Page 458 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Will never grant this forfeiture to hold. [25]

ANTONIO
The Duke cannot deny the course of law,
For the commodity that strangers have
With us in Venice, if it be denied,
Will much impeach the justice of the state,

Since that the trade and profit of the city [30]
Consisteth of all nations. Therefore go.
These griefs and losses have so bated me

That I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh
Tomorrow to my bloody creditor.
Well, Gaoler, on. Pray God Bassanio come [35]
To see me pay his debt, and then I care not.
Exeunt.

Scene IV IT

Enter Portia, Nerissa, Lorenzo, Jessica, and Balthasar, a Man of Portia’s.

LORENZO
Madam, although I speak it in your presence,
You have a noble and a true conceit

Of godlike amity, which appears most strongly
In bearing thus the absence of your lord.
But if you knew to whom you show this honour, [5]

How true a gentleman you send relief,
How dear a lover of my lord your husband,
I know you would be prouder of the work
Than customary bounty can enforce you.

PORTIA
I never did repent for doing good, [10]

Nor shall not now; for in companions
That do converse and waste the time together,
Whose souls do bear an equal yoke of love,
There must be needs a like proportion