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' pidgeons fly
To ^{a note}seal loves 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 th'unbated fire
That he did pace them first? all things that are,
Are with more spirit chased than enjoy'd.
How like a younker or a prodigal
The skarfed bark puts from her native bay,
Hugg'd and embraced by the strumpet wind?
How like the prodigal doth she return
With ^{b note}over-weather'd ribs and ragged sails,
Lean, rent, and beggar'd by the strumpet wind?

Enter Lorenzo.

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. Hoa, who's within? 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.
Heav'n and thy thoughts are witness that thou art.

Jes.
Here, catch this casket, it is worth the pains.
I'm 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?
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 sweet,
Ev'n in the lovely garnish of a boy.
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 my self
With some more ducats, and be with you strait.

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 her self;
And therefore like her self, wise, fair, and true,
Shall she be placed in my constant soul. Re-enter Jessica.
What, art thou come? on gentlemen, away;
Our masking mates by this time for us stay. [Exit. Enter Anthonio.

Anth.
Who's there?

Gra.
Signior Anthonio.

Anth.
Fie, Gratiano, where are all the rest?
'Tis nine a-clock, our friends all stay for you;
No mask to-night, the wind is come about,
Bassanio presently will go aboard,
† ^noteI have sent twenty out to seek for you.

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

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