Meanwhile Shylock was listening eagerly; and feigning surprise, he exclaimed:  “Oh, what suspicious people are these Christians!  It is because of their own hard dealings that they doubt the truth of others.—­Look here, my lord Bassanio.  Suppose Antonio fail in his bond, what profit would it be to me to exact the penalty?  A pound of man’s flesh is not of the value of a pound of beef or mutton!  I offer friendship, that I may buy his favor.  If he will take it, so; if not, adieu.”

But still Bassanio mistrusted the Jew.  However, he could not persuade his friend against the agreement, and Antonio signed the bond, thinking it was only a jest, as Shylock said.

The fair and beautiful lady whom Bassanio hoped to marry lived near Venice; and when her lover confessed that,—­though of high birth,—­he had no fortune to lay at her feet, Portia prettily said that she wished herself a thousand times more fair, and ten thousand times more rich, so that she might be less unworthy of him.  Then, declaring that she gave herself to be in all things directed and governed by him, she presented Bassanio with a ring.

Overpowered with joy at her gracious answer to his suit, the young lord took the gift, vowing that he would never part with it.

Gratiano was in attendance upon his master during this interview; and after wishing Bassanio and his lovely lady joy, he begged leave to be married also; saying that Nerissa, the maid of Portia, had promised to be his wife, should her mistress wed Bassanio.

At this moment a messenger entered, bringing tidings from Antonio; which Bassanio reading, turned so pale that his lady asked him what was amiss.

“Oh, sweet Portia, here are a few of the most unpleasant words that ever blotted paper,” he said.  “When I spoke of my love, I freely told you I had no wealth, save the pure blood that runs in my veins; but I should have told you that I had less than nothing, being in debt.”

And then Bassanio gave the history of Antonio’s agreement with Shylock, the Jew.  He next read the letter which had been brought:  “Sweet Bassanio—­My ships are lost:  my bond to the Jew is forfeited; and since in paying it, it is impossible I should live, I could wish to see you at my death.  Notwithstanding, use your pleasure:  if your love for me do not persuade you to come, let not my letter.”

Then Portia said such a friend should not lose so much as a hair of his head by the fault of Bassanio, and that gold must be found to pay the money; and in order to make all her possessions his, she would even marry her lover that day, so that he might start at once to the help of Antonio.

So in all haste the young couple were wedded, and also their attendants, Gratiano and Nerissa.  Bassanio immediately set out for Venice, where he found his friend in prison.

The time of payment was past, and the Jew would not accept the money offered him:  nothing would do now, he said, but the pound of flesh!  So a day was appointed for the case to be tried before the Duke of Venice; and meanwhile the two friends must wait in anxiety and fear.