Act II, Scene 1

Belmont. A room in PORTIA’S house.

Flourish of cornets. Enter the PRINCE OF MOROCCO [p]and his train; PORTIA, NERISSA, and others attending

• Prince of Morocco. Mislike me not for my complexion, 515
  The shadow'd livery of the burnish'd sun,
  To whom I am a neighbour and near bred.
  Bring me the fairest creature northward born,
  Where Phoebus' fire scarce thaws the icicles,
  And let us make incision for your love, 520
  To prove whose blood is reddest, his or mine.
  I tell thee, lady, this aspect of mine
  Hath fear'd the valiant: by my love I swear
  The best-regarded virgins of our clime
  Have loved it too: I would not change this hue, 525
  Except to steal your thoughts, my gentle queen.

• Portia. In terms of choice I am not solely led
  By nice direction of a maiden's eyes;
  Besides, the lottery of my destiny
  Bars me the right of voluntary choosing: 530
  But if my father had not scanted me
  And hedged me by his wit, to yield myself
  His wife who wins me by that means I told you,
  Yourself, renowned prince, then stood as fair
  As any comer I have look'd on yet 535
  For my affection.

• Prince of Morocco. Even for that I thank you:
  Therefore, I pray you, lead me to the caskets
  To try my fortune. By this scimitar
  That slew the Sophy and a Persian prince 540
  That won three fields of Sultan Solyman,
  I would outstare the sternest eyes that look,
  Outbrave the heart most daring on the earth,
  Pluck the young sucking cubs from the she-bear,
  Yea, mock the lion when he roars for prey, 545
  To win thee, lady. But, alas the while!
  If Hercules and Lichas play at dice
  Which is the better man, the greater throw
  May turn by fortune from the weaker hand:
  So is Alcides beaten by his page; 550
  And so may I, blind fortune leading me,
  Miss that which one unworthier may attain,
  And die with grieving.

• Portia. You must take your chance,
  And either not attempt to choose at all 555
  Or swear before you choose, if you choose wrong
  Never to speak to lady afterward
  In way of marriage: therefore be advised.

• Prince of Morocco. Nor will not. Come, bring me unto my chance.

• Portia. First, forward to the temple: after dinner 560
  Your hazard shall be made.

• Prince of Morocco. Good fortune then!
  To make me blest or cursed'st among men.

[Cornets, and exeunt]