Page 403 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

NERISSA

You need not fear, lady, the having any of these lords. They have acquainted
me with their [100] determinations, which is indeed to return to their home
and to trouble you with no more suit, unless you may be won by some other

sort than your father’s imposition, depending on the caskets.

PORTIA

If I live to be as old as Sibylla, I will die as [105] chaste as Diana, unless I be
obtained by the manner of my father’s will. I am glad this parcel of wooers
are so reasonable, for there is not one among them but I dote on his very
absence, and I pray God grant them a fair departure. [110]

NERISSA
Do you not remember, lady, in your father’s time, a Venetian, a scholar and a

soldier, that came hither in company of the Marquis of Montferrat?

PORTIA
Yes, yes, it was Bassanio, as I think so was he called. [115]

NERISSA
True, madam. He, of all the men that ever my foolish eyes looked upon, was
the best deserving a fair lady.

PORTIA
I remember him well, and I remember him worthy of thy praise. [120]

Enter a Servingman.

How now, what news?

SERVINGMAN

The four strangers seek for you, madam, to take their leave; and there is a
forerunner come from a fifth, the Prince of Morocco, who brings word the
Prince his master will be here tonight. [125]

PORTIA
If I could bid the fifth welcome with so good heart as I can bid the other four