Certain Neiv Elucidations of Shakespeare 47 



But this is not to belittle the bridegroom. Presently under the 

 dim light of the stars, for the moon has set, the trumpet of 

 Bassanio and his train will sound out its answering challenge. As 

 Jessica and Lorenzo fall into the background, while the dawn 

 reddens, we discern the relation these have sustained to the chief 

 figures. Portia has just been saying, — 



A substitute shines brightly as a king 



Until a king be by : and then his state 



Empties itself, as doth an inland brook 



Into the main of waters. 



This is the key to the chief expedient here. Lorenzo and Jessica, 

 surrounded by everything that could enhance their joy, seemed 

 favored enough to be the principals in the piece. But the signifi- 

 cance of the satellites is absorbed when the Queen and King 

 assume their station.:^-^ Also, Lorenzo and Jessica are devised to 

 bridge the chasm between the races, before the trial scene, and to 

 soften afterwards the harshness of Shylock's future in our 

 subconscious forecast. 



It seems to the present writer that Quiller-Couch, continuing 

 his personal confession, goes wrong in the last section of his re- 

 port. It became plain to him, he says, that the author did not 

 discover how to draft this ' most delightful act of the play ' at 

 first approach : 



That Shakespeare tried other ways is made evident by one line. Upon 

 Lorenzo's and Jessica's lovely duet there breaks a footfall. Lorenzo,, 

 startled by it, demands — 



Who comes so fast in the silence of the night? 

 Voice. A friend. 



Lorenzo. A friend? What friend? Your name, I pray you, 



"Friend." (Stephano enters.) 

 Stephano. Stephano is my name; and I bring word 

 My mistress will before the break of day 

 Be here at Belmont. She doth stray about 

 By holy crosses, where she kneels and prays 

 For happy wedlock hours. 

 Lorenzo. Who comes with her? 



25 Perhaps the writer may refer to his attempt (Publications of the Mod. 

 Lang. Association, vol. x, p. 106) to indicate the spiritual a fortiore here, 

 by which the marital fortunes of Bassanio and Portia are exalted in our 

 fancy. 



149 



