Act 2, Scene 9 Summary

The prince of Arragon is at Belmont and is about to make his choice. The prince is brusque and insulting to Portia. The man tells her that she would have to be more beautiful to him in order for him to pick the gold box. The prince dismisses the lead box, and so chooses the silver box since it contains what he deserves. However, he finds a portrait of an idiot inside with a poem describing him as a fool. The prince leaves quietly in his own anger. A servant enters telling Portia that a young Venetian has arrived looking like he is the perfect suitor. Portia and Nerissa go to see what man is worthy of such high praise from the servant, and Nerissa hopes it is Bassanio coming to win Portia's hand.

Act 2, Scene 9 Analysis

Again we see another...