Lorenzo

Nay, we will slink away in suppertime,

Disguise us at my lodging and return,

All in an hour.

Gratiano

We have not made good preparation.

Salerio

We have not spoke us yet of torchbearers.

Salanio

'Tis vile, unless it may be quaintly ordered,

And better in my mind not undertook.

Lorenzo

'Tis now but four of clock: we have two hours

To furnish us. Enter LAUNCELOT, with a letter.

Friend Launcelot, what's the news?

Launcelot

An it shall please you to break up this, it shall seem to signify.

Lorenzo

I know the hand: in faith, 'tis a fair hand;

And whiter than the paper it writ on

Is the fair hand that writ.

Gratiano

Love-news, in faith.

Launcelot

By your leave, sir.

Lorenzo

Whither goest thou?

Launcelot

Marry, sir, to bid my old master the Jew to sup to-night with my new master the Christian.

Lorenzo

Hold here, take this: tell gentle Jessica

I will not fail her; speak it privately.

Go, gentlemen, Exit Launcelot.

Will you prepare you for this masque to-night?

I am provided of a torchbearer.

Salerio

Ay, marry, I'll be gone about it straight.

Salanio

And so will I.

Lorenzo

Meet me and Gratiano

At Gratiano's lodging some hour hence.

Salerio

'Tis good we do so. Exeunt Salar. and Salan.

Gratiano

Was not that letter from fair Jessica?

Lorenzo

I must needs tell thee all. She hath directed

How I shall take her from her father's house,

What gold and jewels she is furnished with,

What page's suit she hath in readiness.

If e'er the Jew her father come to heaven,

It will be for his gentle daughter's sake:

And never dare misfortune cross her foot,

Unless she do it under this excuse,

That she is issue to a faithless Jew.

Come, go with me; peruse this as thou goest:

Fair Jessica shall be my torchbearer. Exeunt.