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The Merchant of Venice, III. ii

And so did mine too, as the matter falls;
For wooing here until I sweat again, 204
And swearing till my very roof was dry
With oaths of love, at last, if promise last,
I got a promise of this fair one here
To have her love, provided that your fortune 208
Achiev'd her mistress.

Por.Is this true, Nerissa?

Ner. Madam, it is, so you stand pleas'd withal.

Bass. And do you, Gratiano, mean good faith?

Gra. Yes, faith, my lord. 212

Bass. Our feast shall be much honour'd in your marriage.

Gra. We'll play with them the first boy for a thousand ducats.

Ner. What! and stake down? 216

Gra. No; we shall ne'er win at that sport, and stake down.
But who comes here? Lorenzo and his infidel?
What! and my old Venetian friend, Salanio? 220

Enter Lorenzo, Jessica, and Salanio.

Bass. Lorenzo, and Salanio, welcome hither,
If that the youth of my new interest here
Have power to bid you welcome. By your leave,
I bid my very friends and countrymen, 224
Sweet Portia, welcome.

Por.So do I, my lord:
They are entirely welcome.

Lor. I thank your honour. For my part, my lord,
My purpose was not to have seen you here; 228
But meeting with Salanio by the way,
He did entreat me, past all saying nay,

204 until . . . again: with all my power
205 roof: roof of my mouth
220 Salanio; cf. n.
224 very: true