GRA. BEG THAT THOU MAYST HAVE LEAVE TO HANG THYSELF; London. Published by F. C & J. Rivington and Partners. Feb 1823. Por. What mercy can you render him, Antonio? Gra. A halter gratis; nothing else; for God's sake. Ant. So please my lord the duke, and all the court, To quit the fine for one half of his goods; I am content, so he will let me have The other half in use, - to render it, Upon his death, unto the gentleman That lately stole his daughter; He presently become a Christian; The other, that he do record a gift, Two things provided more, - That, for this favour, Here in the court, of all he dies possess'd, Unto his son Lorenzo, and his daughter. Duke. He shall do this; or else I do recant The pardon, that I late pronounced here. Por. Art thou contented, Jew, what dost thou say? Shy. I am content. Por. Clerk, draw a deed of gift. Shy. I pray you, give me leave to go from hence; I am not well; send the deed after me, And I will sign it. Duke. Get thee gone, but do it. Gra. In christening thou shalt have two godfathers; Had I been judge, thou should'st have had ten more2, To bring thee to the gallows, not the font. [Exit SHYLOCк. Duke. Sir, I entreat you home with me to dinner. Por. I humbly do desire your grace of pardon; I must away this night toward Padua, And it is meet, I presently set forth. Duke. I am sorry, that your leisure serves you not. Antonio, gratify this gentleman; For, in my mind, you are much bound to him. [Exeunt Duke, Magnificoes, and Train. Bass. Most worthy gentleman, I and my friend, Have by your wisdom been this day acquitted thou should'st have had ten more,] i. e. a jury of twelve men, to condemn thee to be hanged. Of grievous penalties; in lieu whereof, Por. He is well paid that is well satisfied: Bass. Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further; Por. You press me far, and therefore I will yield. Give me your gloves, I'll wear them for your sake; And, for your love, I'll take this ring from you : Do not draw back your hand; I'll take no more; And you in love shall not deny me this. Bass. This ring, good sir, - alas, it is a trifle; And now, methinks, I have a mind to it. Bass. There's more depends on this, than on the value. The dearest ring in Venice will I give you, And find it out by proclamation; Only for this, I pray you, pardon me. Por. I see, sir, you are liberal in offers: You taught me first to beg; and now, methinks, You teach me how a beggar should be answer'd. Bass. Good sir, this ring was given me by my wife; And, when she put it on, she made me vow, That I should neither sell, nor give, nor lose it. Por. That 'scuse serves many men to save their gifts. An if your wife be not a mad woman, And know how well I have deserv'd this ring, She would not hold out enemy for ever, [Exeunt PORTIA and NERISSA. Ant. My lord Bassanio, let him have the ring; Come, you and I will thither presently; [Exit GRATIANO. [Exeunt. SCENE II. The same. A Street. Enter PORTIA and NERISSA. Por. Inquire the Jew's house out, give him this deed, And let him sign it; we'll away to-night, And be a day before our husbands home: This deed will be well welcome to Lorenzo. Enter GRATIANO. Gra. Fair sir, you are well overtaken : My lord Bassanio, upon more advice3, Your company at dinner. Por. That cannot be: This ring I do accept most thankfully, And so, I pray you, tell him: Furthermore, I pray you, show my youth old Shylock's house. Gra. That will I do. 3 VOL. III. upon more advice,] i. e. more reflection. G |