Gob. Alack the day, I know you not, young gentleman; but, I pray you, tell me, is my boy alive or dead? Laun. Do you not know me, father? Gob. Alack, sir, I am sand-blind, I know you not. Laun. Nay, indeed, if you had your eyes, you might fail of the knowing me: it is a wise father, that knows his own child. Well, old man, I will tell you news of your son: Give me your blessing: truth will come to light; murder cannot be hid long, a man's son may; but, in the end, truth will out. Gob. Pray you, sir, stand up; I am sure, you are not Launcelot, my boy. Laun. Pray you, let's have no more fooling about it, but give me your blessing; I am Launcelot, your boy that was, your son that is, your child that shall be. Gob. I cannot think, you are my son. Laun. 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. Gob. Her name is Margery, indeed: I'll be sworn, if thou be Launcelot, thou art mine own flesh and blood. What a beard hast thou got! thou hast got more hair on thy chin, than Dobbin my thill-horse' has on his tail. Laun. 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. Gob. Lord, how art thou changed! How dost thou and thy master agree? I have brought him a present; How 'gree you now? Laun. Well, well; but, for mine own part, as I have set up my rest to run away, so I will not rest till I have run some ground: my master's a very Jew: Give him a present! give him a halter: I am famish'd in his service; you may tell every finger I have with my ribs. Father, I am glad you are come; give me your present to one master Bassanio, who, indeed, gives rare new liveries; if I serve not him, I will run as far as there is any ground. O rare fortune! here comes the man ; -to him, father; for I am a Jew, if I serve the Jew any longer. Enter BASSANIO, with LEONARDO, and other Bass. You may do so; - but let it be so hasted, that supper be ready at the farthest by five of the clock: See these letters deliver'd; put the liveries to making; and desire Gratiano to come anon to my lodging. [Exit a Servant. Laun. To him, father. Bass. Gramercy; Would'st thou aught with me? Laun. Not a poor boy, sir, but the rich Jew's man; that would, sir, as my father shall specify, Gob. He hath a great infection, sir, as one would say, to serve Laun. Indeed, the short and the long is, I serve the Jew, and I have a desire, as my father shall specify, Gob. His master and he, (saving your worship's reverence,) are scarce cater-cousins: Laun. To be brief, the very truth is, that the Jew having done me wrong, doth cause me, as my father, being I hope an old man, shall frutify unto you, Gob. I have here a dish of doves, that I would bestow upon your worship; and my suit is, Laun. In very brief, the suit is impertinent to myself, as your worship shall know by this honest old man; and, though I say it, though an old man, yet, poor man, my father. Bass. One speak for both; What would you? Laun. Serve you, sir. Gob. This is the very defect of the matter, sir. Bass. I know thee well, thou hast obtain'd thy suit: Shylock, thy master, spoke with me this day, Laun. The old proverb is very well parted between my master Shylock and you, sir; you have grace, sir, and he hath enough. Bass. Thou speak'st it well: Go, father with thy son: Take leave of thy old master, and enquire [To his Followers. More guarded than his fellows': See it done. Laun. Father, in: -I cannot get a service, no;' I have ne'er a tongue in my head. Well, father, come; I'll take my leave of the Jew in the twinkling [Exeunt LAUNCELOT and old GOBBO Bass. I pray thee, good Leonardo, think on this; These things being bought, and orderly bestow'd, Return in haste, for I do feast to-night of an eye. My best-esteem'd acquaintance; hie thee, go. Leon. My best endeavours shall be done herein. Gra. You must not deny me; I must go with you to Belmont. 6 Ornamented. Bass. Why, then you must; But hear thee, Thou art too wild, too rude, and bold of voice ; · And in such eyes as ours appear not faults; Thy skipping spirit; lest, through thy wild behaviour, I be misconstrued in the place I go to, Gra. Signior Bassanio, hear me : If I do not put on a sober habit, Talk with respect, and swear but now and then, Like one well studied in a sad ostent 8 9 To please his grandam, never trust me more. me By what we do to-night. Bass. No, that were pity; Your boldest suit of mirth, for we have friends I have some business. Gra. And I must to Lorenzo, and the rest ; But we will visit you at supper-time. [Exeunt. "Licentious. Show of staid and serious demeanour. 9 Carriage, deportment. SCENE III. A Room in Shylock's House. Enter JESSICA and LAUNCElot. my father so; Jes. I am sorry, thou wilt leave And so farewell; I would not have my father Laun. Adieu! - tears exhibit my tongue. Most beautiful pagan, most sweet Jew! If a Christian do not play the knave, and get thee, I am much deceived: But, adieu! these foolish drops > do somewhat drown my manly spirit; adieu! [Exit. Jes. Farewell, good Launcelot. Alack, what heinous sin is it in me, [Exit. SCENE IV. A Street. Enter GRATIANO, LORENZO, SALARINO, and SALANIO. Lor. Nay, we will slink away in supper-time; Disguise us at my lodging, and return All in an hour. |