The Prince reads the inscriptions on the three caskets, gold, silver and lead:
"Who chooseth me, shall gain what many men desire."
"Who chooseth me, shall get as much as he deserves."
"Who chooseth me, must give and hazard all he hath."
The Prince asks:
"How shall I know if I do choose the right?"
Portia replies:
"The one of them contains my picture, Prince;
If you choose that then I am yours withal."
The Prince of Morocco makes a long speech on the beauty and glory of Portia, and then decides to open the golden casket. Portia hands him the key, and when the contents come to view he exclaims:
"O hell! what have we here!"