Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" opens with Antonio
in conversation with two of his friends, Salarino and Salanio. Antonio doesn't appear
very happy and Salarino and Salanio try to explain the reason why he is sad. Both of
them are of the opinion that since Antonio's ships are at sea he must be very anxious
that they return to Venice safely. Salarino asserts,
I know,
Antonio
Is sad to think upon his
merchandise.
However,
Antonio assures them both that there is no need to worry about his cargo or ships
because he has wisely spread out his cargo in different ships so that even if one sinks
the others will compensate the loss:
I thank my fortune for
it,
My ventures are not in one bottom
trusted,
Nor to one place; nor is my whole
estate
Upon the fortune of this present
year:
Therefore my merchandise makes me not
sad.
Next, Salarino
suggests that the reason why he is sad is because he is in love. Antonio also rejects
that reason contemptuously with one word "fie." When two other friends of Antonio,
namely Gratiano and Lorenzo arrive, Salarino and Salanio depart remarking that the
cause for Antonio's sadness is due to his inborn
nature.
Gratiano also remarks on Antonio's
sad appearance and Antonio remarks very philosophically that fate has destined him to
play the role of a sad person in this world. At once, Gratiano criticizes him by saying
that he is only pretending to be sad so that he can pass off as a very wise
man,
And do a wilful stillness
entertain,
With purpose to be dress'd in an
opinion
Of wisdom, gravity, profound
conceit,
Gratiano
advises Antonio against pretending to be sad and serious so that he can pass off as a
wise man.
These are the reasons that Salarino and Gratiano
suggest for Antonio's sadness.
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