                               + + + + + +

                     Scene 6. Before SHYLOCK'S House.

                Enter the masquers, GRATIANO and SALERIO.

Gratiano	This is the penthouse under which Lorenzo
	Desired us to make stand.

Salerio								His hour is almost past.

Gratiano	And it is marvel he outdwells his hour,
	For lovers ever run before the clock.

Salerio	O, ten times faster Venus' pigeons fly
	To seal love's bonds new-made than they are wont
	To keep obligd faith unforfeited!

Gratiano	That ever holds. Who riseth from a feast
	With that keen appetite that he sits down?
	Where is the horse that doth untread again
	His tedious measures with the unbated fire
	That he did pace them first? All things that are
	Are with more spirit chasd than enjoyed.
	How like a younker or a prodigal
	The scarfd bark puts from her native bay,
	Hugged and embracd by the strumpet wind;
	How like the prodigal doth she return,
	With overweathered ribs and ragged sails,
	Lean, rent, and beggared by the strumpet wind.

                              Enter LORENZO.

Salerio	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 knows
	But 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 ashamed of my exchange.
	But love is blind, and lovers cannot see
	The pretty follies that themselves commit,
	For, if they could, Cupid himself would blush
	To see me thus transformd 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 obscured.

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 stayed for at Bassanio's feast.

Jessica	I will make fast the doors, and gild myself
	With some more 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 proved herself;
	And therefore, like herself, wise, fair, and true,
	Shall she be placd in my constant soul.

                           Enter JESSICA below.

	What, art thou come? On, gentlemen, away!
	Our masquing mates, by this time, for us stay.
										[Exit with JESSICA and SALERIO.

                              Enter ANTONIO.

Antonio	Who's there?

Gratiano	Signor 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 delight
	Than to be under sail and gone tonight.
														[Exeunt.

