[Footnote 21: _--the young German, the Duke of Saxony's nephew_.; In
Shakespeare's time the Duke of Bavaria visited London, and was make
Knight of the Garter. Perhaps in this enumeration of Portia's suitors,
there may be some covert allusion to those of Queen Elizabeth.--JOHNSON]




SCENE III.--THE MERCHANT'S EXCHANGE ON THE RIALTO ISLAND.(c) SAN
JACOPO, THE MOST ANCIENT CHURCH IN VENICE, OCCUPIES ONE SIDE OF THE
SQUARE.


_Enter_ BASSANIO _and_ SHYLOCK. (D)

_Shy_. Three thousand ducats,--well,

_Bas_. Ay, sir, for three months.

_Shy_. For three months,--well.

_Bas_. For the which, as I told you, Antonio shall be bound.

_Shy_. Antonio shall become bound,--well.

_Bas_. May you stead me? Will you pleasure me? Shall I know your answer?

_Shy_. Three thousand ducats, for three months, and Antonio bound.