To come with him along.
Salan.I did, my lord,
And I have reason for it. Signior Antonio 232
Commends him to you. [Gives Bassanio a letter.]
Bass.Ere I ope his letter,
I pray you, tell me how my good friend doth.
Salan. Not sick, my lord, unless it be in mind;
Nor well, unless in mind: his letter there 234
Will show you his estate.
[Bassanio] Opens the Letter.
Gra. Nerissa, cheer yon stranger; bid her welcome.
Your hand, Salanio. What's the news from Venice?
How doth that royal merchant, good Antonio? 240
I know he will be glad of our success;
We are the Jasons, we have won the fleece.
Salan. I would you had won the fleece that he hath lost.
Por. There are some shrewd contents in yon same paper, 244
That steals the colour from Bassanio's cheek:
Some dear friend dead, else nothing in the world
Could turn so much the constitution
Of any constant man. What, worse and worse! 248
With leave, Bassanio; I am half yourself,
And I must freely have the half of anything
That this same paper brings you.
Bass.O sweet Portia!
Here are a few of the unpleasant'st words 252
That ever blotted paper. Gentle lady,
When I did first impart my love to you,
I freely told you all the wealth I had
Ran in my veins, I was a gentleman: 256
And then I told you true; and yet, dear lady,
237 estate: state, condition
244 shrewd: evil
247 constitution: frame of mind, equanimity
248 constant: steadfast
