The sun-browned Prince of the Moroccan state,
Who would not hazard for uncertain bliss,
Chose gold the setting for his likely mate,
But was mistaken in supposing this.

The Prince of Arragon was arrogant;
He thought the lady was not fair enough
To hazard all --- chose silver, and he went,
Despising gold --- the common people’s stuff.

Bassanio, now --- the hero of the play ---
Chose (wisely) lead, because he was aware
That people are deceived ’most every day
By ornament --- and won his lady fair.

What Shakespeare proved, without a doubt, was only this:
Where love’s involved, the best man always wins the kiss.

Copyright (2005) by Arnold Cantor.
All rights reserved.

[Started and finished in one day, July 3, 2005, immediately after completing
The Money-Lender of Venice. Note that Bassanio’s name has only three syllables
(‘io’ is pronounced ‘YO’).]