Question

How much then should cover that stand bare!
How many be commanded that command!
how much low peasantry would then be glean'd
From the true seed of honour! and how much honour
Pick'd from the chaff and ruin of the times,
To be new-varnish'd!
a. What wish does the speaker express just before these lines?
b. What would happen if the wish came true?
c. Explain the lines:
i. 'How many then should cover that stand bare! How many be commanded that command!
ii ... how much honour Pick'd from the chaff and ruin of the times, To be new-varnish'd!​

Answer 1

a) Speaker wishes to win in fair, honorable and based on merit.

b) Portia would have married Prince Arragon if the wish came true.

c)

(i) Prince of Arragon means low ranking or common people by the peasantry. There are many such people who should be separated from the ranks of the truly honorable.

(ii) Those people have the ability to move crowds and to command respect and honor from them.

Answer 2

Answer:

C. explain the lines

i. before these lines, the speaker wishes for e-states, decreas, offices and ownered titles to be earned by true merit and not bought by corrupt means.

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