BELLARIO'S LETTER
From "The Merchant of Venice"
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Duke. This letter from Bellario doth commend A young and learned doctor to our court. Where is he?
Nerissa. He attendeth here hard by, To know your answer, whether you'll admit him.
Duke. With all my heart. Some three or four of you Go give him courteous conduct to this place. Meantime the court shall hear Bellario's letter.
Clerk (reads). "Your grace shall understand that at the receipt of your letter I am very sick; but in the instant that your messenger came, in loving visitation was with me a young doctor of Rome; his name is Balthasar. I acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio the merchant: we turned o'er many books together: he is furnished with my opinion; which, bettered with his own learning, the greatness whereof I cannot enough commend, comes with him, at my importunity, to fill up your grace's request in my stead. I beseech you, let his lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend estimation; for I never knew so young a body with so old a head. I leave him to your gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commendation."
CASCA, SPEAKING OF CĘSAR
From "Julius Cęsar"