|
Enter the masquers GRATIANO and SALARINO |
RATIANO and SALARINO enter, dressed for the masquerade ball. |
|
GRATIANO
This is the penthouse under which Lorenzo Desired us to make stand. |
GRATIANO
This is the roof under which Lorenzo said to meet him. |
|
SALARINO
His hour is almost past. |
SALARINO
He’s late. |
|
GRATIANO
And it is marvel he outdwells his hour, For lovers ever run before the clock. |
GRATIANO
Yes, and that’s surprising, because lovers are usually early. |
|
SALARINO
Oh, ten times faster Venus’ pigeons fly To seal love’s bonds new made than they are wont To keep obligèd faith unforfeited. |
SALARINO
Yes, for new lovers time passes ten times faster than for couples who’ve been married forever. |
|
GRATIANO
That ever holds. Who riseth from a feast With that keen appetite that he sits down? Where is the horse that doth untread again His tedious measures with the unbated fire That he did pace them first? All things that are, Are with more spirit chasèd than enjoyed. How like a younger or a prodigal The scarfèd bark puts from her native bay, Hugged and embraèd by the strumpet wind! How like the prodigal doth she return, With overweathered ribs and ragged sails Lean, rent, and beggared by the strumpet wind! |
GRATIANO
That’s always true. Who gets up from a meal with the same appetite he had when he sat down? Can any horse retrace his footsteps with the same energy he had when he walked them the first time? We chase everything in life more excitedly than we actually enjoy it when we get it. It’s like when a ship sails out of the harbor with all its flags waving, gently pushed by the wind. When that ship returns, her timber is all weather-beaten and her sails are ragged. That same wind makes the ship thin and poor. |
|
SALARINO
Here comes Lorenzo. More of this hereafter. |
SALARINO
Here comes Lorenzo. We’ll talk about this later. |
|
Enter LORENZO |
LORENZO enters. |
|
LORENZO
Sweet friends, your patience for my long abode. Not I but my affairs have made you wait. When you shall please to play the thieves for wives, I’ll watch as long for you then. Approach. Here dwells my father Jew.—Ho! Who’s within? |
LORENZO
My dear friends, thanks for your patience. I had business that made me late. When you have to steal your own wives some day, I’ll wait for you just as long. Come over here. My future father-in-law, the Jew, lives here.—Hey! Who’s in there? |
|
Enter JESSICA above, disguised as a boy |
JESSICA appears above, disguised as a boy. |
|
JESSICA
Who are you? Tell me for more certainty, Albeit I’ll swear that I do know your tongue. |
JESSICA
Who are you? Tell me so I can be sure, though I swear I recognize your voice. |
|
LORENZO
Lorenzo, and thy love. |
LORENZO
I’m Lorenzo, your love. |
|
JESSICA
Lorenzo certain, and my love indeed— For who love I so much? And now who knows But you, Lorenzo, whether I am yours? |
JESSICA
Lorenzo, that’s for sure, and I’m also sure you’re my love—who else do I love so much? And now who but you knows whether I’m yours? |
|
LORENZO
Heaven and thy thoughts are witness that thou art. |
LORENZO
As God is my witness, you know you’re mine. |
|
JESSICA
Here, catch this casket. It is worth the pains. I am glad ’tis night, you do not look on me, For I am much ashamed of my exchange. But love is blind, and lovers cannot see The pretty follies that themselves commit, For if they could Cupid himself would blush To see me thus transformèd to a boy. |
JESSICA
Here, catch this box. It’ll be worth your while. I’m glad it’s nighttime and you can’t see me. I’m ashamed of my disguise. But love is blind, and lovers can’t see the silly things they do around each other. If they could, Cupid himself would be embarassed to see me dressed up as a boy. |
|
LORENZO
Descend, for you must be my torchbearer. |
LORENZO
Come down here. You have to be my torchbearer for the masquerade. |
|
JESSICA
What, must I hold a candle to my shames? They in themselves, good sooth, are too too light. Why, ’tis an office of discovery, love. And I should be obscured. |
JESSICA
What, I have to hold a candle up so people can see what I’m doing? The truth is, I’m behaving like a loose woman. The torchbearer is supposed to bring light and love, but I should be hidden away in the dark. |
|
LORENZO
So are you, sweet, Even in the lovely garnish of a boy. But come at once, For the close night doth play the runaway, And we are stayed for at Bassanio’s feast. |
LORENZO
You’re hidden away, sweetheart, dressed up like a boy. Come on quickly. Time flies at night, and we’re late for Bassanio’s feast. |
|
JESSICA
I will make fast the doors and gild myself With some more ducats, and be with you straight. |
JESSICA
I’ll lock up the doors, grab some more ducats, and be with you right away. |
|
Exit JESSICA above |
JESSICA exits from above. |
|
GRATIANO
Now, by my hood, a gentle and no Jew. |
GRATIANO
My God, she can’t be a Jew, she’s too nice! |
|
LORENZO
Beshrew me but I love her heartily. For she is wise, if I can judge of her. And fair she is, if that mine eyes be true. And true she is, as she hath proved herself. And therefore, like herself—wise, fair and true— Shall she be placèd in my constant soul. |
LORENZO
God, I’m crazy about her. She’s wise, if I’m judging her right. She’s beautiful, if my eyes can see. And she’s loyal, as she has proven. And as long as she’s herself—wise, beautiful, and faithful—she’ll always have a place in my heart. |
|
Enter JESSICA |
JESSICA enters. |
|
What, art thou come?—On, gentlemen, away! Our masquing mates by this time for us stay. |
Ah, you’re here?—Come on, gentlemen, let’s go! Our masquerade mates are waiting for us. |
|
Exit LORENZO with JESSICA and SALARINO |
LORENZO, JESSICA, and SALARINO exit. |
|
Enter ANTONIO |
ANTONIO enters. |
|
ANTONIO
Who’s there? |
ANTONIO
Who’s there? |
|
GRATIANO
Signor Antonio? |
GRATIANO
Signor Antonio? |
|
ANTONIO
Fie, fie, Gratiano! Where are all the rest? ’Tis nine o’clock. Our friends all stay for you. No masque tonight. The wind is come about. Bassanio presently will go aboard. I have sent twenty out to seek for you. |
ANTONIO
Gratiano, where is everybody? It’s nine o’clock! Our friends are all waiting for you. There’s no masquerade tonight. The wind is blowing right, so Bassanio’s going onboard immediately. I’ve sent twenty people to look for you. |
|
GRATIANO
I am glad on ’t. I desire no more delight Than to be under sail and gone tonight. |
GRATIANO
I’m glad. I want to head out tonight. |
|
Exeunt |
They exit. |