Here is a paraphrased version of the passage using simple sentences, without decreasing its
length:
At Belmont, the Prince of Morocco arrives to try and win Portia’s hand in marriage. He asks her
not to judge him because of his dark skin. He says that his blood is as red as the blood of the
fairest European. He also says that he has proven himself to be brave and that many beautiful
women in his country love him. He adds that he would only want to change his appearance to
please Portia. Portia tells him that what she wants does not matter. Her father created the riddle
of the caskets, and it has taken away her right to choose her husband. Still, she adds that if she
could choose, she would value Morocco just as much as any other suitor. Morocco is happy and
asks Portia to take him to the caskets so he can try his luck. Portia reminds him that he must
follow a strict rule: if he chooses the wrong casket, he must never speak to a woman again about
marriage. Morocco says he understands and will follow the rule. Then they go to dinner.
Meanwhile, Launcelot Gobbo, Shylock’s servant, is thinking about running away from his
master. He talks to himself and imagines a devil telling him to run, while his conscience tells him
to stay. Launcelot is confused. He feels he should stay, but he also thinks it is wrong to serve a
Jew whom he sees as evil. He finally decides to leave Shylock. At that moment, his blind father,
Old Gobbo, appears. Old Gobbo asks Launcelot for directions to Shylock’s house. Since his
father does not recognize him, Launcelot plays a trick and gives him wrong directions. Then he
makes a cruel joke by telling his father that his son is dead. Only when his father starts crying
does Launcelot reveal who he is. After some confusion, Old Gobbo believes him and accepts that
Launcelot is really his son. Gobbo asks Launcelot how he is doing. Launcelot says he has
decided to go work for Bassanio because he does not want to be corrupted by Shylock any
further. He says, “I am a Jew if I serve the Jew any longer.”
Just then, Bassanio comes with Lorenzo and some followers. Launcelot and Gobbo beg Bassanio
to hire Launcelot. After understanding what they are asking, Bassanio agrees. Launcelot quickly
says he will leave Shylock right away without even saying goodbye. As Launcelot leaves,
Gratiano comes in. He asks if he can go with Bassanio to Portia’s home in Belmont. Bassanio
says yes, but only if Gratiano behaves well and does not act wildly, so Bassanio will not look
bad. Gratiano jokes that he will behave and only swear sometimes. He says he will visit Lorenzo
first, then come to Bassanio’s for dinner.
At Shylock’s house, Launcelot says goodbye to Jessica, Shylock’s daughter. Jessica says she will
miss him because he made life at home easier for her. She gives him a letter and asks him to
secretly give it to Lorenzo at dinner. Launcelot, feeling sad, takes the letter and leaves. After he
leaves, Jessica feels guilty for being Shylock’s daughter. But she says she only shares his blood,
not his behavior. Then she explains why she sent the letter: Lorenzo loves her and wants to
marry her. If he keeps his promise, she will convert to Christianity and become his wife.
Later, on a street in Venice, Gratiano, Lorenzo, Salerio, and Solanio talk about Lorenzo’s plan to
run away with Jessica that night before Bassanio’s dinner. Their conversation is interrupted when
Launcelot comes in with Jessica’s letter. Lorenzo is happy when he reads the letter and says
Jessica’s beautiful hand is whiter than the paper. When Launcelot says he is going back to
Shylock’s house to invite him to dinner for Bassanio, Lorenzo asks him to secretly tell Jessica
that he will not disappoint her. Launcelot agrees.
After Launcelot leaves, Lorenzo and the others plan to wear costumes to help hide Jessica’s
escape. Salerio and Solanio leave. Then Lorenzo tells Gratiano that Jessica’s letter gave
instructions for how to help her run away from Shylock’s house. She has stolen gold and jewels
from her father to bring with her. Lorenzo says that Jessica will dress as his torchbearer and flee
with them that night.
