The Merchant of

Venice
William Shakespeare

Three Watson
Irvine, CA 92618-2767
Website: www.sdlback.com
 Saddleback’s Illustrated ClassicsTM

Three Watson
Irvine, CA 92618-2767
Website: www.sdlback.com

Copyright © 2006 by Saddleback Educational Publishing.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the
written permission of the publisher.

ISBN 1-59905-149-4
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 William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in
Stratford-on-Avon, England, the third child of John Shakespeare,
a well-to-do merchant, and Mary Arden, his wife. Young William
probably attended the Stratford grammar school, where he
learned English, Greek, and a great deal of Latin. Historians
aren’t sure of the exact date of Shakespeare’s birth.

In 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. By 1583

the couple had a daughter, Susanna, and two years later the
twins, Hamnet and Judith. Somewhere between 1585 and
1592 Shakespeare went to London, where he became first an
actor and then a playwright. His acting company, The King’s
Men, appeared most often in the Globe theater, a part of which
Shakespeare himself owned.

In all, Shakespeare is believed to have written thirty-seven

plays, several nondramatic poems, and a number of sonnets.
In 1611 when he left the active life of the theater, he returned
to Stratford and became a country gentleman, living in the
second-largest house in town. For five years he lived a quiet
life. Then, on April 23, 1616, William Shakespeare died and
was buried in Trinity Church in Stratford. From his own time
to the present, Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest
writers of the English-speaking world.


William Shakespeare

The Merchant
of
Venice

Antonio Portia

Shylock

Bassanio
Jessica
 the merchant of venice 

Men came from everywhere to try to marry the beautiful Portia—

rich men from France, England, and Germany. But she could accept
only the man who passed her father’s test.

Perhaps the Prince of Morocco* would win her. or perhaps it would be

a handsome young man from venice.**

* a country in northern Africa

** a city in Italy
10

I don’t know why Your mind is on the

The story
I am so sad. It’s a ocean where your
begins many
strange feeling, and ships are tossing on
years ago
it makes me very tired. the waves!
on a street
in Venice
where three
young men
walked
together.
They were
Antonio,
a wealthy
merchant,*
and his
friends,
Salerio and
Solanio.

If I had so many ships at sea Every time I saw a stone

with such rich cargoes,** I’d church I’d wonder what
always be wondering where dangerous rocks my
the wind was blowing them! ships might hit.

* a seller of goods often imported from faraway lands

** loads of goods to sell
 the merchant of venice 11

No, no! My fortune is spread out Believe me, I

on many ships in many places. Not am not sad
all of them could be lost at once! because of
worrying
about my
ships and my
fortune.

Why, then your are

No, That’s
in love!
not It Then you are sad
either. just because you
aren’t happy!
12

Here comes your

cousin Bassanio
with Lorenzo and
Gratiano. we’ll
leave you in good
company.

Good day to you! Whenever you say. For

when are we going now, we must leave.
to get together
and have some fun?

You don’t The world’s a stage,

look well, Gratiano, And the part I

Antonio. must play is a sad one.

You are too

serious!
 the merchant of venice 13

Then I’ll play the part

of a fool. Let my
wrinkles come from
laughing and talking
instead of being sad!

Some men are known for their well, I must

wisdom* because they keep be one of

quiet. but if they spoke, they’d them, because

be called fools like me! Gratiano

never gives
me a chance
to speak.

But we must Goodbye, friend. Gratiano

leave you. Come, speaks
Lorenzo! more and
says less
than any
other man
in Venice!

* great minds; learning

14

I owe a lot Tell me about

Well, you
Now, tell me about of money, and it, Bassanio. I
know that
this lady you most of it to will do every-
I’ve enjoyed
spoke of—this you! But I have thing I can to
myself and
secret trip you a plan for help you.
spent more
want to make to paying every-
than I have.
see her. thing back.

There is a rich young the word about I met her once. . . and
lady in Belmont her has spread, I could see in her
named portia. She’s and men sail in eyes that she liked
beautiful, too, and every day to try me.
good! and win her.
 the merchant of venice 15

Now Antonio, if I You know Use it to borrow Thank you,

had the money to that all my as much money Antonio!
go to Belmont money is tied as you need, and
and try my luck, up in my ships I will soon repay
I think I could and their it!
win her love. cargoes—but
my credit* is
good.

Nerissa, I’m bored I suppose people with

Meanwhile with everything in too much money can be
in Belmont, the world! as sick of it as those
the Heiress**
who have nothing.
Portia talked
with her maid,
Nerissa.

* a promise to pay back any money borrowed

** a young woman who had been given a great deal of money when her parents died
16

But is it fair that a living daughter I’m not al- But your father
should be controlled* by the will lowed to was a wise and
of a dead father? refuse a hus- holy man.
band I don’t
like, or to
choose one I
do like.

When he ordered your

suitors** to choose
among these three
chests. . . One gold,
one silver, and one
lead. . . he must have
known how to pick
the right husband for
you.

before he died, portia’s father had set up the

plan using the three chests. inside one of them
portia’s picture was hidden. to marry her, a
suitor had to choose the right chest.

* ordered around
** men who wanted to marry a certain young lady
 the merchant of venice 17

How do you Well, first He talks of nothing but his

feel about the there’s the prince horse and how he can shoe him

men who have from Naples.* himself.

already come
to court you?

How about He does nothing What about the I don’t like

the count but frown! I’d Frenchman? Or the any of them.
Palatine? sooner marry a young Englishman?
skull with a bone Or the man from
in its mouth! Scotland?

* a city in Italy
18

Well, how Not at all in the Well, don’t worry. All of them

do you like morning when he is are giving up and going home.

the young sober*. . . and even

German less in the afternoon I’m glad

duke? when he is drunk! of that.

Do you remember, Yes, I think He seemed to be the best of all

in your father’s his name of them!
time, a young man was Bas-
I remember him well,
from Venice who sanio.
and i agree!
came here?

* not drunk
 the merchant of venice 19

Just then Well, what The last four men

a servant is it? who came to win
entered. you wish to say
goodbye.

And word has come While we shut the

that the prince of gate on one suitor,
morocco will arrive another knocks at
tonight. the door!

Yes, sir, for

Meanwhile in Venice, Three thousand
three months.
Bassanio talked ducats?* well,

with a money-lend- now. . .

er. Shylock was a

Jew whose busi-
ness was lending
money and charg-
ing interest for its
use.

* about $20,000
20

Antonio. . . his But I want to speak with

And Antonio
credit is good. Antonio first.
will repay
the loan. Of course.
here he
comes
now.

Welcome, I hate Antonio—

Antonio! first because he
is a Christian,* and
secondly because
he lends money free
of charge and ruins
my business!

He hates us Jews and talks

against me and the interest I
charge.

* one who believes in Jesus Christ

 the merchant of venice 21

Shylock, are you I was just thinking about

listening to me? how much money I can
lend you.

Shylock, you know But for my friend’s sake, I

I don’t believe in will break my rule. Has he
charging interest told you what he wants?
for lending money.

Yes, three
thousand
ducats for
three months.
22

Signior* Antonio, many You’ve done this Now you need my

times you have called just because I help. you ask me for
me names in public for choose to use my money. what should
the money I lend and wealth** this way. I say?
the interest I charge.

I’m not asking as a friend. That is

Don’t be angry! I will
This is business, and I will Kind!
lend you the money
pay you for its use!
without interest!

* sir; Mr.
** riches
 the merchant of venice 23

of Course it is. come with me And as a joke, if you don’t repay

to a notary* and we’ll make me on the agreed day, you’ll give
it legal. me a pound of your flesh to be
cut from whatever part of your
body I wish.

I’ll agree to No, no! I won’t

that. My ships hear of it.

will be in a
month before
the money is
due!

* someone who acts as a witness to an agreement

24

Why won’t you trust

me, Signior Bassanio?

A pound of beef
might be worth
something, but
what would I gain
from a pound of
Antonio’s Flesh?

It’s all right, Bas- I will meet you at

I still don’t
sanio. Perhaps the the notary’s office.
like it!
Jew will grow kind
enough to become
a christian!
 the merchant of venice 25

I hope you won’t dis- I don’t judge by my

like me for my dark eyes. whoever wins
While these
skin. I come from a me by my father’s
things were
land that is close to test is fair enough
happening,
the sun. to me.
the prince
of Morocco
arrived at
Portia’s
house.

Thank you for that! You may do You must swear* that if you
then lead me to the that after choose wrong, you will never
chests to try my dinner. But marry another lady.
luck. did you
know that I’ll swear it!
you must
make a
promise?

* promise
26

At the same time in Venice, a servant of Shylock’s named Launcelot

Gobbo was trying to make up his mind.

Should I run away? But my conscience* I Like the devil’s

The devil tells me to tells me to stay advice** better. I’ll
go. with my master, the run!
Jew.

Young man, It’s my old blind

please tell me father! I’ll Play a

which is the way joke on him!

to master Jew’s.

* the part of one’s mind that can tell good from evil
** help; good words
 the merchant of venice 27

Take the next Can you tell me if there’s a

right, then the Launcelot that lives there?
next left, then
don’t take any
Do you mean
turns at all.
young master
Launcelot?

No master, That Don’t you

What? I
sir, but a poor Launcelot’s know me
need him in
man’s son. His dead and father? I am
my old age!
father’s poor, gone to your son!
but very honest. heaven.
28

I can’t believe it! Yes, I am Then you are No, I’m running
Are you sure ? Launcelot, my son. well, away. Give it to
the Jew’s I’ve brought Signior Bassanio.
servant, the your master I want to work
son of your a present. for him.
wife Margery! Do you get
along well?

See that supper’s ready What luck! Here’s

Just then
at five o’ clock. And ask Bassanio now.
Bassanio and
Gratiano to come to my Tell him, father.
Leonardo
house later.
came by.
 the merchant of venice 29

Please, sir. . . No, no. . . the rich jew’s If you’d rather work

here’s my son, servant! But I’d rather for a poor Christian

a poor boy. . . work for you! than a rich Jew, I’m

glad to have you.

My dear friend. . . Only if you

As Bassanio
a favor! Let me go promise to
sent Launce-
with you to Belmont. change your
lot off to
shylock’s to ways. You must
give notice,* learn to talk
Gratiano less, be more
arrived. quiet. . . gentle. . .
Polite. . .

Yes, I’ll be No, tonight we’ll

careful! But have a party.
not tonight!

* to tell one’s employer that he is leaving his job

30

When Launcelot I am sorry you are going.

went back to Your funny ways have made

shylock’s house, this sad house better.

he told shy-
lock’s daughter
Jessica that he
was leaving his
job.

Here is a ducat Please give him You are such

for you. to- this letter. Do a beautiful,
night at supper, it secretly. sweet Jew.
you will see I am sure a
Lorenzo, your Christian will
new master’s marry you
guest. . . someday.
 the merchant of venice 31

When he left and Jessica was If lorenzo keeps his promise I’ll
alone. . . leave all this. Then I’ll become a
Christian—and his loving wife!

I am ashamed
to be my
father’s child.
but his ways
are not my
ways.

At that We can slip away to my but We haven’t

moment house at suppertime and arranged for
lorenzo put on our costumes. torchbearers*
and his yet.
friends
were
planning a
costume
party.

Just then Good news! I have just found How could you? Isn’t
Launcelot a torchbearer for tonight. that letter from the
came in lovely Jessica?
and gave
Jessica’s
Letter to
Lorenzo.

* servants who carried lights when their masters went out at night
32

Thank you, sir. Now I must go

Yes, it is. She is running away,
and ask my old master the Jew
and we will be married tonight.
to dine tonight with my new mas-
Here, Launcelot—tell Jessica
ter Bassanio.
that I’ll be there!

Soon Jessica, I’m Invited to

Launcelot supper with the Chris-

reached tians. I don’t want to go

shylock’s but I must!

house.

Go inside. Lock up the

doors and windows
tight! I have a feeling
that something awful is
going to happen!
 the merchant of venice 33

I’m sorry I made Take this, my love. It’s

you wait, but full of gold and jewels.

Shylock left Jessica is coming

for supper. with us.

Later that
night, outside
shylock’s
house,
Lorenzo met
his friends.

Dear Lorenzo, Don’t worry, my

I am ashamed sweet. You must be
to be seen my torchbearer. No
dressed this one will know you in
way! that outfit!*

Quick, Gratiano! The wind Fine. the party

As the
has changed, and you must will go along
young men
sail for Belmont tonight. without me.
left for
Bassanio’s
feast,
Antonio
hurried
toward
them.

* clothing
34

Here are the chests, I Will read the writing

Meanwhile, at
noble prince. on each one.
portia’s house
in Belmont,
the prince
of Morocco
was taking his
chance to win
portia as his
wife.

The first of gold, And this dull lead

The silver promises,
says: “who chooses chest? It warns:
“who chooses me
me shall gain what “who chooses me
shall get as much
many men desire.” must give and risk
as he deserves.”
all he has.”
 the merchant of venice 35

How do I know if I’ve chosen the Risk all I have for lead? Never!
right one? The silver. . . as much as I de-
serve? That’s the lady!

One of them
holds my picture.
If you choose
that one, I am
yours!

Let’s read the Here’s the key, The Prince opened the chest and
gold again: Prince, Open it. found a skull inside. He read the
“What many scroll* that was with it.
men desire. . .”
That’s the lady! I “All that glitters is not
choose the gold! gold. . . fare you well, your
wish is cold!”

At that, all the prince could do

was leave.

* a rolled up piece of paper

36

I saw Bassanio and Well, shylock thought

Meanwhile,
Gratiano on the ship and he was! He brought
Bassanio
I’m sure that Lorenzo the duke of Venice with
had set sail
was not with them. him to search it.
for Belmont.
Back in ven-
ice, Salerio
and solanio
talked about
the latest
news.

But he was too late. And Antonio swore “My daughter and
The ship was already they were not on his my money!” he kept
under way. Besides, ship. shouting, “stolen
Lorenzo and Jes- by a christian!”
sica had been seen
somewhere else in a
gondola* together!

He blames Antonio.
Antonio had better

Shylock was so be careful to pay

angry—you should what he owes shy-

have heard him! lock.

* a small boat
 the merchant of venice 37

A Frenchman told me You’d better tell him

Meanwhile
yesterday he saw an about it.
in Belmont,
Italian ship sunk in the prince
the English channel. I of ArRagon
hope it wasn’t one of was ready
Antonio’s. to make his
choice for
Portia.

I have promised three Yes, everyone must

things. I must never swear those things.
tell anyone which
chest I chose; remain
unmarried all my life
if I choose wrong;
and leave at once if
I fail.

Not the gold. . . not the lead. . . The picture of a fool! Do I deserve
I’ll choose the silver which no more than a fool’s head? Well,
promises as much as I deserve! so much for my hopes.

Open it.
38

The unhappy I hope it is

My lady, a young Let us go to
prince of Ar- Bassanio!
man from venice meet him, Nerissa.
Ragon sailed
is arriving.
away. but not
long after-
ward, a mes-
senger came
to portia.

Back in veince, solanio and Oh, no! and here comes

salerio had heard more news. Shylock to hear about it!

What is it Another of Antonio’s

now? rich ships has been
wrecked and lost!

Hello, shylock You knew of my We knew something,

what news do you daughter’s running yes. But what do you
have? away with my money hear of Antonio’s
and jewels! losses AT SEA?
 the merchant of venice 39

He will soon But surely, if If it’s good for nothing else, it

be bankrupt!* he can’t pay will at least be good revenge.**
Let him look you, you won’t He has laughed at me and made
to the bond take his flesh? fun of me. . . all because I am a
he gave me! what’s that jew.
good for?

Doesn’t a Jew feel If you cut us, don’t And if you wrong
the same heat and we bleed? If you us, shall we not
cold and hunger as poison us, don’t we take revenge? If
a Christian? die? we are like you in
the rest, we are
also like you in
that!

* without money
** getting back at someone for the evil he has done
40

The bad things

you have taught
me I will carry
out. . . and I will
even try to out-
do my teachers.

At that point, My master Antonio is Good! We’ve

a servant of at home and wishes to been looking
Antonio’s came speak with you both. for him.
by.

As salerio and What news, Tubal? I have news of her from

solanio left, Have you found several places, But i

a friend of my daughter? haven’t found her.

shylock’s drew
near. He was
Tubal, another
jew.
 the merchant of venice 41

I shall never But other men, Well, that’s

And she is
see my gold too, are un- good. Find me
spending money
again! lucky. Another an officer. I’ll
everywhere. One
of Antonio’s have Antonio’s
night in Genoa
treasure ships heart if he
she spent eighty
was sunk! can’t pay me
ducats!
on time!

Wait a few days, Bas- No, let me choose

sanio. If you choose now. I can’t stand
Meanwhile, in Bel-
wrong, then I must lose the suspense* of
mont, things were
you! Waiting.
happier. Bassanio
had arrived at
Portia’s, and the
two young people
had fallen in love.
But Bassanio
still had to pass
Portia’s father’s
test.

* not knowing the outcome of something

42

My Picture is locked One must not judge by

So everything
in one of them. if appearance* alone. Even a
was made
you love me, Find it. coward** may have a brave
ready for
beard upon his chin.
Bassanio to
choose.

So I won’t choose the bright I choose the plain lead, whose

gold. . . or the silver. dull outside promises nothing.

* what something seems to be

** someone who is too afraid to fight for what is right
 the merchant of venice 43

Fair lady, your This house, these

picture! But I won’t servants, and
Bassanio
believe I’ve won you myself are yours,
raised
until you tell me so. Bassanio!
the lid. . .
and found
portia’s
picture!

Then portia took a ring from After this, Gratiano stepped

her finger. forward.

I give them to I wish you joy. . . and beg

It will leave
you with this that Nerissa and I may be
my finger
ring. Never part married at the same time
only if I am
with it as long you are wed.
dead!
as you love me.
44

Is this true, It is so if you are Then we’ll be

Nerissa? pleased, madam. honored to share

our wedding day
with you!

Meanwhile, My dear friends, Your friends are

Salerio had welcome! most welcome!
sailed to
Belmont
with a letter
from Anto-
nio. Meeting
Lorenzo and
Jessica, the
runaways,
he brought
them with
him.

How is my dear friend Here is his letter. It

Antonio? will tell you.
 the merchant of venice 45

Only some awful news. . . a

dear friend dead. . . could
turn Bassanio so pale!

All Antonio’s ships

have been lost at sea.
His debt to shylock is
overdue and shylock
demands his pound of
Antonio’s flesh!

You must hurry to your Alas, I’ve heard my

friend and give him the father swear he would
money he needs. I will give rather have Antonio’s
it to you myself! flesh than Twenty times
the value of his debt!*

* money that has been borrowed

46

First come to the

church to be married. . .
Nerissa and Gratiano
too.

Then you must sail I’ll do it. . . and

for Venice with enough then hurry back
gold to save your to you.
friend.

Lorenzo, I would like you and Jessica

The weddings to take charge of my house. Nerissa
took place, and I will go to a nearby monastery*
and later Bas- to pray for our husbands’ safe return.
sanio sailed
away. Soon
afterward,
Portia had an
idea.

* a holy place, usually the home of monks or nuns

 the merchant of venice 47

Then Portia sent a letter to her Then bring the notes and
cousin in Padua.* clothes he gives you and meet
me at the ferry** for Venice. We’ll
Take this quickly to be there before you.
my cousin, Doctor
Bellario.

Come, Nerissa! We’ll Will they

Yes, but they won’t know us!
see our husbands see us?
And when we are dressed as
before they expect it. young men, I’ll bet I’ll make
the handsomer fellow!

* a city in northern Italy

** a boat that makes short trips over calm waters
48

Soon, in a Shylock, you have sworn to No. I have

courtroom take the pound of this man’s sworn to have
in Venice, flesh to which the law entitles* a pound of his
the trial you. I think, in this last hour, flesh—and I
to decide you will show mercy. will have it!
Antonio’s
fate began.

But here If you offered If I told you to let your slaves

are six me thirty-six go free, you wouldn’t do it! I
thousand thousand, I bought this pound of flesh, and I
ducats for would not take won’t let it go free!
your three them!
thousand!

It’s no use.
Let him have
his way.

* gives
 the merchant of venice 49

Sir, a messenger is
I have sent for doc- here with letters
tor Bellario, a wise from him.
lawyer* from Padua,
to decide this case.

All of this Nerissa entered, dressed as a lawyer’s clerk.**

was Portia’s
plan. She
Do you come from Yes, sir. He sends
and Nerissa
doctor Bellario? you this.
would take
doctor
Bellario’s
place.

He waits
Doctor Bellario outside.
says he is ill. But
he has talked
over this case
with a young
lawyer who can
take his place.
Where is he?

* someone who knows the law and argues cases in court

** helper; assistant
50

You are welcome. Do Yes, very well. Which is

The duke
you know this case? the merchant and which
sent for
the jew?
the young
man. Portia
entered,
Disguised as
the lawyer
Balthasar.

Antonio and shylock were With only justice, none of us

identified.* Portia spoke to would ever be saved. We all pray
shylock. for mercy, and that should teach
us to give mercy to others!
Your case is And why must
strange. . . but by I? I want
law you have the justice!**
right to it. You
must show mercy.

No! I want what I Isn’t he able to pay Yes, it’s here! I’ll pay
am owed! you the money? it! change the law
just this once!

* made known
** exactly what is owed
 the merchant of venice 51

No power can What a wise

Let me Here it is,
change the law. young lawyer!
look at the Here it is!
It cannot be.
bond.

This bond is overdue, and law- Antonio, Open your I have them
fully this Jew may claim a pound shirt. Shylock, do ready.
of flesh. . . to be cut off nearest you have scales
the merchant’s heart. here to weigh the
flesh?

Then let me
do it! I am
ready!

And so
am I.
52

Goodbye, Bassanio. Tell My wife is as dear to Your wife would

your good wife how I me as life itself. But I not thank you
loved you. I am not sor- would give all I have for that offer.
ry to pay this for you. to save you.

So shylock, prepare to You are not al- If one drop of his

cut off the flesh. But lowed to shed any blood is shed, all
you must understand blood. There is your wealth will
one thing. nothing in the bond be taken away and
about blood. you will die!

But. . . that’s
impossible!
 the merchant of venice 53

Why do you Give me my He has already Then the

stop? Take what money and refused it! devil take
is owed to you! let me go. He shall have you all!
justice—taken I’ll stay no
at his own risk! longer.

It’s ready. . .
here it is!

Wait, shylock! The Half his property

laws of venice say goes to the one

that if an alien* whose life he plotted

seeks the life of a against. The other

citizen,** as you have half goes to the

done, he has broken state. And his life it-

the law. self lies at the mercy

of the duke.

* someone who is not a citizen; Jews could not become citizens of Venice
** someone who lives and is allowed to vote in a certain place
54

All this is true of I give you your life. Half your No. You take
you. Beg for mercy wealth is Antonio’s. the state’s my life anyway
from the duke. half may be reduced to a fine if if you take the
you humble* yourself here. means by which
I live!

What mercy will I will be content to use my He shall do

you show him, half only during his lifetime, if this, or I will
Antonio? he wills it and all he owns to take back my
Lorenzo and his daughter when pardon.
he dies. And he must become a
Christian as well.

What do you I agree. I beg you to let me

say, shylock? leave. send the deed to my
So shylock
house, and I will sign it.
left the court
having lost
his pound of
flesh, most
of his for-
tune, and his
daughter.

* in this case, ask for mercy

 the merchant of venice 55

Sir, do come Thank you, but I Antonio, you owe this gentleman
home with me must start this much! Reward him.
to dinner. very evening for
Padua. Yes, you have
saved us! We
offer you the
three thousand
ducats due to
shylock.

And we owe you

much in love and
service forever.

I don’t want But Please. . . take

All right. This ring? It’s
anything. I am something. . . if
Give me your nothing! I’ll
happy knowing only to remember
gloves. And get you some-
I have saved us by.
also this thing better. . .
you.
ring you the best ring in
wear. Venice!
56

You offer Good sir, my wife Your wife would forgive you,
much. . . but gave me this ring, knowing how much I deserved the
when I ask, and I swore I’d ring, But never mind. goodbye!
you refuse never part with
me. it.

Please, Bassa- Yes! Take the ring

nio, he deserves and run after him,

so much from Gratiano. Hurry!

us. . . let him

have the ring.

We’ll have Shylock sign this Here comes Grati-

Outside, deed. Then we’ll hurry home ano with your ring.
Portia and before our husbands arrive. I’ll see if i can get
Nerissa my husband’s ring
searched which he swore to
for keep forever!
shylock’s
house.
 the merchant of venice 57

On such a night did On such a night did

Jessica run from Lorenzo swear he loved
Meanwhile, in
venice to Belmont her well and stole her
Belmont, the
with her love. heart.
happy newlyweds
were enjoying a
moonlit night.

I bring word that lady He has not. Let’s

Then a
Portia will be here be- go in and prepare
messenger
fore daybreak. Has my a welcome.
arrived.
master returned?

Hello, Hello! Here’s Then why go inside? Bring

a message from my the musicians* out here to
master. He’ll be here welcome our friends when
before morning. they return.

* those who sing and play instruments

58

How beautiful Even the music Welcome

Soon Portia everything looks sounds sweeter home, dear
and Nerissa by moonlight! than by day. lady.
arrived.

We’ve been away Not yet, Go in, Nerissa. Don’t

praying for our but a Tell the servants worry;
husbands’ safety. messen- not to say we’ve we’ll keep
Have they returned? ger says been away. you your se-
they are too, Lorenzo and cret.
almost Jessica.
here.

I thank you. Please wel-

Just then Welcome come my friend Antonio!
Bassanio home!
arrived with
Antonio and
Gratiano.
 the merchant of venice 59

I swear by the moon I don’t believe it. A quarrel

there. . . I gave it to you gave it to a
But in the already?
the lawyer’s clerk! pretty girl!
midst of the what’s the
greetings, matter?
a quarrel
broke out.

A ring she gave You swore you’d wear it

me. . . only a plain till your death! “Gave it to
gold circle. . . a lawyer’s clerk!” I don’t
believe it.

It’s true. . . a You were wrong, Gratiano! I’d best cut off
boy. . . no taller Bassanio swore he’d never my hand, and
than yourself! He part with the ring I Gave swear I lost the
begged it as a fee him. I’d be angry if he did. ring defending it!
and I couldn’t
refuse.
60

Is this true, Yes, it is.

Bassanio gave his
sir?
ring to the law-
yer who asked for
it—and deserved it
too! And his clerk,
the boy, Begged for
mine. they’d take
nothing else.

Just as truth is Nor I, till I If you had explained the special

gone from your see mine. meaning of the ring, no man would

heart! I’ll never have taken it. I think like Nerissa. . .

forgive you till I some woman has it!

see the ring again.

No, I swear to
you—no woman,
but a lawyer.

Sweet Portia, if you

knew to whom I gave
the ring, and why,
you’d not be so angry.
 the merchant of venice 61

He saved the life of my dear friend If you’ll forgive me this fault, I

and refused all other fees. If swear by my soul I’ll never again
you’d been there, You’d have given break a vow* to you.
him the ring yourself.

I once risked my body for Bas- And now Then you shall

sanio—and would have lost it I’ll risk my be his guaran-

except for him who has your ring. soul that tee.** Give him
Bassanio this, and tell
will never him to keep it
again break better than the
faith with other.
you!

* promise
** something or someone who will see to it that a promise is kept
62

Here, Bassanio. By heaven, it’s And this is the I got it from

Swear to keep the same one I same one I the lawyer,
this ring. gave the lawyer! gave his clerk! and Nerissa
from his
clerk. We
spent last
night with
them!

But. . .? What. . .? This letter from Padua explains

it all. I was the lawyer, and
Nerissa was the clerk.

And you were truly And you the Then it’s you
Lorenzo can tell
the lawyer and I clerk, who I have to
you we left here
didn’t know you? was only thank for
soon after you,
so tall? saving me!
and only just re-
turned before you.
 the merchant of venice 63

And take this letter, Sweet lady, you’ve given

Antonio. It says that me life again!
three of your richest
ships have returned
safely.

And for you and Jessica, Fair lady, this is like

here is a special deed that food to starving people!
gives you all of shylock’s
money after his death.

While I live, I’ll fear no liv-

ing thing. so much as keep-
So all was ing safe Nerissa’s ring!
explained and
happily ended.
Gratiano had
the last word.
 The Merchant Saddleback’s

of Venice
Illustrated Classics™

The
Merchant
Although Bassanio owes his friend Antonio a of
great deal of money, he must borrow more to Venice
make a good impression when he courts his true
love, Portia. However, Antonio is short of cash SHAKESPEARE

The Merchant of Venice

and must borrow from the lender, Shylock.
More problems arise when Antonio’s ships are
wrecked, leaving him penniless when Shylock’s
loan is due. Bassanio must now find a way to
save his friend’s life, but help is on the
way—from an unexpected source!

Three Watson
Irvine, CA 92618-2767
Website: www.sdlback.com
SHAKESPEARE

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