Page 468 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Some men there are love not a gaping pig,
Some that are mad if they behold a cat,
And others, when the bagpipe sings i’th’nose,
Cannot contain their urine; for affection, [50]

Master of passion, sways it to the mood
Of what it likes or loathes. Now for your answer:
As there is no firm reason to be rendered
Why he cannot abide a gaping pig,

Why he a harmless necessary cat, [55]
Why he a woollen bagpipe, but of force
Must yield to such inevitable shame
As to offend, himself being offended;

So can I give no reason, nor I will not,
More than a lodged hate and a certain loathing [60]
I bear Antonio, that I follow thus
A losing suit against him. Are you answered?

BASSANIO

This is no answer, thou unfeeling man,
To excuse the current of thy cruelty.

SHYLOCK
I am not bound to please thee with my answers. [65]

BASSANIO
Do all men kill the things they do not love?

SHYLOCK
Hates any man the thing he would not kill?

BASSANIO
Every offence is not a hate at first.

SHYLOCK
What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice?

ANTONIO