Yes, yes, it was Bassanio—as I think he was so called.
PORTIA
Yes, yes, that was Bassanio. I think that was his name.
105
NERISSA
True, madam. He, of all the men that ever my foolish eyes
looked upon, was the best deserving a fair lady.
NERISSA
Yes, madam, that’s the one. He deserves a beautiful wife more than all the
other men I’ve ever seen.
PORTIA
I remember him well, and I remember him worthy of thy
praise.
PORTIA
I remember him well, and my memory tells me that he deserves your praise.
Enter a SERVINGMAN
A SERVANT enters.
How now, what news?
Hello, do you have any news?
110
SERVINGMAN
The four strangers seek for you, madam, to take their
leave. And there is a forerunner come from a fifth, the
Prince of Morocco, who brings word the prince his
master will be here tonight.
SERVANT
The four suitors are looking for you so they can say goodbye, madam. And
there’s a messenger representing a fifth one, the prince of Morocco, who says the
prince will be here tonight.
115
120
PORTIA
If I could bid the fifth welcome with so good a heart as I
can bid the other four farewell, I should be glad of his
approach. If he have the condition of a saint and the
complexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me
than wive me. Come, Nerissa.—(to
SERVANT) Sirrah, go
before.
Whiles we shut the gates upon one wooer
Another knocks at the door.
PORTIA
If I could say hello to the fifth one as happily as I’ll say goodbye to the
first four, I’d be very happy he’s coming. If he’s as good as a
saint but is black like a devil, I’d rather he hear my confession than marry me.
Let’s go, Nerissa.—(to the
SERVANT) Go ahead. As soon as we shut the door on one suitor,
another one starts knocking.