Page 464 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

conceits shall govern.
Exit Launcelot.

LORENZO
O dear discretion, how his words are suited!
The fool hath planted in his memory [65]
An army of good words; and I do know

A many fools that stand in better place,
Garnished like him, that for a tricksy word
Defy the matter. How cheer’st thou, Jessica?

And now, good sweet, say thy opinion, [70]
How dost thou like the Lord Bassanio’s wife?

JESSICA
Past all expressing. It is very meet
The Lord Bassanio live an upright life,
For having such a blessing in his lady,

He finds the joys of heaven here on earth, [75]
And if on earth he do not merit it,
In reason he should never come to heaven.
Why, if two gods should play some heavenly match

And on the wager lay two earthly women,
And Portia one, there must be something else [80]
Pawned with the other, for the poor rude world
Hath not her fellow.

LORENZO
Even such a husband

Hast thou of me as she is for a wife.

JESSICA
Nay, but ask my opinion too of that!

LORENZO
I will anon; first let us go to dinner. [85]

JESSICA