Portia
Portia - meaning Summary
Admiration and Legal Wit
The speaker praises Portia’s surpassing beauty and commends her intelligence and moral authority. He notes rival suitors and a dazzling appearance, then shifts to her disguise as a lawyer who outwits Venice’s laws to save Antonio from the harsh bond. The poem blends romantic admiration with respect for her legal courage, ending with the speaker offering his heart and accepting the outcome of her intervention.
Read Complete AnalysesI marvel not Bassanio was so bold To peril all he had upon the lead, Or that proud Aragon bent low his head, Or that Morocco's fiery heart grew cold: For in that gorgeous dress of beaten gold Which is more golden than the golden sun, No woman Veronesé looked upon Was half so fair as thou whom I behold. Yet fairer when with wisdom as your shield The sober-suited lawyer's gown you donned And would not let the laws of Venice yield Antonio's heart to that accursèd Jew-- O Portia! take my heart: it is thy due: I think I will not quarrel with the Bond.
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