tion which your prophet the Nazarite conjured
the devil into. I will buy with you, sell with you, 36
talk with you, walk with you, and so following;
but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor
pray with you. What news on the Rialto? Who
is he comes here? 40
Enter Antonio.
Bass. This is Signior Antonio.
Shy. [Aside.] How like a fawning publican he looks!
I hate him for he is a Christian;
But more for that in low simplicity 44
He lends out money gratis, and brings down
The rate of usance here with us in Venice.
If I can catch him once upon the hip,
I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him. 48
He hates our sacred nation, and he rails,
Even there where merchants most do congregate,
On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift,
Which he calls interest. Cursed be my tribe, 52
If I forgive him!
Bass. Shylock, do you hear?
Shy. I am debating of my present store,
And, by the near guess of my memory,
I cannot instantly raise up the gross 56
Of full three thousand ducats. What of that?
Tubal, a wealthy Hebrew of my tribe,
Will furnish me. But soft! how many months
Do you desire? [To Antonio.] Rest you fair, good signior; 60
Your worship was the last man in our mouths.
35 Nazarite; cf. n.
42 fawning publican: see Luke 18. 10–14.
44 low simplicity: meek folly
46 usance: interest
47 upon the hip: a wrestling grip
56 gross: total sum
