Episode 10

Portia and Nerissa returned home to Belmont, with their husbands’ rings. Soon after, Bassanio and Gratiano arrived with Antonio. Antonio had heard that his ships were safe, arid he was very happy.

“You are very welcome home, my lord Bassanio,” Portia said.

“My dearest Portia, I want you to meet Antonio,” Bassanio said. “This is the friend who put himself in danger, so I could come to Belmont and ask you to marry me.”

“Sir, you are more welcome than I can say,” Portia said.

“Gratiano,” Nerissa said suddenly. “Where is the ring that I gave to you?”

“My dear Nerissa, please forgive me,” Gratiano said. “I gave it to a young man.”

“You promised to wear that ring forever,” Nerissa said.

“Gratiano, that was a terrible thing to do,” Portia said.

“What can I tell Portia about my ring?” Bassanio said quietly to himself. “Perhaps I could cut off

my hand and say I lost the ring in a fight.”

“I do not believe you gave the ring to a man. I think you gave it to another woman,” Nerissa said.

“I did not give the ring to a woman,” Gratiano said to Nerissa. “Bassanio gave his ring to the lawyer who saved Antonio. I gave mine to the young man who was helping him.”

“Is this true, Bassanio?” Portia asked.

“It is,” Bassanio replied. “I am so sorry, Portia, but this was the man who saved Antonio’s life.”

“Then I am married to this lawyer,” Portia said with a smile. “After all, he is wearing my ring.”

“No. You are still my wife. Please, Portia,” Bassanio begged. “I will never break another promise to you again. I swear that upon my life.”

“And I swear upon my life that Bassanio will keep that promise. Please believe us, my dearest

lady,” Antonio said.

“Very well,” said Portia. “Antonio, take this ring, and make sure Bassanio does not lose it this time.” She handed Antonio the ring.

“But that’s my ring! I don’t understand,” said Bassanio, taking the ring from Antonio.

“What is going on, here?” asked Gratiano, as Nerissa handed him his ring. “Please, Portia, tell us!”

“Here is a letter from my cousin, Bellario,” Portia said. “He is a lawyer. It will explain everything.”

Bassanio took the letter from Portia and read it. Gratiano and Antonio read the letter over Bassanio’s shoulder.

“So, you were the lawyer, and I didn’t know you!” Bassanio said to Portia.

“And you were the young man who helped him, and I never knew!” said Gratiano to Nerissa.

“We have the cleverest wives in the world, Gratiano!” said Bassanio, laughing.

“It is true, and you must always remember it!” said Portia.