I hope Antonio repays his loan on time, or he'll suffer for this.
SALARINO
Marry, well remembered.
I reasoned with a Frenchman yesterday,
Who told me, in the narrow seas that part
The French and English, there miscarried
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A vessel of our country richly fraught.
I thought upon Antonio when he told me,
And wished in silence that it were not his.
SALARINO
That's a good point. I spoke with a Frenchman yesterday who said that a
Venetian ship loaded with treasure was wrecked in the English Channel. I thought about
Antonio when he told me. I silently hoped it wasn't his ship.
SOLANIO
You were best to tell Antonio what you hear—
Yet do not suddenly, for it may grieve him.
SOLANIO
You should tell Antonio what you hear—but don't do it suddenly,
because it might upset him.
SALARINO
35
A kinder gentleman treads not the earth.
I saw Bassanio and Antonio part.
Bassanio told him he would make some speed
Of his return. He answered, “Do not so.
Slubber not business for my sake, Bassanio
40
But stay the very riping of the time.
And for the Jew's bond which he hath of me,
Let it not enter in your mind of love.
Be merry, and employ your chiefest thoughts
To courtship and such fair ostents of love
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As shall conveniently become you there.”
And even there, his eye being big with tears,
Turning his face, he put his hand behind him,
And with affection wondrous sensible
He wrung Bassanio's hand. And so they parted.
SALARINO
There's no nicer guy in the whole world. I saw Bassanio and Antonio say
goodbye. Bassanio told him he'd try to hurry back. Antonio answered
“Don't rush. Don't do a sloppy job for my sake, Bassanio. Stay
until everything is finished. As for the Jew's contract, don't let it be a
factor in your plans. Be happy and concentrate your thoughts on love and how to win your
love.” Then his eyes started tearing up. He turned his face away. Then he shook
Bassanio's hand affectionately—and they separated.
