095 Por. If I live to be as old as Sibylla, I will die as chaste as Diana, unless I be obtained by the manner of my father’s will. I am glad this parcel of wooers are so reasonable; for there is not one among them but I dote on his [099] very absence; and I pray God grant them a fair departure.
100 Ner. Do you not remember, lady, in your father’s [101] time, a Venetian, a scholar, and a soldier, that came hither in company of the Marquis of Montferrat?
[103] Por. Yes, yes, it was Bassanio; as I think he was so called.
105 Ner. True, madam: he, of all the men that ever my foolish eyes looked upon, was the best deserving a fair lady.
Por. I remember him well; and I remember him worthy of thy praise.
Enter a Serving-man.
[109] How now! what news?
[110] Serv. The four strangers seek for you, madam, to take their leave: and there is a forerunner come from a fifth, the Prince of Morocco; who brings word, the prince his master will be here to-night.
[114] Por. If I could bid the fifth welcome with so good a 115 heart as I can bid the other four farewell, I should be glad of his approach: if he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me than wive me.
[118] Come, Nerissa. Sirrah, go before.