威尼斯商人-2

The Merchant of Venice¹ 002

Posha’s father had wanted to find a good husband for his lovely daughter. So before he died, he found a nice plan to choose the right husband. He has three small boxes made of different metals. One box was made of gold, another box of silver, and the third of lead. He put a picture of Posha in one of these boxes. The father wished Posha to marry the first man that was able to guess which box had the picture. Some words were written on each box. Posha feared that the man she did not like find the picture. But she had to obey what her father had decided². The first young man that tried to win Posha was a prince from Africa. She showed the prince all the boxes and said: “ My picture is inside one of these boxes, please choose.” The prince thought that the only gold box was good enough for Posha. And on the box were these words: The man he chose me will get what many man desired. The prince took the key from Posha and opened the box. But he found only a terrible picture of death, and a piece of paper inside. On the paper was written : all the brightly is not gold. The prince was greatly disappointed³ of guessing wrong and went away. The next man was a Spanish prince. He chose the silver box. On the box were these words. The man who chooses me will get more than what he ought to get. He was proud and said. I am a great man so I ought to get what I desire. He took the key and opened the box. He didn’t find the beautiful picture of Posha. But a picture of fool’s head and a piece of paper it said, there are many fools covered in silver. The prince was disappointed and also went away. Then Posha’s servant Nuisha came to her and said: “a young man from Venice is coming to see you.” This young man was of cause Bashanio. He reached Posha’s house in ** with his friend called Vatanio. Vatanio and Nuisha loved each other. Posha was very glad to meet Barshanio. She loved Barshanio and wish to marry him. She feared that he will choose the wrong box. She wanted to tell him which box to open. But she disprized her feelings. Posha ased Barshnio waited there two weeks before he chose. Because she wanted to be together with him for some time. But Barshanio said let me choose now. So Posha had to show the three boxes to him. Barshanio looked at the boxes and though for a long time. Finally he decided. Gold and silver are surely⁴ beautiful outside, but they are not always beautiful inside. On the other hand, plain lead does not to pretend⁵ to be better than it is. So I choose lead, said Barshanio. On the lead box written, the man who chose me must give everything he has. He opened and found a beautiful picture of Posha. And a piece of paper in the box it said. If you are pleased with this, turn to the lady and kiss her. Barshanio turned to Posha and said: “ Dear lady will you be mind?” Then Posha took a ring of her finger and give it to Barshanio. Take this ring she said. When you lose it or give it away, our love will end. Barshanio received the ring and joy in the light. He promised never to lose it or give it away.
 

1 Venice   

n.威尼斯(意大利港市)

参考例句：

• Venice is one of the great tourist attractions of the world.威尼斯是世界上令人向往的旅游胜地之一。
• Venice is celebrated for its beautiful buildings.威尼斯以美丽的建筑而闻名。

2 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

3 disappointed   

adj.失望的，不满意的，不如意的

参考例句：

• He seemed disappointed when the man refused his request.当那个人拒绝了他的要求时他看起来很失望。
• He was disappointed so often that he became hopeless.他屡次失望，以致变为了绝望。

4 surely   

adv.确实地，无疑地；必定地，一定地

参考例句：

• It'should surely be possible for them to reach an agreement.想必他们可以达成协议。
• Surely we'll profit from your work.我们肯定会从你的工作中得到益处。

5 pretend   

vt.假装，假托，装扮；vi.假装，装作

参考例句：

• So you don't need to pretend,do you?所以你不必装假了，对吧？
• Many people pretend that they understand modern art.许多人装着自己懂得现代艺术。