Page 435 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

SALERIO

A kinder gentleman treads not the earth. [35]
I saw Bassanio and Antonio part;
Bassanio told him he would make some speed

Of his return; he answered, ‘Do not so.
Slubber not business for my sake, Bassanio,
But stay the very riping of the time. [40]
And for the Jew’s bond which he hath of me,
Let it not enter in your mind of love.

Be merry, and employ your chiefest thoughts
To courtship and such fair ostents of love
As shall conveniently become you there’. [45]

And even there, his eye being big with tears,
Turning his face, he put his hand behind him,
And with affection wondrous sensible
He wrung Bassanio’s hand; and so they parted.

SOLANIO
I think he only loves the world for him. [50]

I pray thee let us go and find him out,
And quicken his embracèd heaviness
With some delight or other.

SALERIO
Do we so.

Exeunt.

Scene IX IT

Enter Nerissa and a Servitor.

NERISSA
Quick, quick I pray thee! Draw the curtain straight.
The Prince of Arragon hath ta’en his oath,

And comes to his election presently.

Flourish of cornets. Enter Arragon, his train, and Portia.