Por. I should not need, if you were gentle Brutus.
Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus,280
Is it excepted I should know no secrets
That appertain to you? Am I yourself
But, as it were, in sort or limitation,
To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed,284
And talk to you sometimes? Dwell I but in the suburbs
Of your good pleasure? If it be no more,
Portia is Brutus' harlot, not his wife.
Bru. You are my true and honourable wife,288
As dear to me as are the ruddy drops
That visit my sad heart.
Por. If this were true then should I know this secret.
I grant I am a woman, but, withal,292
A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife;
I grant I am a woman, but, withal,
A woman well-reputed, Cato's daughter.
Think you I am no stronger than my sex,296
Being so father'd and so husbanded?
Tell me your counsels, I will not disclose 'em.
I have made strong proof of my constancy,
Giving myself a voluntary wound,300
Here, in the thigh: can I bear that with patience
And not my husband's secrets?
Bru. O ye gods,
Render me worthy of this noble wife!
Knock [within].
Hark, hark! one knocks. Portia, go in awhile;304
And by and by thy bosom shall partake
The secrets of my heart.
283 in . . . limitation: only after a fashion or with restrictions
292 withal: with this saving reservation
295 Cato: Marcus Porcius Cato, 'of Utica'
