45 
 
 
 
ACT III 
 
 
SCENE I.  The Rialto.  Three Jew merchants, meeting. 
 
 
SHACKABACK. 
 
OW we shall know the truth,  Here’s Issachar. 
ISRAEL. 
His eyes 
Half starting from his head with horror and surprise. 
ISSACHAR.  I tell you, it is fierce.  There’s nothing to be done. 
There’s hundred lies about ;  I don’t trust anyone. 
Some say the Doge is dead ;  some say it’s the Princess ; 
I can’t see anyone ;  there’s hundred lies, no less. 
Look, here’s the nice young Count Alonzo. 
SHACKABACK. 
 
Good, my sons. 
I will ask him myself :  I lent him money once. 
 
 
Enter ALONZO. 
 
Good-day, my dear good lord.  I pray you, what’s the news ? 
ALONZO.  Why, nothing that can touch the pockets of 
the Jews. 
SHACKABACK.  Oh dear, oh dear, you do not understand 
our ways. 
ALONZO.  No, that I don’t. 
SHACKABACK. 
 
Why, see, whatever happens lays 
A train of powder—puff it goes—and someone pays ! 
N