Act 2, Scene 6: The same

SCENE VI. The same.

    Enter GRATIANO and SALARINO, masqued

GRATIANO

    This is the pent-house under which Lorenzo
    Desired us to make stand.

SALARINO

    His hour is almost past.

GRATIANO

    And it is marvel he out-dwells his hour,
    For lovers ever run before the clock.

SALARINO

    O, ten times faster Venus' pigeons fly
    To seal love's bonds new-made, than they are wont
    To keep obliged faith unforfeited!

GRATIANO

    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 younker or a prodigal
    The scarfed bark puts from her native bay,
    Hugg'd and embraced by the strumpet wind!
    How like the prodigal doth she return,
    With over-weather'd ribs and ragged sails,
    Lean, rent and beggar'd by the strumpet wind!

SALARINO

    Here comes Lorenzo: more of this hereafter.

    Enter LORENZO

LORENZO

    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. Approach;
    Here dwells my father Jew. Ho! who's within?

    Enter JESSICA, above, in boy's clothes

JESSICA

    Who are you? Tell me, for more certainty,
    Albeit I'll swear that I do know your tongue.

LORENZO

    Lorenzo, and thy love.

JESSICA

    Lorenzo, certain, and my love indeed,
    For who love I so much? And now who knows
    But you, Lorenzo, whether I am yours?

LORENZO

    Heaven and thy thoughts are witness that thou art.

JESSICA

    Here, catch this casket; it is worth the pains.
    I am glad 'tis night, you do not look on me,
    For I am much ashamed 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.

LORENZO

    Descend, for you must be my torchbearer.

JESSICA

    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 obscured.

LORENZO

    So are you, 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.

JESSICA

    I will make fast the doors, and gild myself
    With some more ducats, and be with you straight.

    Exit above

GRATIANO

    Now, by my hood, a Gentile and no Jew.

LORENZO

    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 proved 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; away!
    Our masquing mates by this time for us stay.

    Exit with Jessica and Salarino

    Enter ANTONIO

ANTONIO

    Who's there?

GRATIANO

    Signior Antonio!

ANTONIO

    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.

GRATIANO

    I am glad on't: I desire no more delight
    Than to be under sail and gone to-night.

    Exeunt