Page 489 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Did Jessica steal from the wealthy Jew, [15]
And with an unthrift love did run from Venice
As far as Belmont.

JESSICA
In such a night
Did young Lorenzo swear he loved her well,

Stealing her soul with many vows of faith,
And ne’er a true one.

LORENZO
In such a night [20]
Did pretty Jessica, like a little shrew,

Slander her love, and he forgave it her.

JESSICA
I would out-night you, did nobody come;
But hark, I hear the footing of a man.

Enter Stephano, a messenger.

LORENZO
Who comes so fast in silence of the night? [25]

STEPHANO
A friend.

LORENZO

A friend? What friend? Your name I pray you, friend.

STEPHANO

Stephano is my name, and I bring word
My mistress will before the break of day
Be here at Belmont. She doth stray about [30]
By holy crosses where she kneels and prays

For happy wedlock hours.