Act IIScene VI
The same
Enter the masquers, Gratiano and Salarino.
Gratiano
This is the penthouse under which LorenzoDesired us to make stand.
Salarino
His hour is almost past.
Gratiano
And it is marvel he out-dwells his hour,For lovers ever run before the clock.
Salarino
O ten times faster Venus’ pigeons flyTo seal love’s bonds new-made than they are wontTo keep obliged faith unforfeited!
Gratiano
That ever holds: who riseth from a feastWith that keen appetite that he sits down?Where is the horse that doth untread againHis tedious measures with the unbated fireThat he did pace them first? All things that are,Are with more spirit chased than enjoy’d.How like a younger or a prodigalThe scarfed bark puts from her native bay,Hugg’d and embraced by the strumpet wind!How like the prodigal doth she returnWith over-weather’d ribs and ragged sails,Lean, rent, and beggar’d by the strumpet wind!
Enter Lorenzo.
Salarino
Here comes Lorenzo, more of this hereafter.
Lorenzo
Sweet friends, your patience for my long abode.Not I but my affairs have made you wait.When you shall please to play the thieves for wives,I’ll watch as long for you then. Approach.Here dwells my father Jew. Ho! who’s within?
Enter Jessica above, in boy’s clothes.
Jessica
Who are you? Tell me, for more certainty,Albeit I’ll swear that I do know your tongue.
Lorenzo
Lorenzo, and thy love.
Jessica
Lorenzo certain, and my love indeed,For who love I so much? And now who knowsBut you, Lorenzo, whether I am yours?
Lorenzo
Heaven and thy thoughts are witness that thou art.
Jessica
Here, catch this casket; it is worth the pains.I am glad ’tis night, you do not look on me,For I am much asham’d of my exchange.But love is blind, and lovers cannot seeThe pretty follies that themselves commit,For if they could, Cupid himself would blushTo see me thus transformed to a boy.
Lorenzo
Descend, for you must be my torch-bearer.
Jessica
What! must I hold a candle to my shames?They in themselves, good sooth, are too too light.Why, ’tis an office of discovery, love,And I should be obscur’d.
Lorenzo
So are you, sweet,Even in the lovely garnish of a boy.But come at once,For the close night doth play the runaway,And we are stay’d for at Bassanio’s feast.
Jessica
I will make fast the doors, and gild myselfWith some moe ducats, and be with you straight.
Exit above.
Gratiano
Now, by my hood, a gentle, and no Jew.
Lorenzo
Beshrew me but I love her heartily,For she is wise, if I can judge of her,And fair she is, if that mine eyes be true,And true she is, as she hath prov’d herself.And therefore, like herself, wise, fair, and true,Shall she be placed in my constant soul.
Enter Jessica.
What, art thou come? On, gentlemen, away!Our masquing mates by this time for us stay.
Exit with Jessica and Salarino.
Enter Antonio.
Antonio
Who’s there?
Gratiano
Signior Antonio!
Antonio
Fie, fie, Gratiano! where are all the rest?’Tis nine o’clock, our friends all stay for you.No masque tonight, the wind is come about;Bassanio presently will go aboard.I have sent twenty out to seek for you.
Gratiano
I am glad on’t. I desire no more delightThan to be under sail and gone tonight.
Exeunt.