Merchant of Venice Act 1, Scene 1 Modern English Translation Meaning Annotations – ICSE Class 10 & 9 English
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Original Text
Act I Scene I
Modern English Reading
Act I Scene I
ANTONIO : Really, I don’t know why I’m so sad; It wearies me; you say it wearies you; But how I caught it, found it, or came by it, What it’s made of, where it started, I must find out; And sadness makes me so crazy That I don’t know who I am.
SALARINO : Your mind is tossing on the ocean, Where your ships, with full sails —Like, gentlemen and rich citizens on the water, Or as if they were in a procession of the sea—Look over the minor merchants, That bow to them, pay them respect, As they fly by them with their woven wings.
Word Meaning With Annotation
In sooth : truly. It wearies me : the sadness of which Antonio is complaining, it seems, is in bom. caught : Antonio speaks of his melancholy as if it had been “caught”, acquired like an infectious disease, came by : acquired, whereof: “of what parents;” “of what origin”, want-wit : a dull person, a stupid fellow, ado : difficulty, trouble, argosies : this word was chiefly used of large and important merchant ships, portly : literally “of good part, “ or of a carriage which suggest importance. The word HERE suggests stoutness or fatness, signiors : gentlemen. pageant : exhibition of any kind which appeals to the eye. Antonio’s ships are said to present such a spectacle, overpeer: literally “peer over,” or ‘look over the top of.” petty traffickers : unimportant trading ships, curt’sy : the manner in which the small and light ships pitch up and down on the waves while the larger ship, because of its greater weight, sweeps along steadily, woven wings : the sails of the ships are woven of canvas, and carry them along just like the wings of birds.
Original Text
Modern English Reading
SALANIO : Believe me, sir, if I had such venture out there, The better part of my thoughts would Be with my hope of their safe arrival. I’d be Still plucking the grass to know where the wind blows, Looking over maps for ports and piers and roads; And every object that would make me afraid of Misfortune to my ships, Would make me sad without a doubt.
SALARINO : My breath, cooling my soup, Would make me ill, when I thought about The damage a mighty wind might do at sea. I shouldn’t see the time pass in the sands of an hour-glass But I’d be thinking about shallows and sandbars, And seeing my wealthy ship of war run aground, Lowering her high top sails lower than her hull To sink. Even if I went to church And saw the holy building of stone, I’d be thinking right away about dangerous rocks, Which, touching only my gentle vessel’s side, Would scatter all her spices across the water, Spreading my silk cargo across the roaring waters, And, in a word, one minute worth this amount of money, And now worth nothing. If I had the mind To think about all this, and if I lacked the mind to see That such a thing could happen, wouldn’t it make me sad? But don’t tell me; I know Antonio is sad to think about his shipments.
Word Meaning With Annotation
Venture : a trading expedition, in which money has been risked, forth : out on the sea. plucking the grass : pluck a blade of grass, and hold it up in order to see from its movement the direction in which the wind is blowing, roads : a sheltered piece of water : where a ship can lie safe from storms, broth : a thick kind of soup, ague : fever which is accompanied by fits of shivering, sandy hour-glass : an apparatus consistsing of two glass bulbs or balls. The sight of the sand within the glass will bring on the thought of dangers from hidden bands of sand at sea, on which ships may run aground, shallows and of flats : a plateau of the sea bottom which rises up near the surface are both dreaded by mariners, my wealthy Andrew : a name applied to any big merchant ship, dock’d in sand : resting on a sand bank, if in dock. Vailing her high-top lower than her ribs : the high top is the top of the mast; the ribs are the sides of the ships. If a ship is aground and has rolled quite over, then the top of the mast may be lower than the sides, vailing : lowering, to kiss her burial : to kiss the sands in which she is buried, which touching but : which, if they only touch etc. spices : aromatic substances and perfumes such as cinammon, musk, etc. stream : sea. Enrobe : cover; clothe, in a word : briefly. Shall I have the thought : shall my imagination make me think that such an unfortunate happening would make me sad. bechanced : having happened.
Original Text
Modern English Reading
ANTONIO : Believe me, no; I thank my fortune for it, My cargos are not all loaded on one ship. Or going to one place, and my whole estate is not Based on the fortune of this present year; So, my shipments don’t make me sad.
SALANIO : Then you must be in love.
ANTONIO : Nonsense, nonsense!
SALANIO : Not in love either? Then let’s say you are sad Because you are not happy ; and it’s easy to say that Because you laugh and leap and say you are happy, Because you are not sad. Now, looking at both sides, Nature has made strange fellows in her time: Some that will peep through their eyes forever, And laugh like parrots at a bag-piper, And the others of such sour disposition That they’ll never smile Although a wise old man swears that the joke is funny. Here comes Bassanio, your most noble relative, Gratiano, and Lorenzo. Goodbye, We leave you now in better company.
Word Meaning With Annotation
Fortune : ‘Luck’ and ‘Wealth’, ventures : business, bottom : ship, my ventures are not in one bottom trusted, nor to one place; nor is my whole estate, upon the fortune of this present year : nor is my financial position dependent on the business ventures of this year. Fie, fie : shame, not in love neither : The old English custom was to double a negative for emphasis, and there was no thought of two negatives cancelling each other out. Janus : He was the Roman God. He is always depicted with two heads, looking in opposite directions. He is mentioned here simply with the idea that Nature creates two different types of men, with different outlooks, peep through their eyes : the men here have such fat cheeks that their eyes are almost closed up, and they have difficulty in seeing through them, laugh like parrots : indulge in shrill screams of laughter, bag piper : one who plays the bag pipe, vinegar aspect : this expression is used to describe a severe and gloomy expression of the countenance. Nestor : was a Greek warrior. He is mentioned here as symbolic of seriousness and gravity in general. Even he would laugh at a certain jest, but the people of “vinegar aspect” would refuse to join in.
Original Text
Modern English Reading
SALARINO : I‘d have stayed until ¡ had made you happy, If worthier friends hadn’t stopped me.
ANTONIO : I appreciate your concern. I see your own business needs you, And you take this opportunity to leave. (Enter Bassanio. Lorenzo and Gratiano.)
SALARINO : Good morning, my good lords.
BASSANIO : Good gentlemen, when are we getting together? Say when.You’re turning into strangers; has it come to that?
SALARINO : We’ll wait until you’re free. Exeunt SALARINO, and SALANIO.
LORENZO : My Lord Bassanio, since you have found Antonio,We’ll leave you; but, at dinner time, Please remember where we’re meeting.
BASSANIO : i won’t forget.
Word Meaning With Annotation
Prevented : “made it unnecessary.” worth : merit; value, laugh : the sense is “When shall we have a merry party together?” you grow exceeding strange : You are becoming strangers to me; I see you so seldom.
Original Text
Modern English Reading
GRATIANO : You don’t look well, Mr, Antonio; You’re thinking too much about the world;They lose it that buy it with a lot of worry. Believe me. you’ve changed drastically.
ANTONIO : I only think of the world as the world, Gratiano; A stage, where every man must play a part, And my part is a sad one.
Word Meaning With Annotation
Respect upon the world : anxious thoughts concerning worldly affairs. They lose it that do buy it with much care : those who spend too much time worrying about worldly matters are never really happy, you are marvellously changed : not looking in his accustomed good health and spirits, and mine a sad one : Shadow of misfortune has fallen upon Antonio. But it may be that Shakespeare wishes to create a feeling of foreboding and destiny, on the principle that “Coming events cast their shadows before.”
Original Text
Modern English Reading
GRATIANO : Let me play the fool; Let old wrinkles come with happiness and laughter; And let my liver get hot with wine rather Than my heart turns cold with depressing groans. Why should a man who’s hot-blooded Sit like a statue of his grandfather, Sleeping when he’s awake, and creeping into jaundice By being spiteful? I tell you what, Antonio—You are my friend, and it’s my friendship that speaks—There is a kind of men whose faces Look foamy and covered like a standing pond, And who maintain a stub bom silence, So that people will think they have Wisdom, seriousness, profound ideas, Such as saying “I am Sir Fortune Teller, And when I open my lips, don’t let any dog bark.”Oh, my Antonio, I know about these men That are only considered wise Because they say nothing; when, I am very sure, If they should speak, they would almost damn those ears Which, hearing them, would call their brothers fools. I’ll tell you more about this another time. But don’t fish for this foolish worthless guppy, This opinion of mine, with this depressing bait. Come, good Lorenzo. Goodbye until later; I’ll end my speech after dinner.
Word Meaning With Annotation
Play the fool : Gratiano says that if Antonio has chosen to play a tragic part, he himself will prefer to have a comic role. And let my liver rather heat with wine : a liver enriched by wine would produce rich blood, and thus a lively personality, mortifying : “death-causing”, sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster : alabaster is a pure white stone used for making statues; hence this means simply “sit as still as a carved statue.” sleep when he wakes : appear sleepy in his waking hours, creep into the jaundice : It was believed then that jaundice was caused by mental worry, peevish : irritable; ill- tempered. there are a sort : ‘sort’ denotes a class containing a number, do cream and mantle like a standing pond : the figure is that of cream forming on the top of milk, or a green covering forming on the top of still waters in a pool. Certain men allow a grave look thus to form on their faces, do a wilful stillness entertain : and assume deliberately a pose of silence, with purpose : with the intention of. Sir Oracle : an Oracle, in the old world, was the inspired utterance of a priest, a direct statement from God. It was received by all without question, let no dog bark : let not even the lowest dare to interrupt, therefore only : solely on that account. If they should speak, would almost damn those ears : these men earn a reputation for wisdom by saying nothing. But if they should speak, they would almost bring damnation or divine punishment on those who heard them,-for those who listened could not help saying ‘Fools! melancholy bait : by using melancholy just as an angler uses a bait on his hook to catch a fish, gudgeon : is a worthless and stupid fish, very easily caught, exhortation : sermon; good advice
Original Text
Modern English Reading
LORENZO : OK, we’ll leave you then until dinner-time. I must be one of these same dumb wise man, Because Gratiano never lets me speak.
GRATIANO : Well, keep me company for only two more years, and You’ll never know the sound of your own voice.
ANTONIO : Goodbye, I’ll be a better talker by dinner.
GRATIANO : Thanks, really, because silence is only commendable In a cow’s dried tongue, and in a girl who’s not for sale. [Gratiano and Lorenzo exit.]
ANTONIO : Is that anything to think about now?
BASSANIO : Gratiano speaks an infinite deal about nothing, more than any man in all Venice. His reasons are like two grains of wheat hidden In two bushels of cornhusks: you can look all day before you find them, and when you found that small quantity you have got us not worth.
Word Meaning With Annotation
More : many, for this gear : Antonio is supposed to say humorously, “Well, you have converted me: I shall be a talker instead of a silent man.” in a neat’s tongue dried and a maid not vendible : “In a dried ox tongue ready for the table, or in a woman who has missed the chance of making a marriage.” infinte deal of nothing : a vast amount of nonsense, have therq, they aren’t worth the search.
Original Text
Modern English Reading
ANTONIO : Well, tell me now about the lady, The one you swore to make a secret trip to,The one you promised to tell nie about today?
BASSANIO : You know, Antonio, How much I have wasted my money by putting on a fancier appearance than my small funds could support; I don’t come to you now to ask that you Forgive my debts, because my chief concern Is to make good on these great debts which my behavior, sometimes reckless and wasteful, has left me broke. To you, Antonio, I owe the most, in money and in friendship, and, from your friendship, I have a guarantee To get rid of all my plots and intentions as to How to get clear all the debts I owe.
ANTONTO : Please, good Bassanio, tell me; And if it is, honorable, as you yourself still are,Be assured that my purses my person, My utmost ability can be used for your benefit.
Word Meaning With Annotation
Well : tell me now, what lady is the same to whom you swore a secret pilgrimage, that you today promis’d to tell me of : Antonio’s words introduce Portia and prepare us for her appearance in Scene II. disabled mine estate : reduced my resources; strained my means, something : to some extent; somewhat, swelling port: an appearance of wealth and ostentation, than my faint continuance : that my scanty income can enable to continue or keep up. make moan to be abridged : grumble at having to be reduced (in my expenditure.) noble rate : noble style of living, to come fairly off : to come out honourable from, wherein my time, something too prodigal, Hath left me gaged : in which my life, which has been rather wasteful, has left me involved. I have a warranty : mean “an assurance” or “I have the privilege of’, unburthen all my plots and purposes: to unfold to you all my schemes and intentions, how to get clear : by means of which I hope to get clear, within the eye of honour: within honourable limits; within what men would regard as honourable, advised watch, careful observation, my person : my very body. Antonio only offers this in the exaggeration of speech, but the events of the drama make it come literally true, extremest : utmost resources, unlock’d to your occasions : open to your every need.
Original Text
Modern English Reading
BASSANIO : When I was in school, when I had lost one arrow, I shot another one of identical length In an identical way, with more thoughtful care, To find the one I lost, and by risking both, I often Found both. I’m telling you about this childhood event, Because I say next is as pure and innocent. I owe you a lot, and, like a willful youth, I have lost what I owe you, but if you will please Lend me money in the identical way That you lent me the first money, I don’t doubt, As I’ll be more careful, to find both sums, Or I’ll bring your second loan back-again And just owe you thankfully for the first.
ANTONIO : You know me well, and waste time here To twist a story about my friendship with examples; And, no doubt, you insult me By questioning the limits of my friendship As if you had wasted everything I have. You only have say to me what I should do That you think I can do, And I am committed to it; so, ask me.
Word Meaning With Annotation
His fellow : Here it means “a similar arrow.” of the self-same flight : “with equal range.” to find the other forth : the word forth will give the simplest meaning if we take it as going along, childhood proof : illustration from childhood, because what follows is pure innocence : Bassanio’s meaning is that he produces an illustration from the innocent days of his childhood, like a wilful youth : as is usually the case with a reckless youth, self way : “the same way”, or to find both : the or here is used in the sense of “either”, circumstance : hints, uttermost : my extreme efforts, may by me be done : is-possible for me to do. prest Into it : drawn to your aid.
Original Text
Modern English Reading
BASSANIO : In Belmont, there is a rich heiress And she is beautiful and, more beautiful than that word, She has wonderful virtues. Sometimes, I receive Beautiful, silent messages from her eyes. Her name is Portia—the poet’s daughter and The assassin’s Portia fall short by comparison. The wide world is not ignorant of her worth, Because the four winds blow in famous men who Want to marry her from every coast, and her golden curls Hang on her head like a golden fleece, Which makes Belmont, her home, a rich island in a lake, And many sailors and heroes come to find her. Oh, my Antonio! If I only had the means To compete with one of them, I have a mind that predicts such good luck for me That I will undoubtedly be a very lucky one.
ANTONIO : You know that all my funds are invested in ships At sea; I don’t have the money or goods to raise such a large sum; So, go out, See what my credit in Venice can do for you, Credit that shall be stretched, even to the outer limits, to supply you for your trip to Belmont to beautiful Portia. Go now and ask where money can be found, and I will too, and I will not object to borrowing it on my account or in my name. Exeunt.
Word Meaning With Annotation
Fairer than that word : what is even better than the word “Fair,” fair speechless messages : silent glances which revealed her thoughts, nothing undervalued : in no way inferior to. Portia : Shakespeare wife, Portia, is a daughter of the famous Roman scholar and orator, Cato, four winds : North, South, East, and West, golden fleece : the reference is to a famous legend of ancient Greece. “Fleece” usually refers to the crop of wool from the back of a sheep or ram. many Jasons : many suitors came, just as Jason come of old. hold a rival place with : oppose them as a rival. I have a mind presages me such thrift : I have in my mind an instinct telling me that I shall be so fortunate as to be the lucky one. commodity : goods; merchandise, rack’d : strained; stretched to the utmost, to furnish thee to Belmont : to equip you suitably for your expedition to Belmont. I no question make : I have no doubt that I shall.
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