Question

What does "many men desire" refer to in merchant of venice?

Answer 1

“What many men desire”—that “many” may be meant

25By the fool multitude that choose by show,

Not learning more than the fond eye doth teach;

Which pries not to th' interior, but like the martlet

Builds in the weather on the outward wall,

Even in the force and road of casualty.

30I will not choose what many men desire

Because I will not jump with common spirits

And rank me with the barbarous multitudes.

Why then, to thee, thou silver treasure house.

Tell me once more what title thou dost bear.

35“Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves.”

And well said too—for who shall go about

To cozen fortune and be honorable

Without the stamp of merit? Let none presume

To wear an undeservèd dignity.

40Oh, that estates, degrees and offices

Were not derived corruptly, and that clear honor

Were purchased by the merit of the wearer!

How many then should cover that stand bare!

How many be commanded that command!

45How much low peasantry would then be gleaned

From the true seed of honor! And how much honor

Picked from the chaff and ruin of the times

To be new varnished! Well, but to my choice.

“Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves.”

Answer 2

The answer is in attachment