figures of speech used in merchant of venice

Merchant of Venice Act 2, Scene 5 Modern English Translation Meaning Annotations – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English

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Original Text
Act II Scene V

Modern English Reading
Act II Scene V

SHYLOCK : Well, you shall see; your eyes shall be your judge, the difference of old Shylock and Bassanio:—What, Jessica!—You won’t eat like a glutton, As you have done with me;— What, Jessica!—And sleep and snore, and tear clothes apart—Why, Jessica, I say!

LAUNCELOT : Why, Jessica!

SHYLOCK : Who called for you? I didn’t call for you.

LAUNCELOT : You, sir, always told me I couldn’t do anything without bidding.
Enter Jessica.

JESSICA : Did you call? What is it?

Word Meaning With Annotation

The difference of : the difference between your late master and your new one. gormandize : “devour large amounts of food.” It will be remembered that is Scene II, Launcelot said that he had had so little to eat in the Jew’s service that all his ribs might be easily counted. But Shylock takes a different view of the matter.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

SHYLOCK : I am asked to go out to supper, Jessica: There are my keys. But why should I go? I am not asked for friendship; they flatter me; But yet I’ll go in hate, to feed on the prodigal Christian. Jessica, my girl, take care of my house. I am very reluctant to go; there is some ill disturbing my rest, because I dreamt of money bags tonight.

LAUNCELOT : Please, sir, go: my young master expects yourinsult.

SHYLOCK : So I expect his.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Bid forth : invited out. to feed upon, the prodigal Christian : this shows the meanness of Shylock, who goes out for no other reason than to enjoy a free meal at the expense of the open-handed Bassanio. loath : reluctant, ill a-brewing : there is some mischief impending or being prepared, tonight : when we use this phrase, we usualy do so in a future sense, i.e. the night which is to come. But Shakespeare here, uses it.in the sense of “last night.” reproach : blunder for “approach”.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

LAUNCELOT : And they have conspired together; I’ll not say you shall see a party, but if you do, then it was not for nothing that my nose started bleeding on last Black Monday at six o’clockin the morning, falling out that year on Ash-Wednesday was four years in the afternoon.

SHYLOCK : What! are there parties? Listen to me, Jessica: Lock up my doors, and when you hear the drum, And the vile squealing of the long-necked pipe, Don’t run up to the windows then, rr thrust your head into the public street to gaze on Christian fools with varnished masks; But stop my house’s ears- i mean my windows; Don’t let the sound of shallow foolishness enter my sober house. By Jacob’s staff, I swear I don’t want to go feasting outside tonight; But I’ll go. You go ahead of me, servant; Say I’ll come.

LAUNCELOT : I’ll go ahead of you, sir. Mistress, look out at window for all this; There will come a Christian byThat will be worth a Jewess’ eye.
Exit

SHYLOCK : What says that fool of Hagar’s off spring, huh?

Word Meaning With Annotation

And they have conspired : this is another case where Launcelot uses a word which is hardly suitable for his meaning, but it expresses unconscious truth, for the audience knows that there had indeed been a conspiracy by the lovers. So that is an other skilful use of dramatic irony, my nose fell a-bleeding : there was a superstition that if person’s nose commenced to bleed, it was a sign of bad luck. Black Monday : Easter Monday, so called because, according to Stow’s Chronicle, …. “Easter Monday was full dark of mist and hill, and so bitter cold that many men died on their horses’ back of the cold.” Ash- Wednesday : this festival always falls on the first Wednesday in Lent, six weeks before Easter. So it is absurd of Launcelot to talk of Easter Monday and Ash Wednesday falling at the same time, was four year in the afternoon : in the same speech, Launcelot says that this event happened last year; then that it happened four years ago. First he says it was in the morning, and ther. that it happened in the afternoon, drum and the vile squealing of the wry-necked fife : probably refer to the players, rather than the instruments, i.e. drum is the same as our “drummer”. In a work called English Garner Tudor Tracts, we hear that a “drum…. was shot in both legs.” Similarly “fife means a fife-player”, “wry-necked” (i.e. corrked-necked) refers to the fact that it was necessary for the fife player to twist his head to one side when playing his instruments, vanish’d faces : Faces painted or made up with colour, foppery : foolery, by Jacob’s staff : Shylock swears by the staff which his ancestor, Jacob, is said to have carried according to Biblical stories, there will come a Christian by, will be worth a Jewess’ eye : this refers to Lorenzo. He will pass by, and will be worth looking upon, what says that fool of Hagar’s off spring; ha : the Gentiles, the people despised by the Jews, were supposed to be descended from Hagar, while the Jews traced their line back to Sarah. So, Launcelot, the servant, is a son of Hagar, the slave woman.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

JESSICA : His words were, “Goodbye, mistress,” nothing else.

SHYLOCK : The man is kind enough, but a huge eater; Snail-slow in worth, and he sleeps by day more than the wild-cat does; drones don’t live with me, so I’m parting with him; and send with him to one that I want him help to waste his borrowed purse. Well, Jessica, go in; Perhaps I’ll return immediately: Do as I tell you, shut doors after you: “Fast bind, fast find,”A proverb that’s never forgotten in a successful mind.
Exit.

JESSICA : Goodbye; and, if my fortune is not crossed, I have lost a father, and you a daughter.
Exit.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Patch : fellow; fool. The word is probably derived from the motley coat of the professional jester, which was “patched” i.e. of different colour, drones hive not with me : the male bee is called the drone. He never searches for honey, but allows the female bee to do all the work. Here the sense is “Idlers may not live with me.” help to waste his borrow’d purse : Shylock wishes the wasteful Launcelot to aid Bassanio in squandering the borrowed money, fast bind, fast find : “what you lock up securely will be found safe when you return.”

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Merchant of Venice Act 2, Scene 4 Modern English Translation Meaning Annotations – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English

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Original Text
Act II Scene IV

Modern English Reading
Act II Scene IV

LORENZO : No, we’ll slink away at supper time, Disguise ourselves at my house, and return all in an hour.

GRATIANO : We haven’t made a good preparation.

SALARINO : We haven’t spoken about the torch bearers yet.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Slink : go stealthily, disguise us : dress up in (he fancy costumes and masks required for the proposed procession, spoke us yet : ordered in advance. We use the verb “be speak” in the sense of “to order beforehand.” torch-bearers : each gentleman participating in the procession would be preceded by an attendant who carried a lighted torch.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

SALANIO : It’s nasty, unless they may be skillfully ordered, and I think it’s better not to be undertaken.

LORENZO : It’s only four o’clock now; we have two hours to get them. Friend Launcelot, what’s the news?
Enter Launcelot, with a letter.

LAUNCELOT : If you will please break this up, it will become clear.

LORENZO : I know the hand; in faith, it’s a beautiful hand, And the beautiful hand that wrote it is whiter than the paper it’s written on.

GRATIANO : Love news, in faith.

LAUNCELOT : Excuse me, sir.

LORENZO : Where are you going?

LAUNCELOT : Damn it, sir, to bid my old master, the Jew, to come to supper tonight with my new master, the Christian.

LORENZO : Hang on! Here, take this. Tell gentle Jessica that I will not fail her; speak it in private. Go, gentlemen, will you get yourself ready for this party tonight? I have a torchbearer.
Exit Clown.

SALARINO : Yes, damn it, I’ll be taking care of it right away.

SALANIO : And so will I.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Quaintly ordered : arranged so as to present a pretty spectacle, take this : on the stage Lorenzo accompanies the words by giving a coin to Launcelot. I am provided of a torch-bearer : evidently the idea has just come into Lorenzo’s mind that he will disguise Jessica as a boy, and smuggle her away as the attendant carrying his torch in the procession.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

LORENZO : Meet me and Gratiano at Gratiano’s house in about an hour.

SALARINO : Okay.
Exit [Salarino and SALANIO]

GRATIANO : Wasn’t that letter from beautiful Jessica?

LORENZO : I must tell you everything. She has made a plan of how I shall take her from her father’s house; what gold and jewels she has; what boy’s suit she has ready. If the Jew her father ever comes to heaven, it will be for his gentle daughter’s sake; and never should misfortune dare to cross her foot, unless she does it under this excuse, that she is daughter to a faithless Jew. Come, go with me, read this over as you go; Beautiful Jessica shall be my torch bearer.
Exeunt

Word Meaning With Annotation

Some hour : in about an hour. I must needs : “needs” is superfluous; read simply “I must” or “I feel compelled to.” page’s suit : a servant boy’s clothing, cross her foot : “Cross her path.”

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Merchant of Venice Act 2, Scene 3 Modern English Translation Meaning Annotations – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English

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Original Text
Act II Scene III

Modern English Reading
Act II Scene III

JESSICA : I am sorry that you will leave my father like this: Our house is hell, and you, a happy devil, Robbed it of some taste of boredom. But goodbye; there is a dollar for you; And, Launcelot, you will soon see Lorenzoat supper, who is your new master’s guest: Give him this letter; do it secretly. And so, goodbye. I wouldn’t have my father see me talking with you.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil : our home has been as miserable as hell, but enlivened somewhat by the presence of such a merry fellow as yourself. Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness : who relieved the monotony a little.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

LAUNCELOT : Goodbye! Tears exhibit my voice. Most beautiful pagan,most sweet Jew! If a Christian doesn’t play the rogue and get you, I am much deceived. But, goodbye! these foolish drops drown my manly spirit some what; goodbye!
Exit.

JESSICA : Goodbye, good Launcelot.It’s a pity, what hateful sin it is in me to be ashamed to be my father’s child! But, although I am a daughter from his blood, I am not from his manners. Oh, Lorenzo! If you keep your promise, I shall end this strife, Become a Christian and your loving wife.
Exit.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Tears exhibit my tongue : emotion keeps him from speaking. I shall end this strife : Jessica has been divided between loyalty to her father and love for Lorenzo; now she declares that the latter has won.

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Merchant of Venice Act 2, Scene 2 Modern English Translation Meaning Annotations – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English

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Original Text
Act II Scene II

Modern English Reading
Act II Scene II

LAUNCELOT : Certainly, my conscience will allow me to run from this Jew my master. The devil is at my elbow and tempts me, saying to me, “Gobbo, Launcelot Gobbo, good Launcelot” or “good Gobbo” or “good Launcelot Gobbo, use your legs, get going, run away.” My conscience says, “No; be careful, honest Launcelot, be careful, honest Gobbo” or, as I said before, “honest Launcelot Gobbo, don’t run; scorn running with your heels.” Well, the most courageous devil tells me to pack. “Go!” says the devil; “Away!” says the devil. “For heaven’s sake, wake up a brave mind,” says the devil ’and run.” Well, my conscience, hanging, about the neck of my heart, says very wisely to me, “My honest friend Launcelot, being an honest man’s son”—or rather “an honest woman’s son;”—because indeed my father experienced some things, earned some things, he had a kind of taste;—well, my conscience says, “Launcelot, don’t budge.” “Budge,” says the devil. “Don’t budge,” says my conscience.” Conscience, “I say, you advise me well.” “Devil,” I say, “you advise me well.” To be ruled by my conscience, I should stay with the Jew my master, who, God save us all! is a kind of devil; and, to run away from the Jew, I should listen to the devil, who, deliver us from evil! is the devil himself. Certainly, the Jew is the very devil incarnate; and, in my conscience, my conscience is only a kind of hard conscience, to offer to advise me to stay with the Jew. The devil gives the more friendly advice: I’ll run, devil; my heels are at your commandment; I will run.
Enter old Gobbo with a basket.

Word Meaning With Annotation

The fiend : Satan; the devil, scorn running with thy heels : “to take to one’s heels” is a colloquial phrase meaning “to take to flight.” pack : depart. Via : ‘Take the road’, hanging about the neck of : restraining, holding back. (Just as we might imagine a wife hanging about the neck of her husband, restraining him from some act.) God bless the mark ! : this expression was used as an apology for having used any coarse expression: here for having used the name of the devil, which was supposed to be unlucky, saving your reverence : used in the same sense as “God bless the mark !”

Original Text

Modern English Reading

GOBBO : Master young man, you, please; which is the way to Master Jew’s?

LAUNCELOT : Oh, heavens! This is my biological father, who, being more than half¬blind, nearly stone blind, doesn’t know me: I’ll try to confuse him.

GOBBO : Master young gentleman, please, which is the way to Master Jew’s?

LAUNCELOT : Tum up on your right hand at the next turning, but, atthe next turning of all, on your left; damn it, at the very next turning, turn of no hand, but turn down indirectly to the Jew’s house.

GOBBO : Be God’s sonties, it will be a hard way to go. Can you tellme whether one Launcelot, who lives with him, lives with him or not?

LAUNCELOT : Are you taking about young Master Launcelot? Listen to me now; now I will really get him. Are you talking about young Master Launcelot?

Word Meaning With Annotation

Master Jew’s : The word “Master” is used here as a title of respect, with much the same effect as “Sahib”, sand-blind : half-blind, “high-gravel” blind represents a further stage of blindness, but it is still not so bad as “stoneblind” i.e. completely blind, confusions : wrongly used by Launcelot, who means “conclusions”, turn up on your right hand at the next turning, but, at the next turning of all, on your left; marry, at the very next turning, turn of no hand, but turn down indirectly to the Jew’s house : this is deliberately given as a confused and senseless direction, sonties : God’s health, so perhaps it was customary to swear by the health of the Deity. Or it may mean “By the saints.” raise the waters : brings tears to the old man’s eyes by telling him that his son was dead.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

GOBBO : No master, sir, only a poor man’s son; his father, although I say it, is an honest, exceedingly poor man, and, thank God, well enough to live.

LAUNCELOT : Well, let his father be what he will be, we’re talking about young Master Launcelot.

GOBBO : Your worship’s friend, and Launcelot, sir.

LAUNCELOT : But please, therefore, old man, therefore, I beg you, are you talking about young Master Launcelot?

GOBBO : Of Launcelot, if it pleases you, sir.

LAUNCELOT : Therefore, Master Launcelot. Don’t talk about Master Launcelot, father; for the young gentleman,—according to Fates and Destinies and such odd sayings, the Sisters Three and such branches of learning,—is indeed dead; or, as you would say in plain terms, gone to heaven.

GOBBO : Damn it, God forbid! The boy was the very support of my age, my very prop.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Though I say it : an apology for boasting of his own honesty and poverty, well to live : may mean “in good health”. But the more common meaning would be “well to do.” a : a contraction for “he”; it is used only in the speech of uneducated countrymen, your worship’s friend : you may call him your frignd, but he is not entitled to be called “Master”. Ergo : Latin word for “therefore”. Launcelot uses it here because it sounds learned, but he seems not to know the use or meaning of the word, an’t please your mastership : if it please you, sir! talk not of Master Launcelot, father : the word “father” was used as a respectful form of address to any old man. the sister three, and such branches of learning : the three sisters, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, were also called the Fates and Destinies; they are the symbolic classic conception of fate and destiny, ranches of learning : may be read as “learned names and phrases.” Shakespeare is satirising those people who are not content to use plain speech, but attempt to use learned words and phrases, staff of my age, my very prop : Launcelot had been a source of support to his father, just as a staff is to a feeble person, or a prop to a wall.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

LAUNCELOT : Do I look like a club or a beating stick, a staff or a prop? Don’tyou know me, father?

GOBBO : Unhappy the day! I don’t know you, young gentleman; but please tell me, is my boy—God rest his soul!—alive or dead?

LAUNCELOT : Don’t you know me, father?

GOBBO : Sorry, sir, I am half-blind; I don’t know you.

LAUNCELOT : No, indeed, even if you had your eyes, you might not know me: it is a wise father that knows his own child. Well,old man, I’ll tell you news of your son. Give me your blessing; truth will come to light; murder cannot be hidden long; a man’s son may, but, in the end, truth will come out.

GOBBO : Please, sir, stand up; I am sure you are not Launcelot, my boy.

LAUNCELOT : Please, let’s have no more fooling about it, but give me your blessing; I am Launcelot, your boy that was, your sonthat is, your child that shall be.

GOBBO : I cannot think you are my son.

LAUNCELOT : I don’t know what I shall think of that; but I am Launcelot, theJew’s man, and I am sure Margery your wife is my mother.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Cudgel : a club or lathi, this is used palyfully and is suggested by the literal meaning of the word “staff’ m the previous line, hovel-post : a wooden post or upright used in the building of a hovel or hut. It is a wise father that knows his own child : this coarse expression still persists in English. The meaning is, of course, that if a man has a wife who is immoral, he can never tell whether the child which is bom belongs to him or not. truth will out : truth cannot be conceaed. let’s have no more fooling : Let us cease to talk in jest about it. I know not what I shall think of that: but I am Launcelot, the Jew’s man; and I am sure Margery, your wife, is my mother : the thought is again of the coarse nature such as pleased the calsses of Elzabethans. Launcelot says that no man can be sure who his father was, although there is no doubt about his mother. It is an echo of the words “It’s a wise father that knows his own child.”

Original Text

Modern English Reading

GOBBO : Her name is Margery, indeed: I’ll swear, if you are Launcelot, you are my own flesh and blood. Lord of us all,what a beard you’ve got! You have got more hair on your chin than Dobbin my thrill-horse has on his tail.

LAUNCELOT : It should seem, then, that Dobbin’s tail grows backward; I am sure he had more hair on his tail than I have on my face when I last saw him.

GOBBO : Lord! how you have changed! How do you and your master get along? I have brought him a present. How do you get along now?

LAUNCELOT : Well, well; but, as for me, as I have made up my mind to run away, so I’ll not rest until I have run some ground. My master’s a very Jew. Give him a present! Give him a halter. I am starving in his service; you can count my ribs with your fingers. Father, I’m glad you’ve come; give your present toone Master Bassanio, who indeed is giving rare new clothing to new servants. If I don’t serve him, I’ll run as far as God has any ground. Oh, rare fortune! Here comes the man: give the present to him, father; because I am a Jew, if I serve the Jew any longer.
Enter Bassanio with a follower or two [one of them Leonardo.]

Word Meaning With Annotation

Dobbin my fill-horse : ‘fill-horse’ denotes a horse used for drawing a cart, and “Dobbin” has always been an affectionate name bestowed on a horse in England, grows backward : becomes less instead of longer of : used instead of “on.” set up my rest : determined; resolved. This phrase is derived from a gambling game, and meant to stand upon the cards in one’s hand, relying that they would be better than those of an opponent, you may tell every finger I have with my ribs : the words “finger” and “ribs” should be interchanged. Launcelot means that he has not been sufficiently fed while in Shylock’s service, with the result that anyone is able to count all his ribs by feeling with a finger. But he makes this mistake, something a kin to what we call a “Spoonerism.” who, indeed, gives rare new liveries : In the meantime, Bassanio is engaged in fitting out his expedition to Belmont, and evidently Launcelot has heard that Bassanio’s servants are being clothed in fine new suits of uniform. I am a Jew : “May I become a Jew myself etc.” Launcelot means that this is- equally impossible as it is for him to remain longer in Shylock’s service.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

BASSANIO : You may do so; but let it be quickly so that supper is ready by five of the clock at the latest. See these letters are delivered, get the servants’ clothes made, and ask Gratiano to come now to my house.
Exit a servant.

LAUNCELOT : To him, father.

GOBBO : God bless you, sir!

BASSANIO : God have mercy, what do you want with me?

GOBBO : Here is my son, sir, a poor boy—

LAUNCELOT : Not a poor boy, sir, but the rich Jew’s man, that would, sir,—as my father shall specify.

GOBBO : He has a great infection, sir, as one would say, to serve—

LAUNCELOT : Indeed the short and the long is, I serve the Jew, and have a desire, as my father shall specify—

GOBBO : His master and he, God save you, sir, are almost like cousins—

LAUNCELOT : To be brief, the very truth is that the Jew, having done me wrong, causes me,— as my father, being I hope an old man, shall frutify to you—

GOBBO : I have here a dish of doves that I wish to give you, sir; and what I want is—

Word Meaning With Annotation

Grammercy : An exclamation denoting thanks; Bassanio acknowledges the respect paid in the words “Your worship”, he hath a great infection : He has a great desire. The word “infection” is deliberately used wrongly instead of “affection” saving your worship’s reverence : “with apologies to you Sit.” or “if I may mention the fact, Sir.” frutify : another word used wrongly by Launcelot; he means “explain” or “set forth”.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

LAUNCELOT : In very brief, what he asks is impertinent to myself, asyou, sir, shall know from this honest old man; and, though I sayit, though old man, yet poor man, my father.

BASSANIO : One of you speak for both of you. What do you want?

LAUNCELOT : To serve you, sir.

GOBBO : That is the very defect of the matter, sir.

BASSANIO : I know you well; you have gotten what you ask for. Shylock your master spoke with me today, And has recommended you, if it is a recommendation To leave a rich Jew’s service to become The follower of so poor a gentleman.

LAUNCELOT : The old proverb is very well parted between my master Shylock and you, sir: you have the grace of God, sir, and he has enough.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Impertinent : ridiculous mistake. He means “pertinent” i.e. “my application pertains to or concerns myself.” defect : Gobbo means the “substance” or “effect” of the matter, and hath preferr’d thee, if it be preferment : the verb “prefer” meant either to recommend or to promote, the old proverb is very well parted between my master Shylock and you, sir; you have the grace of God, sir, and he hath enough : the proverb is “The grace of God is better than gear (possessions).” lodging : place of abode, guarded : “braided”. In the first place the edge of the cloth was bound with material to protect it and keep it form fraying. Then it came to mean additional cloth applied by way of ornament. Launcelot is to have a uniform with more ornamental stripes on it than the other servants.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

BASSANIO : You speak well. Go, father, with your son. Say goodbye to your old master, and find out where I live. Give him clothes that are less showy than that of his fellows; see it gets done.

LAUNCELOT : Father, go in. I cannot get a service, no! I have never had a tongue in my head! Well; if any man in Italy has a better table that offers to swear on a book, I shall have good luck. Come on; here’s a simple line of life; here’s a small number of wives; sadly, fifteen wives is nothing; eleven widows and nine maids is a simple coming-in for one man. And then to escape drowning three times, and to be in fear for my life with the edge of a feather bed; here are simple escapes. Well, if Fortune is a woman, she’s a good woman for this guy. Father, come; I’ll take my leave of the Jew in the twinkling of an eye.
Exit Clown. Exit Launcelot.

Word Meaning With Annotation

If any man in Italy have a fairer table, which doth offer to swear upon a book, I shall have good fortune! : The general sense is- “Any one who has (or who can swear he has) a hand better endowed than mine, is lucky indeed.” “Table” is a technical term in palmistry, meaning the palm of the hand on which the lines are read. It is enough to remember that Shakespeare depicts Launcelot as overjoyed by his good luck, and makes him speak in a confused and excited manner, simple line of life : a clearly marked line on his palm, denoting that he will have long life, coming-in : that which comes in, i.e. something acquired, to be in peril of my life with the edge of a feather bed : The sense is “and I see also from my hand that I shall at one time be in danger of losing my life, and also I see the symbol of a bed, denoting a wealthy marriage for me.” a good wench for gear : a kind lady for showing me this prospect of possessions. in the twinkling of an eye : “in an instant’, or, as the saying goes, As
quickly as you could wink.”

Original Text

Modern English Reading

BASSANIO : Please, good Leonardo, think about this: Once these things have been bought and orderly put away Come back quickly, because I feast tonight with My best-esteemed acquaintance; hurry up, go.

LEONARDO : You have my best efforts to get everything done as you ask. Exit Leonardo. Enter Gratiano.

GRATIANO : Where’s your master? LEONARDO:Over there, sir, he’s walking. GRATIANO: Mr. Bassanio!— BASSANIO:Gratiano!

GRATIANO : I have to ask you something.

BASSANIO : You’ve got it.

GRATIANO : You mustn’t say no: I must go with you to Belmont.

BASSANIO : Why, then you must go. But listen, Gratiano;You are too wild, too rude, and loud, Qualities that become you happily enough,And, in such eyes as ours, don’t appear to be faults; But where no one knows you, why there, these qualities Show something that’s too liberal. Please, take pains To behave yourself and to control Your wild spirit, so that I won’t be misunderstood As to why I came, because of your wild behavior, And lose my hopes of marriage.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Orderly bestowed : carefully placed on board the ship, feast: entertain, hie thee : “Betake yourself’ or “Go.” you have obtained it : Bassanio grants the request before he knows what it is. parts : characteristics; manners, too liberal : overdone; too bold, allay : to weaken; to abate, skipping spirit : unruly disposition. I be misconstrued : I should find my errand misunderstood.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

GRATIANO : Mr. Bassanio, listen to me: If I don’t put on a sober habit, talk with respect, and swear only now and then, wear prayer- books in my pocket, look demurely, No more, while grace is saying, hood my eyes like this with my hat, and sigh, and say “amen;” Use all the observances of manners, as one well studied in a sad display in order to please his grandmother, never trust me anymore.

BASSANIO : Well, we’ll see your behavior.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Put on a sober habit : assume quieter manners, wear prayer books in my pocket : to give people the impression that he was a devout man, given to religious exercises, demurely : modestly ; equietly. hood mine eyes, thus with my hat : men of quality wore hats at meals; probably the custom was that when the grace (prayer of thanks) was being said, they held the hat reverently in front of the face. Amen : the word which concludes a prayer. Use all the observance of civility : company with the usages of good society, sad ostent : appearance of solemnity.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

GRATIANO : No, but tonight is an exception; you shall not judge me by what we do tonight.

BASSANIO : No, that would be a pity;I would beg you rather to put on your boldest face of happiness, because we have friends that offer merriment. But goodbye; I have some business to see to.

GRATIANO : And I must go to Lorenzo and the rest; But we’ll visit you at suppertime.
Exeunt.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Bar to-night : make an exception of tonight gauge, judge, that were pity : it would be a pity to do so. boldest suit of mirth : “Your gayest dress”, or “Your most mirthful mood.” the latter is more suitable to the context.

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Merchant of Venice Act 2, Scene 1 Modern English Translation Meaning Annotations – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English

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Original Text
Act II Scene I

Modern English Reading
Act II Scene I

MOROCCO : Don’t dislike me for my- complexion, The dark clothing of the polished sun, To whom I am a neighbor, and bom near it. Bring me the fairest creature bom in the north, Where the sun’s fire hardly thaws the icicles, And let’s make a cut for your love To prove whose blood is reddest, his or mine. I tell you, lady, this face of mine Has feared the valiant; by my love, I swear The best-regarded virgins of my country Have loved it too. I would not change this color, Except to steal your thoughts, my gentle queen.

PORTIA : In terms of choice, I am not only led By the nice direction of a maiden’s eyes; Besides, the lottery of my destiny doesn’t give me the right to choose voluntarily; But, if my father had not restricted me and controlled me by his wit, to give myself as his wife to the one who wins me by that means I told you, you yourself, renowned Prince, would then Stand as fair as any other man I have looked on yet For my affection.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Complexion : colour, the shadowed livery of the burnish’d sun : “The dark colour which the fierce sun bestows.” “livery” is the uniform which a rich man uses for all his servants. Hence a “shadowy” or sun burnt skin is said to be the distinctive uniform or dress which the sun bestows on those who live in hot countries, neighbour, and near bred : the hot countries are near to the sun, and hence may be regarded as closer neighbours to it than cold countries, fairest : whitest; of lightest skin. Phoebus’ fire : “the heat of the sun”. Phoebus is the Greek name for the sun-god. icicles : long pointed spikes of ice. make incision : the old surgical term for the opening of a vein, to prove whose blood is reddest : the old idea was that the most courageous man had reddest blood. The blood of a coward was always supposed to be of a pale colour, best regarded : “most respected.” except to steal your thoughts : “unless it were to attract your thoughts of love.” nice direction of a maiden’s eyes : dislikes which arise when a maiden looks on a suitor, scanted : deprived me of free choice, hedg’d me by his wit : artfully surrounded me with restrictions, then stood as fair : “would then have had as good a chance.” It will be observed that Portia is impressed by the soldierly speech and straightforward honesty of the Prince, and hastens to assure him that she does not think his oriental origin places him in the least below his European competitors.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

MOROCCO : I thank you, even for that: So, please, lead me to the chests so I may try my luck. By this sword, —that killed the Shah, a Persian prince, that won three battles with Sultan Solomon,— I would out stare the angriest eyes that look, out brave the most daring heart on the earth, pluck the young, sucking cubs from their mother, yes, taunt the lion when he roars for prey, to win you, lady. But, pity the time! If Hercules and Lichas threw dice to decide Who was the better man, the best throw May be turned by luck to come from the weaker hand: So Alcides was beaten by his boy servant; and I might too, with blind Fortune leading me, Miss that treasure which a more unworthy man may get, and I’ll die from grieving.

PORTIA : You must take your chance,And either don’t attempt to choose at all,Or swear before you choose that, if you choose wrong, You will never to speak to me after ward About marriage; so be advised.

MOROCCO : I will not. Come, bring me to my chance.

PORTIA : First, forward to the temple: after dinner Your choice shall be made.

MOROCCO : Good fortune then I To make me blessed or cursed among men!
[Comets and exeunt]

Word Meaning With Annotation

Scimitar : sword. Sophy : the Shah or emperor of Persia. Sultan Soiyman : was a Turkish Ruler; probably Shakespeare is thinking of Soiyman the Magnificent, who was defeated by the Persians in 1535. but, alas the while! : An exclamation of regret: “But it is sad that it should be the case that, etc.” Hercules and Lichas play at dice : Hercules was the Greek god of strength, and is always used as the type for manly courage and physical energy. Lichas was the servant who brought Hercules a poisoned ; shirt, and was immediately thrown into the sea by his angry master. The sense is that a strong and brave man has no better chance than a weak man in a gambling competition, such as Morocco concluded this choice between the caskets to be. which is the better man : to decide which of the two is the better man. so is Alcides beaten by his page : Alcides is another name for Hercules, and the page is Lichas. The idea is simply a continuation of the above. There is no story to the effect that Hercules and Lichas ever did indulge in a game of chance, but Morocco says that if they had done so, the page would have had quite a good chance of beating his master, blind Fortune leading me : with nothing to help me save pure chance. Be advis’d : think it over carefully. The temple : it was necessary for the Prince to go to the sacred building, in order to take the oath that he would observe the conditions, your hazard shall be made : you shall take your chance.

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Merchant of Venice Act 1, Scene 3 Modern English Translation Meaning Annotations – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English

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Original Text
Act I Scene III

Modern English Reading
Act I Scene III

SHYLOCK : Three thousand ducats; right?

BASSANIO : Yes, sir, for three months.

SHYLOCK : For three months; right?

BASSANIO : For which, as I told you, Antonio shall be obligated.

SHYLOCK : Antonio shall be obligated; right?

BASSANIO : Will you help me? Will you make me happy? Can I know youranswer?

SHYLOCK : Three thousand dollars, for three months, and Antonio obligated.

BASSANIO : Your answer to that.

SHYLOCK : Antonio is a good man.

BASSANIO : Have you heard any suggestion to the contrary?

Word Meaning With Annotation

Ducats : There were gold ducats and silver ducats at the time with which the play deals, bound : Antonio shall be legally responsible for the repayment. Antonio is a good man : “reliable in financial dealings.”

Original Text

Modern English Reading

SHYLOCK : Hey, no, no, no, no: my meaning in saying he is a good manis to have you understand me, that he is sufficiently credit-worthy, yet his money is all tied up: he has a large merchant ship going to Tripoli, another to the Indies; I understand, moreover, in the Market place,he has a third to Mexico, a fourth to England, and other ventures he has wasted abroad. But ships are only boards of wood, sailors onlymen; there are land-rats and water rats, land-thieves and water-thieves,—I mean pirates,—and then there is the peril of waters, winds, and rocks. The man is, in spite of all this, sufficiently credit worthy. Three thousand dollars -1 think I may take his promise to pay.

BASSANIO : Be assured you may.

SHYLOCK : I’11 be assured that I may; and, that I may be assured, Iwill think it over. May I speak with Antonio?

BASSANIO : If it pleases you to dine with us.

SHYLOCK : Yes, to smell pork; to eat in the temple that your prophet, the Nazarene, conjured the devil into. I’ll buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following; but I’ll not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you. What’s the news in the Marketplace? Who’s coming here? Enter Antonio.

BASSANIO : This is Mr. Antonio.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Sufficient : satisfactory as security, his means are in supposition : his fortune may be supposed subject to the risks and failures of business, he hath an argosy bound to Tripolis : It matters little whether Shakespeare was thinking of Tripoli in North Africa, or Tripolis in Syria. Indies : the West Indies near Central America. Rialto : this was the name of the business quarters of Venice, squandered : sent forth; scattered, the man is not with standing sufficient : nevertheless the man Antonio is satisfactory as security, yes, to smell pork; to eat of the habitation which your prophet, the Nazarite, conjured the devil into! I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following; but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you : there is a story in the Bible of Christ (the Nazarite) compelling certain evil spirits to come out of two men, whose bodies*they had entered. Then the evil spirits asked Christ to allow them to enter into the bodies of a herd of swine, and He allowed them to do so. This is what Shylock refers to; by “habitation” he means the body of the swine. The Jews look upon pork as an unclean and prohibited food. We see in this speech the character of Shylock. He is proud of his race and his religion, and determined not to break any of his religious observances to please the hated Christian. Yet he has the shrewd commonsense of a businessman, and is willing to mix with Christians and do business with them, as long as there is profit to be made. He uses the title “prophet” for Christ, since the Jews do not recognise Him as the son of God.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

SHYLOCK : He looks like a flattering tax collector! I hate him because he is a Christian; But more, because, in his low simplicity, He lends out money free, and brings down The rate of interest with us here in Venice. If I can catch him once at a disadvantage ,IT1 feed the ancient grudge I bear him until it’s fat. He hates our sacred nation; and he abuses me, Even there where merchants congregate most of the time, Insulting me, my bargains, and my well-won success, Which he calls interest. Cursed be my tribe of Israel If I forgive him!

BASSANIO : Shylock, do you hear me?

SHYLOCK : I am debating about my present monies, And, by the nearest guess, I remember that I cannot instantly raise up the whole sum of three thousand ducats. What about that? Tubal, a wealthy Hebrew of my tribe, Will supply me. But wait! How many months do you want? Relax, good sir; We were just talking about you.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Fawning publican : ‘ fawning ” usually means “servile” or “cringing” and there seems no reason why such a term should be applied to Antonio. It is Shylock’s bitter hatred which makes him look on Antonio’s mood of melancholy in this light. The term “publican” was used in the new Testament with very much the same significance as “a low caste man” or “an untouchable”. low simplicity : stupid ignorance, usance : profit derived from money lending. If I can catch him once upon the hip : To have a man “on the hip,” meant to have secured such a hold on him that he could easily be thrown to the ground. I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him : I will gratify fully the old grievance I have against him. He hates our sacred nation, and he rails, Even there where merchants most do congregate, On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift,Which he calls interest : In the time of Shakespeare, the modem system of banks was far from appealing. The lending of money was in the hands of private individuals,and there was no restriction on the rate of interest which they could charge. The Jews were foremost in amassing wealth by this means, and they had the reputation of being grasping and merciless creditors, rails : give abuse. Well-won thrift : well-deserved profits. I am debating of : I am calculating, gross : the complete sum. a wealthy Hebrew of my tribe : the Jews were divided into twelve tribes, descended from the twelve children of Israel, your worship : “Your honour.”

Original Text

Modern English Reading

ANTONIO : Shylock, although I don’t lend or borrow By taking or by giving excess money, Still, to supply the urgent wants of my friend, I’ll break a custom. Does he know How much you want?

SHYLOCK : Yes, yes, three thousand ducats.

ANTONIO : And for three months.

SHYLOCK : I had forgotten; three months; you told me so. Well then, your promise to pay; and, let me see. But listen, I thought you said you don’t lend or borrow By charging interest.

ANTONIO : I never charge interest.

SHYLOCK : When Jacob grazed his uncle Laban’s sheep,—This Jacob was the son of our holy Abraham, As his wise mother said he was, The third possessor; yes, he was the third.

ANTONIO : And what about him? Did he charge interest?

Word Meaning With Annotation

Albeit : although, by taking, nor by giving of excess : by taking from my debtors anything in excess of the sum I have lent to them, nor by giving any such sum to my creditors, ripe : immediate, immediate attention, so Bassanio’s needs require an immediate loan. I’ll break a custom : I shall depart from my custom, and give you interest on this loan, is he yet possess’d, how much you would : Is he aware yet of the amount you want? upon advantage : with the usual interest, grazed : ‘Led out to pasture’, the third possessor : the third heir to the family estates.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

SHYLOCK : No, not charge interest; not, as you would say, Directly charge interest; listen to what Jacob did. When Laban and he agreed That all the lambs which were streaked and multicolored Should be given to Jacob, the ewes, being divided, Were bred with the rams at the end of autumn; And just when the rams and the ewes Were in the act of procreation, The skilful shepherd peeled certain sticks, And, at the moment of mating, He stuck them up before the fat ewes, Who, then conceiving, did in lambing time Gave birth to multicolored lambs, and those were Jacob’s. This was a way to thrive, and he was blest; And good luck is blessing, if men don’t steal it.

ANTONIO : This was an enterprise, sir, that Jacob worked for; A thing that was not in his power to bring to pass, But swayed and fashioned by the hand of heaven. Are you telling me this to make interest good? Or is your gold and silver ewes and rams?

SHYLOCK : I cannot tell; I make it breed as fast as ewes and rams. But listen to me, sir.

ANTONIO : Pay attention, Bassanio, The devil- can cite Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villain with a smiling cheek, A good apple rotten at the heart. Oh, what a good outside lying has!

SHYLOCK : Three thousand ducats; it’s a good round sum. Three months from twelve; then let me see the rate.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Were compromised : had agreed, eanlings : newly-bom lambs. Streak’d : striped, this was a venture, sir, that Jacob serv’d for : the Biblical story was that Jacob had entered Laban’s service first in order to gain a wife, and then in order to gain a flock. But Antonio retorts that Jacob earned this reward by service, and not by merely’ allowing his money to gain interest. In addition, Antonio casts doubt on the old Biblical story and says that Jacob could not possibly have influenced the birth of the lambs in this manner, was this inserted to make interest good : Was this episode introduced into the Bible in order to justify the taking of interest? Antonio asks this rather sharply, because he thinks that Shylock’s argument has nothing to do with the taking of interest at all, and resents that the Jew should try to justify his money-lending by Biblical quotations, the devil can cite Scripture for his purpose : this has become a well-known quotation in the English language. It arises, in the first place, from another incident described in the Bible, where the devil tempts Christ, and supports his temptations by craftily used quotations and allusions from the Divine law. a goodly apple : an apple which has an outward appearance of goodness, goodly outside : a fair outward appearance.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

ANTONIO : Well, Shylock, shall we be indebted to you?

SHYLOCK : Mr. Antonio, many times and often In the Market place you have abused me About my monies and my interest rates; I still have taken it with a patient shrug, Because suffering is the badge of all our tribe; You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, And spat on my Jewish clothes, And all because of using of that which is my own. Well then, it now appears you need my help; Come on, then; you come to me, and you say”Shylock, we would have money.” You say so: You that spit on my beard, And kick me as you spurn a strange dog On your doorstep; money is what you ask for. What should I say to you? Shouldn’t I say” Has a dog got money? Is it possible A dog can lend you three thousand dollars?” Or Shall I bend low and, in a bondman’s voice, With soft breathing and whispering humbleness, Say this:—” Fair sir, you spit on me on Wednesday last;You spumed me such a day; another time You called me dog; and for these courtesies I’ll lend you thus much money?”

Word Meaning With Annotation

Beholding : obliged, indebted, rated : blamed, gaberdine : a peculiar type of robe worn by the Jews. For Antonio to spit upon it would be a direct insult to Jewish nationality, for use of that : for using my own money as I choose, void your rheum : spot, cast your saliva, moneys is your suit : now your request is for money! bondsman’s key : “a voice like a slave.” key : tone, bated breath : quiet breath.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

ANTONIO : I am likely to call you so again, To spit on you again, to spurn you too.If you will lend this money, don’t lend it As if to your friends, because when did friendship take Race as pure proof of his friend’s worthiness?But lend it rather to your enemy, Who, if he defaults may face Exact the penalty better.

SHYLOCK : Why, look, how you get angry! I wish to be friends with you, and have your friendship, Forget the shames that you have stained me with, Supply you need right now, and don’t pay a jot of interest for my money, and you’ll not hear me complain: I offer you kindness.

BASSANIO : This was kindness?

Word Meaning With Annotation

I am as like to call thee so again : “It is quite likely that I shall do so again.” Antonio is quite frank about his treatment of Shylock; he admits it, and offers no regrets. His attitude seems to be that it is a natural thing, and just what a Jew might expect, for when did friendship take A breed for barren metal of his friend : the word “breed” is probably used because the illustration of Jacob and his lambs is still fresh in the mind of Antonio. He means “profit” i.e., interest produced by lent money, just as lambs are produced by sheep, but lend It rather to thine enemy : But rather consider me as an enemy when lending it. If he break : If he break the conditions agreed upon; if he fail to repay, with better face : with a better appearance of justice; with no shame in doing so. would be : would like to be. and take no doit of usance : “and accept not one pie of interest.” this is kind I offer : “A man likes the company of his own kind” Shylock means, “This is your own system of loan which I offer, without any interest.” But there may be a double meaning intended, for “to pay a man in kind” means to return ‘similar treatment to him. this were kindness : Antonio, of course, sees no double meaning in Shylock’s words, and replies, “That would indeed be kindness on your part.”

Original Text

Modern English Reading

SHYLOCK : I will show you this kindness. Go with me to a notary, seal your single promiseto pay me there; and, in a happy sport, If you don’t repay me on such a day, In such a place, such sum or sums as are Expressed in the conditions, let the penalty Be an equal pound Of your beautiful flesh, to be cut off and taken In whatever part of your body that pleases me.

ANTONIO : Happily, in faith; I’ll put my seal to such a promise to pay, And say there is much kindness in the Jew.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Notary : a solicitor; a legal officer, single bond : a bond undertaken by one man, i.e., it was signed by Antonio alone, nominated : agreed upon, equal pound : exactly a pound. I’ll seal to such a bond : ‘I will place my name to this agreement.’

Original Text

Modern English Reading

BASSANIO : You shall not put your seal to such a promise to pay For me; I’d rather live in my poverty.

ANTONIO : Why, don’t be afraid, man; I won’t default in payment; Within the next two months, that’s a-month before This promise to pay expires, I expect to get a return of three times three of the value of this promise to pay.

SHYLOCK : Oh, father Abraham, what are these Christians, Whose own hard dealings teach them to suspect The thoughts of others. Please, tell me this; If he should break his promise, what should I gain By taking his forfeit? A pound of man’s flesh, taken from a man,Is not so valuable, or profitable either, As flesh of mutton, beef, or goat. I say, To buy his good will, I extend this friendship; If he will take it, okay; if not, goodbye; And, for my friendship, please don’t insult me.

ANTONIO : Yes, Shylock, I’ll put my seal to this promise to pay.

SHYLOCK : Then meet me immediately at the notary’s; Give him directions for confirming this happy promise to pay, And I’ll go and get the dollars right away, Check on my house, left in the care of an unlucky rogue, and I’ll be with you soon. (Exit.)

Word Meaning With Annotation

I’ll rather dwell in my necessity : “I would rather remain in my present state of need.” within these two months : in two months from this date, father Abraham : Shylock swears by his great Jewish ancestor, break his day : break his promise to pay on a certain day. muttons : beefs, these words, refer only to the flesh of animals, were originally French, and meant “sheep” and “oxen.” purse the ducats straight: at once make ready the ducats in a purse for you the fearful guard : “left in the unsafe care.” Launcelot is such a careless fellow that it causes Shylock Tear that he could not be the guardian of the house even for the time being.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

ANTONIO : Hurry, gentle Jew. This Hebrew will become a Christian: he’s getting kind.

BASSANIO : I don’t like fair terms and a villain’s mind.

ANTONIO : Come on; in this transaction, there can be no fear; My ships come home a month before the due date. (Exeunt.)

Word Meaning With Annotation

Hie thee, gentle Jew : “Go, kind Jew.” It will be noticed that Antonio uses the word “gentle.” He has been completely deceived by the superior craft of Shylock, and thinks that all his professions of friendship are genuine. I like not fair terms and a villain’s mind : “I am suspicious when, fair conditions are offered by a man whom I know to be a villain.” Bassanio is more quick-witted and alert than Antonio, ‘and his suspicions of Shylock are not so easily lulled to sleep, dismay : “ground for fear.”

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Merchant of Venice Act 1, Scene 2 Modern English Translation Meaning Annotations – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English

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Original Text
Act I Scene II

Modern English Reading
Act I Scene II

PORTIA : Honestly, Nerissa, my little body is weary of this great world.

NERISSA : You would be, sweet madam, if your miseries were as abundantas your good fortunes are; and yet, for all I see, they that are sick from over-eating are as sick as those that starve with nothing. It’s not an insignificant happiness, therefore, to be well situated in regard to financial resources: having more than enough comesat some time or other to old men, but having a sufficient income lasts longer.

PORTIA : Good sentences, and well said.

NERISSA : They would be better sentences, if you followed them well.

Word Meaning With Annotation

By my troth : A mild form of oath, surfeit : to be supplied with anything to excess, it is no mean happiness, therefore, to be seated in the mean : Nerissa says, “It is no small happiness to be situated in a position mid-way between poverty and riches.” superfluity : the man who lives wastefully through excess of luxuries, comes sooner by : obtains more quickly, competency : the man who possesses just sufficient for a reasonably comfortable life, good sentences : fine opinions.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

PORTIA : If knowing what to do were as easy as knowing what was good to do, chapels would have been churches, and poor men’s cottages would have been princes’ palaces. It is a good prophet that follows his own instructions; It’s easier for me to teach twenty people what was good to do than to be one of that twenty and follow my own teaching. The brain may come up with laws to control society, but one hot temper jumps over a cold law; Madness the Youth is just such a jumper,: skipping over the nets of Good Advice the Cripple. But thinking this way is not the way to choose a husband for me. Oh, me, the word “choose!” I cannot choose someone I like or refuse someone I dislike; so is the behavior of a living daughter curbed by the will of a dead father. Isn’t it hard, Nerissa, that I cannot choose one or refuse none?

Word Meaning With Annotation

Chapels had been churches : a chapel is a church, which accommodates a small number of worshippers. Portia says that if it were as easy to follow out the moral ideal as it is merely to know about it, then there would be so many worshippers that all the small chapels would have to be replaced by big churches. It is a good divine : he is a good preacher. I can easier teach twenty what were good to be done, than be one of the twenty to follow mine own teaching : the general sense of the lines is that to obey instructions is twenty times more difficult than it is to give good instructions, brain : the reasoning powers; the mind, blood : passion; the desires of the body, such a hare is madness the youth, to skip o’er the meshes of good counsel the cripple : here madness typifies a reckless young man, while wisdom typifies an old man. The youth is as agile and active as a hare, while the old man is as feeble and slow as a lame man (cripple), in the fashion : of the proper type, would : would like; care for. nor refuse none : an example of Shakespeare’s double negative, which is used as being stronger than a single negative. We should expect “nor refuse one.’’

Original Text

Modern English Reading

NERISSA : Your father was always a holy man, and holy men have good ideas when they die; so the lottery that he has thought up in these three chests, made of gold, of silver, and of lead, by means of which who ever chooses the right chest chooses you, will, no doubt, never be chosen by the right man except the one you shall rightly love. But what warmth is there in your affections towards any of these princes that have already come to try?

Word Meaning With Annotation

Have good inspirations : receive divine guidance, the lottery that he hath devised : “lottery” signifies the winning of a prize by drawing numbers or chances at random. The belief in olden times was that such a method was not decided by chance, but was directed by divine guidance and intervention, princely suitors : It has been thought that there is a topical reference in the mention of the “princely suitors” for the hand of Portia.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

PORTIA : Please say their names again, and, as you name them, i’ll describe them; and, according to my description, you can figureout how I feel about them.

NERISSA : First, there is the Neapolitan prince.

PORTIA : Yes, he’s a cunning fellow indeed, because he doesn’t do a thing but talk about his horse; and he makes it a great attribute to his own good qualities that he can shoe him himself, I am very afraid, my lady, his mother had an affair with a blacksmith.

NERISSA : Then there is the Count Palatine.

PORTIA : He doesn’t do a thing but frown, as someone would say, “If you will not have me, choose.” He hears happy tales and doesn’t smile: I’m afraid he will probably be the weeping philosopher when he grows old, being so full of rude sadness in his youth. I would rather be married to a skull with a bone in his mouth than to either of these princes. God defend me from these two!

NERISSA : What do you have to say about the French lord, Monsieur Le Bon?

Word Meaning With Annotation

Over-name : name them over; read over their names, level at : conjecture; arrive at. appropriation to his own good parts : addition to his own merits, county Palatine : The count from Palatine, as who should say : just as if he were saying, an you will not have me, choose : Palatinate has an abrupt manner which infers, “If you do not want me, you can do whatever you like. I don’t care.” weeping philosopher : the old Greek philosopher, Heracleitos of Ephesus, who “wept at everything in the world.” death’s head with a bone in his mouth : the emblem of a skull with two bones crossed underneath was usually known as a “death’s head.” Portia speaks of a different type, of a grinning skull with a bone in its mouth, just as if it were smoking a pipe, monsieur Le Bon : The description which Portia gives of this character is a satire on the traditional, affected, vivacious Frenchman.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

PORTIA : God made him, and so let him pass for a man. Intruth, I know it is a sin to be a mocker, but him! Why, he has ahorse better than the Neapolitan’s, a better bad habit off rowning than the Count Palatine; he is every man in no man. If athrush sings, he starts dancing right away; he will fence with his own shadow; if I should refuse him, I would be refusing twenty husbands. If he would only despise me, I would forgive him, because if he loves me like crazy, I’ll never be able to return such love.

NERISSA : What do you say then about Falconbridge, the young baron of England?

PORTIA : You know I say nothing to him, because he doesn’t understand me, and I don’t understand him: He doesn’t know Latin, French, or Italian, and you will come into the court and swear that I only know a penny’s worth of English. He’s the picture of a proper man, but alas, who can talk with someone who can’t talk? How oddly he is dressed! I think he bought his shirt in Italy, his hose in France, his hatin Germany, and his behavior everywhere.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Throstle : name often applied to the common English bird, the thrush, falconbridge : the young English baron, is a good-humoured satire on the typical travelled Englishman of that time, pennyworth : very little knowledge, he is a proper man’s picture : he is certainly a man of fine appearance, dumb show : knowing no French, the young man had to converse by means of signs, his behaviour every where : he had acquired certain manners and customs from all the nations which he had visited.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

NERISSA : What do you think about the Scottish lord, his neighbor?

PORTIA : I think that he has neighborly charity in him, because he borroweda money box from the Englishman, and swore he would pay him again when he was able; I think the Frenchman became his guarantor and it was sealed by another.

Word Meaning With Annotation

The Scottish lord, his neighbour : King James I of Scotland had then ascended the throne of Great Britain, and it was thought advisable to change this lest it should give offence to the King, that he hath a neighbourly charity in him; for he borrowed a box of the ear of the Englishman, and swore he would pay him again when he was able: I think the Frenchman became his surety, and sealed under for another : there was great jealousy between Scotland and England at this period, owing to the long wars and numerous causes of quarrel between the two countries. In order to please his audience, Shakespeare makes the Scotsman and Frenchman both deficient in courage, submitting to a blow from the Englishman without having the spirit to return it. The Frenchman became his surety: the Frenchman gave an assurance that the Scotsman would pay back the blow he had received, and sealed under for another : the language is such as would be used to describe the drawing up of an agreement between two countries. The actual document would contain the seal (in wax) of Scotland, while the French seal would also be placed under it.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

NERISSA : How do you like the young German, the Duke of Saxony’s nephew?

PORTIA : Very disgusting in the morning when he is sober, and most disgusting in the afternoon when he is drunk: when he is best, he isa little worse than a man, and when he is worst, he is little better than a beast. If the worst that could happen happens, I hope I’llbe able to go on without him.

NERISSA : If he offers to choose, and chooses the right chest, you would be refusing to perform your father’s will, if your efused to accept him.

PORTIA : So, for fear of the worst, please set a deep glass of Rhenish wine on the wrong chest; because if the devil were within the chest and that temptation on top of it, I know he will choose it. I will do anything, Nerissa, before I’ll be married to a sponge.

NERISSA : You don’t need to be afraid, lady, of having any of these lords; they have told me their intentions, which is indeed to go back to their homes, and to trouble you with no more suits, unless you may be won by some other way than your father’s command, that getting you depends on the chests.

Word Meaning With Annotation

When he is best : he is at his best, on the worst fall that ever fell : even the worst stroke of fortune that may befall me, I hope, will not be so bad that I cannot manage to get rid of him. Rhenish wine : wine made from grapes grown in the Rhine valley, on the contrary casket : on the wrong casket: the one which is opposite to the right one. if the devil be within and that temptation without, I know he will choose : for even if that casket contained the devil himself, he would risk opening it as long as there was such a strong temptation as a flask of wine outside, sponge : used to denote a drunkard, i.e., one who soaks up or absorbs liquor, some other sort : by some different method, your father’s imposition : the conditions imposed by your father.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

PORTIA : If I live to be as old as Sibylla the witch, I’ll die as pure as Diana the goddess of purity, unless I am obtained by the letter of my father’s will.I am glad this batch of would be husbands are so reasonable; because there isn’tone of them that I am not foolishly in love with his very absence, and I pray God grant them a fair departure.

NERISSA : Don’t you not remember, lady, in your father’s time, a Venetian, ascholar and a soldier, that came here in the company of the Marquis of Montserrat?

PORTIA : Yes, yes, it was Bassanio, I think, or so he was called.

NERISSA : True, madam; he, that, of all the men that I have ever seen with my foolish eyes, was the most deserving of a beautiful lady.

PORTIA : I remember him well, and I remember him worthy of your praise.How is it now! What’s the news?

SERVINGMAN : The four strangers are looking for you, madam, to say their goodbyes,and there is a messenger come from a fifth, the Prince of Morocco, who brings word the Prince, his master, will be here tonight.

PORTIA : If I could welcome the fifth with as good a heart as I can bid the other four goodbye, I would be happy of his arrival; if he has the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I would rather he heard my confession than marry me. Come, Nerissa. Servant, go ahead of me. While we shut the gate on one would-be husband, another knocks at the door. [Exeunt]

Word Meaning With Annotation

Sibylla : this refers to Deiphobe, the traditional old woman of the ancient Romans. Apollo promised her that she would live as many years as there were grains in a handful of sand which she carried, as chaste as Diana : the classical goddess Diana is always used as typical of chastity. She was the goddess of hunting, and also of the moon, parcel of wooers : crowd of suitors, dote on : long for. marquis of Montferrat: this was the title of a high-bom Italian nobleman, who would possibly be known by this name in England, yes, yes, it was Bassanio; as I think, so was he called : it will be observed that Portia’s interest is awakened at once by the mention of Bassanio. Her manner here should be compared with the attitude of satire and mockery with which she heard of the other suitors. Shakespeare shows her as already in love with Bassanio. the four strangers seek for you, madam, to take their leave : we have already been told of six suitors staying at Belmont, and it is strange that only four are mentioned here. The most probable explanation is that two of the six were added to the play at a later date, and this line was not altered to correspond with the change, forerunner : one who runs before to announce the coming of his master, the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devn : a saintly character combined with a black colour. The Elizabethans were accustomed rather to seeing negro people than Moors, and the black skin of the pure negro was by no means admired. I had rather he should shrive me than wive me : I would rather have him as my priest, to administer spiritual comfort, than as a husband.

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Merchant of Venice Act 1, Scene 1 Modern English Translation Meaning Annotations – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English

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Original Text
Act I Scene I

Modern English Reading
Act I Scene I

ANTONIO : Really, I don’t know why I’m so sad; It wearies me; you say it wearies you; But how I caught it, found it, or came by it, What it’s made of, where it started, I must find out; And sadness makes me so crazy That I don’t know who I am.

SALARINO : Your mind is tossing on the ocean, Where your ships, with full sails —Like, gentlemen and rich citizens on the water, Or as if they were in a procession of the sea—Look over the minor merchants, That bow to them, pay them respect, As they fly by them with their woven wings.

Word Meaning With Annotation

In sooth : truly. It wearies me : the sadness of which Antonio is complaining, it seems, is in bom. caught : Antonio speaks of his melancholy as if it had been “caught”, acquired like an infectious disease, came by : acquired, whereof: “of what parents;” “of what origin”, want-wit : a dull person, a stupid fellow, ado : difficulty, trouble, argosies : this word was chiefly used of large and important merchant ships, portly : literally “of good part, “ or of a carriage which suggest importance. The word HERE suggests stoutness or fatness, signiors : gentlemen. pageant : exhibition of any kind which appeals to the eye. Antonio’s ships are said to present such a spectacle, overpeer: literally “peer over,” or ‘look over the top of.” petty traffickers : unimportant trading ships, curt’sy : the manner in which the small and light ships pitch up and down on the waves while the larger ship, because of its greater weight, sweeps along steadily, woven wings : the sails of the ships are woven of canvas, and carry them along just like the wings of birds.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

SALANIO : Believe me, sir, if I had such venture out there, The better part of my thoughts would Be with my hope of their safe arrival. I’d be Still plucking the grass to know where the wind blows, Looking over maps for ports and piers and roads; And every object that would make me afraid of Misfortune to my ships, Would make me sad without a doubt.

SALARINO : My breath, cooling my soup, Would make me ill, when I thought about The damage a mighty wind might do at sea. I shouldn’t see the time pass in the sands of an hour-glass But I’d be thinking about shallows and sandbars, And seeing my wealthy ship of war run aground, Lowering her high top sails lower than her hull To sink. Even if I went to church And saw the holy building of stone, I’d be thinking right away about dangerous rocks, Which, touching only my gentle vessel’s side, Would scatter all her spices across the water, Spreading my silk cargo across the roaring waters, And, in a word, one minute worth this amount of money, And now worth nothing. If I had the mind To think about all this, and if I lacked the mind to see That such a thing could happen, wouldn’t it make me sad? But don’t tell me; I know Antonio is sad to think about his shipments.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Venture : a trading expedition, in which money has been risked, forth : out on the sea. plucking the grass : pluck a blade of grass, and hold it up in order to see from its movement the direction in which the wind is blowing, roads : a sheltered piece of water : where a ship can lie safe from storms, broth : a thick kind of soup, ague : fever which is accompanied by fits of shivering, sandy hour-glass : an apparatus consistsing of two glass bulbs or balls. The sight of the sand within the glass will bring on the thought of dangers from hidden bands of sand at sea, on which ships may run aground, shallows and of flats : a plateau of the sea bottom which rises up near the surface are both dreaded by mariners, my wealthy Andrew : a name applied to any big merchant ship, dock’d in sand : resting on a sand bank, if in dock. Vailing her high-top lower than her ribs : the high top is the top of the mast; the ribs are the sides of the ships. If a ship is aground and has rolled quite over, then the top of the mast may be lower than the sides, vailing : lowering, to kiss her burial : to kiss the sands in which she is buried, which touching but : which, if they only touch etc. spices : aromatic substances and perfumes such as cinammon, musk, etc. stream : sea. Enrobe : cover; clothe, in a word : briefly. Shall I have the thought : shall my imagination make me think that such an unfortunate happening would make me sad. bechanced : having happened.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

ANTONIO : Believe me, no; I thank my fortune for it, My cargos are not all loaded on one ship. Or going to one place, and my whole estate is not Based on the fortune of this present year; So, my shipments don’t make me sad.

SALANIO : Then you must be in love.

ANTONIO : Nonsense, nonsense!

SALANIO : Not in love either? Then let’s say you are sad Because you are not happy ; and it’s easy to say that Because you laugh and leap and say you are happy, Because you are not sad. Now, looking at both sides, Nature has made strange fellows in her time: Some that will peep through their eyes forever, And laugh like parrots at a bag-piper, And the others of such sour disposition That they’ll never smile Although a wise old man swears that the joke is funny. Here comes Bassanio, your most noble relative, Gratiano, and Lorenzo. Goodbye, We leave you now in better company.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Fortune : ‘Luck’ and ‘Wealth’, ventures : business, bottom : ship, my ventures are not in one bottom trusted, nor to one place; nor is my whole estate, upon the fortune of this present year : nor is my financial position dependent on the business ventures of this year. Fie, fie : shame, not in love neither : The old English custom was to double a negative for emphasis, and there was no thought of two negatives cancelling each other out. Janus : He was the Roman God. He is always depicted with two heads, looking in opposite directions. He is mentioned here simply with the idea that Nature creates two different types of men, with different outlooks, peep through their eyes : the men here have such fat cheeks that their eyes are almost closed up, and they have difficulty in seeing through them, laugh like parrots : indulge in shrill screams of laughter, bag piper : one who plays the bag pipe, vinegar aspect : this expression is used to describe a severe and gloomy expression of the countenance. Nestor : was a Greek warrior. He is mentioned here as symbolic of seriousness and gravity in general. Even he would laugh at a certain jest, but the people of “vinegar aspect” would refuse to join in.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

SALARINO : I‘d have stayed until ¡ had made you happy, If worthier friends hadn’t stopped me.

ANTONIO : I appreciate your concern. I see your own business needs you, And you take this opportunity to leave. (Enter Bassanio. Lorenzo and Gratiano.)

SALARINO : Good morning, my good lords.

BASSANIO : Good gentlemen, when are we getting together? Say when.You’re turning into strangers; has it come to that?

SALARINO : We’ll wait until you’re free. Exeunt SALARINO, and SALANIO.

LORENZO : My Lord Bassanio, since you have found Antonio,We’ll leave you; but, at dinner time, Please remember where we’re meeting.

BASSANIO : i won’t forget.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Prevented : “made it unnecessary.” worth : merit; value, laugh : the sense is “When shall we have a merry party together?” you grow exceeding strange : You are becoming strangers to me; I see you so seldom.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

GRATIANO : You don’t look well, Mr, Antonio; You’re thinking too much about the world;They lose it that buy it with a lot of worry. Believe me. you’ve changed drastically.

ANTONIO : I only think of the world as the world, Gratiano; A stage, where every man must play a part, And my part is a sad one.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Respect upon the world : anxious thoughts concerning worldly affairs. They lose it that do buy it with much care : those who spend too much time worrying about worldly matters are never really happy, you are marvellously changed : not looking in his accustomed good health and spirits, and mine a sad one : Shadow of misfortune has fallen upon Antonio. But it may be that Shakespeare wishes to create a feeling of foreboding and destiny, on the principle that “Coming events cast their shadows before.”

Original Text

Modern English Reading

GRATIANO : Let me play the fool; Let old wrinkles come with happiness and laughter; And let my liver get hot with wine rather Than my heart turns cold with depressing groans. Why should a man who’s hot-blooded Sit like a statue of his grandfather, Sleeping when he’s awake, and creeping into jaundice By being spiteful? I tell you what, Antonio—You are my friend, and it’s my friendship that speaks—There is a kind of men whose faces Look foamy and covered like a standing pond, And who maintain a stub bom silence, So that people will think they have Wisdom, seriousness, profound ideas, Such as saying “I am Sir Fortune Teller, And when I open my lips, don’t let any dog bark.”Oh, my Antonio, I know about these men That are only considered wise Because they say nothing; when, I am very sure, If they should speak, they would almost damn those ears Which, hearing them, would call their brothers fools. I’ll tell you more about this another time. But don’t fish for this foolish worthless guppy, This opinion of mine, with this depressing bait. Come, good Lorenzo. Goodbye until later; I’ll end my speech after dinner.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Play the fool : Gratiano says that if Antonio has chosen to play a tragic part, he himself will prefer to have a comic role. And let my liver rather heat with wine : a liver enriched by wine would produce rich blood, and thus a lively personality, mortifying : “death-causing”, sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster : alabaster is a pure white stone used for making statues; hence this means simply “sit as still as a carved statue.” sleep when he wakes : appear sleepy in his waking hours, creep into the jaundice : It was believed then that jaundice was caused by mental worry, peevish : irritable; ill- tempered. there are a sort : ‘sort’ denotes a class containing a number, do cream and mantle like a standing pond : the figure is that of cream forming on the top of milk, or a green covering forming on the top of still waters in a pool. Certain men allow a grave look thus to form on their faces, do a wilful stillness entertain : and assume deliberately a pose of silence, with purpose : with the intention of. Sir Oracle : an Oracle, in the old world, was the inspired utterance of a priest, a direct statement from God. It was received by all without question, let no dog bark : let not even the lowest dare to interrupt, therefore only : solely on that account. If they should speak, would almost damn those ears : these men earn a reputation for wisdom by saying nothing. But if they should speak, they would almost bring damnation or divine punishment on those who heard them,-for those who listened could not help saying ‘Fools! melancholy bait : by using melancholy just as an angler uses a bait on his hook to catch a fish, gudgeon : is a worthless and stupid fish, very easily caught, exhortation : sermon; good advice

Original Text

Modern English Reading

LORENZO : OK, we’ll leave you then until dinner-time. I must be one of these same dumb wise man, Because Gratiano never lets me speak.

GRATIANO : Well, keep me company for only two more years, and You’ll never know the sound of your own voice.

ANTONIO : Goodbye, I’ll be a better talker by dinner.

GRATIANO : Thanks, really, because silence is only commendable In a cow’s dried tongue, and in a girl who’s not for sale. [Gratiano and Lorenzo exit.]

ANTONIO : Is that anything to think about now?

BASSANIO : Gratiano speaks an infinite deal about nothing, more than any man in all Venice. His reasons are like two grains of wheat hidden In two bushels of cornhusks: you can look all day before you find them, and when you found that small quantity you have got us not worth.

Word Meaning With Annotation

More : many, for this gear : Antonio is supposed to say humorously, “Well, you have converted me: I shall be a talker instead of a silent man.” in a neat’s tongue dried and a maid not vendible : “In a dried ox tongue ready for the table, or in a woman who has missed the chance of making a marriage.” infinte deal of nothing : a vast amount of nonsense, have therq, they aren’t worth the search.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

ANTONIO : Well, tell me now about the lady, The one you swore to make a secret trip to,The one you promised to tell nie about today?

BASSANIO : You know, Antonio, How much I have wasted my money by putting on a fancier appearance than my small funds could support; I don’t come to you now to ask that you Forgive my debts, because my chief concern Is to make good on these great debts which my behavior, sometimes reckless and wasteful, has left me broke. To you, Antonio, I owe the most, in money and in friendship, and, from your friendship, I have a guarantee To get rid of all my plots and intentions as to How to get clear all the debts I owe.

ANTONTO : Please, good Bassanio, tell me; And if it is, honorable, as you yourself still are,Be assured that my purses my person, My utmost ability can be used for your benefit.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Well : tell me now, what lady is the same to whom you swore a secret pilgrimage, that you today promis’d to tell me of : Antonio’s words introduce Portia and prepare us for her appearance in Scene II. disabled mine estate : reduced my resources; strained my means, something : to some extent; somewhat, swelling port: an appearance of wealth and ostentation, than my faint continuance : that my scanty income can enable to continue or keep up. make moan to be abridged : grumble at having to be reduced (in my expenditure.) noble rate : noble style of living, to come fairly off : to come out honourable from, wherein my time, something too prodigal, Hath left me gaged : in which my life, which has been rather wasteful, has left me involved. I have a warranty : mean “an assurance” or “I have the privilege of’, unburthen all my plots and purposes: to unfold to you all my schemes and intentions, how to get clear : by means of which I hope to get clear, within the eye of honour: within honourable limits; within what men would regard as honourable, advised watch, careful observation, my person : my very body. Antonio only offers this in the exaggeration of speech, but the events of the drama make it come literally true, extremest : utmost resources, unlock’d to your occasions : open to your every need.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

BASSANIO : When I was in school, when I had lost one arrow, I shot another one of identical length In an identical way, with more thoughtful care, To find the one I lost, and by risking both, I often Found both. I’m telling you about this childhood event, Because I say next is as pure and innocent. I owe you a lot, and, like a willful youth, I have lost what I owe you, but if you will please Lend me money in the identical way That you lent me the first money, I don’t doubt, As I’ll be more careful, to find both sums, Or I’ll bring your second loan back-again And just owe you thankfully for the first.

ANTONIO : You know me well, and waste time here To twist a story about my friendship with examples; And, no doubt, you insult me By questioning the limits of my friendship As if you had wasted everything I have. You only have say to me what I should do That you think I can do, And I am committed to it; so, ask me.

Word Meaning With Annotation

His fellow : Here it means “a similar arrow.” of the self-same flight : “with equal range.” to find the other forth : the word forth will give the simplest meaning if we take it as going along, childhood proof : illustration from childhood, because what follows is pure innocence : Bassanio’s meaning is that he produces an illustration from the innocent days of his childhood, like a wilful youth : as is usually the case with a reckless youth, self way : “the same way”, or to find both : the or here is used in the sense of “either”, circumstance : hints, uttermost : my extreme efforts, may by me be done : is-possible for me to do. prest Into it : drawn to your aid.

Original Text

Modern English Reading

BASSANIO : In Belmont, there is a rich heiress And she is beautiful and, more beautiful than that word, She has wonderful virtues. Sometimes, I receive Beautiful, silent messages from her eyes. Her name is Portia—the poet’s daughter and The assassin’s Portia fall short by comparison. The wide world is not ignorant of her worth, Because the four winds blow in famous men who Want to marry her from every coast, and her golden curls Hang on her head like a golden fleece, Which makes Belmont, her home, a rich island in a lake, And many sailors and heroes come to find her. Oh, my Antonio! If I only had the means To compete with one of them, I have a mind that predicts such good luck for me That I will undoubtedly be a very lucky one.

ANTONIO : You know that all my funds are invested in ships At sea; I don’t have the money or goods to raise such a large sum; So, go out, See what my credit in Venice can do for you, Credit that shall be stretched, even to the outer limits, to supply you for your trip to Belmont to beautiful Portia. Go now and ask where money can be found, and I will too, and I will not object to borrowing it on my account or in my name. Exeunt.

Word Meaning With Annotation

Fairer than that word : what is even better than the word “Fair,” fair speechless messages : silent glances which revealed her thoughts, nothing undervalued : in no way inferior to. Portia : Shakespeare wife, Portia, is a daughter of the famous Roman scholar and orator, Cato, four winds : North, South, East, and West, golden fleece : the reference is to a famous legend of ancient Greece. “Fleece” usually refers to the crop of wool from the back of a sheep or ram. many Jasons : many suitors came, just as Jason come of old. hold a rival place with : oppose them as a rival. I have a mind presages me such thrift : I have in my mind an instinct telling me that I shall be so fortunate as to be the lucky one. commodity : goods; merchandise, rack’d : strained; stretched to the utmost, to furnish thee to Belmont : to equip you suitably for your expedition to Belmont. I no question make : I have no doubt that I shall.

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Word Meaning With Annotation

ACT V Scene I

Troilus, methinks, mounted the Trojan walls, and sigh’d his soul toward the Grecian tents, where Cressid lay that night : the characters mentioned here, Troilus and Cressida, were later immortalised by Shakespeare in the drama bearing their names. This refers to a tale of ancient Troy. Troilus was a son of Priam. Cressida, whom he loved, had been taken to the camp of the Greeks, who were besieging Troy. So Troilus is depicted as sadly walking on the walls of Troy, and looking towards the tents of the Greeks, where she is. Shakespeare’s object is to assemble in the minds of the audience several events of romantic beauty from old classical legend, and thus to create the impression that they are now looking on such a night of moonlit beauty as existed in all those images.

In such a night, did Thisbe fearfully o’ertrip the dew, and saw the lion’s shadow ere himself, and ran dismay’d away : Pyramus and Thisbe were lovers in ancient Babylon. They had made an appointment to meet each other at night, beside a certain tomb. Thisbe arrived first to keep the appointment, and saw a lion waiting there. She fled in terror, leaving her cloak onthe ground behind her. The lion took the cloak in his mouth, thereby leaving stains of blood on it. So when Pyramus arrived, he concluded that she had been devoured, and slew himself. Then Thisbe returned and discovered her lover’s dead body, and also committed suicide. Probably it was from Gower that Shakespeare derived this story, though Chaucer also has it. o’ertrip : to trip over, or to run across with light steps. The “dew” signifies “the dew-covered grass”, ere himself : before she saw Pyramus.

In such a night, stood Dido, with a willow in her hand, upon the wild sea-banks, and waft her love to come again to Carthage : the story of the love of Aeneas and Dido is told by Virgil in the Aeneid. Aeneas was the great Trojan warrior who founded the city of Rome. During his voyages, he landed in Carthage, where he gained the love of Queen Dido. Aftei several months of dalliance with her, he sailed away and left her broken-hearted. After a short period of extreme grief, she killed herself. Shakespeare says that it must have been on a beautiful full moon night like the present that Dido walked sadly by the shore of the wild sea, with a willow in the hand, the symbol of deserted love. Vainly she beckoned (wafted) to him to come back to Carthage.

In such a night medea gather’d the enchanted herbs that did renew old Aeson : we have heard of the classical hero, Jason, in this play. Medea was his wife and she is said to have experimented in enchantment. She gathered herbs of magical properties by night, and administered them to her aged father-in-law, Aeson, in an effort to restore his youth, steal : steal away. Lorenzo may be referring to the manner in which Jessica had appropriated her father’s property, unthrift : unthrifty; good-for-nothing. Jessica speaks playfully here, stealing her soul : capturing her love, like a little shrew : the shrew is a small field mouse, which is noted for its ferocity and fighting powers. Then the term came to be used to denote a scolding, or abusive woman, as is described in Shakespeare’s play, The Taming of the Shrew. Lorenzo’s words are spoken in affectionate jest, did pretty Jessica, like a little shrew slander her love : did repeat untruths against her lover. Lorenzo is referring to Jessica’s remarks in lines 19-20, where Jessica had playfully accused him of making false promises of love to her.

I would out-night you : Jessica says, “I would beat you in this game of making speeches about nights,” or perhaps “I would have the last word though it meant staying here all night.” footing : footsteps; tread, she doth stray about by holy crosses : Portia is spending some time in religious exercises in various sacred places. The cross is the symbol of the Christian religion, and usually marks a sacred place or shrine. One or two editors have adduced this as evidence of Portia’s religious character. But we know’ that Bassanio is in great haste to return of Belmont at top speed, and yet Portia contrives to arrive before him. So we may accept this information of Stephano’s as a polite fiction to satisfy the curiosity of the servants as to their mistress’s whereabouts, wedlock hours : married life, none, but a holy hermit, and her maid : Portia is bringing a holy man back with her. She has halted by some wayside shrine, and brought back with her the attendent priest. A hermit signifies a solitary holy man, and not one from a religious house where many are assembled, he is not, nor we have not heard from him : this is an example of Shakespeare’s use of the double negative nor not. The custom was that a negative repeated in this manner made the meaning more emphatic, ceremoniously : attentively; with due care.

Sola : is said to be an imitation of the sound of a posthom, that is, the horn which a post or messenger blew to let people know he was coming, hollaing : calling out. tell him there’s a post come from my master, with his horn full of good news : a post was a messenger, and he blew his horn to announce his arrival. But there is another well-known phrase “horn of plenty”, because of the good news he brings, expect : await, signify : make known the fact, let the sounds of music : let beautiful music steal gently upon us. soft stillness, and the night, become the touches of sweet harmony : peaceful quietness and night-time are very suitable for the notes of sweet music, there’s not the smallest orb which thou behold’st, but in his motion like an angel sings : the ancients had a peculiar conception of the stars and heavenly bodies. They believed that every star and planet produced in its motion a peculiar musical note, and the combination of all composed “the grand harmony of the universe”. The cherubs, or angels, are depicted as listening to this music of the stars, and responding to it. This same conception of the music from the heavenly bodies is referred to elsewhere by Shakespeare, quiring : singing like a choir, or organised body of singers, young eyed : possessing the bright eyes of youth.

Such harmony is in immortal souls; But, whilst this muddy vesture of decay Doth grossly close it in, we cannot hear it : Lorenzo states here that our souls are immortal, and also produce divine music. But as long as the dull human body (muddy vesture of decay) encloses the soul, we are unable to hear this, come, ho! and wake Diana with a hymn : Diana was the goddess of the moon. So to sing a hymn, or a solemn song, by night, might be said to awaken, her. pierce : penetrate. Race : a particular breed or strain. Here it seems to mean just the same as “herd”, unhandled colts : young horses which have not been “broken” or trained, hot condition of their blood : their own natural wild condition, mutual stand : come to a standstill all together, modest : quiet mild, the poet, did feign that Orpheus drew trees, stones and floods : Orpheus was a famed musician of classical tradition. It was said that his skill was so wonderful that trees, stones, and other inanimate objects could be moved from place to place by the power of his music, and streams could be made to change their courses. The particular poet referred to as imagining (feigning) this is probably Ovid, stockish : the phrase “stokes and stones” is usually employed to denote the inanimate things of nature. “Stock” is the same as “stick” or dead wood. The general sense of the world is “unfeeling or devoid of life”, full of rage : savage, with concord of sweet sounds : by the harmonious sounds of sweet music.

Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils : “capable of treachery, scheming, and dishonesty.” Treason in Shakespeare’s time meant a political offence involving disloyalty to the State, stratagems : usually means a diplomatic or crafty action; the word is here used with a sense of baseness, which it need not necessarily possess, the motions of his spirit are dull as night : his thoughts and feelings are black as night, and his affections dark as Erebus : “and his likes and dislikes as dark as Hell.” Erebus was an abode of utter darkness, supposed by the classical peoples to exist in the under-world, and corresponding to our conception of Hell, naughty : worthless; wicked. So doth the greater glory dim the less, a substitute shines brightly as a king, Unto the king be by; and then his state, Empties itself, as doth an inland brook, Into the main of waters. Music! hark! : this, like numerous other passages in the final scene, show the unusual extent to which Shakespeare allows his characters to indulge in general moralising on life. He is carefully constructing the final atmosphere in which the play is to conclude. There is almost an attempt to convey a moral lesson, or point out a meaning to be derived from the incidents of the first four Acts, an intention practically unknown elsewhere in Shakespeare. The lines show Portia’s reflective nature, and give a final conception of her intellectual powers, a substitute : a person who has been acting temporarily in the place of another, his state : the glory and the splendour of the temporary king, inland brook : a stream flowing from the interior of the country.

Nothing is good, I see, without respect : nothing is good only because of its own value; it is affected, influenced by and dependent on circumstances and environment, methinks : I think; it seems to me. The crow doth sing as sweetly as the lark, when neither is attended : this is a statement which will be disputed by any observer of English bird life. The crow in England has a harsh unmusical note, not differing greatly from the Indian crow. The lark has a singularly sweet song. The crow lives in flocks, and a flock of crows all “cawing” at once is not musical by any means whereas the lark certainly commands our undivided attention by always singing alone, and at a great height in the air. Shakespeare, however, says that the chief charm of the lark’s song is that it is always heard alone, while crows are not appreciated because they are always heard in flocks.

The nightingale, if she should sing by day, when every goose is cackling, would be thought, no better a musician than the wren : this is a repetition of the same thought, but again is an over-statement. The nightingale certainly attracts more attention, since the song of the bird is usually heard all alone in the dusk of evening, when other birds have retired for the night. But the song of the nightingale is singularly musical under any circumstances, while the notes of the wren possess no great charm in themselves. Moreover the nightingale does often sing by day, though Shakespeare does not seem to know this, every goose : every common bird, cackling : uttering harsh notes, by season season’d are : are improved in every way by being perfonned at a suitable time or place. Such artificial arrangement of words as this we term “epigrammatic.”

the moon sleeps with Endymion, And would not be awak’d : this is another reference to an old- classical legend. Endymion was a beautiful youth who was loved by the moon. When he slept at night, the moon kissed him by pouring down her silvery light. So the phrase “the moon sleeps with Endymion” became a poetical expression meaning “it is night and the moon is shining”. But Portia takes “sleeps” in its literal sense, and says, “Silence there! the moon and her beloved Endymion are asleep and she does not wish to be disturbed by your music.”

He knows me as the blind man knows the cuckoo, By the bad voice : Portia’s humour. The cuckoo in England has an unmistakable note; even a blind man could not confuse it with any other bird, which speed, we hope, the better for our words : “Whom, we hope, will be benefited by our prayer.” The word speed is from the Old English verb spedan, which meant “to prosper” or “to benefit by”. The meaning has now come to denote fastness or quickness, but the old meaning will be found in such a phrase as “God speed you !” or, “May God make you prosperous!”, that they take no note at all : that they appear to know nothing at all of. tucket : a series of notes on a trumpet, tell-tales : informers; people who tell tales of each other, this night, methinks, is but the daylight sick : it is such a clear night that Portia says it is rather like a dim or sickly kind of daylight than the darkness we expect at night time.

We should hold day with the Antipodes, If you would walk in absence of the sun : this is an example of the fantastic and extravagant compliments of gallantry which were popular among the Elizabethans. The Antipodes denote the point on the earth’s surface which is exactly opposite to where we happen to be for the time being. Thus England has Australia for its Antipodes, since the two countries are at opposite points of the earth. When the sun is shining in Australia, it must be dark in England. But Bassanio says that Portia herself diffuses such brightness as to replace the sun, so that it is possible for them to enjoy daylight at the same time as the Antipodes. It is his elaborate and courtly way of explaining the brightness of the night, on which Portia  herself has just been commenting, let me give light, but let me not be light : again the favourite play upon words Portia puns on the double meaning of light, (i) bright, (ii) immoral. A woman of doubtful virtue is very often called “a light woman.”

for a light wife doth make a heavy husband : for an unchaste wife makes a sad husband, you should in all sense be much bound to him. for, as I hear, he was much bound for you : “you have every reason to be under great obligations of friendship to him, for I hear that he accepted great responsibilities on your behalf.” acquitted of : now free from, therefore, I scant this breathing courtesy : so I shall cease expressing it in mere polite words. Hoop : circle; ring, posy : this word was used by the Elizabethans to denote the proverb or inscription which was often written on the inside of a ring, like cutler’s poetry : it was also customary to have inscriptions on the blades of knives. They would perhaps not be so poetical in tone, for Gratiano says with contempt that the motto in the ring which Nerissa had given him was more like the inscription one would expect to find on a knife. But we can hardly see that this is just, when applied to “Love me and leave me not.” It seems quite appropriate and suitable for a lover’s gift, and Gratiano’s sneer is poor, you should have been respective : you should have had respect for it.

the clerk will ne’er wear hair on’s face that had it : the clerk you claim to have given in to will never wear a beard (i.e. because it was to a woman that you gave it), by this hand : another Elizabethan oath, scrubbed : scrubby; small-sized, prating : over-talkative, begg’d it as a fee : asked for it as his payment. To part so slightly with your wife’s first gift : to let such a slight cause make you part with your wife’s first present to you. a thing stuck on with oaths upon your finger : the ring had been placed on his finger to the accompaniment of solemn promises, which should have made it remain there, and so riveted with faith unto your flesh : a rivet is a type of steel nail, used to fasten metal plates together. Portia tells Gratiano that his solemn faith and honour should have been as strong as steel rivets in preventing the ring from leaving his finger.

I dare be sworn for him he would not leave it : Portia is deliberately making the situation uncomfortable for Bassanio, and increasing the irony for the enjoyment of the audience. She says that she is so sure of Bassanio that she would take an oath that he has not parted with her ring, “leave it” is equivalent to “part with it” or “lose it”, masters : possesses; owns, you give your wife too unkind a cause of grief : you have inflicted too cruel an injury on your wife. An ‘twere to me, I should be mad at it : if this had been done to me, I should be angered by it. I were best to : my best course would be to, etc. Man nor master : “man” in this sense is often used to denote “servant”, i.e. the clerk, while “master” is of course, Portia in her capacity as judge. If I could add a lie unto a fault, I would deny it : if my conscience would allow me to conceal my offence by a lie, I would deny having done so.

even so void is your false heart of truth : similarly your false heart lacks truth, void, empty of. Sweet Portia, if you did know to whom I gave the ring : this device of ending a number of lines with the same word is found seldom in Shakespeare, though cases do occur. If you did know for whom I gave the ring : Bassanio means that it was for the sake of his friend, Antonio, that he gave the ring away, left : “parted with”, abate : lessen. If you had known the virtue of the ring : “virtue” is often used in this manner to denote “goodness”. But it is more probable that Portia hints that the ring had a mystic or luck-bringing property, which would be lost by parting with it. or your own honour to contain the ring : If you had realised what a sacred obligation it was on your part to preserve the ring, what man is there so much unreasonable : the use of “much” In this adverbial sense is strange to our ideas of the word; read “so very unreasonable”. If you had pleas’d to have defended it : if you had cared to make an effort to retain possession of it.

with any terms of zeal, wanted the modesty, to urge the thing held as a ceremony : the sense is simple: “if you had defended it true zeal, what man would have been so lacking in good manners (modesty) as to press you for the ring, which you wore as a sacred thing?” I’ll die for’t, but some woman had the ring : I will wager my very life that you gave the ring to some woman. Civil doctor : a lawyer; a doctor of civil law. had up : saved; preserved. I was enforc’d to send it after him : I felt myself compelled (morally) to send the ring after him. I was beset with shame and courtesy : I was filled with shame at having refused him, and also prompted by natural courtesy to give it to him. besmear : stain; disgrace, blessed candles of the night : the stars, which are still visible. Shakespeare wishes the audience to think of this as taking place in the dim light of dawn, with stars still visible. He continues the impression of scenery by numerous little allusions of this nature.

I am the unhappy subject of these quarrels : I am unfortunate enough to be the cause of this quarrel, enforced wrong : this wrong which I was forced to inflict on you. thine own fair eyes, wherein I see myself : Bassanio may mean that he actually sees his own physical reflection in Portia’s bright eyes. But it may also be read: “Wherein I see the reflection of a soul, similar to my own.” There is no one clear meaning, for Shakespeare purposely constructs such lines with an ambiguous form in order to enable the other party to the conversation to quibble on the double meaning. So here Portia at once takes his words up in the former sense. She says, “If you see yourself reflected in my eyes you must see two images, one in each eye. If there are two images of you, that shows you to be a double (deceitful) person. So when you swear by your own deceitful self, that is not an oath which one can believe.”

I once did lend my body for his wealth : I once pledged my body on purpose for his welfare, had quite miscarried : would have been completely lost, which refers to body. I dare be bound again : yet I would risk entering myself as security for him once more, pledging my soul rather than my body, advisedly : intentionally; deliberately, surety : sponsor; security. Sweet lady, you have given me life, and living : “You saved my life at the trial, and now you restore my means of livelihood,” This is the same thought as expressed by Shylock in the trial scene, road : a road, in the sea-faring sense, is a sheltered bay or harbour where ships can lie in safety.

A special deed of gift : that which Shylock had been compelled to draw up in the court. We know that Portia possessed this, but we are left quite without information as to where she procured the letter telling Antonio of the safe arrival of his ships, manna : in the Old Testament of the Bible, the Jews are described as wandering in the desert on a long journey, without any means of support. So God sent divine food from heaven to them, called “manna”, and this they found lying on the ground. And charge us there upon inter’gatories : “and put as many questions to us as you like.” This phrase has been quoted in support of the argument that Shakespeare may have served in a law office at some time or other, so accurate and full is his knowledge of legal terms.

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Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers Act 4 – Important Notes – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English

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Word Meaning With Annotation

ACT IV Scene I

What : is used to indicate that a question is being asked, and without grammatical connection with the rest of the sentence, uncapable of pity : without the power of feeling pity, from any dram : of the smallest amount, your grace : a title of respect applied to a Duke, qualify : make less severe, obdurate : very hard: unyielding, very : utmost: greatest possible. That thou but lead’st this fashion of thy malice, to the last hour of act : that you only continue this cruel course up the last moment, strange apparent cruelty : this strange cruelty of yours, which I think only apparent or assumed . where : whereas, loose the forfeiture : excuse payment of the penalty, forgive a moiety : let him off from paying a certain part of the principal sum. huddled : accumulated; pressed upon, royal merchant : a very great merchant; a prince among merchants, from brassy bosoms, and rough hearts of flint : from hearts as pitiless as brass and as rough as stone.

Turks and Tartars : in the vague and imperfect knowledge of Asiatic races which the Elizabethans possess, such people were looked upon as types of barbarians, offices of tender courtesy : obligations imposed by courtesy and kindness. Posses’ d : informed; told, holy Sabbath : Sunday; the sacred day of the week, let the danger light, Upon your charter, and your city’s freedom : this is a threat to the Duke that some higher power may punish the city, if justice is refused to Shylock. carrion : repulsive and unfit for food; dead, ban’d : poisoned, gaping pig : sometimes a pig was prepared whole for the table, and set on a large dish with a lemon in its mouth, and other, when the bagpipe sings i’ the nose : many people with sensitive ears, do not like the wild notes of the bagpipe, a w’oollen bagpipe : the bag is usually covered with woollen cloth, to protect the leather from which it is made, lodg’d hate : a hate which has lodged or become rooted in him. a losing suit : a suit in which Shylock suffers financial loss, by refusing to accept his money rather than the pound of flesh. Current of the cruelty : cruelcourse of action. Think you question with the Jew : Do you think you can argue with the Jew? fretten : “agitated by.” but, with all brief and plain conveniency : but briefly and without ceremony, as is there convenient, etc.

You have among you many a purchas’d slave, which like your asses, and your dogs and mules You use in abject and in slavish parts, Because you bought them. Shall I say to you, Let them be free, marry them to your heirs? Why sweat they under burthens? Let their beds, Be made as soft as yours, and let their palates, Be seasoned with such viands? You will answer, “The slaves are ours” : Shylock argues that it is a common practice to keep slaves, and many in the court do so. The slaves are regarded as the property of the owner, and may be treated in any manner. Similarly this pound of flesh is his own property, and he’may do what he likes with it without being brought to account. This passage shows well the unyielding and determined nature of Shylock, as well as the cruelty of his nature, parts : duties, stand for : claim; demand as my right.

Upon my power : by virtue of the authority I possess, unless Bellario, a learned doctor, whom I have sent for to determine this, come here to-day : It is strange that Portia should think at once of Bellario, and then the Duke conveniently sends for him and makes it possible for Portia to come as his representative. The possibility of the Duke sending for some other learned lawyer makes us wonder how Portia would then have gained admission to the court. But it is futile to approach the drama as if we were speaking of actual life and human characters, and we must accept that this is what happened. It is possible that the messenger, who brought the news to Belmont may have mentioned there that the Duke had sent for Bellario. determine : arrive at a decision, this come : just arrived.

Tainted wether : an old and infirm sheep, why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly : the actor who plays the part of Shylock bends down and proceeds to sharpen the edge of his knife upon the leather sole of his shoe, forfeiture : that which has been forfeited, or the flesh. Not on the sole: but on thy soul harsh Jew, Thou mak’st thy knife keen : the Old English word for soul was sawol. While the spelling had changed by the time of Shakespeare it is possible that it was pronounced rather like “sowl”, to rhyme with “howl.” No, not the hangman’s axe : the official who executed condemned men was called the “hangman”. Low bom criminals or men charged with ordinary offences were executed by hanging. But noble or political prisoners would be beheaded with an axe, manipulated by the same hangman.

Inexecrable : ‘inexecrable’ “too bad for execration.” and for thy life let justice be accus’d : and we must accuse the spirit of Justice for allowing you to live, thou almost mak’st me waver in my faith, To hold opinion with Pythagoras, That souls of animals infuse themselves, Into the trunks of men : Pythagoras was a Greek philosopher who believed that souls of men or animals appeared several times on the earth, assuming sometimes higher and sometimes lower forms of life, a Wolf, who hang’d for human slaughter : In the olden days it was not uncommon for animals to be formally executed like criminals, fell : fierce; cruel, unhallowed : wicked; vile. Infus’d itself in thee : poured itself into the body.

Offend’st thy lungs : injure your lungs; put them to useless labour, go give him courteous conduct : Go and conduct him on a friendly visit. Which, bettered with his own learning : and this opinion I have given him, strengthened by his own learning etc. to let him lack a reverend estimation : in depriving him of your respectful opinions, and here, I take it, is the doctor come : the word “doctor” was the title of respect paid to a distinguished teacher or lawyer. Yet in such rule, that the Venetian law cannot impugn you as you do proceed : “Yet it is in accordance with the rules, and the Law of Venice cannot attack you for bringing the case”. I do not think it has been pointed out by anyone that Portia later reverses this opinion, for her final decision which makes Shylock into the accused instead of the accuser, is that the very nature of the suit constitutes a conspiracy against the life of a citizen, you stand within his danger, do you not : You admit having incurred this dangerous liability, do you not? then must the Jew be merciful : by “must” Portia means, “according to the ordinary laws of humanity and kindness, you must.” But Shylock takes it up as meaning legal compulsion, and asks her to explain why he must do so.

Strain’d : forced; compelled, becomes : adorns; renders beautiful, his sceptre shows the force of temporal power : his sceptre is the emblem of worldly power, temporal means, in this sense, “worldly” as opposed to “heavenly.” sceptred sway : the worldly rule which is symbolised by the sceptre, it is an attribute to God himself : it is a divine quality, and one which God Himself possesses, when mercy seasons justice : when mercy lessens the severity of justice, though justice be thy plea, consider this, That in the course of justice, none of us, Should see salvation : this is a statement of the Christian doctrine that we are all sinners, and therefore must throw ourselves on God’s mercy. If we were judged with strict justice, not one of us would deserve heavenly happiness, to mitigate the justice of thy plea : to persuade you to put forward a milder demand than that for strict justice.

My deeds upon my head : may the consequences of my acts fall on my head. Wrest once the Law to . your authority : for one occasion, use your authority to change the course of the law. Decree established : a law which is fixed and on the statute book, precedent : an example which might be followed by other judges, will rush into the state : will speedily appear in the business of the State. A Daniel come to judgement, yea a Daniel : Daniel, one of the great Jewish characters of the Old Testament, was a man famed for wisdom and sound judgment. Shylock takes his name here as a representative or type of the perfect judge.

An oath, an oath, I have an oath in heaven. Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? No not for Venice : Shylock gives us an additional reason that he has sworn a sacred oath (in the Jewish synagogue) not to be dissuaded from exacting what is due under the bond. This oath he cannot break, without committing a serious sin against his religion. According to the tenour : according to the strict wording and meaning, a well deserving pillar : “a worthy representative.” Shylock says that Portia is an equally strong supporter of the structure of the law.

i stay here on my bond : I base my claim strictly on my bond, for the intent and purpose of the law, hath full relation to the penalty, which here appeareth due upon the bond : for the object and working of this particular law is quite applicable to the special penalty which is set forth here. How much more elder art thou than thy looks : Shakespeare frequently uses a double comparative or superlative form of the adjective, often for emphasis. We should take elder here as meaning “wise”, i.e. you show more wisdom than would be expected from your youthful appearance. On your charge : at your expense.

Is it so nominated in the bond : this line is effective in destroying sympathy for Shylock, and was probably designed by Shakespeare to have that effect. Not only is Shylock determined to have Antonio’s life, but he wishes to do so in as cruel a manner as possible, and will not spare him any of the pain accompanying the penalty. ’Twere good you do so much for charity : again Portia attempts to make Shylock think of the law of human kindness, and not only of the law of the court. But he refuses to show any sign of compassion, and will not accept the opportunities of relenting which Portia gives him. It is still her use, to let the wretched man out-live his wealth : fortune often ruins a man, and allows him to live on in miserable poverty after his wealth has gone, but she is more kind to Antonio in mercifully allowing him to die at the same time, an age of poverty : the prospect of spending his old age in poverty, lingering penance : prolonged suffering, speak me fair in death : speak well of me to her after I am dead, a love : a friend who felt deep love.

I’ll pay it instantly with all my heart : even in the moment of tragedy, Shakespeare makes Antonio speak with grim humour, using the double meaning which characterised the wit of the day. “With all my heart” means in the first place, “With the utmost willingness.” But there is the literal meaning that the Jew would cut out the whole of Antonio’s heart as part of the pound of flesh. This is a tense moment, but it is relieved by this humorous remark. The courageous character of Antonio and his frank manliness make a sharp contrast with the malice of the Jew. to this devil : from this devil. I would she were in heaven: I wish that she were dead, so that her soul in Heaven might intercede with the Divine Powers to change the conduct of the vile Jew.

These be the Christian husbands : to Shylock, the words of Bassanio and Gratiano appear unnatural, and he infers “That shows how little Christian husbands think of their wives.” would any of the stock of Barrabas, Had been her husband, rather than a Christian : Barabbas was a murderer in the Bible, and murder is a crime which is particularly rare and greatly abhorred among the Jews. Yet Shylock says that he would have preferred to see Jessica married to a descendant of Barabbas, rather than a Christian.

I pray thee pursue sentence : Carry out the sentence, please! Tarry a little—there is something else, this bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; the words expressly are, a pound of flesh; take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh; but, in the cutting it, if thou dost shed one drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate unto the state of Venice : the turning point in the events of the trial scene, it is introduced without a moment’s warning. Just when Antonio’s case seems hopeless, Portia changes the aspect of the situation completely by the ‘ restriction which she places upon Shylock. Tragedy is averted; the audience is shown at once that the tension is over, and all breathe freely again. The atmosphere almost becomes that of comedy for an Elizabethan audience. But a modem audience would not find comedy in the crushing humiliation of Shylock.

jot : tiny particle. Is that the law : Shylock speaks in utter bewilderment, and appears a comic, hesitating figure on the stage, with all his arrogance and confidence gone, see the act: see it put into execution, for, as thou urgest justice, be assur’d thou shalt have justice, more than thou desirest: the sense is “You have been insisting on the literal reading of the law. Well, you shall have the same kind of law yourself, as much as you can possibly desire.” he shall have nothing but the penalty : having led Shylock into the trap, Portia is determined not to let him off lightly. He was afforded numerous opportunities of withdrawing with a profit before this; now the tables are completely  turned, and he who would show no mercy to Antonio is to have none himself, as makes it light or heavy in the substance : “As will make the amount of it light or heavy.”

or the division of the twentieth part of one poor scruple : the word “or” seems to connect this with the previous line as an  alternative. It is a repetition of the previous line, and the general sense is “ or if it varies from an exact pound by the twentieth part of a scruple.” A scruple was a very small unit of weight, if the scale do turn but in the estimation of a hair : “if it is estimated that one side of the scale varies from the other by as much as a hair’s breadth.” confiscate : an old past participle, equal to “confiscated” On the hip : this phrase is taken from wrestling. To have a man “on the hip” meant to secure such a hold on him that he was helpless, and could be easily thrown by his opponent, he hath refus’d it in the open court; he shall have merely justice and his bond : Shylock is willing to receive back his three thousand ducats and depart. Many would think that his defeat is sufficiently great, and that his humiliation need not be increased. Shakespeare evidently thought otherwise, and prepared a much heavier punishment for the Jew.

A Daniel, still say I; a second Daniel! I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word : Gratiano exultingly quotes Shylock’s own words, and says “I thank you, Shylock, for supplying me with such an appropriate illustration.” The atmosphere of this law court seems free and easy, and the freedom of speech afforded the spectators surprises us. Barely my principal : my principal alone without any interest. I’ll stay no longer question : I shall not remain here for any further talk. Tarry Jew : on the stage, Shylock is shown as startled by those words, wondering what fresh development is to come, alien : person not a native of Venice, citizen : a native of Venice, the party ‘gainst the which he doth contrive : this is in imitation of the language of the law. Portia may be supposed to quote from the exact words of this particular law, “against the which” is particularly typical of the affected working of legal documents. It is thought that Shakespeare served at one time of his life in a lawyer’s office, and it is his accurate knowledge of legal terms which lends some show of probability to the theory, contrive : conspire; plot, seize : “take possession of’ or “become entitled to.” privy coffer : the state treasury, ‘gainst all other voice : no other person except the Duke has power to decide whether the offender shall live or die.

predicament : difficult situation; position, the danger formerly by me rehears’d : the penalties which I have just stated. Beg that thou mayst have leave to hang thyself; and yet, thy wealth being forfeit to the state, thou hast not left the value of a cord; therefore thou must be hang’d at the state’s charge : Gratiano is openly exulting at the humiliation of Shylock. He evidently does not believe in the modem English principle of not hitting a man who is “down and out”, but jeers at the Jew with full enjoyment. Which humbleness may drive unto a fine : “but a humble attitude on your part may induce the state to accept a fine, instead of taking the full half of your wealth.” This line sets forth the tremendous difference in the fortunes of Shylock. A few minutes ago he was preparing to cut off his pound of flesh; now he is told to go humbly on his knees and beg that his life and a small proportion of his money may be spared. The tables are indeed turned. In no play of Shakespeare’s do we get such a sudden and complete reversal of fortune.

Ay, for the state : Portia reminds them that the Duke has power to allow Shylock to keep some of the half which is due to the State, but he has no power to do so in the case of Antonio’s share. Portia thinks that, since Antonio is bankrupt, it is just that he .should receive the Jew’s money” The bitterness of such a decision to Shylock may well be imagined, a halter gratis : a rope free of charge, to hang himself, quit : remit; excuse, so he will : on condition that he will, become a Christian : would be the cruellest blow of all for Shylock, for his adherence to the Jewish faith has seemed the only point in his nature which redeemed him from being purely mercenary, record a gift : “draw up a legal document for the assignment of property.” Such a document was called a “deed of gift”.

Reacant : “to deny one’s faith” or to deny previous expressions of belief. The best sense here is “withdraw”. In christening, shalt thou have two god-fathers; had I been judge, thou shouldst have had ten more, to bring thee to the gallows, not the font : Gratiano again gives vent to his brutal wit. He alludes to the fact that when a man is christened, or admitted to the Christian faith by baptism with water, it is necessary for him to have two godfathers, responsible men who will be his sponsors, and see that he grows up a good Christian. Shylock has been compelled to accept the Christian faith and so will have two godfathers, but Gratiano says that if he had been judge, he would have sent Shylock before a jury of the usual twelve, who would have condemned him to be hanged. The “font” is a bowl on a raised platform or pedestal, containing holy water for the, ceremony of baptism. It is the same word as “fountain”. The custom of having twelve members of a jury was, of course, purely English. Meet : necessary. I am sorry that your leisure serves you not : I am sorry that you do not have the leisure time to come, gratify this gentleman : “reward this gentleman”, much bound to him : under a deep obligation to him.”

In lieu whereof : “in requital of your services.” we freely cope your pains with : “we freely remunerate you for your kindly labours.” he is well paid that is well satisfied : this is an example of Shakespeare’s felicity of phrasing, and his power of expressing universal truths in a condensed and epigrammatic manner, my mind was never yet more mercenary : my mind was never desirous of any greater reward than this.” I pray you, know me, when we meet again : “Please do not forget me, if ever we should chance to meet again.” But the words have a deeper significance for the audience than for Bassanio, since they know that the lawyer is Portia, while he does not. So this is another of the numerous instances of skilful dramatic irony in which this play abounds.” take some remembrance of us, as a tribute : “Take some souvenir from us as a token of our esteem.” Bassanio asks Portia to accept some trifling present, in token of remembrance of their gratitude. This leads up to the final episode of the play, which provides a considerable amount of humour, namely, Portia’s success in persuading her husband to part with the ring she had given him. The last shade of tragedy has now left the play, and all the subsequent action is light-hearted and joyous.

For your love : as a souvenir of your friendship, and now, methinks, I have a mind to it : Portia mischievously proceeds to make her request more pointed and difficult to refuse, by saying that it is not merely an accidental choice that made her hit upon the ring, but the fact that she really has a strong desire to have it. There’s more depends on this than on the value : “This ring is of sentimental, rather than intrinsic value.” and find it but by proclamation : he will cause it to be proclaimed in Venice that he wishes to buy an expensive ring, so that he may receive specimens from the various jewellers and select the best one. only for this I pray you pardon me : but excuse me from giving this one thing, you teach me how a beggar should be answer’d : and now you refuse me, as one usally does a beggar.

Scuse : a contracted form of “excuse.” she would not hold out enemy for ever for giving it to me : “she might be angry on first hearing of it, but she would not retain her anger for long when she had heard Bassanio’s explanation.” Portia’s reasons are skilful and sound, and make Bassanio appear very mean in refusing such a simple request. She goes away in a mood of hurt and offended dignity, yet full of quiet courtesy, and makes Bassanio look even more discourteous, let his deservings, and my love withal, be valued ‘gainst your wife’s commandment : “let his great services to us, combined with your love for me, be stonger that the command which your wife gave you.” will thither presently : will go there at once.

 

ACT IV Scene II

Upon more advice : on second thoughts; after reconsideration. Thou may’st, I warrant : you will be able to, I am sure, old swearing “a great amount of swearing and protesting from them.” The word old is used colloquially to denote almost anything whatever, but we’ll outface them, and outswear them too : but we will put a bolder face on the matter than they do, and we shall protest louder still that, etc.

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Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers Act 3 – Important Notes – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English

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Word Meaning With Annotation

Act III Scene I

It lives there unchecked : the rumour there is not contradicted, of rich lading : loaded with a rich cargo. Goodwins : this is a shallow part of the North Sea off the east coast of England, known as the Goodwin Sands, and noted as an excellent fishing ground, if my gossip report, be an honest woman of her word : “my gossip Report” may be read here as “Dame rumour,” rumour personified as a woman. Knapped ginger : “chewed ginger.” This was in use as a sweetmeat in Shakespeare’s time, slips of prolixity : lapses into tedious speeches, the full stop : finish your sentence.

You knew, none so well, none so well as you, of my daughter’s flight : by his words, Shylock infers that they were partly responsible for helping Jessica in her flight, wings : Jessica’s disguise, her boy’s dress, and Shylock, for his own part, knew the bird was fledged; and then it is the complexion of them all to leave the dam : Salarino tells Shylock that Jessica was like a young bird, fully feathered and hence due to leave the nest where it had been hatched. The word “dam” is used here for the mother-bird; this is not its proper meaning, since it always applies to a mother animal. But Shakespeare probably uses the word in this sense in order to allow Shylock to make his play on the other meaning of “dam” in the next line, that Jessica has incurred damnation in the next life by her action, complexion : natural tendency; disposition.

That’s certain, if the devil may be her judge : Salarino thinks differently, and says that on the devil himself would condemn Jessica for what she had done. Jet and ivory : jet is deep black, while ivory is extremely white, red wine and Rhenish : there would be great difference in appearance between the two blends of wine; for Rhenish, or wine from the Rhine valley, is white, bad match : a bad stroke of business, prodigal : a wasteful person, a beggar, that was used to come so smug upon the mart : he is now reduced to beggary, who used to come into the market place with such a smiling and self-satisfied expression, for a Christian courtesy : Shylock speaks the words in bitter scorn. He cannot Conceive of a man lending money from any other motive than to extort as much interest as possible. Antonio’s generous spirit moves the Jew to fury. To bait fish : means “to feed fish.”

hindered me half a million : “caused me to lose half a million ducats”, by lending money to people who might otherwise have borrowed from Shylock. hath not a Jew eyes? hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is : Shylock is comparing the physical bodies and powers of the Jew and the Christian, and proving that they are exactly similar. Then he passfes to “senses, affections,” and finds that here also there is no difference. If a Jew wrong a Christian, what is his humility : Shylock sneers at the Christian religion. The teaching of Christ is that a Christian must never take revenge, but must forgive his enemy in a spirit of proper humility. But Shylock says that this is not observed. He asks “If a Jew wrongs a Christian, does the latter show humility? No! He takes revenge.” The sense of “humility” here is “patience” or “humanity.” what should his sufferance be by Christian example : what should his attitude be if he is guided by the example which Christians set him?

A third cannot be matched, unless the devil himself turn Jew : Shylock and Tubal are such a pair of villains that one could not find a third like them, unless it were the devil himself, what news from Genoa : Tubal has been to Genoa to search for Jessica. According to his replies to Shylock, we must assume that Lorenzo and Jessica have been there. As Genoa is at the other side of Italy, some distance from Venice, this conversation shows us that an interval of time has now elapsed since the elopement. The curse never fell upon our nation till now, I never felt it till now,- Two thousand ducats in that, and other precious, precious jewels : Shylock shows how very self-centred he is. He looks upon his misfortunes as a blow to the whole Jewish nation, though, if we are more charitable, it is possible to assume that he is thinking rather of her daughter Jessica’s falling away from the Jewish faith, and that this is the curse he means.

I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear: would she were hears’d at my foot and the ducats in her coffin : it would be possible to feel sympathy for Shylock if he declared that he wished his daughter dead, rather than married to a Christian. But he seemingly wished her dead if it would only help him to recover his money and jewels, a particularly despicable wish,hearsed : the hearse is the black funeral carriage which carries the coffin to the grave, loss upon loss : Shylock has lost further sums of money in the search for the runaway lovers. Fourscore ducats at a sitting : she had spent eighty ducats in a single place of entertainment, divers of Antonio’s creditors : this is an old expression, frequently found in the Bible. Simply “a certain number of’ or “serveral of.”

cannot choose but break : “has no choice but to go bankrupt.” In this sense, a bankrupt is often referred to as “a broken man.” it was my turquoise: I had it of Leah : Shylock refers to the ring containing a turquoise, a pale bluestone, which he had received from Leah, his dead wife. This is a bitter thought to him, and intensifies his feelings of hatred. Every circumstance in the play now is directed towards irritating and infuriating the Jew. In this manner, his action against Antonio is not unnatural or improbable. Undone : ruined; bankrupt, fee me an officer : engaged a law officer by paying him an advance fee. if he forfeit : if he becomes liable for the penalty of the pound of flesh, to, Tubal, and meet me atour synagogue; go, good Tubal; at our synagogue : Shylock arranges to meet Tubal at the Jewish church, his motive being, as we afterwards see, to swear an oath not to give up his scheme of revenge.

Act III Scene II

In choosing wrong : in case you should choose wrongly. There’s something tells me, (but it is not love,) I would not lose you : the words are deliberately vague. Portia wishes to tell Bassanio that she wants him to be with her but maidenly modesty prevents her from declaring actual love for him. So she hints at the truth, saying, “A certain reeling, I will not say it is love- prompts me in wanting you to remain.” She neither confesses her love nor denies it. quality : manner, and yet a maiden hath no tongue but thought : a maiden is prohibited by modesty from telling her love; she may only think of it.

I am forsworn : I would have committed a breach of faith, miss me : lose me by making the wrong choice, wish a sin, that I had been forsworn : she will then wish that she had committed a sin, and had informed Bassanio which casket was the right one to choose. Beshrew your eyes : means “Curse you!” though the expression is always used in a humorous and light-hearted manner, where a curse is not intended, overlook’d : the evil eye. these naughty times put bars between the owners and their rights : “the evil times we live in put obstacles between men and their rightful property.” Portia refers to the compulsory choice between the caskets, as a barrier to be surmounted before Bassanio can possess himself of what is already his own by right, herself. There is also a reference to the artificial barriers which society raises between lovers of high position.

Prove it so, let fortune go to hell for it, not I : “If such should prove to be the case, my ill-fortune be punished, and not myself.” Portia insinuates that if Bassanio’s choice between the caskets should be wrong, her love for him will make her. defy the decision. In this case, ill-fortune should receive the punishment of hell-fire for such a breach of her oath, and not herself, to peize the time : to “peize” anything meant to retard it by hanging weights upon it. Cp. Richard III.

eke : prolong; augment, election : choice; selection, upon the rack : “in a state of torture.” The rack was an instrument something like a bed; the victim was stretched upon it, and his wrists and ankles attached to the four corners. The levers stretched him out violently, leaving in great agony. It was used to force confessions from a prisoner, and is still used as a metaphor for intense pain. Treason : disloyalty to State or ruler, which was often punished by torture in the middle ages, which makes me fear the enjoying of my love : which makes me fear that I shall never enjoy my love, there may as well be amity and life, ’Tween snow and fire, as treason and my love : there could be agreement between snow and fire as easily as between treason and my love, when men enforced : the torture of the rack was so extreme that men subjected to it would gladly confess any crime for the sake of a brief respite, confess and live : if you confess the truth, you shall (like the prisoner on the rack) be given a promise of life.

O happy torment, when my torturer, Doth teach me answers for deliverance : still the metaphor of the rack. Bassanio says that his torturer, Portia, who is keeping him in an agony of suspense, is a kindly torturer, since she suggests the answer which will have the effect of releasing him from the ordeal! if you do love me : Portia seems to think that the test of the casket is indeed a test of true love, a swan-like end, fading in music : An old superstition that the swan, usually mute, sings a beautiful song just before its death, my eye shall be the stream, and watery death-bed for him : Portia says to him that, just as the stream on which it floats is the death bed of the dying swan, so her tear-filled eyes will be the death-bed of Bassanio if he fails, dulcet : from Latin dulcis, sweet.

Alcides : another name for Hercules; Cp. II, I, 35. bleared visages : tear-stained faces, issue of the exploit : the result of his achievement. Go, Hercules : she fancifully addresses Bassanio as her Hercules. Live thou, I live : “if you are successful, I shall live in happiness.” Ding dong bell : an imitation of the sound of a church bell, which is rung when any one has died. So may he the outward shows be least themselves : The sense here is that the outward appearances of things may differ greatly from their real natures, still : continually; always. In law, what plea so tainted and corrupt, but, being season’d with a gracious voice, obscures the show of evil: Bassanio reflects that a dishonest case in law may be made to appear just, by the eloquence of a clever lawyer.

In religion, what damned error, but some sober brow will bless it, and approve it with a text, hiding the grossness with fair ornament : similarly in religion it is possible for some wicked doctrine to appear fair and true if expounded by a serious priest, and concluded by a text from the Bible, simple : plain; unmistakable, stairs of sand : these would indeed be very untrustworthy and unreliable steps to walk upon, the beards of Hercules and frowning Mars : men who are cowards, yet wear beards like Hercules, the God of strength, and wear a frowning expression which might suit Mars, the god of war. livers white as milk : a man having a brave heart, as if the heart was the seat of physical courage, valour’s excrement : an outward growth as a beard is.

purchas’d by the weight : the beautiful colours and complexion of women’s faces have been bought (in the form of cosmetics) in chemist’s shops. Moreover, there is the case of beautiful hair, which is often an artificial wig which has been purchased, making them lightest that wear most of it : Women who wear the greatest amount of artificial aids to beauty are the lightest in morals whereas we would expect to find them heaviest, crisped : curled.upon supposed fairness : upon the head of a lady who has a reputation for beauty, undeserved because the hair is not really her own, but has been cut from the head of some other person who is now dead and in the grave, dowry : possession guiled : a shore which is dangerous to shipping.

He beauteous scarf Veiling an Indian beauty : thought of the negroes of the West Indies as “Indians”. The idea here is that of a beautiful cloth covering the thick lips and flat nose of a negress, a fair outward appearance concealing ugliness, seeming truth : a false appearance of truth, hard food for Midas : Midas was an ancient king who was allowed to ask a certain favour from the gods. Midas was very avaricious and asked that whatever he touched might turn to gold. His request was granted. Then he found that when he attempted to eat, his food was at once turned to gold. So he was in danger of starving to death, and had to pray to the gods to withdraw their gift, meagre lead: unattractive lead, in comparison with gold and silver. All the other passions fleet to air : how every passion except love vanishes like thin air. green-eyed jealousy : jealousy is personified here, and said to be a monster with green eyes.

In measure rein the joy : “scatter down the joy.” surfeit : to sicken of a thing from having too much of it. Counterfeit : something made exactly the same as another, what demi-god hath come so near creation : a demi-god is a half-divine person. Bassanio says that the portrait is so near to being alive that the artist has almost created life, or whether, riding on the balls of mine, seem they in motion : or is it the fact that their image is taken‘up by my own eyeballs, which seem to impart motion to them? here are sever’d lips, parted with sugar breath : her lips are slightly parted by the sweet perfumed breath which passes in and out.

but her eyes, how could he see to do them? having made one, me thinks it should have power to steal both his, and leave itself unfurnish’d : says that it surprises him that the painter was able to finish the second eye of the portrait, because the beauty of the first eye should have absolutely dazzled the artist, so that he could not see to complete the second one. Thus the first should have been left without its companion eye (unfumish’d = unaccompanied), doth limp behind the substance : moves like a lame person (limp) in an unsuccessful effort to keep up with the original, continent : that which contains; the container, you that choose not by the view : the whole principle on which the choice of the caskets is founded is expressed in this line, namely that men should not choose by outward appearances, but should look deeply for the real meaning of things, by note : according to this instruction, your leave : kissing her.

contending in a prize : the simile is that of two wrestlers, or similar athletes, competing for a prize. Livings : property; possessions, exceed account : surpass all reckoning, but the full sum of me, is sum of nothing : but the sum total of all my virtues amounts actually to nothing at all. happier than this : and a happier circumstance than that is etc. to you and yours is now converted : now pass to you, and become part of your property, lord : used as “owner” without regard to sex. and even now, but now : and just now, at this very moment. I give them with this ring; which when you part from, lose, or give away, let it presage the ruin of your love, and be my vantage to exclaim on you : this gift of the ring, which looks no more than a pretty action on Portia’s part, is really the commencement of an important subsidiary action in the latter stages of the play, presage : fore tell, and be my vantage to exclaim on you : and then it will be my opportunity to scold you.

Buzzing : murmuring, where every something, being blent together : where all individual sounds being mingled, a wild of nothing : a wild confusion of sound, expressing nothing, for I am sure you can wish none from me : Gratiano has wished Bassanio all the joy he may desire, and adds “I may safely do this, for I am sure you are not likely to desire anything that will be taken from me” i.e. there is no fear of your wanting Nerissa, who is mine, solemnize : celebrate or confirm solemnly. For intermission, no more pertains to me, my lord, than you : for delay in seizing an opportunity is no more a fault in my nature than it is in yours, as the matter fall : as things turn out. for wolfing here, until I sweat again : Gratiano says that his love suit was hard and difficult matter, and compares it to bard labour Which makes a man perspire, swearing : making declarations of his love, if promise last : if her promise still holds good. Achieved : unhold. Infidel : “not faithful” i.e., the one who is not a believer in a particular religion; an unbeliever. Applied to Jessica because she is not a Christian, the youth of my new interest : the beginning of my newly acquired authority here.

Past all saying nay : in spite of all arguments to the contrary, commends him to you : sends his compliments, how my good friend doth : simply “how he is,” like the modem inquiry after a friend’s health: “How do you do?” not sick, my lord, unless it be in mind : he has no illness unless it be mental trouble. On the other hand, he can have no cause for happiness, except in his mind, estate : condition. Royal merchant : a very important merchant. We speak of “merchant princes,” meaning very great men of business, fleece : wealth, fleece : here signifies “wealth.” A sheep’s riches consists of the fleece on its back.

Shrewd : sharp; bitter, constitution : normal condition; self-control, constant man : man of firm nerves. I am half yourself : it is proverbial that, on marriage, man and his wife are united into one; hence each can only claim to be one half, all the wealth I had, Ran in my veins : that I possessed no riches except noble blood, rating myself at nothing : when I estimated my possessions at nothing, was a braggart : I was actually boasting and over estimating, mere enemy : one who was his complete enemy, feed my means : increase my resources, issuing life-blood : discharging his life-blood, what, not one hit : What! Has not a single one attained its object?

merchant-marring rocks : rocks, which ruin merchant by wrecking their ships. If he had the present money : if he had the money at the present time, confound : ruin; reduce to beggary, plies : continues to approach; presses, and doth impeach the freedom of the state : to “impeach” in legal language, meant “to bring an accusation against.” Shylock brings the charge that Venice is denying him his legal rights, and therefore is violating the free rights which foreigners were supposed to enjoy, magnificoes of greatest port : the greatest nobles of Venice were termed “Magnifici”, the noble-minded or magnificent ones “Of greatest port” may be rendered as “of the most noble carriage”, when I was with him, I have heard him swear : this is an indication of the passage of time showing that Jessica is speaking of things by no means recent. It also shows Jessica’s character, and some might fancy that this betrayal of her father’s confidential talk is not an admirable trait. Roman honour : in the early days of the Roman empire the Romans were famed all over the world for the strict and un-wavering code of high honour which distinguished their national life. The standard of national honour was made the theme of many a song.

First go with me to church, and call me wife : to have the legal ceremony of marriage performed by the priest, since you are dear bought, I will love you dear : “Since you have cost your friend Antonio so dear a price, I shall hold you equally dear in my estimation.” miscarried : failed, estate : my wealth. No bed shall e’er be guilty of my stay : Bassanio says that since Portia is so noble and self-sacrificing as to allow him to leave her on the wedding day, he will also make some self-sacrifice. So he will not be guilty of taking comfortable rest in bed as along as he is away from her, and no rest will refresh him in the interval before he returns.

Act III Scene III

I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond : we saw in a previous scene that Shylock was preparing to go to the synagogue, the Jewish church. It was evidently for the purpose of swearing an oath that he would exact full vengeance from Antonio, fond : “foolish”. Dull-eyed : stupid; foolish in look. Impenetrable : not to be penetrated or moved by any appeals, kept with men : lived among men.

bootless : fruitless; vain, from his forfeitures : out of his clutches, into which they had fallen by borrowing money, made moan : told their sad story, will never grant this forfeiture to hold : will never allow this penalty to be exacted, for the commodity that strangers have, with us in Venice, if it be denied, will much impeach the justice of the state, Since that the trade and profit of the city, Consisteth of all nations : because to refuse Shylock the privilege, at present enjoyed by all aliens, of having the same rights in law as the citizens of Venice, would injure the reputation of the state for impartial justice, bated : abated red: lessened in bodily weight.

Act III Scene IV

Conceit of god-like amity : conception of friendship which is truly divine, how dear a lover : “lover” often means “friend”, you would be prouder of the work, than customary bounty can enforce : you would be more proud of this act than of any ordinary act of kindness. That do converse and waste the time together : who live and pass their time together, whose souls do bear an equal yoke of love : whose sources are united in a common bond of love. The “yoke” is a common enough sight in India, and may be described as the cross piece of wood against which a bullock pushes when pulling a cart hence Antonio and Bassanio are like two bullocks yoked to the same cart, there must be needs a like proportion, of lineaments, of manners, and of spirit : there must be a similarity between them in countenance, in manners and in disposition, bosom Lover : dear friend. In purchasing the semblance of my soul : in saving by my money one who is the very double of Bassanio, my soul’s love, husbandry and manage : administration and management, monastery : religious house or convent, not to deny this imposition : not to refuse this task I place upon you.

Doctor Bellario : he is a doctor of law. This, might not denote the holder of an actual degree, as it would at the present day, but perhaps a celebrated teacher a man renowned for his knowledge of the law. Padua was noted as a centre of law studies, with imagined speed : with all conceivable speed. Habit : dress. In the same sense we still speak of a lady’s “riding-habit.”

accoutred : equipped, prettier : which is now only applied to feminine beauty, was formerly used in this manner to denote manly qualities. And speak, between the change of man and boy : She is speaking of the period when a change comes in a boy’s shrill voice, but it has not yet become the deep voice of a man. reed voice : a thin sharp voice, mincing steps : the short quick steps that ladies take when walking, quaint lies : “fanciful lies.” I could not do withal : “I could not help it.” raw : childish. Jacks : fellows; young men.

Act III Scene V

The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children : this is a reference to one of the teachings of the Christian religion, which says that “the sins of the fathers shall be visited upon the children.” Punishment for a man’s sins may fall upon his family, fear you : I fear on your behalf, be of good chee; for, truly, I think you are damned : it seems a strange combination of ideas to tell Jessica to be cheerful because she is condemned to the punishment of Hell because of her sins. But we can never analyse Launcelot’s remarks as if they were the words of an ordinary person; it may be an attempt at grim humour, or he may only mean be careful! What he says is so very often different from what he intends to say. Rasher : the name applied to a slide of bacon or pork, on the coals : placed on the fire to cook.

Launcelot and I are out : “Launcelot and I have quarrelled.” flatly : plainly; without; any softening of the news. How every fool can play upon the word : Lorenzo alludes to Launcelot’s habit of quibbling upon double meanings of words, the best grace of wit : “The most dignified wit will soon be to etc.”

They have all stomachs : they are all ready for their dinner. This is Launcelot’s idea of humour, that a man prepares for dinner when he is ready to eat it. Lorenzo had meant that the servants should prepare dinner for himself .and Jessica. Bid them prepare dinner : Lorenzo says, “What a witty man you are! Well, tell them to prepare our dinner.” But Launcelot again takes a different sense for the word “prepare.” Lorenzo had meant “Place it ready on the table”, but Launcelot takes it to mean “cook,” and says, “The dinner has been cooked; what you mean now is ‘cover the table’. But when Launcelot says, “All right, you may cover”, Launcelot at once flies off to another meaning of cover, to remain with the head covered, and says, “No sir, I know my duty to my master too well to remain covered (wearing my hat) in his presence.”

quarrelling with occasion : “disputing as to whether the word is exactly suitable to the particular occasion.” For the table, sir, it shall be served in; for the meat, sir, it shall be covered : Launcelot becomes mixed in expression, and changes the words “served” and “covered”. He means to say “The table shall be covered and the meat served etc.” humours and conceits : the word “humour” was applied by writers of the time to characteristic temperaments or moods of men, mostly odd and uncommon, o dear discretion, how his words are suited : 0, Spirit of discretion, how strangely unsuitable his words are! a many : it was customary at one time to use this expression, stand in better place : are of higher social rank, garnish’d like him : supplied as he is, with words, tricksy word : a word which enables a trick to be played with meaning; a word capable of double meaning, defy the matter : “ignore what is the obvious and intended meaning.” Or pretend to think a word means something different from the speaker’s obvious sense, how cheer’st thou : “How are you?” Literally, “Of what face or mood are you?”

And, if on earth he do not mean it, then : this depends on the sense given to the word “mean.” If we take it as “intend” then we must understand, “if Bassanio is really sincere in his upright life.” Then we might take the sense to be, “If on earth, he does not follow the mean or middle-way in conduct,” taking the sense of “mean” as “the average.” Again the sense of “mean” might be “to demean himself or keep himself humble,” and this gives us, “If he does not humble himself on this earth, he need never expect heaven, if he has already enjoyed, heavenly happiness on earth.”

heavenly match : a competition between heavenly or divine beings, pawn’d : put up as a stake; wagered by the other of the two competitors, fellow : equal or match. Anon : in a moment; at once, while I have a stomach : again a double meaning, (i) while I have the desire to do so, and (ii) while I have an appetite for dinner, table-talk : talk over the dinner table, then, howso’er thou speak’st, ‘mong other things, I shall digest it : then, no matter how you speak, I shall be able to digest your words along with dinner, set you forth : set forth your praises.

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Merchant of Venice Workbook Answers Act 2 – Important Notes – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English

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Word Meaning With Annotation

Act II Scene I

Complexion : colour, the shadowed livery of the burnish’d sun : “The dark colour which the fierce sun bestows.” “livery” is the uniform which a rich man uses for all his servants. Hence a “shadowy” or sun burnt skin is said to be the distinctive uniform or dress which the sun bestows on those who live in hot countries, neighbour, and near bred : the hot countries are near to the sun, and hence may be regarded as closer neighbours to it than cold countries, fairest : whitest; of lightest skin. Phoebus’ fire : “the heat of the sun”. Phoebus is the Greek name for the sun-god. icicles : long pointed spikes of ice.

make incision : the old surgical term for the opening of a vein, to prove whose blood is reddest : the old idea was that the most courageous man had reddest blood. The blood of a coward was always supposed to be of a pale colour, best regarded : “most respected.” except to steal your thoughts : “unless it were to attract your thoughts of love.” nice direction of a maiden’s eyes : dislikes which arise when a maiden looks on a suitor, scanted : deprived me of free choice, hedg’d me by his wit : artfully surrounded me with restrictions, then stood as fair : “would then have had as good a chance.” It will be observed that Portia is impressed by the soldierly speech and straightforward honesty of the Prince, and hastens to assure him that she does not think his oriental origin places him in the least below his European competitors.

Scimitar : sword. Sophy : the Shah or emperor of Persia. Sultan Solyman : was a Turkish Ruler; probably Shakespeare is thinking of Solyman the Magnificent, who was defeated by the Persians in 1535. but, alas the while!: An exclamation of regret: “But it is sad that it should be the case that, etc.” Hercules and Lichas play at dice : Hercules was the Greek god of strength, and is always used as the type for manly courage and physical energy. Lichas was the servant who brought Hercules a poisoned shirt, and was immediately thrown into the sea by his angry master. The sense is that a strong and brave man has no better chance than a weak man in a gambling competition, such as Morocco concluded this choice between the caskets to be. which is the better man : to decide which of the two is the better man.

so is Alcides beaten by his page : Alcides is another name for Hercules, and the page is Lichas. The idea is simply a continuation of the above. There is no story to the effect that Hercules and Lichas ever did indulge in a game of chance, but Morocco says that if they had done so, the page would have had quite a good chance of beating his master, blind Fortune leading me : with nothing to help me save pure chance. Be advis’d : think it over carefully. The temple : it was necessary for the Prince to go to the sacred building, in order to take the oath that he would observe the conditions, your hazard shall be made : you shall take your chance.

Act II Scene II

The fiend : Satan; the devil, scorn running with thy heels : “to take to one’s heels” is a colloquial phrase meaning “to take to flight.” pack : depart. Via : ‘Take the road’, hanging about the neck of : restraining, holding back. (Just as we might imagine a wife hanging about the neck of her husband, restraining him from some act.) God bless the mark! : this expression was used as an apology for having used any coarse expression: here for having used the name of the devil, which was supposed to be unlucky, saving your reverence : used in the same sense as “God bless the mark!” Master Jew’s : The word “Master” is used here as a title of respect, with much the same effect as “Sahib”, sand- blind : half-blind, “high-gravel” blind represents a further stage of blindness, but it is still not so bad as “stoneblind” i.e. completely blind, confusions : wrongly used by Launcelot, who means “conclusions”, turn up on your right hand at the next turning, but, at the next turning of all, on your left; marry, at the very next turning, turn of no hand, but turn down indirectly to the Jew’s house : this is deliberately given as a confused and senseless direction, sonties : God’s health, so perhaps it was customary to swear by the health of the Deity. Or it may mean “By the saints.”

raise the waters : brings tears to the old man’s eyes by telling him that his son was dead. Though I say it : an apology for boasting of his own honesty and poverty, well to live : may mean “in good health”. But the more common meaning would be “well to do.” a : a contraction for “he”; it is used only in the speech of unseated countrymen, your worship’s friend : you may call him your friend, but he is not entitled to be called “Master”. Ergo : Latin word for “therefore”. Launcelot uses it here because it sounds learned, but he seems not to know the use or meaning of the word, an’t please your mastership : if it please you, sir! talk not of Master Launcelot, father : the word “father” was used as a respectful form of address to any old man.

the sister three, and such branches of learning : the three sisters, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, were also called the Fates and Destinies; they are the symbolic classic conception of fate and destiny, ranches of learning : may be read as “learned names and phrases.” Shakespeare is satirising those people who are not content to use plain speech, but attempt to use learned words and phrases, staff of my age, my very prop : Launcelot had been a source of support to his father, just as a staff is to a feeble person, or a prop to a wall. Cudgel : a club or lathi, this is used palyfully and is suggested by the literal meaning of the word “staff’ in the previous line, hovel-post : a wooden post or upright used in the building of a hovel or hut. It is a wise father that knows his own child : this coarse expression still persists in English. The meaning is, of course, that if a man has a wife who is immoral, he can never tell whether the child which is bom belongs to him or not. truth will out : truth cannot be conceaed.

let’s have no more fooling : Let us cease to talk in jest about it. I know not what I shall think of that: but I am Launcelot, the Jew’s man; and I am sure Margery, your wife, is my mother : the thought is again of the coarse nature such as pleased the calsses of Elzabethans. Launcelot says that no man can be sure who his father was, although there is no doubt about his mother. It is an echo of the words “It’s a wise father that knows his own child.” Dobbin my fiil-horse : ‘fill-horse’ denotes a horse used for drawing a cart, and “Dobbin” has always been an affectionate name bestowed on a horse in England, grows backward : becomes less instead of longer, of : used instead of “on.”

set up my rest : determined; resolved. This phrase is derived from a gambling game, and meant to stand upon the cards in one’s hand, relying that they would be better than those of an opponent, you may tell every finger I have with my ribs : the words “finger” and “ribs” should be interchanged. Launcelot means that he has not been sufficiently fed while in Shylock’s service, with the result that anyone is able to count all his ribs by feeling with a finger. But he makes this mistake, something a kin to what we call a “Spoonerism.” who, indeed, gives rare new liveries : In the meantime, Bassanio is engaged in fitting out his expedition to Belmont, and evidently Launcelot has heard that Bassanio’s servants are being clothed in fine new suits of uniform.

I am a Jew : “May I become a Jew myself etc.” Launcelot means that this is- equally impossible as it is for him to remain longer in Shylock’s service. Grammercy : An exclamation denoting thanks; Bassanio acknowledges the respect paid in the words “Your worship”, he hath a great infection : He has a great desire. The word “infection” is deliberately used wrongly instead of “affection” saving your worship’s reverence : “with apologies to you Sit.” or “if I may mention the fact, Sir.” frutify : another word used wrongly by Launcelot; he means “explain” or “set forth”. Impertinent : ridiculous mistake. He means “pertinent” i.e. “my application pertains to or concerns myself.”

defect : Gobbo means the “substance” or “effect” of the matter, and hath preferr’d thee, if it be preferment : the verb “prefer” meant either to : recommend or to promote, the old proverb is very well parted between my master Shylock and you, sir; you have the grace of God, sir, and he hath enough : the proverb is “The grace of God is better than gear (possessions).!’ lodging : place of abode, guarded : “braided”. In the first place the edge of the cloth was bound with material to protect it and keep it form fraying. Then it came to mean additional cloth applied by way of ornament. Launcelot is to have a uniform with more ornamental stripes on it than the other servants.

If any man in Italy have a fairer table, which doth offer to swear upon a book, I shall have good fortune! : The general sense is- “Any one who has (or who can swear he has) a hand better endowed than mine, is lucky indeed.” “Table” is a technical term in palmistry, meaning the palm of the hand on which the lines are read. It is enough to remember that Shakespeare depicts Launcelot as overjoyed by his good luck, and makes him speak in a confused and excited manner, simple line of life : a clearly marked line on his palm, denoting that he will have long life, coming-in : that which comes in, i.e. something acquired, to be in peril of my life with the edge of a feather bed : The sense is “and I see also from my hand that I shall at one time be in danger of losing my life, and also I see the symbol of a bed, denoting a wealthy marriage for me.”

a good wench for gear : a kind lady for showing me this prospect of possessions, in the twinkling of an eye : “in an instant”, or, as the saying goes, “As quickly as you could wink.” Orderly bestowed : carefully placed on board the ship, feast : entertain, hie thee : “Betake yourself’ or “Go.” you have obtained it : Bassanio grants the request before he knows what it is. parts : characteristics; manners, too liberal : overdone; too bold, allay : to weaken; to abate, skipping spirit : unruly disposition. I be misconstrued : I should find my errand misunderstood.

Put on a sober habit : assume quieter manners, wear prayer books in my pocket : to give people the impression that he was a devout man, given to religious exercises, demurely : modestly; equietly. hood mine eyes, thus with my hat : men of quality wore hats at meals; probably the custom was that when the grace (prayer of thanks) was being said, they held the hat reverently in front of the face. Amen : the word which concludes a prayer. Use all the observance of civility : company with the usages of good society, sad ostent : appearance of solemnity. Bar to-night : make an exception of tonight gauge, judge, that were pity : it would be a pity to do so. boldest suit of mirth : “Your gayest dress”, or “Your most mirthful mood.” the latter is more suitable to the context.

Act II Scene III

Our house is hell, and thou, a merry devil : our home has been as miserable as hell, but enlivened somewhat by the presence of such a merry fellow as yourself. Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness : who relieved the monotony a little. Tears exhibit my tongue : emotion keeps him from speaktng. I shall end this strife : Jessica has been divided between loyalty to her father and love for Lorenzo; now she declares that the latter has won.

Act II Scene IV

Slink : go stealthily, disguise us : dress up in the fancy costumes and masks required for the proposed procession, spoke us yet : ordered in advance. We use the verb, “be speak” in the sense of “to order beforehand.” torch-bearers : each gentleman participating in the procession would be preceded by an attendant who carried a lighted torch. Quaintly ordered : arranged so as to present a pretty spectacle, take this : on the stage Lorenzo accompanies the words by giving a coin to Launcelot. I am provided of a torch-bearer : evidently the idea has just come into Lorenzo’s mind that he will disguise Jessica as a boy, and smuggle her away as the attendant carrying his torch in the procession. Some hour : in about an hour. I must needs : “needs” is superfluous; read simply “I must” or “I feel compelled to.” page’s suit : a servant boy’s clothing, cross her foot : “Cross her path.”

Act II Scene V

The difference of : the difference between your late master and your new one. gormandize : “devour large amounts of food.” It will be remembered that is Scene II, Launcelot said that he had had so little to eat in the Jew’s service that all his ribs might be easily counted. But Shylock takes a different view of the matter. Bid forth : invited out. to feed upon, the prodigal Christian : this shows the meanness of Shylock, who goes out for no other reason than to enjoy a free meal at the expense of the open-handed Bassanio. loath : reluctant, ill a-brewing : there is some mischief impending or being prepared, tonight : when we use this phrase, we usualy do so in a future sense, i.e. the night which is to come. But Shakespeare here, uses it in the sense of “last night.”

reproach : blunder for “approach”. And they have conspired : this is another case where Launcelot uses a word which is hardly suitable for his meaning, but it expresses unconscious truth, for the audience knows that there had indeed been a conspiracy by the lovers. So that is an other skilful use of dramatic irony, my nose fell a-bleeding : there was a superstition that if person’s nose commenced to bleed, it was a sign of bad luck. Black Monday : Easter Monday, so called because, according to Stow’s Chronicle, …. “Easter Monday was full dark of mist and hill, and so bitter cold that many men died on their horses’ back of the cold.”

Ash- Wednesday : this festival always falls on the first Wednesday in Lent, six weeks before Easter. So it is absurd of Launcelot to talk of Easter Monday and Ash Wednesday falling at the same time, was four year in the afternoon : in the same speech, Launcelot says that this event happened last year; then that it happened four years ago. First he says it was in the morning, and then that it happened in the afternoon, drum and the vile squealing of the wry-necked fife : probably refer to the players, rather than the instruments, i.e. drum is the same as our “drummer”. In a work called English Garner Tudor Tracts, we hear that a “drum…. was shot in both legs.” Similarly “fife means a fife-player”, “wry-necked” (i.e. corrked-necked) refers to the fact that it was necessary for the fife player to twist his head to one side when playing his instruments, vanish’d faces : Faces painted or made up with colour, foppery : foolery, by Jacob’s staff : Shylock swears by the staff which his ancestor, Jacob, is said to have carried according to Biblical stories, there will come a Christian by, will be worth a Jewess’ eye : this refers to Lorenzo. He will pass by, and will be worth looking upon, what says that fool of Hagar’s off spring; ha : the Gentiles, the people despised by the Jews, were supposed to be descended from Hagar, while the Jews traced their line back to Sarah. So, Launcelot, the servant, is a son of Hagar, the slave woman.

Patch : fellow; fool. The word is probably derived from the motley coat of the professional jester, which was “patched” i.e. of different colour, drones hive not with me : the male bee is called the drone. He never searches for honey, but allows the female bee to do all the work. Here the sense is “Idlers may u live with me.” help to waste his borrow’d purse : Shylock wishes the wasteful Launcelot to ai. Bassanio in squandering the borrowed money, fast bind, fast find : “what you lock up securely will be found safe when you return.”

Act II Scene VI

Pent house : a house with a projecting roof, forming an overhead shelter. Out-dwells : delays longer than his appointed time, venus’ pigeons : Venus, the Goddess of Love, is depicted by the ancients in a carriage drawn by doves. The sense is that Venus is quick to seal the promises of new lovers, but not in such a hurry to intervene to prevent a breach of marriage bonds among married people, untread again his tedious measures : retrace his steps over the ground where he has performed tedious walking, younger : a young man, literally, a “younger”, scarfed bark : the ship which is ornamented with gay scraf or flag.

Hugged and embraced by the strumpet wind : “strumpet” is an immoral woman; a prostitute. The wind is said to meet the ship with just such caresses as such a woman gives a reckeless young man. prodigal : this is an allusion to the parable from the Bible which tells of the prodigal son, the young man who asked his father to advance his share of the inheritance, then went away into far- off countries and squandered it all. In the long run, he was compelled to come home, sad and poverty- stricken. over-weathered ribs : “greatly beaten by the rough weather.” Lean : rent, and beggared by the strumpet wind : just like the prodigal son returning home, thin, ragged, and reduced to poverty by the wicked women (so has the ship been treated by the wind) Long abode : my long delay, please : desire; be inclined, watch : wait, and thy love : who is also your lover, casket : the box of gold and jewels which she is taking away, worth the pains : you will find the contents make it worth your trouble, my exchange : my change into boy’s dress.

But love is blind, and lovers cannot see, the pretty follies that themselves commit : the classical god of love, Cupid, is always represented as a blind boy, with bow and arrow. So the idea here is that just like Cupid, lovers are always blind to each other’s faults. Descend : on the Elizabethan stage, the upper window would be denoted by Jessica speaking from the upper stage, they in themselves, good-sooth, are too-too light : there is a play on the word “light” here; it has the double sense of “visible” and ‘frivolous.” Why, ’tis an office of discovery, love : why, to cany a torch is a duty which reveals me, my love! Garnish : dress; adorn, for the close night doth play the run-awav : to ‘play the runaway’ is simply to act like a person who is running away, i.e., “concealing night is even now passing away.”

I will make fast the doors, and gild myself, with some more ducats, and be with you straight : to “gild” is to cover a thing with gold; this is Jessica’s flippant manner of saying that she will help herself to some more of Shylock’s money before departing. The callous manner in which she robs her father will offened our notions of honesty and filial piety alike, but most critics have overlooked this, seemingly accepting Shakespeare’s view that to rob and afflict Shylock is no sin. Beshrew me : a mild oath, by my hood. And true she is, as she hath proved herself : it is ironical that the term “true” should be applied to Jessica as she is in the act of robbing her father. Shall she be placed in my constant soul : shall her memory remain in my faithful heart, come about : “changed so as to blow from the opposite direction”. Again the scene concludes with a rhyming couplet, showing that the present action is concluded.

Act II Scene VII

Discover : reveal, several : different; various. Blunt : the words of the inscription on this casket are plain and unattractive, just as lead itself is in comparison with gold, withal : “along with the casket.” Back again : going back to the beginning again: rereading the inscriptions in the opposite order. A golden mind stoops not to shows of dross : “A mind of high quality is not deceived by worthless shows.” From this we can analyse the mind of Morocco, and see why he chose wrongly. He is not able to understand that a modest nature might choose plain outward appearance, and that great things in life may be gained only by hazard and sacrifice. He can only understand outer show and glitter, virgin hue : “white colour”. White was always supposed to be the colour which symbolised purity, and hence is often used for the dress of pure and virtuous people, with an even hand : with impartial estimation, be’ st rated : art judged, by thy estimation : by his own estimation of himself, afeard : “afraid”.

To kiss this shrine, this mortal, breathing, saint : The old pilgrims used to see some sacred relic or saintly man, and would esteem it a privilege to kiss the hand of the saint. Hyrcanian desert : wild stretch of country in Asia, vasty wilds : vast wilderness. The watery kingdom, whose ambitious head Spets in the face of heaven, is no bar : The vast waves rising up in a storm, and dashing their spray right to the sky. foreign spirits : “men from foreign countries.” Twere damnation to think so basa a thought : just as it would incur punishment to think a base thought in spiritual matters, so would it be false love for him to think this, rib : to enclose, cerecloth in the obscure grave : The cere-cloth was waxed cloth, used to enclose a body in the coffin, immur’d : lock up.

A coin that bears the figure of an angel : this was so called because the figure of St. Michael was shown on the coin in question; it was worth about ten shillings. But here an angel in a golden bed Lies all within : but that angel is only stamped on the surface of the gold, while this angel, Portia, lies completely surrounded by gold, and thrive I as I may : and no matter how I may succeed. Carrion death : “a loathsome skull.” The skull is often spoken of as a “Death’ shead”, and is used as the symbol of death, scroll : a sheet of paper in the form of a roll. Gilded tombs do worms enfold : “a tomb may be a fine building covered with gold, but all that it contains is a mass of dead bones, where worms live.” This is a reminder to Morocco that he has been deceived by the outward appearance, inscroll’d : written so in this scroll, your suit is cold : your errand of love has failed, then, farewell heat; and welcome frost : he now passes from fervent love to cold disappointment. Gentle riddance : “a good riddance” or “we are well rid of him.” complexion : disposition; nature.

Act II Scene VIII

Raised the duke : stirred him up to action. The Duke : the old city of Venice was an independent republic, and the chief ruler was the Duke, gondola : the city of Venice is built upon a number of islands and channels of water take the place of streets, instead of carriages, long narrow boats called gondolas ply back and forth, double ducats : it seems that there were two kinds of ducats in circulation, one being double the value of the other. Keep his day : discharge his debt punctually on the agreed day.

Marry, well remembered : this is a contraction for “By St. Mary, it is as well that you have reminded me, etc.” miscarried : wrecked; met with disaster, fraught : laden; stored with cargo, slubber : to perform any business in a hasty and slovenly manner, but stay the very riping of the time : as the farmer does not gather his crops too soon, but waits until they are quite ripe, let it not enter in your mind of love : Let it not enter into your mind, which should be full of thoughts of love-making, ostents : evidence or displays of affection, big with tears : full of big tears. Embraced heaviness : the heaviness or melancholy which Antonio has voluntarily embraced, or taken to himself. They think that he is rather making too much of his assumed sadness.

Act II Scene IX

Straight : at once, election : “selection”, i.e. his choice between the three caskets. If you choose that wherein lam contain’d : the one which contains my portrait, nuptial rites : marriage ceremonies, which casket ’twas I chose : which casket it was that I did choose. And so have I address’d me : and I have prepared myself accordingly. Fortune now to my heart’s hope : he addresses the Goddess of fortune. Gold; silver; and base lead : the use of the word “base” reveals that Arragon starts in the same mistaken attitude that Morocco showed. Arragon is immediately prejudiced against the leaden casket, because the metal of which it is made is not so showy and attractive as silver or gold. Evidently the intention of Portia’s father, when he arranged the trial of the caskets, was that the inscriptions alone should be the proper test. The different metals would only serve to mislead men who paid too much attention to outward show and appearance.

You shall look fairer, ere I give, or hazard : he falls into the same error as Morocco, and does not realise that the hazard is to be made for Portia, not as he says for lead, fond : foolish, which pries not to th’ interior : which does not search for the inner meaning of anything, martlet : let martin, a species of swallow, which builds a nest of mud against the outer walls of houses, even in the force and road of casualty : “open to disaster, and in the very path of danger.” for who shall go about : who shall attempt, cozen : “to cheat”, be honourable : “attain to honoqrs.” estates : “positions of dignity”, degree : “high mark”, derived corruptly : granted from unworthy motives; sold, clear honour : unstained or innocent honour.purchased : obtained. There is no reference to buying in the usual sense, cover : keep their hats on. low peasantry : “base fellows”. This shows the habit which had crept in, during the middle ages, of thinking of two great classes, the upper classes or nobility who were men of honour, and the lower classes who were base cultivators of the soil.

I will assume desert : I shall be content with what I deserve. Blinking idiot : stupid-eyed fool, schedule : the same as “scroll”, deservings : merits: deserves: to offend, and judge, are distinct offices, and of opposed natures : “Arragon may be regarded as having been on his trial, and a prisoner is not supposed to criticise the verdict”. Still it may be better to explain “You have been sentenced but not insulted; there is nothing personal in the decision!”

distinct offices : separate things. The fire seven times tried this : “this” refers to the silver. The line refers to the words from the Bible, some there be that shadows kiss : “shadow” is here used generally as being the reverse of “substance” i.e., some people neglect the sound and substantial things of life to pursue empty shows, shadow’s bliss : “unreal happiness.”

I wis : Certainly, silvered o’er : “whose folly is concealed by their silvery hairs.” you are sped : your business is completed, by the time I linger here : the longer I remain here, with one fool’s head I came to woo, But I go away with two : I came here a fool, and I depart a double fool, wroth : misfortune. Not the usual sense of “anger”, thus hath the candle sing’d the moth : Arragon is here compared to a foolish insect that has fluttered around a bright light, and has been burnt, deliberate fools : deliberating fools, in the sense that they calculated too much. The right choice depended not on skilful reasoning, but on love, which should have been prepared to “hazard all he hath”, they have the wisdom by their wit to lose : “They have enough sense, at any rate, to allow their small minds to lead than astray”, heresy : falsehood, hanging and wiving goes by destiny : “Wedding is destiny, and hanging like wise”.

Sensible regrets : salutations which are not merely words, but are sincerely felt, to wit, (besides commends and courteous breath) : namely in addition to compliments and courteous words, etc. likely : prepossessing; of good promise, ambassador of love : the messenger who now comes as the representative of Bassanio, to announce that his lord is coming on an errand of love, and to prepare his reception. He is compared to an agent who represents his country, costly summer : summer which is the rich and goregeous season of the year, fore-spurrer : the one who comes squrring (riding) on before, to prepare for the coming of his master, high-day wit : “high-day” is the same as “holiday”, so we might translate this by “holiday humour,” the fine speeches and prepared words that one might use only on a holiday or special occasion.

Quick Cupid’s post that comes so mannerly : the swift messenger of Love, who comes in such a courteous manner. Bassanio, lord Love, if thy will it be : “lord Love” still refers to Cupid as the presiding deity, and Portia means, “I hope it is thy will that this is Bassanio, O God of Love.”

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