Merchant of Venice. - Repositories

126 NOTES [ACT I
speech, what should you say was his theory as to the cause of
disease ?
1. 89. cream . . . mantle. Both used as verbs, although used
to-day chiefly as nouns.
1. 90. entertain. Maintain.
1. 91. With purpose. With the purpose.
1. 91. opinion. Reputation.
1. 92. conceit. This word generally meant thought, as here.
To what have we narrowed its meaning ?
I. 93. As who. What ellipsis here ?
II. 93, 94. In what tone do you suppose Gratiano would
speak these lines, and how would they be greeted by the others,
including Antonio ?
1. 96. That therefore only, etc. Who are reputed wise merely
for saying nothing.
I. 98. would. An ellipsis of the subject.
II. 98, 99. those ears, Which. Those people who. In explanation
of this line recall the following, Matt. v. 22: " But I say
unto you. That whosoever is angry with his brother without a
cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall
say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council : but
whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire."
1. 102. gudgeon. A cheap fish easily caught. Explain the
comparison.
1. 104. exhortation after dinner. It is thought that Shakespeare
is making a hit at the enthusiastic preachers of the