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- THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
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- Act 2 Scene 4
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- (Enter Graziano, Lorenzo, Salerio, and Salanio)
- l1l Lorenzo Nay, we will slink away in supper-time,
- l2l Disguise us at my lodging, and return
- l3l All in an hour.
- l4l Graziano We have not made good preparation.
- l5l Salerio We have not spoke as yet of torchbearers.
- l6l Solanio ÆTis vile, unless it may be quaintly ordered,
- l7l And better in my mind not undertook.
- l8l Lorenzo ÆTis now but four oÆclock. We have two hours
- l9l To furnish us.
- (Enter Lancelot with a letter)
- Friend Lancelot, whatÆs the news?
- l10l Lancelot (presenting the letter) An it shall please you to
- l11l break up this, it shall seem to signify.
- l12l Lorenzo (taking the letter) I know the hand. In faith, Ætis a fair
- hand,
- l13l And whiter than the paper it writ on
- l14l Is the fair hand that writ.
- Graziano Love-news, in faith.
- l15l Lancelot (to Lorenzo) By your leave, sir.
- l16l Lorenzo Whither goest thou?
- l17l Lancelot Marry, sir, to bid my old master the Jew to sup
- l18l tonight with my new master the Christian.
- l19l Lorenzo Hold, here, take this.
- (Giving money)
- Tell gentle Jessica
- l20l I will not fail her. Speak it privately.
- l21l Go.
- (Exit Lancelot)
- Gentlemen,
- l22l Will you prepare you for this masque tonight?
- l23l I am provided of a torchbearer.
- l24l Salerio Ay, marry, IÆll be gone about it straight.
- l25l Solanio And so will I.
- Lorenzo Meet me and Graziano
- l26l At GrazianoÆs lodging some hour hence.
- l27l Salerio ÆTis good we do so.
- (Exit with Solanio)
- l28l Graziano Was not that letter from fair Jessica?
- l29l Lorenzo I must needs tell thee all. She hath directed
- l30l How I shall take her from her fatherÆs house,
- l31l What gold and jewels she is furnished with,
- l32l What pageÆs suit she hath in readiness.
- l33l If eÆer the Jew her father come to heaven
- l34l It will be for his gentle daughterÆs sake;
- l35l And never dare misfortune cross her foot
- l36l Unless she do it under this excuse:
- l37l That she is issue to a faithless Jew.
- l38l Come, go with me. Peruse this as thou goest.
- (He gives Graziano the letter)
- l39l Fair Jessica shall be my torchbearer.
- (Exeunt)
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