No way compelled by us, they may make trial, Of their boasted valours. Bert. We desire no more. Rob. 'Tis well; and, but my grant in this, expect not Assistance from me. Govern, as you please, The province you make choice of; for, I vow By all things sacred, if that thou miscarry In this rash undertaking, I will hear it No otherwise than as a sad disaster, Fallen on a stranger; nor will I esteem That man my subject, who, in thy extremes, In purse or person aids thee. Take your fortune: You know me; I have said it. So, my lord, my absolute answer. You have MASSINGER. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. First Selection. Enter BASSANIO and SHYLOCK. Shy. Three thousand ducats,-well. Bass. Ay, sir, for three months. Shy. For three months,—well. Bass. For the which, as I told you, Antonio shall be bound. Shy. Antonio shall become bound,-well. Bass. May you stead me? Will you pleasure me? Shall I know your answer? Shy. Three thousand ducats, for three months, and Antonio bound. Bass. Your answer to that. Shy. Antonio is a good man. Bass. Have you heard any imputation to the contrary? Shy. O no, no, no, no ;-my meaning in saying he is a good man is, to have you understand me that he is sufficient: yet his means are in supposition: he hath an argosy bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies; I understand, moreover, upon the Rialto, he hath a third at Mexico, a fourth for England;—and other ventures he hath, squandered abroad. But ships are but boards, sailors but men there be land-rats and water-rats, water thieves and land thieves; I mean pirates; and then, there is the peril of waters, winds, and rocks: The man is, notwithstanding, sufficient ;-three thousand ducats ;-I think I may take his bond. Bass. Be assured you may. Shy. I will be assured I may; and that I may be assured, I will bethink me: May I speak with Antonio? Enter ANTONIO. Bass. This is Signior Antonio. Shy. [Aside.] How like a fawning publican he looks! I hate him, for he is a Christian : But more, for that, in low simplicity, He lends out money gratis, and brings down If I can catch him once upon the hip, I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him. Even there where merchants most do congregate, Bass. Shylock, do you hear? Shy. I am debating of my present store: And, by the near guess of my memory, I cannot instantly raise up the gross Of full three thousand ducats: What of that? [TO ANTONIO. Your worship was the last man in our mouths. Ant. Shylock, albeit I neither lend nor borrow, Yet, to supply the ripe wants of my friend, Shy. Ay, ay; three thousand ducats. Shy. I had forgot,-three months, you told me so. Well, then, your bond; and, let me see. But hear you: Methought you said, you neither lend nor borrow, Upon advantage. Ant. I do never use it. Shy. Three thousand ducats,-'tis a good round sum. Three months from twelve, then let me see the rate. Ant. Well, Shylock, shall we be beholding to you? Shy. Signior Antonio, many a time and oft In the Rialto you have rated me About my monies and my usances: And all for use of that which is mine own. 'Shylock, we would have monies": You say so; A cur can lend three thousand ducats?" or Fair sir, you spat on me on Wednesday last; You spurned me such a day; another time You called me Dog; and for these courtesies I'll lend you thus much monies"? Ant. I am as like to call thee so again, As to thy friends (for when did friendship take But lend it rather to thine enemy; Who, if he break, thou may'st with better face Shy. Why, look you, how you storm! I would be friends with you, and have your love; Of usance for my monies, and you'll not hear me : Ant. This were kindness. Shy. This kindness will I show : In such a place, such sum, or sums, as are Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken Ant. Content, in faith; I'll seal to such a bond, And say, there is much kindness in the Jew. Bass. You shall not seal to such a bond for me; I'll rather dwell in my necessity. Ant. Why, fear not, man; I will not forfeit it; Within these 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 Christians are, A pound of man's flesh, taken from a man, Ant. Yes, Shylock, I will seal unto this bond. [Exit. Ant. Hie thee, gentle Jew. This Hebrew will turn Christian; he grows kind.. SHAKESPERE. MERCHANT OF VENICE. Second Selection. The GRAND DUKE, SENATORS, ANTONIO, BASSANIO, GRATIANO, SOLANIO, and others. Duke. What, is Antonio here? Ant. Ready, so please your grace. Duke. I am sorry for thee; thou art come to answer A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch Uncapable of pity, void and empty From any dram of mercy. Ant. I have heard, Your grace hath ta'en great pains to qualify His rigorous course; but since he stands obdurate, And that no lawful means can carry me Out of his envy's reach, I do oppose The very tyranny and rage of his. Duke. Go one, and call the Jew into the court. Enter SHYLOCK. Duke. Make room, and let him stand before our face. Shylock, the world thinks, and I think so too, And where thou now exact'st the penalty, |