Page:Merchant of Venice (1923) Yale.djvu/57

The Merchant of Venice, II. ix

Por. To offend, and judge, are distinct offices,

And of opposed natures.

Ar.What is here?

'The fire seven times tried this:

Seven times tried that judgment is

That did never choose amiss.

Some there be that shadows kiss;

Such have but a shadow's bliss:

There be fools alive, I wis,

Silver'd o'er; and so was this.

Take what wife you will to bed,

I will ever be your head:

So be gone, sir: you are sped.'

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 wroth.

[Exit Arragon with his 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.'

Por. Come, draw the curtain, Nerissa.

Mes. Where is my lady?

Por.Here; what would my lord?

Mes. Madam, there is alighted at your gate

A young Venetian, one that comes before

 61 To offend, etc.: the criminal need not judge his own case

68 I wis: corruption of 'gewis,' certainly

85 my lord; cf. n. 