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Merchant of Venice Act 2, Scene 1
This begins back in Portia's Belmont home. A flourish of cornets announce the arrival of the Prince of Morocco, who enters with his train. Portia and Nerissa enter, followed by Portia's train. The Prince of Morocco speaks to Portia, asking her not to judge him based on his appearance, assuring her that it has nothing to do with his value as a potential husband: "Bring me the fairest creature northward born, where Phoebus' fire scarce thaws the icicles, and let us make incision for your love to prove whose blood is reddest, his or mine." Act 2, Scene 1, lines 4-7
Topic Tracking: Fortune 3
Topic Tracking: Persecution 3
Portia assures the Prince that she is not so shallow to judge him based on the color of his skin, and even if she did, it wouldn't matter, since she has no choice in whom she will marry. The Prince again makes a point of just how worthy a husband he would be, and curses luck that would allow a less worthy man to be victorious: "If Hercules and Lichas play at dice which is the better man, the greater throw may turn by fortune from the weaker hand." Act 2, Scene 1, lines 32-4 Portia reminds him that if he chooses wrong, he must never again come to her with marriage in mind. The Prince agrees, and asks to be brought to the chests that he might take his chance. Portia tells him it can wait until after dinner. They all exit under another flourish of cornets.
