Page 453 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

To come with him along.

SALERIO
I did, my lord, [230]
And I have reason for it. Signor Antonio
Commends him to you.

He gives Bassanio a letter.

BASSANIO

Ere I ope his letter,
I pray you tell me how my good friend doth.

SALERIO
Not sick, my lord, unless it be in mind,
Nor well unless in mind. His letter there [235]
Will show you his estate.

Bassanio opens the letter.

GRATIANO

Nerissa, cheer yond stranger; bid her welcome.
Your hand, Salerio. What’s the news from Venice?
How doth that royal merchant, good Antonio?
I know he will be glad of our success; [240]

We are the Jasons, we have won the Fleece.

SALERIO
I would you had won the fleece that he hath lost.

PORTIA
There are some shrewd contents in yond same paper
That steals the colour from Bassanio’s cheek:
Some dear friend dead, else nothing in the world [245]

Could turn so much the constitution
Of any constant man. What, worse and worse?
With leave, Bassanio, I am half yourself,
And I must freely have the half of anything