Page 460 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

PORTIA

I thank you for your wish, and am well pleased
To wish it back on you. Fare you well, Jessica.
Exeunt Jessica and Lorenzo.

Now, Balthasar, [45]
As I have ever found thee honest-true,
So let me find thee still. Take this same letter,
And use thou all th’endeavour of a man
In speed to Padua. See thou render this

Into my cousin’s hand, Doctor Bellario, [50]
And look what notes and garments he doth give thee
Bring them, I pray thee, with imagined speed

Unto the traject, to the common ferry
Which trades to Venice. Waste no time in words.
But get thee gone. I shall be there before thee. [55]

BALTHASAR
Madam, I go with all convenient speed.
Exit.

PORTIA
Come on, Nerissa; I have work in hand

That you yet know not of. We’ll see our husbands
Before they think of us.

NERISSA
Shall they see us?

PORTIA
They shall, Nerissa, but in such a habit [60]

That they shall think we are accomplishèd
With that we lack. I’ll hold thee any wager,
When we are both accoutered like young men,
I’ll prove the prettier fellow of the two,
And wear my dagger with the braver grace, [65]

And speak between the change of man and boy
With a reed voice, and turn two mincing steps
Into a manly stride; and speak of frays