Was set in worse than gold. They have in England Stamped in gold, but that's insculp'd upon; 60 Portia. There, take it, prince; and if my form lie there, Then I am yours. Morocco. [He unlocks the golden casket. O hell! what have we here? A carrion Death, within whose empty eye [Reads] All that glisters is not gold; Often have you heard that told: Then, farewell, heat, and welcome, frost! Portia, adieu. I have too grieved a heart 70 [Exit with his train. Flourish of Cornets. Portia. A gentle riddance. Draw the curtains, go. Let all of his complexion choose me so. SCENE VIII. Venice. A street. Enter SALARINO and SALANIO. Salarino. Why, man, I saw Bassanio under sail: With him is Gratiano gone along; And in their ship I am sure Lorenzo is not. [Exeunt. Salanio. The villain Jew with outcries raised the duke, Who went with him to search Bassanio's ship. Salarino. He came too late, the ship was under sail: But there the duke was given to understand Salarino. Why, all the boys in Venice follow him, Salarino. Marry, well remember'd. I reason'd with a Frenchman yesterday, 10 20 30 Salanio. You were best to tell Antonio what you hear; Yet do not suddenly, for it may grieve him. Salarino. A kinder gentleman treads not the earth. I saw Bassanio and Antonio part: Bassanio told him he would make some speed Of his return: he answer'd, 'Do not so; 40 Be merry, and employ your chiefest thoughts He wrung Bassanio's hand; and so they parted. I pray thee, let us go and find him out With some delight or other. 50 Salarino. Do we so. [Exeunt. SCENE IX. Belmont. A room in Portia's house. Enter NERISSA with a Servitor. Ner. Quick, quick, I pray thee; draw the curtain straight: The Prince of Arragon hath ta'en his oath, And comes to his election presently. Flourish of Cornets. Enter the PRINCE OF ARragon, Portia. Behold, there stand the caskets, noble prince: If you choose that wherein I am contain'd, Straight shall our nuptial rites be solemnized: But if you fail, without more speech, my lord, You must be gone from hence immediately. Arragon. I am enjoin'd by oath to observe three things: First, never to unfold to any one Which casket 'twas I chose; next, if I fail Of the right casket, never in my life If I do fail in fortune of my choice, Immediately to leave you and be gone. Portia. To these injunctions every one doth swear That comes to hazard for my worthless self. Arragon. And so have I address'd me. Fortune now To my heart's hope! Gold; silver; and base lead. Not learning more than the fond eye doth teach; To cozen fortune and be honourable Without the stamp of merit? Let none presume O, that estates, degrees and offices Were not derived corruptly, and that clear honour How many be commanded that command! How much low peasantry would then be glean'd From the true seed of honour! and how much honour To be new-varnish'd! Well, but to my choice: 'Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves.' I will assume desert. Give me a key for this, And instantly unlock my fortunes here. 20 30 40 50 [ He_opens_ the silver casket. Portia. Too long a pause for that which you find there. Arragon. What's here? the portrait of a blinking idiot, Presenting me a schedule! I will read it. D How much unlike art thou to Portia ! How much unlike my hopes and my deservings! 'Who chooseth me shall have as much as he deserves.' Did I deserve no more than a fool's head? Is that my prize? are my deserts no better? Portia. To offend, and judge, are distinct offices And of opposed natures. [Reads] The fire seven times tried this: Seven times tried that judgement is, Some there be that shadows kiss; Silver'd o'er; and so was this. I will ever be your head: So be gone: you are sped. Still more fool I shall appear By the time I linger here: With one fool's head I came to woo, But I go away with two. Sweet, adieu. I'll keep my oath, Patiently to bear my wroth. 60 70 [Exeunt Arragon and train. Portia. Thus hath the candle singed the moth. O, these deliberate fools! when they do choose, They have the wisdom by their wit to lose. Nerissa. The ancient saying is no heresy, Hanging and wiving goes by destiny. Portia. Come, draw the curtain, Nerissa. Enter a Servant. Servant. Where is my lady? 8c Portia. Here: what would my lord? |