Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/227

Rh which followed Bassanio’s choice, and much chilled the ardor of his happiness by the sad tidings they brought him of his friend.

As soon as Portia heard the story of Antonio’s devotion to her lover, and of the danger he was in from the Jew’s vengeance, she begged Bassanio only to tarry long enough for a hasty marriage ceremony, and then to set off for Venice without delay. They went to church, and there Portia and Bassanio were married, and after them, Gratiano and Nerissa (who had agreed to make a match if Bassanio’s choice proved favorable) were also made man and wife. Immediately Portia loaded her husband with ducats to pay Antonio’s debt several times over, and the newly married gentlemen set sail for Venice.

As soon as they were fairly off, Portia called Lorenzo and Jessica, who had remained as her guests during Bassanio’s absence, and giving them the keys of her household, and the control of her palace, she asked them to act as master and mistress there, while she and Nerissa went to a convent near by to offer prayers for the safe and speedy return of their husbands, The pretty Jessica accepted the trust, and Portia and her maid left the palace of Belmont.

But instead of setting out for the convent, she went directly to the chief port of her island, and there awaited the return of a messenger whom