Repair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall
To cureless ruin. I stand here for law.
Duke. This letter from Bellario doth commend
A young and learned doctor to our court. 144
Where is he?
Ner.He attendeth here hard by,
To know your answer, whether you'll admit him.
Duke. With all my heart: some three or four of you
Go give him courteous conduct to this place. 148
Meantime, the court shall hear Bellario's letter.
[Clerk]. 'Your Grace shall understand that at the
receipt of your letter I am very sick; but in the
instant that your messenger came, in loving visi- 152
tation was with me a young doctor of Rome; his
name is Balthazar. I acquainted him with the
cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio
the merchant: we turned o'er many books toge- 156
ther: he is furnished with my opinion; which,
bettered with his own learning,—the greatness
whereof I cannot enough commend,—comes with
him, at my importunity, to fill up your Grace's 160
request in my stead. I beseech you, let his lack
of years be no impediment to let him lack a re-
verend estimation, for I never knew so young a
body with so old a head. I leave him to your 164
gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better pub-
lish his commendation.'
Duke. You hear the learn'd Bellario, what he writes:
And here, I take it, is the doctor come. 168
142 cureless: incurable
148 conduct: escort
149 letter; cf. n.
162 reverend estimation: respectful esteem
165, 166 publish . . . commendation: make known his merit
