The Merchant of Venice (Saddleback's Illustrated Classics)

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

Jessica

Bassanio

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

The story

I don’t know why

Your mind is on the

begins many

I am so sad. It’s a

ocean where your

years ago

strange feeling, and

ships are tossing on

on a street

it makes me very tired.

the waves!

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



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 in love!

No, That’s not It

Then you are sad

either.

just because you aren’t happy!

11

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



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

13

14

Now, tell me about this lady you spoke of—this secret trip you want to make to see her.

Well, you

I owe a lot

Tell me about

know that

of money, and

it, Bassanio. I

I’ve enjoyed

most of it to

will do every-

myself and

you! But I have

thing I can to

spent more

a plan for

help you.

than I have.

paying everything 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



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 Meanwhile

I suppose people with

with everything in

in Belmont,

too much money can be

the world!

as sick of it as those

the Heiress** Portia talked

who have nothing.

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

15

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



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

17

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-

from Venice who

sanio.

came here?

* not drunk

I remember him well, and i agree!

the merchant of venice



Just then

Well, what

The last four men

a servant

is it?

who came to win you wish to say

entered.

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!

Meanwhile in Venice,

Three thousand

Bassanio talked

ducats?* well,

with a money-lend-

now. . .

er. Shylock was a Jew whose business was lending money and charging interest for its use.

* about $20,000

Yes, sir, for three months.

19

20

And Antonio will repay

Antonio. . . his

But I want to speak with

credit is good.

Antonio first.

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



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.

21

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. This is business, and I will pay you for its use!

* sir; Mr. ** riches

Don’t be angry! I will

That is

lend you the money

Kind!

without interest!

the merchant of venice



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

23

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

sanio. Perhaps the

the notary’s office.

Jew will grow kind enough to become a christian!

I still don’t like it!

the merchant of venice

While these things were happening, the prince



I hope you won’t dis-

I don’t judge by my

like me for my dark

eyes. whoever wins

skin. I come from a

me by my father’s

land that is close to

test is fair enough

the sun.

to me.

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 you must make a promise?

* promise

I’ll swear it!

25

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

Take the next

Can you tell me if there’s a

right, then the

Launcelot that lives there?



27

next left, then don’t take any

Do you mean

turns at all.

young master Launcelot?

No master,

That

sir, but a poor

Launcelot’s

man’s son. His

dead and

father’s poor,

gone to

but very honest.

heaven.

What? I

Don’t you

need him in

know me

my old age!

father? I am your son!

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?

Just then Bassanio and Leonardo came by.

See that supper’s ready

What luck! Here’s

at five o’ clock. And ask

Bassanio now.

Gratiano to come to my

Tell him, father.

house later.

the merchant of venice



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

29

glad to have you.

As Bassanio sent Launcelot off to

My dear friend. . .

Only if you

a favor! Let me go

promise to

with you to Belmont.

change your

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 shylock’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



When he left and Jessica was

If lorenzo keeps his promise I’ll

alone. . .

leave all this. Then I’ll become a

31

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* yet.

and his 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 and gave Jessica’s Letter to Lorenzo.

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

lovely Jessica?

32

Yes, it is. She is running away, and we will be married tonight. Here, Launcelot—tell Jessica that I’ll be there!

Thank you, sir. Now I must go and ask my old master the Jew to dine tonight with my new master Bassanio.

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



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!*

As the young men left for Bassanio’s feast, Antonio hurried toward them.

* clothing

Quick, Gratiano! The wind

Fine. the party

has changed, and you must

will go along

sail for Belmont tonight.

without me.

33

34

Meanwhile, at portia’s house

Here are the chests,

I Will read the writing

noble prince.

on each one.

in Belmont, the prince of Morocco was taking his chance to win portia as his wife.

The first of gold, says: “who chooses me shall gain what many men desire.”

The silver promises,

And this dull lead

“who chooses me

chest? It warns:

shall get as much

“who chooses me

as he deserves.”

must give and risk all he has.”

the merchant of venice



How do I know if I’ve chosen the

Risk all I have for lead? Never!

right one?

The silver. . . as much as I deserve? 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

35

36

Meanwhile, Bassanio had set sail for Belmont.

I saw Bassanio and

Well, shylock thought

Gratiano on the ship and

he was! He brought

I’m sure that Lorenzo

the duke of Venice with

was not with them.

him to search it.

Back in venice, 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 by a christian!”

Lorenzo and Jessica had been seen somewhere else in a gondola* together!

He blames Antonio. Antonio had better

* a small boat

Shylock was so

be careful to pay

angry—you should

what he owes shy-

have heard him!

lock.

the merchant of venice

A Frenchman told me

You’d better tell him

yesterday he saw an

about it.



37

Meanwhile 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 prince of ArRagon sailed away. but not

My lady, a young

Let us go to

man from venice

meet him, Nerissa.

I hope it is Bassanio!

is arriving.

long afterward, a messenger 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



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

39

40

The bad things you have taught me I will carry out. . . and I will even try to outdo 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



And she is

I shall never

But other men,

Well, that’s

spending money

see my gold

too, are un-

good. Find me

everywhere. One

again!

lucky. Another

an officer. I’ll

of Antonio’s

have Antonio’s

treasure ships

heart if he

was sunk!

can’t pay me

night in Genoa she spent eighty ducats!

on time!

Meanwhile, in Belmont, things were happier. Bassanio

Wait a few days, Bas-

No, let me choose

sanio. If you choose

now. I can’t stand

wrong, then I must lose

the suspense* of

you!

Waiting.

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

41

42

So everything was made ready for

My Picture is locked

One must not judge by

in one of them. if

appearance* alone. Even a

you love me, Find it.

coward** may have a brave

Bassanio to

beard upon his chin.

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

Bassanio raised the lid. . .



Fair lady, your

This house, these

picture! But I won’t

servants, and

believe I’ve won you

myself are yours,

until you tell me so.

Bassanio!

and found portia’s picture!

Then portia took a ring from

After this, Gratiano stepped

her finger.

forward.

I give them to

It will leave

you with this

my finger

ring. Never part

only if I am

with it as long

dead!

as you love me.

I wish you joy. . . and beg that Nerissa and I may be married at the same time you are wed.

43

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 Antonio. 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

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

see our husbands

see us?

before they expect it.

Yes, but they won’t know us! And when we are dressed as 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

47

48

Soon, in a

Shylock, you have sworn to

courtroom

No. I have

take the pound of this man’s

in Venice,

sworn to have

flesh to which the law entitles*

the trial

a pound of his

you. I think, in this last hour,

to decide

flesh—and I

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



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 and Nerissa

Do you come from

Yes, sir. He sends

would take

doctor Bellario?

you this.

doctor Bellario’s place.

He waits Doctor Bellario 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

outside.

49

50

The duke sent for

You are welcome. Do

Yes, very well. Which is

you know this case?

the merchant and which 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

No power can

What a wise

change the law.

young lawyer!

It cannot be.

Let me

Here it is,

look at the

Here it is!



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.

51

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



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

53

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 house, and I will sign it.

So shylock left the court having lost his pound of flesh, most of his fortune, and his daughter.

* in this case, ask for mercy

the merchant of venice



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

anything. I am

something. . . if

happy knowing

only to remember

I have saved

us by.

you.

All right.

This ring? It’s

Give me your

nothing! I’ll

gloves. And

get you some-

also this

thing better. . .

ring you

the best ring in

wear.

Venice!

55

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

Meanwhile, in Belmont, the happy newlyweds



On such a night did

On such a night did

Jessica run from

Lorenzo swear he loved

venice to Belmont

her well and stole her

with her love.

heart.

were enjoying a moonlit night.

Then a messenger arrived.

I bring word that lady

He has not. Let’s

Portia will be here be-

go in and prepare

fore daybreak. Has my

a welcome.

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

57

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 welJust then

Welcome

Bassanio

home!

arrived with Antonio and Gratiano.

come my friend Antonio!

the merchant of venice

But in the midst of the



I swear by the moon

I don’t believe it.

A quarrel

there. . . I gave it to

you gave it to a

already?

the lawyer’s clerk!

pretty girl!

what’s the matter?

greetings, 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.

59

60

Bassanio gave his ring to the law-

Is this true,

Yes, it is.

sir?

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



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

61

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.

Lorenzo can tell you we left here soon after you, and only just returned before you.

And you were truly

And you the

Then it’s you

the lawyer and I

clerk, who

I have to

didn’t know you?

was only

thank for

so tall?

saving me!

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 living thing. so much as keepSo all was explained and happily ended. Gratiano had the last word.

ing safe Nerissa’s ring!

The Merchant of Venice

Saddleback’s Illustrated Classics™

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The Merchant of Venice

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

The Merchant of Venice

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