Page 431 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

PORTIA

Go, draw aside the curtains and discover
The several caskets to this noble Prince.
Now make your choice.

MOROCCO
This first, of gold, who this inscription bears,

‘Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire’; [5]
The second, silver, which this promise carries,
‘Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves’;
This third, dull lead, with warning all as blunt,

‘Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath’.
How shall I know if I do choose the right? [10]

PORTIA
The one of them contains my picture, Prince.
If you choose that, then I am yours withal.

MOROCCO
Some god direct my judgement! Let me see:

I will survey th’inscriptions back again.
What says this leaden casket? [15]
‘Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath’.
Must give, for what? For lead, hazard for lead?

This casket threatens; men that hazard all
Do it in hope of fair advantages.
A golden mind stoops not to shows of dross; [20]
I’ll then nor give nor hazard aught for lead.

What says the silver with her virgin hue?
‘Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves’.
As much as he deserves? Pause there, Morocco,
And weigh thy value with an even hand. [25]

If thou be’st rated by thy estimation,
Thou dost deserve enough and yet enough
May not extend so far as to the lady;
And yet to be afeard of my deserving

Were but a weak disabling of myself. [30]
As much as I deserve. Why that’s the lady!