Gra.

This is the pent-house, under which Lorenzo desired us to make a stand.

Sal.
His hour is almost past.

Gra.
And it is marvel he out-dwells his hour,
For lovers ever run before the clock.

Sal.
O, ten times faster Venus' pigeons fly,
To seal love's bonds new made, than they are wont
To keep obliged faith unforfeited!

Gra.
That ever holds.

Sal.
Here comes Lorenzo: more of this, hereafter. Enter Lorenzo.

Lor.
Sweet friends, your patience for my long abode;
Not I, but my affairs have made you wait;
When you shall please to play the thieves for wives,
I'll watch as long for you, then; come, approach;
Here dwells my father Jew.
SONG, by Lorenzo.

I.
My bliss too long my bride denies,
Apace the wasting summer flies;

Nor yet the wint'ry blasts I fear,
Nor storms nor night shall keep me here.

II.
What may for strength with steel compare?
O love has fetters stronger far!
By bolts of steel are limbs confin'd,
But cruel love enchains the mind.

III.
No longer then perplex thy breast,
When thoughts torment, the first are best;
'Tis mad to go, 'tis death to stay,
Away my Jesse, haste away.
Hoa, who's within? Jessica above.

Jes.
Who are you? tell me for more than certainty,
Albeit I'll swear that I do know your tongue.

Lor.
Lorenzo, and thy love.

Jes.
Lorenzo certain, and my love indeed:
For who love I so much; and now who knows,
But you, Lorenzo, whether I am yours?

Lor.
Heav'n and thy thoughts are witness that thou art.

Jes.
Here, catch this casket, it is worth the pains.

Lor.
But come at once—
For the close night doth play the run-away,
And we are staid for at Bassanio's feast.

Jes.
I will make fast the doors, and gild myself
With some more ducats, and be with you straight. [Exit from above.

Gra.
Now by my hood, a Gentile, and no Jew.

Lor.
Beshrew me but I love her heartily;
For she is wise, if I can judge of her:
And fair she is, if that mine eyes be true;
And true she is, as she hath prov'd herself;
And therefore like herself, wise, fair, and true,
Shall she be placed in my constant soul.

Enter Jessica, to them.
What, art thou come? on, gentlemen, away;
Our masquing mates by this time for us stay. [Exeunt.* ^note

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