dia you say? My dear brother in affliction', make me your confidant. Capt. Eth. I intended to do só, or I should not have originated the subject. My father brought up the daughter of our steward, Bargrové, with my sister Agnes. I have therefore known Lucy from her infancy, and ought I to be ashamed to say how much I am in love with her'? Capt. Mer. Etheridgè, this is a point on which', I am afraid' my advice would not be well received. Capt. Eth. Of course you would imply that she must be renounced'. Capt. Mer. Most assuredly; that is my opinion on a firs view of the case. You have your father's example. Capt. Eth. I havè, but still there are many points in my favor. Bargrove is of a very old', though decayed family'; indeed', much more ancient than our own. Capt. Mer. I grant you, therè is one difficulty removed. But still your relative position. He is now your father's steward. Capt. Eth. That is certainly a great obstaclè; but on the other hand', she has really' been well educated. Capt. Mer. Another point in your favor, I grant. Capt. Mer. As your father thought your mother-perfection. Recollect, the soft paw of the cat conceals the talons. Capt. Eth. Judge for yourself when you see and converse with her. I presume I am to consider myself blind'. At all events', I have decided upon nothing'; and have neither by word' or deed', allowed her to suppose an attachment on my part still it is a source of great anxiety. I almost wish that she were happily married'. By-the-by', my mother hates her. Capt. Mer. That's not in your favor, though it is in her's. Capt. Eth. And my father dotes upon her. : Capt. Mer. That's in favor of you bōth'. Capt. Eth. Now you have the whole story', you may advise me as you please; but remember', I still preserve my veto. Capt. Mer. My dear Etheridgé, with your permission', I will not advise at all. Your father tried in the same lottery', and drew a blank'; you may gain the highest prize'; but hopes with your sister render it a most delicate subject for my my opinion. Your own good sense must guide you. Capt. Eth. Unfortunately it often happens, that when a man takes his feelings for a guidé, he walks too fast for good sense to keep pace with him. Capt. Mer. At all events be not precipitatè; and do not advance ōne step which', as a man of honor', you may not re trace. Capt. Eth. I will not if I can help it. But here comes Mr. Harness. LESSON LXX. PORTIA-DISGUISED AS A DOCTOR OF LAWS. Portia. Is your name Shylock'? Shylock. Shylock is my name. Por. Of a strange nature is the suit you follow`; Yet in such rule, that the Venetian law' Cannot oppose you, as you do proceed.— You stand within his reach do you not'? Antonio. Ay', so he says. Por. Ant. I dò. [To Antonio. Do you confess the bond'? Por. Then must the Jew be merciful. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven', And earthly power doth then show likest' God's And that same prayēr doth teach us all to render Which if thou follow', this strict court of Venicé Shy. My deed's upon my' head! I crave the law',' Por. Is he not able to discharge the money' ? Por. It must not bè; there is no power in Venicé "Twill be recorded for a precedent'; And many an error', by the same examplé, Por. I pray you let me look upon the bond. Por. Nò, not for Venice. Why', this bond is forfeit`; And lawfully, by this', the Jew may claim' Nearest the merchant's heart': Be merciful' ; Hath been most sound; I charge you by the law, Por. Why then', thus it is. Hath full relation to the penalty', Which here appeareth due upon the bond. Shy. Ay, his breast', So says the bond';-Doth it not', noble judge'?— Por. It is so. Shy. The flesh' ? I have them ready`. Por. Have by some surgeon, Shylock', on your charge, Por. It is not sò exprêssed; but what of that'? "Twere good you do so much' for chârity'. Give me your hand`, Bassanio'; fare you well' ! Say how I loved you; speak me fair in death`; Shy. We trifle timè : Ĭ pray thee pursue sentence. Por. And you must cut this flesh from off his breast`; This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; One drop of Christian blood', thy lands and goods' Unto the state of Venice. Gratiano. O upright judgè!-Mark, Jew;-0 learned judge! Shy. Is that the law? Por. Thyself shalt see the act': For', as thou urgest justice^, be assured', Thou shalt have justicè, morè, than thou desir'st. Bass. Here is the money. The Jew shall have all justice ;-soft' !—no hastè ;— Gra. O Jew! an upright judgè, a learned judgè! Shed thou no blood'; nor cut thou less', nor morè, Of one poor scruple^; nay', if the scale do turn' -- Thou diest', and all thy goods are confiscate'. Now, infidel, I have thee on the hip'. He shall have merely justice', and his bond. I thank thee, Jew', for teaching me that' word. Shy. Why', then', the devil do him good of it! Por. Tarry', Jew`; |