Belmont. A Room in Portia's House.
 Flourish of Cornets.
 Enter the Prince of MOROCCO, a tawny Moor all in white,
 and three or four FOLLOWERS accordingly,
 with PORTIA, NERISSA, and their TRAIN.

Morocco	Mislike me not for my complexion,
	The shadowed livery of the burnished sun,
	To whom I am a neighbour and near bred.
	Bring me the fairest creature northward born,
	Where Phoebus' fire scarce thaws the icicles,
	And let us make incision for your love,
	To prove whose blood is reddest, his or mine.
	I tell thee, lady, this aspect of mine
	Hath feared the valiant. By my love, I swear
	The best regarded virgins of our clime
	Have loved it too. I would not change this hue,
	Except to steal your thoughts, my gentle queen.

Portia	In terms of choice I am not solely led
	By nice direction of a maiden's eyes;
	Besides, the lott'ry of my destiny
	Bars me the right of voluntary choosing;
	But if my father had not scanted me,
	And hedged me by his wit to yield myself
	His wife who wins me by that means I told you,
	Yourself, renownd prince, then stood as fair
	As any comer I have looked on yet
	For my affection.

Morocco						Even for that I thank you.
	Therefore, I pray you, lead me to the caskets
	To try my fortune. By this scimitar
	That slew the Sophy, and a Persian prince
	That won three fields of Sultan Solyman,
	I would o'erstare the sternest eyes that look,
	Outbrave the heart most daring on the earth,
	Pluck the young sucking cubs from the she-bear,
	Yea, mock the lion when a roars for prey,
	To win thee, lady. But alas the while!
	If Hercules and Lichas play at dice
	Which is the better man, the greater throw
	May turn by fortune from the weaker hand:
	So is Alcides beaten by his rage,
	And so may I, blind Fortune leading me,
	Miss that which one unworthier may attain,
	And die with grieving.

Portia								You must take your chance,
	And either not attempt to choose at all,
	Or swear before you choose, if you choose wrong,
	Never to speak to lady afterward
	In way of marriage - therefore be advised.

Morocco	Nor will not. Come, bring me unto my chance.

Portia	First, forward to the temple; after dinner
	Your hazard shall be made.

Morocco									Good fortune then,
	To make me blest or cursd'st among men!
														[Cornets. Exeunt.
