Book-bot.com - Shakespeare and Precious Stones - Treating of the Known References of Precious Stones in Shakespeare's Works, with Comments as to the Origin of His Material, the Knowledge of the Poet Concerning Precious Stones, and References as to Where the Precious Sto by Kunz, George Frederick

Shakespeare and Precious Stones - Treating of the Known References of Precious Stones in Shakespeare's Works, with Comments as to the Origin of His Material, the Knowledge of the Poet Concerning Precious Stones, and References as to Where the Precious Sto by George Frederick Kunz
page 98 of 99 (98%)

In dear employment.
_Romeo and Juliet_, Act v, sc. 3, l. 30-32.
"Tragedies", p. 75, col. A, lines 34-36.

A striking proof that Shakespeare had no fear of tautology when he
wished to strengthen the impression of a word by constant reiteration
is given in the _Merchant of Venice_ (Act v, sc. 2), whence we have
already quoted a few lines. The passage concerns the disposal by
Bassanio of a ring he had received from Portia, and he answers her
thus in the First Folio text:[34]

_Bassanio_. Sweet _Portia_,
If you did know to whom I gave the Ring,
If you did know for whom I gave the Ring,
And would conceive for what I gave the Ring,
And how unwillingly I left the Ring,
When naught would be accepted but the Ring,
You would abate the strength of your displeasure.

_Portia._
If you had knowne the virtue of the Ring,
Or halfe her worthinesse that gave the Ring,
Or your owne honour to contains the Ring,
You would not then have parted with the Ring.

[Footnote 34: First Folio, "Comedies", p. 183, col. B, lines 36-46.]