Shakespeare's play of the Merchant of Venice · William Shakespeare
SCENE I.--SALOON OF THE CASKETS IN PORTIA'S HOUSE AT BELMONT.
'Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves;' And well said too. For who shall go about To cozen fortune, and be honourable Without the stamp of merit! O, that estates, degrees, and offices, Were not deriv'd corruptly! and that clear honour Were purchas'd by the merit of the wearer! How many then should cover that stand bare? How many be commanded that command? And how much honour Pick'd from the chaff and ruin of the times, To be new varnish'd? Well, but to my choice: 'Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves:' I will assume desert:--Give me a key for this, And instantly unlock my fortunes here. _Por_. Too long a pause for that which you find there. _Arr_. What's here: the portrait of a blinking idiot, Presenting me a schedule? I will read it. Some there be that shadows kiss; Such have but a shadow's bliss: There be fools alive, I wis,[75] Silver'd o'er; and so was this.' Still more fool I shall appear By the time I linger here: With one fool's head I came to woo, But I go away with two. Sweet, adieu! I'll keep my oath, Patiently to bear my wroath.[76] [_Exeunt_ ARRAGON _and Train_. _Por_. Thus hath the candle sing'd the moth. O these deliberate fools! when they do choose, They have the wisdom by their wit to lose.
_Ner_. The ancient saying is no heresy;-- Hanging and wiving goes by destiny. _Enter_ BALTHAZAR. _Ser_. Madam, there is alighted at your gate A young Venetian, one that comes before To signify the approaching of his lord: From whom he bringeth sensible regreets;[77] To wit, besides commends and courteous breath, Gifts of rich value; yet I have not seen So likely an ambassador of love. _Por_. No more, I pray thee. Come, come, Nerissa; for I long to see Quick Cupid's post that comes so mannerly. _Ner_. Bassanio, lord love, if thy will it be! [_Exeunt_.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.