Page 455 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

But none can drive him from the envious plea
Of forfeiture, of justice, and his bond.

JESSICA
When I was with him, I have heard him swear
To Tubal and to Chus, his countrymen, [285]
That he would rather have Antonio’s flesh

Than twenty times the value of the sum
That he did owe him; and I know, my lord,
If law, authority, and power deny not,

It will go hard with poor Antonio. [290]

PORTIA

Is it your dear friend that is thus in trouble?

BASSANIO
The dearest friend to me, the kindest man,
The best-conditioned and unwearied spirit
In doing courtesies, and one in whom
The ancient Roman honour more appears [295]

Than any that draws breath in Italy.

PORTIA
What sum owes he the Jew?

BASSANIO
For me, three thousand ducats.

PORTIA
What, no more?
Pay him six thousand, and deface the bond.

Double six thousand and then treble that, [300]
Before a friend of this description
Shall lose a hair through Bassanio’s fault.
First go with me to church and call me wife,

And then away to Venice to your friend!
For never shall you lie by Portia’s side [305]