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To come with him along.

Sal.

I did, my lord,

And I have reason for it. Signior Antonio

Commends him to you.

[Gives Bassanio a letter.]

Bass.

Ere I ope his letter,

I pray you tell me how my good friend doth.

Sal.

Not sick, my lord, unless it be in mind,

Nor well, unless in mind. His letter there

Will show you his estate.

[Bassanio] open the letter.

Gra.

Nerissa, cheer yond stranger, bid her welcome.

Your hand, Salerio. What’s the news from Venice?

How doth that royal merchant, good Antonio?

I know he will be glad of our success;

We are the Jasons, we have won the fleece.

Sal.

I would you had won the fleece that he hath lost.

Por.

There are some shrowd contents in yond same paper

That steals the color from Bassanio’s cheek—

Some dear friend dead, else nothing in the world

Could turn so much the constitution

Of any constant man. What, worse and worse!

With leave, Bassanio, I am half yourself,

And I must freely have the half of any thing

That this same paper brings you.

Bass.