Gra.
This is the pent-house, under which Lorenzo
Desir'd us to make stand. ^note

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' pidgeons fly,
To seal love's bonds new made; than they are wont,
To keep obliged faith unforfeited.

Gra.
That ever holds; Who riseth from a feast
With that keen appetite that he sits down?
Where is the horse, that doth untread again
His tedious measures with the unbated fire
That he did pace them first? all things that are
Are with more spirit chased than enjoy'd.
How like a younger, or a prodigal,
The skarfed bark puts from her native bay,
Hug'd ^note and embraced by the strumpet wind!
How like a prodigal doth she return;
With over-weather'd ^note ribs, and ragged sails,
Lean, rent, and beggar'd by the strumpet wind! Enter Lorenzo, masqu'd.

Sal.
Here comes Lorenzo; more of this hereafter.

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:—Ho! who's within? Enter Jessica, above, in Boy's Cloaths.

Jes.
Who are you? tell me, for more 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.
Heaven, and thy thoughts, are witness that thou art.

Jes.
Here, catch this &dagger2; casket, it is worth ^note the pains.
I am glad 'tis night, you do not look on me,
For I am much asham'd of my exchange:
But love is blind, and lovers cannot see
The pretty follies that themselves commit;
For if they could, Cupid himself would blush
To see me thus transformed to a boy.

Lor.
Descend, for you must be my torch-bearer.

Jes.
What, must I hold a candle to my shames? ^note
They in themselves, good sooth, are too too light.
Why, 'tis an office of discovery, love;
And I should be obscur'd.

Lor.
So are you ^note, sweet,
Even in the lovely garnish of a boy.
But come at once;
For the close night doth play the runaway,
And we are stay'd 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 gentle ^note, and no Jew.

Lor.
Beshrow ^note 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, below.
What, art thou come?—On, gentlemen ^note, away;
Our masquing mates by this time for us stay. [Exit, with Jessica, and Salerino.

Enter Antonio.

Ant.
Who's there? ^note

Gra.
Signior, Antonio?

Ant.
Fie, fie, Gratiano! where are all the rest?
'Tis nine o'clock; our friends all stay for you:
No masque to-night; the wind is come about,
Bassanio presently will go aboard:
I have sent twenty out to seek for you. ^note

Gra. ^note
I am glad on't; I desire no more delight,
Than to be under sail, and gone to-night. [Exeunt.

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