(Antonio's thoughts as he travels to Belmont)
Oh, Bassanio, my dear friend, my heart is filled with joy and worry for you. I pray that you shall succeed in your quest to win Portia's hand. Your happiness is my own, and I would do anything to ensure your success.
But, oh, the weight of that bond with Shylock! It hangs heavy on my mind, like a dark cloud over a sunny day. I fear I have made a grave mistake, risking my own flesh and blood for your sake. Yet, for your love, I would risk all.
(Antonio arrives in Belmont and finds Bassanio)
Ah, Bassanio! My dear friend! I see you are well, and that your spirits are high. I pray that Portia shall see the goodness in your heart, and choose you as her own.
Bassanio: (excitedly) Ah, Antonio! Dear friend! I am so glad you are here! I have a good feeling about this, I truly do.
Antonio: (smiling) I share your optimism, my friend. But let us not be too hasty. We must approach this with caution and wisdom.
(Bassanio and Antonio confer, discussing their plan to win Portia's heart. As they approach Portia's palace)
Ah, Bassanio, my heart beats fast with excitement and nerves. This is a momentous occasion, one that shall determine your fate and happiness. I pray that Portia shall see the good in you, and choose you as her own.
(They enter the palace, and Portia greets them)
Portia: (smiling) Ah, Bassanio! Welcome to my humble home. I see you have brought a friend.
Bassanio: (bowing) Yes, fair Portia. This is Antonio, my dear friend and benefactor.
Portia: (looking at Antonio with interest) Ah, Antonio. I have heard of your generosity and kindness. You are a true friend indeed.
Antonio: (bowing) Thank you, fair Portia. Your words are too kind.
(As Portia and Bassanio talk, Antonio observes, his heart filled with love and concern for his friend)
Oh, Bassanio, my dear friend! I see the way you look at Portia, with such love and adoration in your eyes. I pray that she shall return your affections, and that you shall be happy together.
(As the scene progresses, Antonio continues to observe and offer guidance, his thoughts filled with a mix of joy and worry for his dear friend Bassanio)
Portia: (to Antonio and Bassanio) I pray you, tell me, how do you like this young man?
Antonio: (smiling) He is a very handsome young man, and his words are sweet and courteous.
Portia: (laughing) Ah, but do you think he is worthy of me?
Bassanio: (eagerly) Oh, fair Portia, you are too kind to ask such a question. You are far above my worth, and I am but a humble suitor.
Portia: (smiling) Ah, but I think you are worthy, Bassanio. And I will give you a chance to prove it. (she explains the three caskets)
Antonio: (to himself) Oh, Bassanio, my friend, I fear this is a tricky test. But I have faith in you, and I know you shall succeed.
Bassanio: (excitedly) Oh, fair Portia, I accept your challenge! I shall choose one of the caskets, and if I succeed, you shall be mine!
Portia: (smiling) Very well, Bassanio. Choose wisely.
(Just then, a messenger arrives and approaches Antonio)
Messenger: Antonio, sir! I bring news from the sea. Your ship, the one that was bound for Egypt, has met with a terrible fate...
Antonio: (alarmed) What? What has happened?
Messenger: (soberly) It has been wrecked, sir. The crew was saved, but the cargo is lost.
Antonio: (stunned) Oh, no! My fortunes! My entire wealth!
(to Bassanio) Dear Bassanio, my ships are near, I should leave immediately.
(Antonio exits quickly, as the scene ends with Bassanio about to choose the casket)
YOU ARE READING
Merchant of Venice: Take 1, Antonio's Perspective
Fanfic🌸 Reimagining of "The Merchant of Venice" from a different angle 🌸 Antonio and Bassanio's bond transcends friendship 🌸Their relationship is characterized by deep, unspoken love 🌸Antonio's feelings for Bassanio run deeper than friendship 🌸Bassan...
