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.

Sal.
We have not spoke as yet of torch-bearers.

Sola.
'Tis vile, unless it may be quaintly ordered,
And better in my mind not undertook.

Lor.
'Tis now but four a-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, it shall seem to signifie.

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, will you prepare for this masque to night?
I am provided of a torch-bearer. [Exit Laun.

Sal.
Ay marry, I'll be gone about it strait.

Sola.
And so will I.

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

Sal.
'Tis good we do so. [Exit.

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 heav'n,
It will be for his gentle Daughter's sake:
And never dare misfortune cross her foot,

Unless she doth 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.

Previous section

Next section