Monologue

Bassanio Monologue from The Merchant of Venice

From The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

male · anguished · 1:00 min

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No, by my honour, madam, by my soul, No woman had it, but a civil doctor, Which did refuse three thousand ducats of me, And begg’d the ring, the which I did deny him, And suffer’d him to go displeas’d away, Even he that had held up the very life Of my dear friend. What should I say, sweet lady? I was enforc’d to send it after him. I was beset with shame and courtesy. My honour would not let ingratitude So much besmear it. Pardon me, good lady; For by these blessed candles of the night, Had you been there, I think you would have begg’d The ring of me to give the worthy doctor.

About this piece

Bassanio grapples with the conflict between his sense of honor and the expectations placed upon him by others, reflecting on a recent encounter with a doctor who sought a ring he had promised to his wife.

20s · confusion · honor · courtesy · friendship · shame

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