now interfered, declaring that never should Antonio put
his name to such a bond for his sake. Yet the young merchant insisted;
for he said he was quite sure of his ships returning long before the
day of payment.

Meanwhile Shylock was listening eagerly; and feigning surprise, he
exclaimed: "Oh, what suspicious people are these Christians! It is
because of their own hard dealings that they doubt the truth of
others.--Look here, my lord Bassanio. Suppose Antonio fail in his
bond, what profit would it be to me to exact the penalty? A pound of
man's flesh is not of the value of a pound of beef or mutton! I offer
friendship, that I may buy his favor. If he will take it, so; if not,
adieu."

But still Bassanio mistrusted the Jew. However, he could not persuade
his friend against the agreement, and Antonio signed the bond, thinking
it was only a jest, as Shylock said.

The fair and beautiful lady whom Bassanio hoped to marry lived near
Venice; and when her lover confessed that,--though of high birth,--he
had no fortune to lay at her feet, Portia prettily said that she wished
herself a thousand times more fair, and ten thousand times more rich,
so that she might be less unworthy of him. Then, declaring that she
gave herself to be in all things directed and governed by him, she
presented Bassanio with a ring.

Overpowered with joy at her gracious answer to his suit, the young lord
took the gift, vowing that he would never part with it.

Gratiano was in attendance upon his master during this interview; and
after wishing Bassanio and his lovely lady joy, he begged leave to be
married also; saying that Nerissa, the maid of Portia, had promised to
be his wife, should her mistress wed Bassanio.

At this moment a messenger entered, bringing tidings from Antonio;
which Bassanio reading, turned so pale that his lady asked him what was
amiss.

"Oh, sweet Portia, here are a few of the most unpleasant words that
ever blotted paper," he said. "When I spoke of my love, I freely told
you I had no wealth, save the pure blood that runs in my veins; but I
should have told you that I had less than nothing, being in debt."

And then Bassanio gave the history of Antonio's agreement with Shylock,
the Jew. He next read the letter which had been brought: "Sweet
Bassanio--My ships are lost: my bond to the Jew is forfeited; and since
in paying it, it is impossible I should live, I could wish to see you
at my death. Notwithstanding,