Page 493 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

NERISSA

Silence bestows that virtue on it, madam.

PORTIA
The crow doth sing as sweetly as the lark
When neither is attended, and I think
The nightingale, if she should sing by day

When every goose is cackling, would be thought [105]
No better a musician than the wren.
How many things by season seasoned are
To their right praise and true perfection!

Peace! How the moon sleeps with Endymion,
And would not be awaked!
Music ceases.

LORENZO
That is the voice, [110]

Or I am much deceived, of Portia.

PORTIA

He knows me as the blind man knows the cuckoo,
By the bad voice.

LORENZO
Dear lady, welcome home.

PORTIA
We have been praying for our husbands’ welfare,
Which speed we hope the better for our words. [115]

Are they returned?

LORENZO

Madam, they are not yet,
But there is come a messenger before
To signify their coming.

PORTIA