Page 407 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

And for three months.

SHYLOCK
I had forgot − three months, you told me so. [65]
Well then, your bond; and let me see; but hear you,
Methoughts you said you neither lend nor borrow
Upon advantage.

ANTONIO
I do never use it.

SHYLOCK
When Jacob grazed his uncle Laban’s sheep −
This Jacob from our holy Abram was, [70]
As his wise mother wrought in his behalf,

The third possessor; ay, he was the third −

ANTONIO

And what of him? Did he take interest?

SHYLOCK
No, not take interest, not as you would say
Directly interest. Mark what Jacob did: [75]
When Laban and himself were compromised
That all the eanlings which were streaked and pied

Should fall as Jacob’s hire, the ewes being rank,
In end of autumn turnèd to the rams,
And when the work of generation was [80]

Between these woolly breeders in the act,
The skilful shepherd peeled me certain wands,
And in the doing of the deed of kind
He stuck them up before the fulsome ewes,
Who then conceiving, did in eaning time [85]

Fall parti-coloured lambs, and those were Jacob’s.
This was a way to thrive, and he was blest;
And thrift is blessing if men steal it not.