ACT FIFTH
Scene One
[Belmont. The Avenue to Portia’s House]
Enter Lorenzo and Jessica.
Lor. The moon shines bright: in such a night as this,
When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees
And they did make no noise, in such a night
Troilus methinks mounted the Troyan walls, 4
And sigh'd his soul toward the Grecian tents,
Where Cressid lay that night.
Jes.In such a night
Did Thisbe fearfully o'ertrip the dew,
And saw the lion's shadow ere himself, 8
And ran dismay'd away.
Lor.In such a night
Stood Dido with a willow in her hand
Upon the wild sea-banks, and waft her love
To come again to Carthage.
Jes.In such a night 12
Medea gather'd the enchanted herbs
That did renew old Æson.
Lor.In such a night
Did Jessica steal from the wealthy Jew,
And with an unthrift love did run from Venice, 16
As far as Belmont.
Jes.In such a night
Did young Lorenzo swear he lov'd her well,
Stealing her soul with many vows of faith,
4 Troilus: cf. Shakespeare's play on the theme
7 Thisbe: cf. Midsummer Night's Dream
10 willow: emblem of slighted love
11 waft: beckoned
14 renew: rejuvenate
Æson: father of Jason
