And the time in which those three lived
is described in all the histories of that kingdom as a Golden Age.
It is told by travelers who have visited the Royal city, that a statue
of the Prince Goldenday stands above the old gateway of the Abbey, and
that there are written below it the words:
"TO-DAY IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE."
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE.
AS TOLD BY MARY SEYMOUR.
In the beautiful Italian city of Venice there dwelt in former times a
Jew, by name Shylock, who had grown rich by lending money at high
interest to Christian merchants. No one liked Shylock, he was so hard
and so cruel in his dealings; but perhaps none felt such an abhorrence
of his character as a young man of Venice named Antonio.
This hatred was amply returned by the Jew; for Antonio was so kind to
people in distress that he would lend them money without taking
interest. Besides, he used to reproach Shylock for his hard dealings,
when they chanced to meet. Apparently the Jew bore such reproaches
with wonderful patience; but could you have looked into his heart, you
would have seen it filled with longing for revenge.
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