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nydus/The Merchant of VenicePublic
Page 71 of 161
Table of Contents

Act II

Portia
Come, draw the curtain, Nerissa.
Servant
Where is my lady?
Portia
Here: what would my lord?
Servant
Madam, there is alighted at your gate
A young Venetian, one that comes before
To signify the approaching of his lord;
From whom he bringeth sensible regreets,
To wit, besides commends and courteous breath,
Gifts of rich value. Yet I have not seen
So likely an ambassador of love:
A day in April never came so sweet,
To show how costly summer was at hand,
As this fore-spurrer comes before his lord.
Portia
No more, I pray thee: I am half afeard
Thou wilt say anon he is some kin to thee,
Thou spend’st such high-day wit in praising him.
Come, come, Nerissa; for I long to see
Quick Cupid’s post that comes so mannerly.
Nerissa
Bassanio, lord Love, if thy will it be!
Exeunt.
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