Act 3, Scene 2 Summary

Back in Belmont, Bassanio is preparing to make his choice between the caskets, and Portia is pleading with him to wait until he knows her better. Portia is torn between letting him know which casket to choose and following her father's wishes. However, Bassanio does not want to wait. Portia requests that music be played while Bassanio chooses. Bassanio carefully looks over the caskets. Bassanio dismisses the gold casket, for its looks deceive and dismisses the silver box as something common. Bassanio is intrigued by the dangerous look of the lead box and so chooses it. Bassanio opens it to find the picture of Portia with a poem praising him on his wise choice.

Everyone celebrates the wise choice of Bassanio and the two declare their love for one another. Portia gives Bassanio a ring, telling him that it signifies their...