Page 22 - English_Spark_8

3 The Merchant of Venice

I can read...
I can read...
‘The Merchant of Venice’ is a 16th-century play by William Shakespeare. He

was a great playwright and poet. In this play, a merchant in Venice loans a
large sum of money from a moneylender who is very cruel. What happens
then? Read the story.

Antonio was a rich and prosperous merchant of Venice. His ships were on nearly
every sea. He traded with Portugal, Mexico, England and India. He was very

generous with them, and delighted to use them in relieving the wants of his

friends. Among them, Bassanio held the first place.
Now Bassanio was reckless and extravagant. When he was
unable to pay his creditors, he went to Antonio for further

help.

One day he said to Antonio, ‘‘In Belmont there is

a rich lady. From all countries of the globe renowned suitors come to woo her, not only
because she is rich, but because she is beautiful and good as well. I should win her
away from all rivals for her love had I but the means to go to Belmont, where she lives.’’

‘‘All my fortunes,’’ said Antonio, ‘‘are at sea, and so I have no ready money; but luckily

my credit is good in Venice, and I will borrow for you what you need.’’

22 English-8