And she is fair, and, fairer than that word,
Of wondrous virtues: sometimes from her eyes 164
I did receive fair speechless messages:
Her name is Portia; nothing undervalu'd
To Cato's daughter, Brutus' Portia:
Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth, 168
For the four winds blow in from every coast
Renowned suitors; and her sunny locks
Hang on her temples like a golden fleece;
Which makes her seat of Belmont Colchos' strond, 172
And many Jasons come in quest of her.
O my Antonio! had I but the means
To hold a rival place with one of them,
I have a mind presages me such thrift, 176
That I should questionless be fortunate.
Ant. Thou knowest that all my fortunes are at sea;
Neither have I money, nor commodity
To raise a present sum: therefore go forth; 180
Try what my credit can in Venice do:
That shall be rack'd, even to the uttermost,
To furnish thee to Belmont, to fair Portia.
Go, presently inquire, and so will I, 184
Where money is, and I no question make
To have it of my trust or for my sake. Exeunt.
163, 164 fair . . . virtues: beautiful and accomplished
164 sometimes: formerly
166 nothing undervalu'd: in no way inferior
167 Portia; cf. n.
172 Colchos'; cf. n.
175 hold . . . with: make a show equal to
176 thrift: thriving
182 rack'd: strained
184 presently: instantly
186 of my trust, etc.: either on my credit or from some friend
