第29章

PORTIA.That light we see is burning in my hall.How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.NERISSA.When the moon shone, we did not see the candle.PORTIA.Sodoth the greater glory dim the less: A substitute shines brightly as a king Until a king be by, and then his state Empties itself, as doth an inland brook Into the main of waters.Music! hark! NERISSA.It is your music, madam, of the house.PORTIA.Nothing is good, I see, without respect; Methinks it sounds much sweeter than by day.NERISSA.Silence bestows that virtue on it, madam.PORTIA.The crow doth sing as sweetly as the lark When neither is attended; and I think ne nightingale, if she should sing by day, When every goose is cackling, would be thought No better a musician than the wren.How many things by season season'd are To their right praise and true perfection! Peace, ho! The moon sleeps with Endymion, And would not be awak'd.[Music ceases] LORENZO.That is the voice, Or I am much deceiv'd, of Portia.PORTIA.He knows me as the blind man knows the cuckoo, By the bad voice.LORENZO.Dear lady, welcome home.PORTIA.We have been praying for our husbands' welfare, Which speed, we hope, the better for our words.Are they return'd? LORENZO.Madam, they are not yet; But there is come a messenger before, To signify their coming.PORTIA..Go in, Nerissa; Give order to my servants that they take No note at all of our being absent hence; Nor you, Lorenzo; Jessica, nor you.[A tucket sounds] LORENZO.Your husband is at hand; I hear his trumpet.We are no tell-tales, madam, fear you not.PORTIA.This night methinks is but the daylight sick; It looks a little paler; 'tis a day Such as the day is when the sun is hid.