He
replied that he could say but little; and prepared to take leave of his
well-beloved Bassanio, bidding him tell his wife how he had died for
friendship.
In his grief, Bassanio cried out that, dearly as he loved his wife,
even she could not be more precious to him than Antonio's life; and
that he would lose her and all he had, could it avail to satisfy the
Jew.
"Your wife would give you little thanks for that, if she were by to
hear you make that offer," said Portia; not at all angry, however, with
her husband for loving such a noble friend well enough to say this.
Then Bassanio's servant exclaimed that _he_ had a wife whom he loved,
but he wished she were in heaven, if, by being there, she could soften
the heart of Shylock.
At this, Nerissa--who, in her clerk's dress, was by Portia's
side--said, "It is well you wish this behind her back."
But Shylock was impatient to be revenged on his victim, and cried out
that time was being lost. So Portia asked if the scales were in
readiness; and if some surgeon were near, lest Antonio should bleed to
death.
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