Merchant of Venice. - Repositories

SCENE 3.] NOTES 137
ing as in L, i,, 175 ? Which does Shylock think more at stake,
his honor as a man and a merchant, or his honor as a Jew ?
What have Antonio and Bassanio been saying during this aside
of Shylock's?
11. 51-58. Where does Shylock play the hypocrite in this
speech, and why ? At the end of the speech has he decided to
lend the money ?
1. 61. ripe wants. What comparison is suggested in the
word ripe?
I. 62. possessed. Informed. Often used in Shakespeare
with this meaning.
II. 67, 68. What prompts Shylock to speak these lines?
1. 68. use. Make a practice of.
1. 71. As. In the same sense as in I., i., 150.
1, 72. third possessor. You will recall the trick that Rebekah
practised in order to deceive Isaac, and to get for Jacob the
blessings and the rights of the elder son, Esau. See Gen. xxvii.
1. 72. ay, he was the third. Some actors give this line in
an exultant voice; some only in a hesitating manner, as if
Shylock was only trying to accurately remember the facts.
I. 76. compromised. Agreed. The following lines simply
give another instance in which Jacob won prosperity by shrewdness.
II. 69-84. Why does Shylock tell this long story, that is so
little to the point of the discussion, especially when the Christians
are in a hurry for the money ?