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BASSANIO. For the which, as I told you, Antonio shall be bound.
SHYLOCK. Antonio shall become bound; well?
BASSANIO. May you stead me? Will you pleasure me? Shall I know your answer?
SHYLOCK. Three thousand ducats, for three months, and Antonio bound.
BASSANIO. Your answer to that.
SHYLOCK. Antonio is a good man.
BASSANIO. Have you heard any imputation to the contrary?
SHYLOCK. Ho, no, no, no, no: my meaning in saying he is a good man is to have you understand me that he is sufficient; yet his means are in supposition: he hath an argosy bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies; I understand, moreover, upon the Rialto, he hath a third at Mexico, a fourth for England, and other ventures he hath, squandered abroad. But ships are but boards, sailors but men; there be land-rats and water-rats, land-thieves and water-thieves,--I mean pirates,--and then there is the peril of waters, winds, and rocks. The man is, notwithstanding, sufficient. Three thousand ducats- I think I may take his bond.
BASSANIO. Be assured you may.