Act III, Scene II - Page 3

The Merchant of Venice | Act III, Scene II - Page 3

JESSICA:: When I was with him, I have heard him swear
To Tubal, and to Chus, his countrymen,
That he would rather have Antonio's flesh,
Than twenty times the value of the sum(295)
That he did owe him; and I know, my lord,
If law, authority, and power deny not,
It will go hard with poor Antonio.

BASSANIO:: The dearest friend to me, the kindest man,(300)
The best-condition'd and unwearied spirit
In doing courtesies; and one in whom
The ancient Roman honour more appears,
Than any that draws breath in Italy.

PORTIA:: What, no more?
Pay him six thousand, and deface the bond;
Double six thousand, and then treble that,
Before a friend of this description(310)
Shall 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(315)
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:(320)
Bid your friends welcome, show a merry cheer:
Since you are dear bought, I will love you dear.
But let me hear the letter of your friend.

BASSANIO:: [Reads] Sweet Bassanio, my ships have all
miscarried, my creditors grow cruel, my estate is very low, my bond(325)
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.

BASSANIO:: 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.(335)

Exeunt.

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