Page 437 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Tell me once more what title thou dost bear. [35]
‘Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves’.
And well said too, for who shall go about
To cozen fortune, and be honourable

Without the stamp of merit? Let none presume
To wear an undeservèd dignity. [40]
O that estates, degrees, and offices
Were not derived corruptly, and that clear honour

Were purchased by the merit of the wearer!
How many then should cover that stand bare,
How many be commanded that command; [45]
How much low peasantry would then be gleaned

From the true seed of honour, and how much honour
Picked from the chaff and ruin of the times
To be new varnished. Well, but to my choice.
‘Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves’. [50]

I will assume desert. Give me a key for this,
And instantly unlock my fortunes here.

He opens the silver casket.

PORTIA
Too long a pause for that which you find there.

ARRAGON
What’s here? The portrait of a blinking idiot

Presenting me a schedule! I will read it. [55]
How much unlike art thou to Portia!
How much unlike my hopes and my deservings!
‘Who chooseth me shall have as much as he deserves’.
Did I deserve no more than a fool’s head?

Is that my prize? Are my deserts no better? [60]

PORTIA
To offend and judge are distinct offices,
And of opposèd natures.

ARRAGON