Antonio, who was devoted to Bassanio, had often helped him before, and on this occasion Bassanio turned to him again. Antonio was more than ready to help, and placed all he possessed at Bassanio’s disposal. But, unfortunately, at that moment he could not lay his hand on a large sum of ready money, for all his fortune was on the high seas. However, he bade Bassanio go forth, and see what his credit could do in Venice; and he promised to become surety to the uttermost of his means, in order that Bassanio might be fittingly equipped on his quest to Belmont.
In his search for money Bassanio came across Shylock, one of the chief usurers in Venice, and to him he applied for a loan. Shylock did not at first appear very willing to grant his request.
“Three thousand ducats;—well?” he said in a pondering, deliberate fashion.
“Ay, sir, for three months,” said Bassanio.
“For three months;—well?”
“For the which, as I told you, Antonio shall be bound.”
“Antonio shall become bound;—well?” echoed Shylock, still in the same slow voice.
“Can you help me? Will you oblige me? Shall I know your answer?” said Bassanio rather impatiently.
“Three thousand ducats—for three months—and Antonio bound,” murmured the Jew reflectively.
“Your answer to that?” demanded Bassanio.