Lor.
Nay, we will slink away in supper-time;
Disguise us at my lodging, and return
All in an hour.

Gra.
We have not made good preparation.

Salar.
We have not spoke us yet of torch-bearers^{8 note}

Salan.
'Tis vile, unless it may be quaintly order'd;
And better, in my mind, not undertook.

Lor.
'Tis now but four o'clock; we have two hours
To furnish us:— Enter Launcelot, with a letter.
Friend Launcelot, what's the news?

Laun.

An it shall please you to break up this^{9 note}

Lor.
I know the hand: in faith, 'tis a fair hand;
And whiter than the paper it writ on,
Is the fair hand that writ.

Gra.
Love-news, in faith.

Laun.
By your leave, sir.

Lor.
Whither goest thou?

Laun.

Marry, sir, to bid my old master the Jew to sup to-night with my new master the Christian.

Lor.
Hold here, take this:—tell gentle Jessica,
I will not fail her;—speak it privately; go.—
Gentlemen, [Exit Launcelot.
Will you prepare you for this masque to-night?
I am provided of a torch-bearer.

Salar.
Ay, marry, I'll be gone about it straight.

Salan.
And so will I.

Lor.
Meet me, and Gratiano,
At Gratiano's lodging some hour hence.

Salar.
'Tis good we do so. [Exeunt Salar. and Salan.

Gra.
Was not that letter from fair Jessica?

Lor.
I must needs tell thee all: She hath directed,
How I shall take her from her father's house;
What gold, and jewels, she is furnish'd with;
What page's suit she hath in readiness.
If e'er the Jew her father come to heaven,
It will be for his gentle daughter's sake:
And never dare misfortune cross her foot,
Unless she do it under this excuse,—
That she is issue to a faithless Jew.
Come, go with me; peruse this, as thou goest:
Fair Jessica shall be my torch-bearer. [Exeunt.

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