} friends to Antonio and Bassanio. Gratiano, Lorenzo, in love with Jessica. Shylock, a Jew. Tubal, a Jew, his friend. Launcelot Gobbo, a clown, servant to Shylock. Old Gobbo, father to Launcelot. Salerio, a messenger from Venice. Leonardo, servant to Bassanio. Magnificoes of Venice, officers of the court of Justice, jailor, servants, and other attendants. Scene, partly at Venice, and partly at Belmont, the seat of Portia, on the continent, MERCHANT OF VENICE. ACT I. SCENE I. Venice. A street. Enter Antonio, Salarino, and Salanio. Ant. In sooth, I know not why I am so sad; And such a want-wit sadness makes of me, Salar. Your mind is tossing on the ocean; That curt'sy to them, do them reverence, Salan. Believe me, sir, had I such venture forth, The better part of my affections would Be with my hopes abroad. I should be still Salar * Ships of large burthen. But I should think of shallows and of flats; And not bethink me straight of dangerous rocks? And now worth nothing? Shall I have the thought Is sad to think upon his merchandize. Ant. Believe me, no: 'I thank my fortune for it, My ventures are not in one bottom trusted, Nor to one place; nor is my whole estate Upon the fortune of this present year: Therefore, my merchandize makes me not sad. Salan. Why then you are in love. Ant. Fye, fye! Salan. Not in love neither? Then let's say, you are sad, Because you are not merry: and 'twere as easy Nature hath fram'd strange fellows in her time: That they'll not show their teeth in way of smile, Enter Bassanio, Lorenzo, and Gratiano. Salan. Here comes Bassanio, your most noble kinsman, Gratiano, and Lorenzo: Fare you well; * Lowering. |