ACT 2 SCENE1 Paraphrase of The Merchant Of Venice for Class 9 , 10

ACT 2 SCENE1 (BELMONT. A ROOM IN PORTIA’S HOUSE. FLOURISH OF CORNETS.ENTER THE PRINCE OF MOROCCO AND HIS TRAIN; PORTIA, NERISSA, AND OTHERS ARE PORTIA’S ATTENDANTS)

SPEECH OF MOROCCO:

Do not dislike me for my complexion, because this is the dark colour bestowed by the sun over the countries to whom I am their neighbour and is closely related to them.

Bring me the fairest creature from the north and let us make an incision for your love and let us see whose blood is more red, his or mine. I tell you, lady, this appearance of mine had frightened valiant (brave): by my love, I swear you that the best regarded virgins of our country have loved it:I would not change this hue except to win your affections, gentle queen.

SPEECH OF PORTIA:

Regarding my choice, I am not solely influenced by the attractive looks which please a maiden’s eye’s:

Besides, the lottery that will choose my destiny that restricts me to choose voluntarily. If my father had not deprived me of free choice and bounded by his wisdom to yield myself as a wife to that person who wins me by the system of the lottery, You as a renowned prince would stand as good as any suitor I have seen so far.

SPEECH OF MOROCCO:

Even for that, I thank you: Therefore I pray you to lead me to the caskets to try my fortune. By this scimitar(short,curved sword),That slew the Sophy(Emperor of Persia) and Persian Prince and which also won three battles against Sultan Solyman,I would look defiantly into the eyes that are very bold, I would defeat the most daring heart on this Earth, Pluck the young suckling cubs from the she-bear and mock the lion when he roars for the prey only to win your love lady. But alas! if Hercules and Lichas play at dice where the greater throw comes from the weaker hand rather than the greater hand:therefore Alicides(Hercules)is beaten by his own servant; and so I may be led by the blind fortune, I will miss the luck which one less worthy gain and then I should die of grief.

SPEECH OF PORTIA:

You must take your chance; or do not attempt the casket system at all, Or swear before you choose that if you choose wrong then you will never speak to lady afterward in a way of marriage: therefore you are warned before.

SPEECH OF MOROCCO:

I will never ask anyone else to marry: Let us go to my trial.

SPEECH OF PORTIA:

let us go forward to the temple: after dinner, your gamble shall be made.

SPEECH OF MOROCCO:

Good fortune then! To make me blest or curd’st among men!