To be new-varnish’d! Well, but to my choice: ‘Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves.’ 50 I will assume desert. Give me a key for this, And instantly unlock my fortunes here. [_He opens the silver casket._ _Por._ Too long a pause for that which you find there. _Ar._ What’s here? the portrait of a blinking idiot, Presenting me a schedule! I will read it. 55 How much unlike art thou to Portia! How much unlike my hopes and my deservings! ‘Who chooseth me shall have as much as he deserves.’ Did I deserve no more than a fool’s head? Is that my prize? are my deserts no better? 60 _Por._ To offend, and judge, are distinct offices, And of opposed natures. _Ar._ What is here? [_Reads_] The fire seven times tried this; Seven times tried that judgement is, That did never choose amiss. 65 Some there be that shadows kiss; Such have but a shadow’s bliss: There be fools alive, I wis, Silver’d o’er; and so was this. Take what wife you will to bed, 70 I will ever be your head: So be gone: you are sped. Still more fool I shall appear By the time I linger here: With one fool’s head I came to woo, 75 But I go away with two. Sweet, adieu. I’ll keep my oath, Patiently to bear my wroth. [_Exeunt Arragon and train._ _Por._ Thus hath the candle singed the moth. O, these deliberate fools! when they do choose, 80 They have the wisdom by their wit to lose. _Ner._ The ancient saying is no heresy, Hanging and wiving goes by destiny. _Por._ Come, draw the curtain, Nerissa. _Enter a_ Servant. _Serv._ Where is my lady? _Por._ Here: what would my lord? 85 _Serv._ Madam, there is alighted at your gate A young Venetian, one that comes before To signify the approaching of his lord; From whom he bringeth sensible regreets, To wit, besides commends and courteous breath, 90 Gifts of rich value. Yet I have not seen So likely an ambassador of love: A day in April never came so sweet, To show how costly summer was at hand, As this fore-spurrer comes before his lord. 95 _Por._ No more, I pray thee: I am half afeard Thou wilt say anon he is some kin to thee, Thou spend’st such high-day wit in praising him. Come, come, Nerissa; for I long to see Quick Cupid’s post that comes so mannerly. 100 _Ner._ Bassanio, lord Love, if thy will it be! [_Exeunt._ ~~~~~ Linenotes: _The Merchant of Venice_, II, 9. SCENE IX.] SCENE V. Rowe. SCENE X. Pope. SCENE VIII. Dyce. 3: Flourish of cornets.] Ff. om. Qq. Enter...] Enter Arragon, his traine and Portia. Qq Ff. 7: _you_] Qq. _thou_ Ff. 13–15: _marriage: Lastly, If I do_] Edd. _marriage: Lastly, if I do_ Qq Ff. _marriage: Last, if I_ Pope. _marriage; lastly, If I do_ Capell.