou，ThatyouwouldwearittillyourhourofdeathAndthatitshouldliewithyouinyourgrave：
Thoughnotforme，yetforyourvehementoaths，Youshouldhavebeenrespectiveandhavekeptit。
Gaveitajudge’sclerk！no，God’smyjudge，Theclerkwillne’erwearhairon’sfacethathadit。GRATIANOHewill，anifhelivetobeaman。NERISSAAy，ifawomanlivetobeaman。GRATIANONow，bythishand，Igaveittoayouth，Akindofboy，alittlescrubbedboy，Nohigherthanthyself；thejudge’sclerk，Apratingboy，thatbegg’ditasafee：
Icouldnotformyheartdenyithim。PORTIAYouweretoblame，Imustbeplainwithyou，Topartsoslightlywithyourwife’sfirstgift：
AthingstuckonwithoathsuponyourfingerAndsorivetedwithfaithuntoyourflesh。
IgavemylovearingandmadehimswearNevertopartwithit；andherehestands；
IdarebeswornforhimhewouldnotleaveitNorpluckitfromhisfinger，forthewealthThattheworldmasters。Now，infaith，Gratiano，Yougiveyourwifetoounkindacauseofgrief：
An’tweretome，Ishouldbemadatit。BASSANIO[Aside]Why，IwerebesttocutmylefthandoffAndswearIlosttheringdefendingit。GRATIANOMyLordBassaniogavehisringawayUntothejudgethatbegg’ditandindeedDeservedittoo；andthentheboy，hisclerk，Thattooksomepainsinwriting，hebegg’dmine；
AndneithermannormasterwouldtakeaughtButthetworings。PORTIAWhatringgaveyoumylord？
Notthat，Ihope，whichyoureceivedofme。BASSANIOIfIcouldaddalieuntoafault，Iwoulddenyit；butyouseemyfingerHathnottheringuponit；itisgone。PORTIAEvensovoidisyourfalseheartoftruth。
Byheaven，Iwillne’ercomeinyourbedUntilIseethering。NERISSANorIinyoursTillIagainseemine。BASSANIOSweetPortia，IfyoudidknowtowhomIgavethering，IfyoudidknowforwhomIgavetheringAndwouldconceiveforwhatIgavetheringAndhowunwillinglyIleftthering，Whennoughtwouldbeacceptedbutthering，Youwouldabatethestrengthofyourdispleasure。PORTIAIfyouhadknownthevirtueofthering，Orhalfherworthinessthatgavethering，Oryourownhonourtocontainthering，Youwouldnotthenhavepartedwiththering。
Whatmanistheresomuchunreasonable，IfyouhadpleasedtohavedefendeditWithanytermsofzeal，wantedthemodestyTourgethethingheldasaceremony？
Nerissateachesmewhattobelieve：
I’lldiefor’tbutsomewomanhadthering。BASSANIONo，bymyhonour，madam，bymysoul，Nowomanhadit，butacivildoctor，WhichdidrefusethreethousandducatsofmeAndbegg’dthering；thewhichIdiddenyhimAndsuffer’dhimtogodispleasedaway；
EvenhethatdidupholdtheverylifeOfmydearfriend。WhatshouldIsay，sweetlady？
Iwasenforcedtosenditafterhim；
Iwasbesetwithshameandcourtesy；
MyhonourwouldnotletingratitudeSomuchbesmearit。Pardonme，goodlady；
For，bytheseblessedcandlesofthenight，Hadyoubeenthere，Ithinkyouwouldhavebegg’dTheringofmetogivetheworthydoctor。PORTIALetnotthatdoctore’ercomenearmyhouse：
SincehehathgotthejewelthatIloved，Andthatwhichyoudidsweartokeepforme，Iwillbecomeasliberalasyou；
I’llnotdenyhimanythingIhave，No，notmybodynormyhusband’sbed：
KnowhimIshall，Iamwellsureofit：
Lienotanightfromhome；watchmelikeArgus：
Ifyoudonot，ifIbeleftalone，Now，byminehonour，whichisyetmineown，I’llhavethatdoctorformybedfellow。NERISSAAndIhisclerk；thereforebewelladvisedHowyoudoleavemetomineownprotection。GRATIANOWell，doyouso；letnotmetakehim，then；
ForifIdo，I’llmartheyoungclerk’spen。ANTONIOIamtheunhappysubjectofthesequarrels。PORTIASir，grievenotyou；youarewelcomenotwithstanding。BASSANIOPortia，forgivemethisenforcedwrong；
And，inthehearingofthesemanyfriends，Isweartothee，evenbythineownfaireyes，WhereinIseemyself——PORTIAMarkyoubutthat！
Inbothmyeyeshedoublyseeshimself；
Ineacheye，one：swearbyyourdoubleself，Andthere’sanoathofcredit。BASSANIONay，buthearme：
Pardonthisfault，andbymysoulIswearInevermorewillbreakanoathwiththee。ANTONIOIoncedidlendmybodyforhiswealth；
Which，butforhimthathadyourhusband’sring，Hadquitemiscarried：Idarebeboundagain，Mysoulupontheforfeit，thatyourlordWillnevermorebreakfaithadvisedly。PORTIAThenyoushallbehissurety。GivehimthisAndbidhimkeepitbetterthantheother。ANTONIOHere，LordBassanio；sweartokeepthisring。BASSANIOByheaven，itisthesameIgavethedoctor！PORTIAIhaditofhim：pardonme，Bassanio；
For，bythisring，thedoctorlaywithme。NERISSAAndpardonme，mygentleGratiano；
Forthatsamescrubbedboy，thedoctor’sclerk，Inlieuofthislastnightdidliewithme。GRATIANOWhy，thisislikethemendingofhighwaysInsummer，wherethewaysarefairenough：
What，arewecuckoldserewehavedeservedit？PORTIASpeaknotsogrossly。Youareallamazed：
Hereisaletter；readitatyourleisure；
ItcomesfromPadua，fromBellario：
ThereyoushallfindthatPortiawasthedoctor，Nerissathereherclerk：LorenzohereShallwitnessIsetforthassoonasyouAndevenbutnowreturn’d；IhavenotyetEnter’dmyhouse。Antonio，youarewelcome；
AndIhavebetternewsinstoreforyouThanyouexpect：unsealthislettersoon；
ThereyoushallfindthreeofyourargosiesArerichlycometoharboursuddenly：
YoushallnotknowbywhatstrangeaccidentIchancedonthisletter。ANTONIOIamdumb。BASSANIOWereyouthedoctorandIknewyounot？GRATIANOWereyoutheclerkthatistomakemecuckold？NERISSAAy，buttheclerkthatnevermeanstodoit，Unlessheliveuntilhebeaman。BASSANIOSweetdoctor，youshallbemybed-fellow：
WhenIamabsent，thenliewithmywife。ANTONIOSweetlady，youhavegivenmelifeandliving；
ForhereIreadforcertainthatmyshipsAresafelycometoroad。PORTIAHownow，Lorenzo！
Myclerkhathsomegoodcomfortstooforyou。NERISSAAy，andI’llgivethemhimwithoutafee。
TheredoIgivetoyouandJessica，FromtherichJew，aspecialdeedofgift，Afterhisdeath，ofallhediespossess’dof。LORENZOFairladies，youdropmannainthewayOfstarvedpeople。PORTIAItisalmostmorning，AndyetIamsureyouarenotsatisfiedOftheseeventsatfull。Letusgoin；
Andchargeusthereuponinter’gatories，Andwewillanswerallthingsfaithfully。GRATIANOLetitbeso：thefirstinter’gatoryThatmyNerissashallbeswornonis，Whethertillthenextnightshehadratherstay，Orgotobednow，beingtwohourstoday：
Butwerethedaycome，Ishouldwishitdark，ThatIwerecouchingwiththedoctor’sclerk。
Well，whileIliveI’llfearnootherthingSosoreaskeepingsafeNerissa’sring。
