Page:Merchant of Venice (1923) Yale.djvu/31

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The Merchant of Venice, I. iii
17

'Hath a dog money? Is it possible
A cur can lend three thousand ducats?' or
Shall I bend low, and in a bondman's key, 124
With bated breath, and whispering humbleness,
Say this:—
'Fair sir, you spet on me on Wednesday last;
You spurn'd me such a day; another time 128
You call'd me dog; and for these courtesies
I'll lend you thus much moneys?'

Ant. I am as like to call thee so again,
To spet on thee again, to spurn thee too. 132
If thou wilt lend this money, lend it not
As to thy friends,—for when did friendship take
A breed for barren metal of his friend?—
But lend it rather to thine enemy; 136
Who if he break, thou mayst with better face
Exact the penalty.

Shy.Why, look you, how you storm!
I would be friends with you, and have your love,
Forget the shames that you have stain'd me with, 140
Supply your present wants, and take no doit
Of usance for my moneys, and you'll not hear me:
This is kind I offer.

Bass. This were kindness.

Shy.This kindness will I show. 144
Go with me to a notary, seal me there
Your single bond; and, in a merry sport,
If you repay me not on such a day,
In such a place, such sum or sums as are 148
Express'd in the condition, let the forfeit
Be nominated for an equal pound
Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken

127 spet: spat
141 doit: Dutch coin of small value
144 Bass.; cf. n.
146 Your single: merely your
150 equal: exact