The Merchant of Venice


google search for The Merchant of Venice

Return to Master Book Index.

Page
52 53 54 55 56

Quick Jump
1 20 40 59 79

go to thy fellows; bid them cover the table, serve  
in the meat, and we will come in to dinner.  
LAUNCELOT  
For the table, sir, it shall be served in; for the  
meat, sir, it shall be covered; for your coming in  
to dinner, sir, why, let it be as humours and  
conceits shall govern.  
Exit  
LORENZO  
O dear discretion, how his words are suited!  
The fool hath planted in his memory  
An army of good words; and I do know  
A many fools, that stand in better place,  
Garnish'd like him, that for a tricksy word  
Defy the matter. How cheerest thou, Jessica?  
And now, good sweet, say thy opinion,  
How dost thou like the Lord Bassanio's wife?  
JESSICA  
Past all expressing. It is very meet  
The Lord Bassanio live an upright life;  
For, having such a blessing in his lady,  
He finds the joys of heaven here on earth;  
And if on earth he do not mean it, then  
In reason he should never come to heaven  
Why, if two gods should play some heavenly match  
And on the wager lay two earthly women,  
And Portia one, there must be something else  
Pawn'd with the other, for the poor rude world  
Hath not her fellow.  
LORENZO  
Even such a husband  
Hast thou of me as she is for a wife.  
JESSICA  
Nay, but ask my opinion too of that.  
LORENZO  
I will anon: first, let us go to dinner.  
JESSICA  
Nay, let me praise you while I have a stomach.  
LORENZO  
No, pray thee, let it serve for table-talk;  
'
Then, howso'er thou speak'st, 'mong other things  
I shall digest it.  
JESSICA  
Well, I'll set you forth.  
Exeunt  


Page
52 53 54 55 56

Quick Jump
1 20 40 59 79