Page:Merchant of Venice (1923) Yale.djvu/34

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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 outstare 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 he 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 page;

And so may I, blind fortune leading me,

Miss that which one unworthier may attain,

And die with grieving.

Por.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 advis'd.

Mor. Nor will not: come, bring me unto my chance.

Por. First, forward to the temple: after dinner

Your hazard shall be made.

Mor.Good fortune then!

To make me blest or cursed'st among men!

Cornets. Exeunt.  25 Sophy: Shah of Persia

26 Solyman: He fought the Persians in 1535

32 Lichas: the servant of Hercules

35 Alcides: Alceus was the father of Hercules' stepfather

42 advis'd: cautious 