Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/228

204 she had sent post-haste to Padua. She had in Padua a kinsman, Bellario by name, who was a very learned Doctor of Laws, and from him Portia had in her youth received instructions in the Venetian law. Assisted by the knowledge thus gained from Bellario, Portia’s ready wit had, on the instant she heard Antonio’s case, given her a hope of his safety. She had therefore sent to Bellario her opinion, asking him to confirm it, if it were correct, and asking him also to send her two disguises for herself and Nerissa. Her messenger travelled quickly to Padua, and returned to the port where she awaited him, with most hopeful letters from Bellario, and the garments for which she had sent, and the enterprising ladies with all imaginable speed set out in Bassanio’s wake for Venice. As soon as her ship arrived there, Portia dressed herself as a Doctor of Laws, and with Nerissa attired as her clerk, went straight to the Duke’s council hall, where the court was at that moment convened.

Bellario had furnished her with letters to the Duke, in which he spoke of her as a talented young doctor, wise beyond his years, and these letters she sent in to the Duke by the faithful Nerissa, who looked to perfection the part of a youthful student of the law. The Duke received the letters with great joy, and the disguised lady was ushered immediately into his presence. A