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.

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, it shall seem to signify.

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^{2 note} 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.

Previous section

Next section