Page 405 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2
P. 405
BASSANIO
Have you heard any imputation to the contrary?
SHYLOCK
Ho no, no, no, no! My meaning in saying he [15] is a good man is to have you
understand me that he is sufficient. Yet his means are in supposition. He hath
an argosy bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies; I understand, moreover,
upon the Rialto, he hath a third at Mexico, a fourth for England, and other
[20] ventures he hath squandered abroad. But ships are but boards, sailors
but men; there be land rats and water rats, water thieves and land thieves, I
mean pirates; and then there is the peril of waters, winds, and rocks. The
man is, not-withstanding, sufficient. [25] Three thousand ducats; I think I
may take his bond.
BASSANIO
Be assured you may.
SHYLOCK
I will be assured I may; and that I may be assured, I will bethink me. May I
speak with Antonio? [30]
BASSANIO
If it please you to dine with us.
SHYLOCK
Yes, to smell pork, to eat of the habitation which your prophet the Nazarite
conjured the devil into. I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk
with you, and so following; but I will not [35] eat with you, drink with you,
nor pray with you. What news on the Rialto? Who is he comes here?
Enter Antonio.
BASSANIO
This is Signor Antonio.
SHYLOCK
(aside)