"Lorenzo and thy love."
Jessica before leaving her home spouts the following stuff to her lover:
"Here, catch this casket, it is worth the pains;
I am glad 'tis night, you do not look on me;
For I am much ashamed of my exchange;
But love is blind, and lovers cannot see
The pretty follies that themselves commit;
For if they could, Cupid himself would blush
To see me thus transformed to a boy.
I will make fast the doors, and gild myself
With some more ducats, and be with you straight!"
Nice specimen of a dutiful daughter.
Contrast the conduct of the Christian Portia with the Hebrew Jessica, and the latter's action is thoroughly reprehensible.
Portia obeys the injunction and will of a dead father, while Jessica violates criminally the duty she owes a live father, who is in the toils of personal and official swindlers.
Portia in her palace awaits foreign and domestic suitors for her hand, heart and wealth.
The Prince of Morocco and his train first appear.
Portia in her splendid drawing room receives the Prince, and says to her waiting maid:
"Go draw aside the curtains, and discover
The several caskets to this noble prince;—
Now make your choice!"