The Comedy of the Merchant of Venice (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1805 edition. Excerpt: ...It is much5 that the Moor should be more than reason: but if she be less than an honest woman,6 she is, indeed, more than I took her for. Lor. How every fool can play upon the word I think, the best grace of wit will shortly turn into silence;7 and discourse grow commendable in none only but parrots--Go in, sirrah, bid them prepare for dinner. Laun. 5 It is much that the Moor should be more, Sfc This reminds us of the quibbling epigram of Milton, which has the same kind of humour to boast of: " Galli ex concubitu gravidam te, Pontia, Mori, " Quis bene moratam, morigeram que neget?" Steevens. Shakspeare, no doubt, had read or heard of the old epigram on Sir Thomas More: " When More some years had chancellor been, ." No more suits did remain; " The like shall never more be seen, " Till More be there again." Ritson. 6 but if she be less than an honest woman, A change of the word less into more would make the jingle fuller, and, in " more than an honest wo" man," I think, may be perceived an allusion to the increase of " the negro's belly." Capell. 7 the best grace of wit will shortly turn into silence, Sfc The most becoming form that wit can. assume will be that of keeping silence. E. Laun. That is done, sir; they have all stomachs. Lor. Goodly lord,8 what a wit-snapper are you then bid them prepare dinner. Laun. That is done too, sir; only, cover is the word. Lor. Will you cover then, sir? Laun. Not so, sir, neither; I know my duty. Lor. Yet more quarrelling with occasion 9 wilt thou shew the whole wealth of thy wit in an instant? I pray thee, understand a plain man in his plain meaning: go to thy fellows; bid them cover the table, serve in the meat, and we will come in to dinner. Laun. For the table, sir, it shall be serv'd in; for the meat, sir, ...