Shakespeare's play of the Merchant of Venice · William Shakespeare
GLEE.[69]
O happy fair! Your eyes are lode-stars, and your tongue sweet air! More tuneable than lark to shepherd's ear When wheat is green, when hawthorn buds appear![70] Ho! who's within? _Enter_ JESSICA, _above_. _Jes_. Who are you? Tell me, for more certainty, Albeit I'll swear that I do know your tongue. _Lor_. Lorenzo, and thy love. _Jes_. Lorenzo, certain; and my love, indeed; For who love I so much? And now who knows But you, Lorenzo, whether I am yours? _Lor_. Heaven, and thy thoughts, are witness that thou art. _Jes_. Here, catch this casket; it is worth the pains. _Lor_. Come, come at once; For the close night doth play the run-away, And we are staid for at Bassanio's feast. _Jes_. I will make fast the doors, and gild myself With some more ducats, and be with you straight. [_Exit from above_. _Gra_. Now, by my hood, a Gentile and no Jew.[71] _Lor_. 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, below_. What, art thou come?--On, gentlemen, away; Our masquing mates by this time for us stay. [_Exeunt_ _Enter various parties of Maskers, Revellers, &c_.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.