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that came hither in the company of the Marquis

of Montferrat?

Por. Yes, yes: it was Bassanio; as I think, he

was so called.

Ner. True, madam: he, of all the men that

ever my foolish eyes looked upon, was the best

deserving a fair lady.

Por. I remember him well, and I remember

him worthy of thy praise.

How now! what news?

Serv. The four strangers seek for you, madam,

to take their leave; and there is a forerunner

come from a fifth, the Prince of Morocco, who

brings word the prince his master will be here

to-night.

Por. If I could bid the fifth welcome with so

good heart as I can bid the other four farewell,

I should be glad of his approach: if he have the

condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil,

I had rather he should shrive me than wive me.

Come, Nerissa. Sirrah, go before.

Whiles we shut the gate upon one wooer, another knocks at the door.

Shy. Three thousand ducats; well?

Bass. Ay, sir, for three months.

 133 four; cf. n.

141 condition: disposition 