hard, Nerissa, that I cannot choose one nor 28
refuse none?
Ner. Your father was ever virtuous, and holy
men at their death have good inspirations;
therefore, the lottery that he hath devised in these 32
three chests of gold, silver, and lead, whereof
who chooses his meaning chooses you, will, no
doubt, never be chosen by any rightly but one
who you shall rightly love. But what warmth 36
is there in your affection towards any of these
princely suitors that are already come?
Por. I pray thee, over-name them, and as
thou namest them, I will describe them; and, 40
according to my description, level at my affection.
Ner. First, there is the Neapolitan prince.
Por. Ay, that's a colt indeed, for he doth
nothing but talk of his horse; and he makes it a 44
great appropriation to his own good parts that
he can shoe him himself. I am much afeard
my lady his mother played false with a smith.
Ner. Then is there the County Palatine. 48
Por. He doth nothing but frown, as who
should say, 'An you will not have me, choose.'
He hears merry tales, and smiles not: I fear he
will prove the weeping philosopher when he 52
grows old, being so full of unmannerly sadness
in his youth. I had rather be married to a
death's-head with a bone in his mouth than to
either of these. God defend me from these two! 56
Ner. How say you by the French lord,
Monsieur Le Bon?
34 his meaning: the chest he meant
41 level: aim
43 colt: 'brainless youth'
45 appropriation: peculiar merit
48 County Palatine: a count possessing royal privileges
50 An: if
choose; cf. n.
52 weeping philosopher: Heraclitus
57 by: concerning
