No Fear Shakespeare
The Merchant of Venice
Get this No Fear to go!
Act 3, Scene 4, Page 2
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For mine own part,
I have toward heaven breathed a secret vow
To live in prayer and contemplation,
Only attended by Nerissa here
Until her husband and my lord’s return.
There is a monastery two miles off,
And there will we abide. I do desire you
Not to deny this imposition,
The which my love and some necessity
Now lays upon you.
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I’ve sworn to God that I’ll live a life of prayer and contemplation
until my husband returns. Only Nerissa will keep me company. There’s a monastery
two miles away where we can stay. Please say you’ll agree, because I really need
you to do this.
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LORENZO
Madam, with all my heart.
I shall obey you in all fair commands.
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LORENZO
Madam, with all my heart. I’ll do anything you ask.
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PORTIA
My people do already know my mind
And will acknowledge you and Jessica
In place of Lord Bassanio and myself.
So fare you well till we shall meet again.
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PORTIA
I’ve already spoken to my staff about this. They’ll consider you and
Jessica masters of this house in place of Lord Bassanio and myself. So goodbye until we meet
again.
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LORENZO
Fair thoughts and happy hours attend on you!
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LORENZO
I hope you can relax and enjoy yourself!
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JESSICA
I wish your ladyship all heart’s content.
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JESSICA
I hope you find peace and happiness, my lady.
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PORTIA
I thank you for your wish, and am well pleased
To wish it back on you. Fare you well, Jessica.
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PORTIA
Thank you. I wish you the same. Goodbye, Jessica.
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Exeunt JESSICA and LORENZO
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JESSICA and LORENZO
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Now, Balthazar,
As I have ever found thee honest true,
So let me find thee still.
(gives BALTHAZAR
a letter)
Take this same letter,
And use thou all th' endeavour of a man
In speed to Padua. See thou render this
Into my cousin’s hands, Doctor Bellario.
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Now, Balthazar, you’ve always been honest and faithful to me, and I trust you
still are. (she gives BALTHAZAR
a letter) Take this letter to Padua as fast as you can. Make
sure you put it into the hands of my cousin Bellario, the Doctor of Laws.
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