1She walks about like Rosalind.
2She goes toward L C, Nerissa follows.

Though there are many arrangements - this is, I believe, the best way to set the scene. The same platform is used all through the 1st act for Venice, 3rd act for the caskets, 4th for the Duke and the judges: there can be from 2 to 12 judges. The position of the tables is natural, and gives breadth and scope for all to be well seen by audience. It is, moreover, the traditional position of the furniture in a court of law. Tables have papers. On L table the bags of ducats. If the stage is Elizabethan, the Duke enters, followed by his judges.

Before they think of us.

Ner. (R. C). Shall they see us?
Por.1 They shall, Nerissa;

I'll hold thee any wager,

When we are both accoutred like young men,
I'll prove the prettier fellow of the two,
And wear my dagger with the braver grace,
And speak between the change of man and boy
With a reed voice, and turn two mincing steps
Into a manly stride, and speak of frays
Like a fine bragging youth, and tell quaint lies,
How honourable ladies sought my love.
But come,2 I'll tell thee all my whole device
When I am in my coach, which stays for us
(Goes up to entrance up L. Nerissa stops till
Portia puts out her hand to go off.)
At the park gate; and therefore haste away,
For we must measure twenty miles to-day.

Curtain

END OF ACT III

[Exeunt

ACT IV

SCENE I. Venice. A court of justice.

Enter the DUKE, the Magnificoes, ANTONIO, BASSANIO, GRATIANO, SALERIO, and others all together up R.

Duke. (C). What, is Antonio here?
Ant. (R). Ready, so please your grace.
Duke (C). 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. (R C). 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

My patience to his fury, and am armed

1Antonio and Bassanio cross over to LC. There is a general movement as Shylock and Tubal come down the middle of the court from R3. A

murmur.

2Deep silence.

N. B. All who address the Duke must turn to him; half addressing him, and the audience.