, have all persuaded with him;
But none can drive him from the envious plea
Of forfeiture, of justice, and his bond.

_Por_. Is it your dear friend that is thus in trouble?

_Bas_. The dearest friend to me, the kindest man,
The best condition'd and unwearied spirit
In doing courtesies, and one in whom
The ancient Roman honour more appears,
Than any that draws breath in Italy.

_Por_. What sum owes he the Jew?

_Bas_. For me, three thousand ducats.

_Por_. What, no more?
Pay him six thousand, and deface the bond;
Double six thousand, and then treble that,
Before a friend of this description
Shall lose a hair through Bassanio's fault.
First, go with me to church, and call me wife:
And then away to Venice to your friend!
For never shall you stay by Portia's side
With an unquiet soul. You shall have gold
To pay the petty debt twenty times over;
When it is paid, bring your true friend along:
My maid Nerissa, and myself, mean time,
Will live as maids and widows. Come, away;
For you shall hence, upon my wedding-day:
But let me hear the letter of your friend.

_Bas. (reads.)_

'Sweet Bassanio, my ships have all miscarried, my creditors grow cruel,
my estate is very low, my bond to the Jew is forfeit; and since, in
paying it, it is impossible I should live, all debts are cleared between
you and me, if I might but see you at my death: notwithstanding, use
your pleasure: if your love do not persuade you to come, let not my
letter.'

_Por_. O love, despatch all business, and be gone.

_Bas_. Since I have your good leave to go away,
I will make haste: but, till I come again,
No bed shall e'er be guilty of my stay,
Nor rest be interposer 'twixt us twain.

[_Exeunt_.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 81: Sung by Miss POOLE, and Chorus of Ladies.]

[Footnote 82: _So may the outward shows be least themselves_; Bassanio
begins abruptly; the first part of the argument having passed in his
mind while the music was proceeding.]

[Footnote 83: _--gracious voice_,; Pleasing--winning favour.]

[Footnote 84: _--approve it_; _Id est_, justify it.]

[Footnote 85: _--guiled_; Treacherous--deceitful.]

[Footnote 86: _Fair Portia's counterfeit?_; Counterfeit, which is at
present used only in a bad sense, anciently signified a _likeness_, a
_resemblance_, without comprehending any idea of fraud.]

[Footnote 87: _--intermission_; Intermission is pause--intervening
time--delay.]

[Footnote 88: _--any constant man_.; _Constant_, i