The Merchant of Venice

Deception and Pride-- Bassanio a Venetian nobleman wishes to woo the beautiful and wealthy Portia but he is short on funds. So he turns to his friend Antonio a wealthy merchant. Antonio agrees to help but currently he is cash strapped as all of his ships are at sea. He agrees instead to guarantee a loan for Bassanio. Bassanio turns to Antonios rival and enemy Shylock for the loan. I hold the world but as the world Gratiano - A stage where every man must play a part; And mine a sad one.