ACT 2, SCENE 2


confusions with him’ (line 35). He proceeds to give the old man nonsensical directions and then tells him that Launcelot Gobbo has died:


is indeed


deceased; or, as you would say in plain terms, gone to heaven. (lines 60–62)


l


However, Launcelot soon reveals his true identity to his father: I am Launcelot, your boy that was, your son that is, your child that shall be. (lines 81–82)


l


Old Gobbo comments on how Launcelot has changed and is anxious to know how he and Shylock get along. When Old Gobbo says that he has brought Shylock a gift, Launcelot is outraged. He claims that Shylock has mistreated him by not giving him enough food to eat and suggests that he deserves a noose rather than a present:


Give him


a present?—give him a halter! I am famished in his service. You may tell every finger I have with my ribs. (lines 100–103)


l


Launcelot suggests that his father should offer the gift to Bassanio and just at that moment, Bassanio appears on the scene. Launcelot recognises his good luck:


O rare fortune! Here comes


the man. To him, father, for I am a Jew if I serve the Jew any longer. (lines 106–108)


l


Here Launcelot wants his father to intercede (negotiate) on his behalf to obtain a new position as one of Bassanio’s servants, saying that if he stays with Shylock any longer, he will become like him. It seems as if Launcelot is indeed very fortunate as Bassanio has received his loan and is busy making preparations for his voyage to Belmont. Bassanio’s preparations include hiring servants and getting their uniforms or ‘liveries’ ready.


l


Bassanio proves himself patient and courteous when approached by Launcelot and his father, Old Gobbo. He readily accedes (agrees) to Launcelot’s request, telling him that he heard Shylock speak highly of him earlier. He even promises Launcelot a livery that is ‘More guarded’ (line 148) or distinguished than his other servants’ liveries.


l


Launcelot is elated to have achieved his ‘suit’ (request) and gloats to his father about how lucky he is and what a great future he foresees for himself. He is excited as he goes to take his ‘leave of the Jew’ (line 159).


l


Bassanio tells Leonardo to place the items he has bought for his journey to Belmont safely on the ship and to return quickly, as he has planned a feast for his friends that night before he sets sail for Belmont.


l


Another person now enters the scene requesting a ‘suit’ of Bassanio. This time it is Gratiano who pleads with Bassanio to take him to Belmont. Bassanio agrees to his request, but advises him to be on his best behaviour for fear that Gratiano’s behaviour may compromise his own suit with Portia. Bassanio claims that Gratiano is ‘too wild, too rude and bold of voice’ (line 171). His positive attributes are welcome among his friends, but where he is not known they may ‘show something too liberal’ (lines 174–175), meaning that his behaviour could be interpreted as rude and undisciplined. Gratiano assures Bassanio that he will be on his best behaviour and ‘Use all the observance of civility’ (line 185) there.


l


However, Gratiano says that his good behaviour will not come into effect until after the feast that night and urges Bassanio not to judge him on this behaviour. Bassanio reassures him that he won’t, telling him ‘to put on your boldest suit of mirth, for we have friends that purpose merriment’ (lines 191–193).


l The scene ends with the friends parting, but agreeing to meet again at supper-time.


58 The Merchant of Venice


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