The Bodleian First Folio

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Reference: O5r - Comedies, p. 163

Left Column


The Merchant of Venice.

chooses you, wil no doubt neuer be chosen by any right­

ly, but one who you shall rightly loue: but what warmth

[220]

is there in your affection towards any of these Princely

suters that are already come?

Por.

I pray thee ouer‑name them, and as thou namest

them, I will describe them, and according to my descrip­

tion leuell at my affection.

Ner.
[225]

First there is the Neopolitane Prince.

Por.

I that's a colt indeede, for he doth nothing but

talke of his horse, and hee makes it a great appropria­

tion to his owne good parts that he can shoo him him­

selfe: I am much afraid my Ladie his mother plaid false

[230]

with a Smyth.

Ner.

Than is there the Countie Palentine.

Por.

He doth nothing but frowne (as who should

say, and you will not haue me, choose: he heares merrie

tales and smiles not, I feare hee will proue the weeping

[235]

Phylosopher when he growes old, being so full of vn­

mannerly sadnesse in his youth.) I had rather to be marri­

ed to a deaths head with a bone in his mouth, then to ei­

ther of these: God defend me from these two.

Ner.

How say you by the French Lord, Mounsier

[240]

Le Boune?

Por.

God made him, and therefore let him passe for a

man, in truth I know it is a sinne to be a mocker, but he,

why he hath a horse better then the Neopolitans, a bet­

ter bad habite of frowning then the Count Palentine, he

[245]

is euery man in no man, if a Trassell sing, he fals straight

a capring, he will fence with his owne shadow. If I should

marry him, I should marry twentie husbands: if hee

would despise me, I would forgiue him, for if he loue me

to madnesse, I should neuer requite him.

Ner.
[250]
What say you then to Fauconbridge, the yong Baron of England?
Por.

You know I say nothing to him, for hee vnder­

stands not me, nor I him: he hath neither Latine, French ,

nor Italian, and you will come into the Court & sweare

that I haue a poore pennie‑worth in the English: hee is a

[255]

proper mans picture, but alas who can conuerse with a

dumbe show? how odly he is suited, I thinke he bought

his doublet in Italie, his round hose in France, his bonnet

in Germanie, and his behauiour euery where.

Ner. What thinke you of the other Lord his neigh­ bour? Por.
[260]

That he hath a neighbourly charitie in him, for

he borrowed a boxe of the eare of the Englishman, and

swore he would pay him againe when hee was able: I

thinke the Frenchman became his suretie, and seald vnder

for another.

Ner.
[265]

How like you the yong Germaine, the Duke of

Saxonies Nephew?

Por.

Very vildely in the morning when hee is sober,

and most vildely in the afternoone when hee is drunke:

when he is best, he is a little worse then a man, and when

[270]

he is worst, he is little better then a beast: and the worst

fall that euer fell, I hope I shall make shift to go with­

out him.

Ner.

If he should offer to choose, and choose the right

Casket, you should refuse to performe your Fathers will,

[275]

if you should refuse to accept him.

Por.

Therefore for feare of the worst, I pray thee set

a deepe glasse of Reinish‑wine on the contrary Casket,

for if the diuell be within, and that temptation without,

I know he will choose it. I will doe any thing Nerrissa

[280]

ere I will be married to a spunge.

Ner.

You neede not feare Lady the hauing any of

Right Column


these Lords, they haue acquainted me with their deter­

minations, which is indeede to returne to their home,

and to trouble you with no more suite, vnlesse you may

[285]

be won by some other sort then your Fathers impositi­

on, depending on the Caskets.

Por.

If I liue to be as olde as Sibilla, I will dye as

chaste as Diana: vnlesse I be obtained by the manner

of my Fathers will: I am glad this parcell of wooers

[290]

are so reasonable, for there is not one among them but

I doate on his verie absence: and I wish them a faire de­

parture.

Ner.

Doe you not remember Ladie in your Fa­

thers time, a Venecian, a Scholler and a Souldior that

[295]

came hither in companie of the Marquesse of Mount­ ferrat ?

Por.

Yes, yes, it was Bassanio, as I thinke, so was hee

call'd.

Ner.

True Madam, hee of all the men that euer my

[300]

foolish eyes look'd vpon, was the best deseruing a faire

Lady.

Por.

I remember him well, and I remember him wor­

thy of thy praise.

Enter a Seruingman. Ser.

The four Strangers seeke you Madam to take

[305]

their leaue: and there is a fore‑runner come from a fift,

the Prince of Moroco, who brings word the Prince his

Maister will be here to night.

Por.

If I could bid the fift welcome with so good

heart as I can bid the other foure farewell, I should be

[310]

glad of his approach: if he haue the condition of a Saint,

and the complexion of a diuell, I had rather hee should

shriue me then wiue me. Come Nerrissa, sirra go before;

whiles wee shut the gate vpon one wooer, another

knocks at the doore.

Exeunt.
[Act 1, Scene 3] Enter Bassanio with Shylocke the Iew. Shy.
[315]

Three thousand ducates, well.

Bass.

I sir, for three months.

Shy.

For three months, well.

Bass.

For the which, as I told you,

Anthonio shall be bound.

Shy.
[320]

Anthonio shall become bound, well.

Bass.

May you sted me? Will you pleasure me?

Shall I know your answere.

Shy.

Three thousand ducats for three months,

and Anthonio bound.

Bass.
[325]

Your answere to that.

Shy.

Anthonio is a good man.

Bass.

Haue you heard any imputation to the con ­

trary.

Shy.

Ho no, no, no, no: my meaning in saying he is a

[330]

good man, is to haue you vnderstand me that he is suffi­ ent sufficient , yet his meanes are in supposition: he hath an Argo­

sie bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies, I vnder­

stand moreouer vpon the Ryalta, he hath a third at Mexi­

co, a fourth for England, and other ventures hee hath

[335]

squandred abroad, but ships are but boords, Saylers but

men, there be land rats, and water rats, water theeues,

and land theeues, I meane Pyrats, and then there is the

perrill of waters, windes, and rocks: the man is not with ­

standing sufficient, three thousand ducats, I thinke I may

[340]

take his bond.

Bas.

Be assured you may.

Iew. I

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[Act 1, Scene 3] Enter Bassanio with Shylocke the Iew. Shy.
[315]

Three thousand ducates, well.

Bass.

I sir, for three months.

Shy.

For three months, well.

Bass.

For the which, as I told you,

Anthonio shall be bound.

Shy.
[320]

Anthonio shall become bound, well.

Bass.

May you sted me? Will you pleasure me?

Shall I know your answere.

Shy.

Three thousand ducats for three months,

and Anthonio bound.

Bass.
[325]

Your answere to that.

Shy.

Anthonio is a good man.

Bass.

Haue you heard any imputation to the con ­

trary.

Shy.

Ho no, no, no, no: my meaning in saying he is a

[330]

good man, is to haue you vnderstand me that he is suffi­ ent sufficient , yet his meanes are in supposition: he hath an Argo­

sie bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies, I vnder­

stand moreouer vpon the Ryalta, he hath a third at Mexi­

co, a fourth for England, and other ventures hee hath

[335]

squandred abroad, but ships are but boords, Saylers but

men, there be land rats, and water rats, water theeues,

and land theeues, I meane Pyrats, and then there is the

perrill of waters, windes, and rocks: the man is not with ­

standing sufficient, three thousand ducats, I thinke I may

[340]

take his bond.

Bas.

Be assured you may.

Iew.

I will be assured I may: and that I may be assu­

red, I will bethinke mee, may I speake with Antho­ nio?

Bass.
[345]

If it please you to dine with vs.

Iew.

Yes, to smell porke, to eate of the habitation

which your Prophet the Nazarite coniured the diuell

into: I will buy with you, sell with you, talke with

you, walke with you, and so following: but I will

[350]

not eate with you, drinke with you, nor pray with you.

What newes on the Ryalta, who is he comes here?

Enter Anthonio. Bass.

This is signior Anthonio.

Iew. How like a fawning publican he lookes. I hate him for he is a Christian:
[355]
But more, for that in low simplicitie He lends out money gratis, and brings downe The rate of vsance here with vs in Venice. If I can catch him once vpon the hip, I will feede fat the ancient grudge I beare him.
[360]
He hates our sacred Nation, and he railes Euen there where Merchants most doe congregate On me, my bargaines, and my well‑worne thrift, Which he cals interrest: Cursed by my Trybe If I forgiue him.
Bass.
[365]

Shylock, doe you heare.

Shy. I am debating of my present store, And by the neere gesse of my memorie I cannot instantly raise vp the grosse Of full three thousand ducats: what of that?
[370]
Tuball a wealthy Hebrew of my Tribe Will furnish me: but soft, how many months Doe you desire? Rest you faire good signior, Your worship was the last man in our mouthes.
Ant. Shylocke, albeit I neither lend nor borrow
[375]
By taking, nor by giuing of excesse, Yet to supply the ripe wants of my friend, Ile breake a custome: is he yet possest How much he would?
Shy.

I, I, three thousand ducats.

Ant.
[380]

And for three months.

Shy. I had forgot, three months, you told me so. Well then, your bond: and let me see, but heare you, Me thoughts you said, you neither lend nor borrow Vpon aduantage. Ant.
[385]

I doe neuer vse it.

Shy. When Iacob graz'd his Vncle Labans sheepe, This Iacob from our holy Abram was (As his wise mother wrought in his behalfe) The third possesser; I, he was the third. Ant. And what of him, did he take interrest? Shy.
[390]
No, not take interest, not as you would say Directly interest, marke what Iacob did, When Laban and himselfe were compremyz'd That all the eanelings which were streakt and pied Should fall as Iacobs hier, the Ewes being rancke,
[395]
In end of Autumne turned to the Rammes, And when the worke of generation was Betweene these woolly breeders in the act, The skilfull shepheard pil'd me certaine wands, And in the dooing of the deede of kinde,
[400]
He stucke them vp before the fulsome Ewes, Who then conceauing, did in eaning time Fall party‑colour'd lambs, and those were Iacobs. This was a way to thriue, and he was blest: And thrift is blessing if men steale it not.
Ant.
[405]
This was a venture sir that Iacob seru'd for, A thing not in his power to bring to passe, But sway'd and fashion'd by the hand of heauen. Was this inserted to make interrest good? Or is your gold and siluer Ewes and Rams?
Shy.
[410]
I cannot tell, I make it breede as fast, But note me signior.
Ant. Marke you this Bassanio, The diuell can cite Scripture for his purpose, An euill soule producing holy witnesse,
[415]
Is like a villaine with a smiling cheeke, A goodly apple rotten at the heart. O what a goodly outside falsehood hath.
Shy. Three thousand ducats, 'tis a good round sum. Three months from twelue, then let me see the rate. Ant.
[420]
Well Shylocke, shall we be beholding to you ?
Shy. Signior Anthonio, many a time and oft In the Ryalto you haue rated me About my monies and my vsances: Still haue I borne it with a patient shrug,
[425]
(For suffrance is the badge of all our Tribe.) You call me misbeleeuer, cut‑throate dog, And spet vpon my Iewish gaberdine, And all for vse of that which is mine owne. Well then, it now appeares you neede my helpe:
[430]
Goe to then, you come to me, and you say, Shylocke, we would haue moneyes, you say so: You that did voide your rume vpon my beard, And foote me as you spurne a stranger curre Ouer your threshold, moneyes is your suite.
[435]
What should I say to you? Should I not say, Hath a dog money? Is it possible A curre should lend three thousand ducats? or Shall I bend low, and in a bond‑mans key With bated breath, and whispring humblenesse,
[440]
Say this: Faire sir, you spet on me on Wednesday last; You spurn'd me such a day; another time You cald me dog: and for these curtesies Ile lend you thus much moneyes.
Ant. I am as like to call thee so againe,
[445]
To spet on thee againe, to spurne thee too. If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not As to thy friends, for when did friendship take A breede of barraine mettall of his friend? But lend it rather to thine enemie,
[450]
Who if he breake, thou maist with better face Exact the penalties.
Shy. Why looke you how you storme, I would be friends with you, and haue your loue, Forget the shames that you haue staind me with,
[455]
Supplie your present wants, and take no doite Of vsance for my moneyes, and youle not heare me, This is kinde I offer.
Bass. This were kindnesse. Shy. This kindnesse will I showe,
[460]
Goe with me to a Notarie, seale me there Your single bond, and in a merrie sport If you repaie me not on such a day, In such a place, such sum or sums as are Exprest in the condition, let the forfeite
[465]
Be nominated for an equall pound Of your faire flesh, to be cut off and taken In what part of your bodie it pleaseth me.
Ant. Content infaith, Ile seale to such a bond, And say there is much kindnesse in the Iew. Bass.
[470]
You shall not seale to such a bond for me, Ile rather dwell in my necessitie.
Ant. Why feare not man, I will not forfaite it, Within these two months, that's a month before This bond expires, I doe expect returne
[475]
Of thrice three times the valew of this bond.
Shy. O father Abram, what these Christians are, Whose owne hard dealings teaches them suspect The thoughts of others: Praie you tell me this, If he should breake his daie, what should I gaine
[480]
By the exaction of the forfeiture? A pound of mans flesh taken from a man, Is not so estimable, profitable neither As flesh of Muttons, Beefes, or Goates, I say To buy his fauour, I extend this friendship,
[485]
If he will take it, so: if not adiew, And for my loue I praie you wrong me not.
Ant.

Yes Shylocke, I will seale vnto this bond.

Shy. Then meete me forthwith at the Notaries, Giue him direction for this merrie bond,
[490]
And I will goe and purse the ducats straite. See to my house left in the fearefull gard Of an vnthriftie knaue: and presentlie Ile be with you.
Exit. Ant.

Hie thee gentle Iew. This Hebrew will turne

[495]

Christian, he growes kinde.

Bass. I like not faire tearmes, and a villaines minde. Ant. Come on, in this there can be no dismaie, My Shippes come home a month before the daie. Exeunt.
 

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   <head type="supplied">[Act 1, Scene 3]</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Bassanio with Shylocke the Iew.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <p n="315">Three thousand ducates, well.</p>
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   <sp who="#F-mv-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bass.</speaker>
      <p n="316">I sir, for three months.</p>
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   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <p n="317">For three months, well.</p>
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   <sp who="#F-mv-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bass.</speaker>
      <p n="318">For the which, as I told you,
      <lb n="319"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Anthonio</hi>shall be bound.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <p n="320">
         <hi rend="italic">Anthonio</hi>shall become bound, well.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bass.</speaker>
      <p n="321">May you sted me? Will you pleasure me?
      <lb n="322"/>Shall I know your answere.</p>
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   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <p n="323">Three thousand ducats for three months,
      <lb n="324"/>and<hi rend="italic">Anthonio</hi>bound.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bass.</speaker>
      <p n="325">Your answere to that.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <p n="326">
         <hi rend="italic">Anthonio</hi>is a good man.</p>
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   <sp who="#F-mv-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bass.</speaker>
      <p n="327">Haue you heard any imputation to the con ­
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   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <p n="329">Ho no, no, no, no: my meaning in saying he is a
      <lb n="330"/>good man, is to haue you vnderstand me that he is<choice>
            <orig>suffi­
      <lb n="331"/>ent</orig>
            <corr>sufficient</corr>
         </choice>, yet his meanes are in supposition: he hath an Argo­
      <lb n="332"/>sie bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies, I vnder­
      <lb n="333"/>stand moreouer vpon the Ryalta, he hath a third at Mexi­
      <lb n="334"/>co, a fourth for England, and other ventures hee hath
      <lb n="335"/>squandred abroad, but ships are but boords, Saylers but
      <lb n="336"/>men, there be land rats, and water rats, water theeues,
      <lb n="337"/>and land theeues, I meane Pyrats, and then there is the
      <lb n="338"/>perrill of waters, windes, and rocks: the man is not with ­
      <lb n="339"/>standing sufficient, three thousand ducats, I thinke I may
      <lb n="340"/>take his bond.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bas.</speaker>
      <p n="341">Be assured you may.</p>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0186-0.jpg" n="166"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iew.</speaker>
      <p n="342">I will be assured I may: and that I may be assu­
      <lb n="343"/>red, I will bethinke mee, may I speake with<hi rend="italic">Antho­
      <lb n="344"/>nio?</hi>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bass.</speaker>
      <p n="345">If it please you to dine with vs.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iew.</speaker>
      <p n="346">Yes, to smell porke, to eate of the habitation
      <lb n="347"/>which your Prophet the Nazarite coniured the diuell
      <lb n="348"/>into: I will buy with you, sell with you, talke with
      <lb n="349"/>you, walke with you, and so following: but I will
      <lb n="350"/>not eate with you, drinke with you, nor pray with you.
      <lb n="351"/>What newes on the Ryalta, who is he comes here?</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Anthonio.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-mv-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bass.</speaker>
      <p n="352">This is signior<hi rend="italic">Anthonio.</hi>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Iew.</speaker>
      <l n="353">How like a fawning publican he lookes.</l>
      <l n="354">I hate him for he is a Christian:</l>
      <l n="355">But more, for that in low simplicitie</l>
      <l n="356">He lends out money gratis, and brings downe</l>
      <l n="357">The rate of vsance here with vs in<hi rend="italic">Venice</hi>.</l>
      <l n="358">If I can catch him once vpon the hip,</l>
      <l n="359">I will feede fat the ancient grudge I beare him.</l>
      <l n="360">He hates our sacred Nation, and he railes</l>
      <l n="361">Euen there where Merchants most doe congregate</l>
      <l n="362">On me, my bargaines, and my well‑worne thrift,</l>
      <l n="363">Which he cals interrest: Cursed by my Trybe</l>
      <l n="364">If I forgiue him.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bass.</speaker>
      <p n="365">
         <hi rend="italic">Shylock</hi>, doe you heare.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <l n="366">I am debating of my present store,</l>
      <l n="367">And by the neere gesse of my memorie</l>
      <l n="368">I cannot instantly raise vp the grosse</l>
      <l n="369">Of full three thousand ducats: what of that?</l>
      <l n="370">
         <hi rend="italic">Tuball</hi>a wealthy Hebrew of my Tribe</l>
      <l n="371">Will furnish me: but soft, how many months</l>
      <l n="372">Doe you desire? Rest you faire good signior,</l>
      <l n="373">Your worship was the last man in our mouthes.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="374">
         <hi rend="italic">Shylocke</hi>, albeit I neither lend nor borrow</l>
      <l n="375">By taking, nor by giuing of excesse,</l>
      <l n="376">Yet to supply the ripe wants of my friend,</l>
      <l n="377">Ile breake a custome: is he yet possest</l>
      <l n="378">How much he would?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <p n="379">I, I, three thousand ducats.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <p n="380">And for three months.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <l n="381">I had forgot, three months, you told me so.</l>
      <l n="382">Well then, your bond: and let me see, but heare you,</l>
      <l n="383">Me thoughts you said, you neither lend nor borrow</l>
      <l n="384">Vpon aduantage.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <p n="385">I doe neuer vse it.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <l n="386">When<hi rend="italic">Iacob</hi>graz'd his Vncle<hi rend="italic">Labans</hi>sheepe,</l>
      <l n="387">This<hi rend="italic">Iacob</hi>from our holy<hi rend="italic">Abram</hi>was
      <lb/>(As his wise mother wrought in his behalfe)</l>
      <l n="388">The third possesser; I, he was the third.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="389">And what of him, did he take interrest?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <l n="390">No, not take interest, not as you would say</l>
      <l n="391">Directly interest, marke what<hi rend="italic">Iacob</hi>did,</l>
      <l n="392">When<hi rend="italic">Laban</hi>and himselfe were compremyz'd</l>
      <l n="393">That all the eanelings which were streakt and pied</l>
      <l n="394">Should fall as<hi rend="italic">Iacobs</hi>hier, the Ewes being rancke,</l>
      <l n="395">In end of Autumne turned to the Rammes,</l>
      <l n="396">And when the worke of generation was</l>
      <l n="397">Betweene these woolly breeders in the act,</l>
      <l n="398">The skilfull shepheard pil'd me certaine wands,</l>
      <l n="399">And in the dooing of the deede of kinde,</l>
      <l n="400">He stucke them vp before the fulsome Ewes,</l>
      <l n="401">Who then conceauing, did in eaning time</l>
      <l n="402">Fall party‑colour'd lambs, and those were<hi rend="italic">Iacobs</hi>.</l>
      <l n="403">This was a way to thriue, and he was blest:</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="404">And thrift is blessing if men steale it not.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="405">This was a venture sir that<hi rend="italic">Iacob</hi>seru'd for,</l>
      <l n="406">A thing not in his power to bring to passe,</l>
      <l n="407">But sway'd and fashion'd by the hand of heauen.</l>
      <l n="408">Was this inserted to make interrest good?</l>
      <l n="409">Or is your gold and siluer Ewes and Rams?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <l n="410">I cannot tell, I make it breede as fast,</l>
      <l n="411">But note me signior.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="412">Marke you this<hi rend="italic">Bassanio</hi>,</l>
      <l n="413">The diuell can cite Scripture for his purpose,</l>
      <l n="414">An euill soule producing holy witnesse,</l>
      <l n="415">Is like a villaine with a smiling cheeke,</l>
      <l n="416">A goodly apple rotten at the heart.</l>
      <l n="417">O what a goodly outside falsehood hath.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <l n="418">Three thousand ducats, 'tis a good round sum.</l>
      <l n="419">Three months from twelue, then let me see the rate.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="420">Well<hi rend="italic">Shylocke</hi>, shall we be beholding to you<hi rend="italic">?</hi>
      </l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <l n="421">Signior<hi rend="italic">Anthonio</hi>, many a time and oft</l>
      <l n="422">In the Ryalto you haue rated me</l>
      <l n="423">About my monies and my vsances:</l>
      <l n="424">Still haue I borne it with a patient shrug,</l>
      <l n="425">(For suffrance is the badge of all our Tribe.)</l>
      <l n="426">You call me misbeleeuer, cut‑throate dog,</l>
      <l n="427">And spet vpon my Iewish gaberdine,</l>
      <l n="428">And all for vse of that which is mine owne.</l>
      <l n="429">Well then, it now appeares you neede my helpe:</l>
      <l n="430">Goe to then, you come to me, and you say,</l>
      <l n="431">
         <hi rend="italic">Shylocke</hi>, we would haue moneyes, you say so:</l>
      <l n="432">You that did voide your rume vpon my beard,</l>
      <l n="433">And foote me as you spurne a stranger curre</l>
      <l n="434">Ouer your threshold, moneyes is your suite.</l>
      <l n="435">What should I say to you? Should I not say,</l>
      <l n="436">Hath a dog money? Is it possible</l>
      <l n="437">A curre should lend three thousand ducats? or</l>
      <l n="438">Shall I bend low, and in a bond‑mans key</l>
      <l n="439">With bated breath, and whispring humblenesse,</l>
      <l n="440">Say this: Faire sir, you spet on me on Wednesday last;</l>
      <l n="441">You spurn'd me such a day; another time</l>
      <l n="442">You cald me dog: and for these curtesies</l>
      <l n="443">Ile lend you thus much moneyes.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="444">I am as like to call thee so againe,</l>
      <l n="445">To spet on thee againe, to spurne thee too.</l>
      <l n="446">If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not</l>
      <l n="447">As to thy friends, for when did friendship take</l>
      <l n="448">A breede of barraine mettall of his friend?</l>
      <l n="449">But lend it rather to thine enemie,</l>
      <l n="450">Who if he breake, thou maist with better face</l>
      <l n="451">Exact the penalties.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <l n="452">Why looke you how you storme,</l>
      <l n="453">I would be friends with you, and haue your loue,</l>
      <l n="454">Forget the shames that you haue staind me with,</l>
      <l n="455">Supplie your present wants, and take no doite</l>
      <l n="456">Of vsance for my moneyes, and youle not heare me,</l>
      <l n="457">This is kinde I offer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bass.</speaker>
      <l n="458">This were kindnesse.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <l n="459">This kindnesse will I showe,</l>
      <l n="460">Goe with me to a Notarie, seale me there</l>
      <l n="461">Your single bond, and in a merrie sport</l>
      <l n="462">If you repaie me not on such a day,</l>
      <l n="463">In such a place, such sum or sums as are</l>
      <l n="464">Exprest in the condition, let the forfeite</l>
      <l n="465">Be nominated for an equall pound</l>
      <l n="466">Of your faire flesh, to be cut off and taken</l>
      <l n="467">In what part of your bodie it pleaseth me.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="468">Content infaith, Ile seale to such a bond,</l>
      <l n="469">And say there is much kindnesse in the Iew.</l>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0187-0.jpg" n="167"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-mv-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bass.</speaker>
      <l n="470">You shall not seale to such a bond for me,</l>
      <l n="471">Ile rather dwell in my necessitie.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="472">Why feare not man, I will not forfaite it,</l>
      <l n="473">Within these two months, that's a month before</l>
      <l n="474">This bond expires, I doe expect returne</l>
      <l n="475">Of thrice three times the valew of this bond.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <l n="476">O father<hi rend="italic">Abram</hi>, what these Christians are,</l>
      <l n="477">Whose owne hard dealings teaches them suspect</l>
      <l n="478">The thoughts of others: Praie you tell me this,</l>
      <l n="479">If he should breake his daie, what should I gaine</l>
      <l n="480">By the exaction of the forfeiture?</l>
      <l n="481">A pound of mans flesh taken from a man,</l>
      <l n="482">Is not so estimable, profitable neither</l>
      <l n="483">As flesh of Muttons, Beefes, or Goates, I say</l>
      <l n="484">To buy his fauour, I extend this friendship,</l>
      <l n="485">If he will take it, so: if not adiew,</l>
      <l n="486">And for my loue I praie you wrong me not.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <p n="487">Yes<hi rend="italic">Shylocke</hi>, I will seale vnto this bond.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-shy">
      <speaker rend="italic">Shy.</speaker>
      <l n="488">Then meete me forthwith at the Notaries,</l>
      <l n="489">Giue him direction for this merrie bond,</l>
      <l n="490">And I will goe and purse the ducats straite.</l>
      <l n="491">See to my house left in the fearefull gard</l>
      <l n="492">Of an vnthriftie knaue: and presentlie</l>
      <l n="493">Ile be with you.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <p n="494">Hie thee gentle<hi rend="italic">Iew</hi>. This Hebrew will turne
      <lb n="495"/>Christian, he growes kinde.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-bas">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bass.</speaker>
      <l n="496">I like not faire tearmes, and a villaines minde.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-mv-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="497">Come on, in this there can be no dismaie,</l>
      <l n="498">My Shippes come home a month before the daie.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

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