Page:Merchant of Venice (1923) Yale.djvu/73

The Merchant of Venice, III. ii

That he did owe him; and I know, my lord,

If law, authority, and power deny not,

It will go hard with poor Antonio.

Por. Is it your dear friend that is thus in trouble?

Bass. The dearest friend to me, the kindest man,

The best-condition'd and unwearied spirit

In doing courtesies, and one in whom

The ancient Roman honour more appears

Than any that draws breath in Italy.

Por. What sum owes he the Jew?

Bass. For me, three thousand ducats.

Por.What, no more?

Pay him six thousand, and deface the bond;

Double six thousand, and then treble that,

Before a friend of this description

Shall lose a hair thorough Bassanio's fault.

First go with me to church and call me wife,

And then away to Venice to your friend;

For never shall you lie by Portia's side

With an unquiet soul. You shall have gold

To pay the petty debt twenty times over:

When it is paid, bring your true friend along.

My maid Nerissa and myself meantime,

Will live as maids and widows. Come, away!

For you shall hence upon your wedding-day.

Bid your friends welcome, show a merry cheer;

Since you are dear bought, I will love you dear.

But let me hear the letter of your friend.

Bass. "Sweet Bassanio, my ships have all mis-

carried, my creditors grow cruel, my estate is very

low, my bond to the Jew is forfeit; and since, in

paying it, it is impossible I should live, all debts

are cleared between you and I, if I might but see

 294 unwearied: most unwearied

300 deface: cancel by writing across

303 thorough: through

313 cheer: face 