you I had no wealth, save the pure blood that runs in my veins; but I
should have told you that I had less than nothing, being in debt."

And then Bassanio gave the history of Antonio's agreement with Shylock,
the Jew. He next read the letter which had been brought: "Sweet
Bassanio--My ships are lost: my bond to the Jew is forfeited; and since
in paying it, it is impossible I should live, I could wish to see you
at my death. Notwithstanding, use your pleasure: if your love for me
do not persuade you to come, let not my letter."

Then Portia said such a friend should not lose so much as a hair of his
head by the fault of Bassanio, and that gold must be found to pay the
money; and in order to make all her possessions his, she would even
marry her lover that day, so that he might start at once to the help of
Antonio.

So in all haste the young couple were wedded, and also their
attendants, Gratiano and Nerissa. Bassanio immediately set out for
Venice, where he found his friend in prison.

The time of payment was past, and the Jew would not accept the money
offered him: nothing would do now, he said, but the pound of flesh! So
a day was appointed for the case to be tried before the Duke of Venice;
and meanwhile the two friends must wait in anxiety and fear.

Portia had spoken cheeringly to her husband when he left her, but her
own heart began to sink when she was alone; and so strong was her
desire to save one who bad been so true a friend to her Bassanio, that
she determined to go to Venice and speak in defence of Antonio.