Page:Merchant of Venice (1923) Yale.djvu/99

The Merchant of Venice, V. i 

Lor. The moon shines bright: in such a night as this,

When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees

And they did make no noise, in such a night

Troilus methinks mounted the Troyan walls,

And sigh'd his soul toward the Grecian tents,

Where Cressid lay that night.

Jes.In such a night

Did Thisbe fearfully o'ertrip the dew,

And saw the lion's shadow ere himself,

And ran dismay'd away.

Lor.In such a night

Stood Dido with a willow in her hand

Upon the wild sea-banks, and waft her love

To come again to Carthage.

Jes.In such a night

Medea gather'd the enchanted herbs

That did renew old Æson.

Lor.In such a night

Did Jessica steal from the wealthy Jew,

And with an unthrift love did run from Venice,

As far as Belmont.

Jes.In such a night

Did young Lorenzo swear he lov'd her well,

Stealing her soul with many vows of faith,

 4 Troilus: ''cf. Shakespeare's play on the theme''

7 Thisbe: ''cf. Midsummer Night's Dream''

10 willow: emblem of slighted love

11 waft: beckoned

14 renew: rejuvenate

Æson: father of Jason 