Salar. A kinder gentleman treads not the earth.
I saw Bassanio and Antonio part: 36
Bassanio told him he would make some speed
Of his return: he answer'd 'Do not so;
Slubber not business for my sake, Bassanio,
But stay the very riping of the time; 40
And for the Jew's bond which he hath of me,
Let it not enter in your mind of love:
Be merry, and employ your chiefest thoughts
To courtship and such fair ostents of love 44
As shall conveniently become you there:'
And even there, his eye being big with tears,
Turning his face, he put his hand behind him,
And with affection wondrous sensible 48
He wrung Bassanio's hand; and so they parted.
Salan. I think he only loves the world for him.
I pray thee, let us go and find him out,
And quicken his embraced heaviness 52
With some delight or other.
Salar.Do we so.
Scene Nine
[Belmont. A Room in Portia's House]
Enter Nerissa, and a Servitor.
Ner. Quick, quick, I pray thee; draw the curtain straight:
The Prince of Arragon hath ta'en his oath,
And comes to his election presently.
39 Slubber: spoil by scamping
42 mind of love: loving mind
44 ostents: displays
45 conveniently: properly
48 sensible: charged with feeling
52 embraced heaviness: the sorrow that he so clings to
3 election: choice
