Question

Merchant of Venice from Act 1 Scene 1 Q) Give the meaning of : (a) Do cream and mantle like a standing pond. (b) Do a wilful stillness entertain.
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Answer 1

the meaning of:

a)    Do cream and mantle like a standing pond

Some men overcast their faces with a pale expression as unchanging as the cream that forms on the surface of milk and as the scum that forms on the surface of a stagnant pool.

b)    Do wilful stillness entertain

Maintain an obstinate silence not to disturb the solemnity of their faces.