The Merchant of Venice | Page 80

80
The husbandry and manage of my house Until my lord ' s return; for mine own part, I have toward heaven breath ' d a secret vow To live in prayer and contemplation, Only attended by Nerissa here, Until her husband and my lord ' s return. There is a monastery two miles off, And there we will abide. I do desire you Not to deny this imposition, The which my love and some necessity Now lays upon you.
LORENZO. Madam, with all my heart I shall obey you in an fair commands.
PORTIA. My people do already know my mind, And will acknowledge you and Jessica In place of Lord Bassanio and myself. So fare you well till we shall meet again.
LORENZO. Fair thoughts and happy hours attend on you!
JESSICA. I wish your ladyship all heart ' s content.
PORTIA. I thank you for your wish, and am well pleas ' d To wish it back on you. Fare you well, Jessica.
[ Exeunt JESSICA and LORENZO.]
Now, Balthasar, As I have ever found thee honest-true,