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The Merchant of Venice

Would make me sad.

Salar.My wind, cooling my broth,
Would blow me to an ague, when I thought
What harm a wind too great might do at sea. 24
I should not see the sandy hour-glass run
But I should think of shallows and of flats,
And see my wealthy Andrew dock'd in sand
Vailing her high-top lower than her ribs 28
To kiss her burial. Should I go to church
And see the holy edifice of stone,
And not bethink me straight of dangerous rocks,
Which touching but my gentle vessel's side 32
Would scatter all her spices on the stream,
Enrobe the roaring waters with my silks;
And, in a word, but even now worth this,
And now worth nothing
? Shall I have the thought 36
To think on this, and shall I lack the thought
That such a thing bechanc'd would make me sad?
But tell not me: I know Antonio
Is sad to think upon his merchandise. 40

Ant. Believe me, no: I thank my fortune for it,
My ventures are not in one bottom trusted,
Nor to one place; nor is my whole estate
Upon the fortune of this present year: 44
Therefore, my merchandise makes me not sad.

Salar. Why, then you are in love.

Ant.Fie, fie!

Salar. Not in love neither? Then let's say you are sad.
Because you are not merry: and 'twere as easy 48
For you to laugh and leap, and say you are merry,

27 wealthy: richly laden
28 Vailing: letting down
high-top: topmast
35, 36 but even . . . nothing: think how in a moment I may he deprived of all this wealth
36 thought: anxiety
38 bechanc'd: if it happened