Act 5, Scene 1 Summary

Lorenzo and Jessica are spending a romantic night in Belmont comparing themselves to famous lovers like Thisbee and Pyramus, Dido and Aenaeus, and Jason and Medea. A messenger interrupts them to tell the pair that Portia and Nerissa will be returning from the monastery soon. As the duo prepares to greet her, Launcelot enters, telling them that Bassanio will return the next day.

Portia and Nerissa arrive, and they are greeted by Lorenzo and Jessica. Portia makes them promise not to tell her husband that they ever left. Bassanio enters and happily greets his wife. Bassanio introduces her to Antonio, telling her that he has been acquitted by the court in Venice. The two overhear Nerissa and Gratiano arguing over the ring that he gave away to the clerk in Venice. Portia reprimands him and tells him that her husband would...