Quote 7
BASSANIO.
You shall not seal to such a bond for me!
I'll rather dwell in my necessity. (1.3.166-167)
Hmm. Bassanio protests against Antonio's offer to put up a pound of flesh to secure his loan with Shylock, but he goes ahead and lets his BFF take the risk anyway. Seems like Bassanio is kind of a user, don't you think?
Quote 8
[BASSANIO reads]
Sweet Bassanio, my ships have all miscarried, my
creditors grow cruel, my estate is very low, my bond to
the Jew is forfeit, and since, in paying it, it is impossible I
should live, all debts are cleared between you and I, if
I might but see you at my death. Notwithstanding, use
your pleasure; if your love do not persuade you to
come, let not my letter. (3.2.328-334)
It seems that Antonio is testing Bassanio's love here, basically pitting his love for Antonio against his new love for Portia. Antonio is making a great sacrifice and wants some credit for it, especially if it will make him appear more noble and committed to Bassanio than Portia is.
BASSANIO
Antonio, I am married to a wife
Which is as dear to me as life itself,
But life itself, my wife, and all the world,
Are not with me esteemed above thy life.
I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all
Here to this devil, to deliver you.
PORTIA [aside]
Your wife would give you little thanks for that
If she were by, to hear you make the offer. (4.1.294-301)
Bassanio seems to choose friendship over love here. Maybe it's because he thinks his friend is about to die, or maybe it's because he just married for money. Either way, Portia (disguised here as Balthazar) knows exactly where she stands, but she resolves to do something about it. Keep reading...