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That in your knowledge may by me be done,

And I am prest unto it; therefore speak.

Bass.

In Belmont is a lady richly left,

And she is fair and, fairer than that word,

Of wondrous virtues. Sometimes from her eyes

I did receive fair speechless messages.

Her name is Portia, nothing undervalu’d

To Cato’s daughter, Brutus’ Portia.

Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth,

For the four winds blow in from every coast

Renowned suitors, and her sunny locks

Hang on her temples like a golden fleece,

Which makes her seat of Belmont Colchis’ strond,

And many Jasons come in quest of her.

O my Antonio, had I but the means

To hold a rival place with one of them,

I have a mind presages me such thrift

That I should questionless be fortunate!

Ant.

Thou know’st that all my fortunes are at sea,

Neither have I money nor commodity

To raise a present sum; therefore go forth,

Try what my credit can in Venice do.

That shall be rack’d, even to the uttermost,

To furnish thee to Belmont, to fair Portia.

Go presently inquire, and so will I,