Portia
If I live to be as old as Sibylla, I will die as chaste as Diana, unless I be obtained by the manner of my father’s will. I am glad this parcel of wooers are so reasonable, for there is not one among them but I dote on his very absence, and I pray God grant them a fair departure.
Nerissa
Do you not remember, lady, in your father’s time, a Venetian, a scholar and a soldier, that came hither in company of the Marquis of Montferrat?
Portia
Yes, yes, it was Bassanio; as I think, he was so called.
Nerissa
True, madam: he, of all the men that ever my foolish eyes looked upon, was the best deserving a fair lady.
Portia
I remember him well, and I remember him worthy of thy praise.
Servant
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 to-night.