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Bassanio chooses the lead casket and it contains Portia's portrait. He wins Portia's hand in marriage.
- ... thou meagre lead,
Which rather threatenest than dost promise aught,
Thy paleness moves me more than eloquence;
And here choose I; joy be the consequence!
... What find I here?
Fair Portia's counterfeit!.... (3.2.104-107, 114-115)
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Lorenzo and Jessica arrive at Belmont with a letter that mentions the lost of Antonio's ships. Antonio is now trapped by the bond which he signed that will require him to pay the forfeiture with a pound of his flesh.
- But let me hear the letter of your friend.
Sweet Bassanio, my ships have all miscarried, my
creditors grow cruel, my estate is very low, my bond to the
Jew is forfeit; and since in paying it, it is impossible I
should live, all debts are cleared between you and I, if I
might but see you at my death. Notwithstanding, use your
pleasure: if your love do not persuade you to come, let not
my letter. (3.2.313-320)