Merchant Of Venice-Parts II
Bassanio and Antonio wanted to show the young lawyer that they were very grateful for his help. 'Please accept the 3,000 ducats owed to Shylock,' Antonio said. But Portia would not accept the money. Bassanio was also very anxious to give the lawyer something. So Portia thought she would trick her husband, for a joke. 'If you insist, give me your gloves,' she told Bassanio. Bassanio took off his gloves, showing the ring on his hand. 'As a sign of your thankfulness, give me that ring on your finger.' Bassanio immediately drew his hand away. This ring was the one Portia had given him when she promised to marry him. He had promised never to give it away. He pretended that the ring had no value, and was too small to give as a present. But Portia asked for it again. Bassanio then told her it was his wife's ring, and she had made him promise never to give it away.