The Prince of Morocco addresses Portia by saying, “Mislike me not for my complexion.” He is dark-skinned and aware of the racist ideologies in Portia’s society. He is right to assuage her doubts since she made racist remarks before their meeting. Unlike Othello’s Desdemona, Portia had claimed, “if he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me than wive me.”

Morocco declares that his blood is as red as “the fairest creature northward born,” indicating that he is as worthy as any white man. In fact, he is proud of his “hue,” stating that he would not change it “Except to steal your thoughts, my gentle queen.” He espouses his valour, saying that he would easily win Portia if it were a test of courage.

Unfortunately for Morocco, he chooses the wrong casket, gold, which reads, “Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire.” He praises Portia and notes, “From the four corners of the earth they come, / To kiss this shrine, this mortal-breathing saint.” All that he finds in the casket is a skull with an admonition about greed and gold. Morocco made a good case for himself, but his efforts are ultimately futile.