Episode 4

Portia’s father had known that many men would want to marry her because she was both beautiful and rich. Before he died, he designed a test that only the perfect husband could pass. There were three boxes. The first box was gold, the second was silver aid the third was lead. The right box had a picture of Portia inside.

Portia was sitting with Nerissa.

‘Oh, Nerissa,” she said. “I wish I could find the right man to marry.’

“But my lady,” Nerissa said. “There are many men who want to marry you.”

“1 don’t love any of these men,” Portia said sadly. “I want to be able to choose my own husband, but I cannot because of my father’s test.”

“You know you must do what your father asked,” said Nerissa. “He was a very wise and loving man. Only the man who loves you will pass the test, and this man will be the man you love.”

“But | already know the man I love,” said Portia. “You know him, too. His name is Bassanio. And, you know, I think he loves me, too.”

“Then, if he tries, he will pass the test,” said Nerissa calmly.

But first, the Prince of Morocco wants to try,” said Portia. “And after him, the Prince of Arragon."The Prince of Morocco arrived with his friends and servants. Portia brought him into the room with the three boxes.

“You know, Prince,” said Portia, “if you choose the wrong box, you can never marry, and you can

never see me again.”

“Yes, I know, but I still want to try,” said the Prince. He went up to the three boxes and slowly read the writing on each one.

“I will choose the gold box,” he said. “This is what it says: The man who chooses me will have what many men want. Many men want Portia, so this must be the right box.”

He opened the gold box slowly. There was a piece of paper inside, with these words written on it: All that glitters is not gold. Often have you heard that told.

“I have chosen the wrong box. Goodbye, my lady,” he said, and left the room. Portia smiled.

“That is good,” she said. “But here is the Prince of Arragon.”

The Prince of Arragon looked at each box carefully.

“The silver box must be the right one,” he said, smiling at Portia. "It says: The man who chooses me will have what he deserves. I am sure that I deserve you, Portia.”

He opened the silver box and found the picture of a clown.

“What is this? Is this what I deserve?” he cried. Portia said nothing, and the Prince of Arragon left quickly.