that came hither in the company of the Marquis
of Montferrat? 124
Por. Yes, yes: it was Bassanio; as I think, he
was so called.
Ner. True, madam: he, of all the men that
ever my foolish eyes looked upon, was the best 128
deserving a fair lady.
Por. I remember him well, and I remember
him worthy of thy praise.
Enter a Servingman.
How now! what news? 132
Serv. The four strangers seek for you, madam,
to take their leave; and there is a forerunner
come from a fifth, the Prince of Morocco, who
brings word the prince his master will be here 136
to-night.
Por. If I could bid the fifth welcome with so
good heart as I can bid the other four farewell,
I should be glad of his approach: if he have the 140
condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil,
I had rather he should shrive me than wive me.
Come, Nerissa. Sirrah, go before.
Whiles we shut the gate upon one wooer, another knocks at the door. Exeunt.
Scene Three
[Venice. A public Place]
Enter Bassanio with Shylock the Jew.
Shy. Three thousand ducats; well?
Bass. Ay, sir, for three months.
133 four; cf. n.
141 condition: disposition
