Read the following situation and act out the dialogue.
Before Bassanio and Portia got married, Portia gave him a ring and made him promise to keep it all his life. Losing it, selling it or giving it away would be the end of her love for him. After the court case between Antonio and Shylock, Bassanio gives the lawyer this ring ...
B: Bassanio P: Portia A: Antonio
B: Sir, to thank you for your help, please take the 3,000 ducats that Shylock must pay to Antonio.
P: Oh no, I can't take that money. Shylock has learnt his lesson, and I am glad that I could help you and save Antonio. Goodbye.
B: But Sir, can't we give you something small by which you can remember us?
P: Well, OK then, since you insist. Antonio, I will take your gloves and Bassanio, I will take this ring of yours. Don't draw back your hand.
B: But Sir, I can't give you this ring. It isn't of much value.
P: That doesn't matter. I like it, and it is the only thing I want from you.
B: I'm sorry, I can't do that. I will give you the most expensive ring in Venice, but not this one. It has a special value for me.
P: I can see you make promises as easy as you break them.
B: Good Sir, this ring was given to me by my wife and she made me promise that I should neither sell nor give nor lose it.
P: That's a bad excuse. I've heard it many times. If your wife knew how well I deserve it, she would no longer be angry with you for giving it to me. Farewell.
A: Bassanio, give him the ring. He deserves it, and for the sake of my love, forget what promise you made to your wife.
B: All fight, I will do it for you. Please, give it to him. |