death; notwithstanding, use your pleasure-if your love for me do not persuade you to come, let not my letter.' despatch all 7. 'Oh, my dear love,' said Portia, business, and begone; you shall have gold to pay his money twenty times over, before this kind friend shall lose a hair by my Bassanio's fault; and as you are so dearly bought, I will dearly love you.' Portia then said she would be married to Bassanio before he set out, to give him a legal right to the money; and that same day they were married, and Gratiano was also married to Nerissa. And Bassanio and Gratiano, the instant they were married, set out in great haste for Venice, where Bassanio found Antonio in prison. The day of paying being past, the cruel Jew would not accept of the money which Bassanio offered him, but insisted upon having a pound of Antonio's flesh. A day was appointed to try this shocking cause before. the Duke of Venice, and Bassanio awaited in dreadful suspense the event of the trial. 8. When Portia parted with her husband, she spoke cheeringly to him, and bade him bring his dear friend along with him when he returned. Yet she feared it would go hard with Antonio, and when she was left alone, she began to think and consider within herself, if she could by any means be instrumental in saving the life of her dear Bassanio's friend. 9. Being now called forth into action by the peril of her honoured husband's friend, she did nothing doubt her own powers, and by the sole guidance of her own true and perfect judgment, at once resolved to go herself to Venice, and speak in Antonio's defence. Portia had a relation who was a counsellor in the law; to this gentleman, whose name was Bellario, she wrote, and stating the case to him, desired his opinion, and that with his advice he would also send the dress worn by a counsellor. When the messenger returned, he brought letters from Bellario of advice how to proceed, and also everything necessary for her equipment. 10. Portia dressed herself and her maid Nerissa in men's apparel, and putting on the robes of a counsellor, she took Nerissa along with her as her clerk; and setting out immediately, they arrived at Venice on the very day of the trial. The cause was just going to be heard before the duke and senators of Venice in the senate-house, when Portia entered this high court of justice, and presented a letter from Bellario, in which that learned counsellor wrote to the duke, saying he would have come himself to plead for Antonio, but that he was prevented by sickness, and he requested that the learned young Doctor Balthasar-so he called Portia -might be permitted to plead in his stead. This the duke granted, much wondering at the youthful appearance of the stranger, who was prettily disguised by her counsellor's robes and her large wig. EXERCISES.-1. The Greek prefix para-, par-, means beside, near to, contrary to; as parable (literally), a placing beside, a comparison, a fable or allegory in which some doctrine is illustrated; parallel, lying side by side; paradox, that which is contrary to general opinion. 2. Analyse and parse the following: When Portia parted with her husband, she spoke cheeringly to him, and bade him bring his dear friend along with him when he returned.' 3. Make sentences of your own, and use in each one or more of the following words: Permission, apparel, disguise, suspense. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE-III. And now began this important trial. Portia saw Bassanio, but he knew her not in her disguise. He was standing beside Antonio, in an agony of distress and fear for his friend. The importance of the arduous task Portia had engaged in, gave this tender lady courage, and she boldly proceeded in the duty she had undertaken to perform. Por. Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew? Shy. Shylock is my name. 5 [TO ANTONIO. Por. Of a strange nature is the suit you follow ; Por. Ant. I do. Por. Do you confess the bond? Then must the Jew be merciful. Shy. On what compulsion must I? tell me that. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; And earthly power doth then show likest God's Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice The penalty and forfeit of my bond. Por. Is he not able to discharge the money? 35 Yea, twice the sum: if that will not suffice, I will be bound to pay it ten times o'er, On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart: If this will not suffice, it must appear 40 That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you, Wrest once the law to your authority: To do a great right, do a little wrong; And curb this cruel devil of his will. Por. It must not be; there is no power in Venice Can alter a decree established: 45 "Twill be recorded for a precedent; And many an error, by the same example, Shy. A Daniel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel ! 50 O wise young judge, how do I honour thee! Por. I pray you, let me look upon the bond. Por. Shylock, there's thrice thy money offered thee. Shy. An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven: Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? 55 Por. No, not for Venice. Why, this bond is forfeit: And lawfully by this the Jew may claim 60 It doth appear you are a worthy judge; Hath been most sound: I charge you by the law, 65 Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar, Proceed to judgment: by my soul I swear, There is no power in the tongue of man Ant. Most heartily I do beseech the court 70 To give the judgment. |