Act I. Scene I. - Venice. A Street.
Antonio a wealthy merchant is not happy since he is worried about his business enterprises. Antonio's friend Bassanio owes Antonio money but unable to pay back his debts, asks Antonio for yet more money so he can marry the wealthy Portia and so pay back his friend. Antonio has no money to spare but tells Bassanio to use his name to try to get a loan...
The play begins with the picture of one depressed Antonio. Antonio is a wealthy "Merchant of Venice" but he is not happy. His friends Salarino and Salanio suggest he is worried about his ventures or business enterprises.
Antonio's wealth comes from the ships he owns and Salarino comments that Antonio is worried for his ships which could easily be at peril from storms or pirates.
One of Antonio's friends is Bassanio. Bassanio has a problem; he still owes Antonio a great deal of money and wants to pay it back to his friend. He has a plan. If Antonio lends him still more money, he will pursue the very beautiful and wealthy Lady Portia whose "sunny locks / Hang on her temples like a golden fleece;" (Line 170).
Bassanio suspects Portia likes him and says, "sometimes from her eyes I did receive fair speechless messages:" (Lines 164-165). Her hand in marriage will give Bassanio the money he needs to pay back Antonio.
Antonio agrees, but he has no money; all his wealth is tied up at sea in his ships. He will however help, urging Bassanio to look for moneylenders, adding that his good name should help... "Try what my credit can in Venice do:" Antonio urges (Line 181).
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