There
I have another bad match: a bankrout, a prodigal, who dare scarce show his head
on the Rialto;-a beggar, that was used to come so smug upon the mart;-let him
look to his bond; he was wont to call me usurer;-let him look to his bond: he
was wont to lend money for a Christian courtesy:-let him look to his bond.
-Shylock
The Merchant of Venice Act III, scene i, line 45
Shylock is talking about Antonio here. He
has met Sal one and two on the street, and first they are talking about
Shylock’s daughter, Jessica, and then Salarino asks him if he’s had any news of
Antonio’s ships at sea. Today’s Totally Random Line(s) is Shylock’s reply to
that, talking about Antonio.
The Rialto is kind of like the main square
of Venice where everyone comes to conduct business. When Shylock talks of Antonio’s
bond, he’s talking about the contract that he signed when he borrowed the three
thousand ducats; the contract that gives Shylock a pound of flesh if Antonio
defaults. He seems to be pretty focused on that bond, eh?
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