Pause There Morocco

No point to this post. I just wanted to use that phrase, a favorite from The Merchant of Venice, which is loaded with memorable stuff. I always liked the sound of it. It's quintessentially Elizabethan, just rolls right off the tongue.

"Pause there Morocco."

Portia's deceased father, extremely wealthy, wants to assure his daughter marries well after his death, so he sets up a puzzle. Three caskets (small but ornately decorated chests) on a table; one gold, one silver, one lead. Each has a small riddle above it intended to tempt or warn off a choice. Inside one is a picture of Portia. Whoever can divine the meaning of the riddles, then chooses correctly, wins her hand.

The Prince of Morocco is one suitor. Acceptable to Portia because he is wealthy, handsome and charming, though she loves Basanio. He reads the riddles and mulls them over. He's about to choose one, but reconsiders.

"Pause there Morocco."

Like I said, no point, just some fun.