Here we've listed a few of the well-known quotes in The Merchant of Venice, in order of appearance in the play.

Man wearing long robes holding staff, image is in black and white
Peter O'Toole as Shylock. The Merchant of Venice (1960) directed by Michael Langham.
Photo by Angus McBean © RSC Browse and license our images

I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano,
A stage where every man must play a part,
And mine a sad one.
(Antonio, Act 1 Scene 1)

God made him, and therefore let him pass for a man.
(Portia, Act 1 Scene 2)

I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following, but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you. What news on the Rialto?
(Shylock, Act 1 Scene 3)

How like a fawning publican he looks!
I hate him for he is a Christian,
But more, for that in low simplicity
He lends out money gratis and brings down
The rate of usance here with us in Venice. 
(Shylock, Act 1 Scene 3)

The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. 
(Antonio, Act 1 Scene 3)

I like not fair terms and a villain's mind. 
(Bassanio, Act 1 Scene 3)

Mislike me not for my complexion, 
The shadowed livery of the burnished sun.
(Morocco, Act 2 Scene 1)

It is a wise father that knows his own child. 
(Lancelet, Act 2 Scene 2)

In the twinkling.
(Lancelet, Act 2 Scene 2)

But love is blind, and lovers cannot see 
The pretty follies that themselves commit.
(Jessica, Act 2 Scene 6)

All that glisters is not gold. 
(Morocco, Act 2 Scene 7)

Young in limbs, in judgement old.
(Morocco, Act 2 Scene 7)

The portrait of a blinking idiot.
(Aragon, Act 2 Scene 9)

Let him look to his bond.
(Shylock, Act 3 Scene 1)

If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge? 
(Shylock, Act 3 Scene 1)

Tell me where is fancy bred, 
Or in the heart or in the head? 
(Singer, Act 3 Scene 2)

I never knew so young a body with so old a head.
(Duke, Act 4 Scene 1)

The quality of mercy is not strained,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: 
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. 
(Portia, Act 4 Scene 1)

I am never merry when I hear sweet music. 
(Jessica, Act 5 Scene 1)

The man that hath no music in himself, 
Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, 
Is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils. 
The motions of his spirit are dull as night
And his affections dark as Erebus. 
Let no such man be trusted. 
(Lorenzo, Act 5 Scene 1)

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