The Merchant of Venice

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Enter Bassanio with Shylocke the Iew.Enter Bassanio with Shylock the Jew MV I.iii.1.1
Shy. SHYLOCK 
Three thousand ducates, well.Three thousand ducats, well.ducat (n.)
gold (sometimes silver) coin used in several European countries
MV I.iii.1
Bass. BASSANIO 
I sir, for three months.Ay, sir, for three months. MV I.iii.2
Shy. SHYLOCK 
For three months, well.For three months, well. MV I.iii.3
Bass. BASSANIO 
For the which, as I told you, Anthonio shall be For the which, as I told you, Antonio shall be MV I.iii.4
bound.bound. MV I.iii.5
Shy. SHYLOCK 
Anthonio shall become bound, well.Antonio shall become bound, well. MV I.iii.6
Bass. BASSANIO 
May you sted me? Will you pleasure me?May you stead me? Will you pleasure me?stead (v.)

old form: sted
help, assist, benefit
MV I.iii.7
Shall I know your answere.Shall I know your answer? MV I.iii.8
Shy.SHYLOCK 
Three thousand ducats for three months, and Three thousand ducats for three months, and MV I.iii.9
Anthonio bound.Antonio bound. MV I.iii.10
Bass. BASSANIO 
Your answere to that.Your answer to that. MV I.iii.11
Shy. SHYLOCK 
Anthonio is a good man.Antonio is a good man.good (adj.)
rich, wealthy, substantial
MV I.iii.12
Bass. BASSANIO 
Haue you heard any imputation to the Have you heard any imputation to the MV I.iii.13
contrary. contrary? MV I.iii.14
Shy. SHYLOCK 
Ho no, no, no, no: my meaning in saying he Ho no, no, no, no! My meaning in saying he MV I.iii.15
is a good man, is to haue you vnderstand me that he is is a good man is to have you understand me that he is MV I.iii.16
sufficient, yet his meanes are in supposition: he hath sufficient. Yet his means are in supposition. He hathsupposition (n.)
doubt, uncertainty, question
MV I.iii.17
sufficient (adj.)
able, capable, competent
an Argosie bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies, I an argosy bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies; IIndies (n.)
the East Indies, thought of as a region of great wealth
MV I.iii.18
Tripolis (n.)
[pron: 'tripolis] Tripoli; seaport capital in N Africa (modern Libya)
argosy (n.)

old form: Argosie
large merchant ship
vnderstand moreouer vpon the Ryalta, he hath a third understand, moreover, upon the Rialto, he hath a thirdRialto (n.)
[pron: ree'altoh] commercial exchange in Venice, NE Italy; also, bridge spanning the Grand Canal
MV I.iii.19
at Mexico, a fourth for England, and other ventures hee at Mexico, a fourth for England, and other ventures heventure (n.)
deal, enterprise, business, expedition
MV I.iii.20
hath squandred abroad, but ships are but boords, hath squandered abroad. But ships are but boards,squander (v.)

old form: squandred
scatter, disperse, dissipate
MV I.iii.21
Saylers but men, there be land rats, and water rats, water sailors but men; there be land rats and water rats, water MV I.iii.22
theeues, and land theeues, I meane Pyrats, and then there thieves and land thieves, I mean pirates; and then there MV I.iii.23
is the perrill of waters, windes, and rocks: the man is is the peril of waters, winds, and rocks. The man is, MV I.iii.24
notwithstanding sufficient, three thousand ducats, I thinke notwithstanding, sufficient. Three thousand ducats; I think MV I.iii.25
I may take his bond.I may take his bond. MV I.iii.26
Bas. BASSANIO 
Be assured you may.Be assured you may.assured (adj.)
certain, definite, sure
MV I.iii.27
Iew. SHYLOCK 
I will be assured I may: and that I may be I will be assured I may; and, that I may be MV I.iii.28
assured, I will bethinke mee, may I speake with Anthonio?assured, I will bethink me. May I speak with Antonio?bethink (v.), past form bethought
call to mind, think about, consider, reflect
MV I.iii.29
assure (v.)
guarantee, make safe against risks
Bass. BASSANIO 
If it please you to dine with vs.If it please you to dine with us. MV I.iii.30
Iew. SHYLOCK 
Yes, to smell porke, to eate of the habitationYes, to smell pork, to eat of the habitation MV I.iii.31
which your Prophet the Nazarite coniured the diuell into: which your prophet the Nazarite conjured the devil into. MV I.iii.32
I will buy with you, sell with you, talke with you, walke I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk MV I.iii.33
with you, and so following: but I will not eate with you, with you, and so following; but I will not eat with you, MV I.iii.34
drinke with you, nor pray with you. What newes on the drink with you, nor pray with you. What news on the MV I.iii.35
Ryalta, who is he comes here?Rialto? Who is he comes here? MV I.iii.36
Enter Anthonio.Enter Antonio MV I.iii.37.1
Bass. BASSANIO 
This is signior Anthonio.This is Signor Antonio. MV I.iii.37
Iew. SHYLOCK  
(aside) MV I.iii.38.1
How like a fawning publican he lookes.How like a fawning publican he looks.publican (n.)
tax-collector
MV I.iii.38
I hate him for he is a Christian:I hate him for he is a Christian; MV I.iii.39
But more, for that in low simplicitieBut more, for that in low simplicitysimplicity (n.)

old form: simplicitie
naivety, foolishness, artlessness
MV I.iii.40
low (adj.)
humble, lowly, inferior
He lends out money gratis, and brings downeHe lends out money gratis and brings downgratis (adv.)
for nothing, without payment
MV I.iii.41
The rate of vsance here with vs in Venice.The rate of usance here with us in Venice.usance (n.)

old form: vsance
interest on a loan
MV I.iii.42
If I can catch him once vpon the hip,If I can catch him once upon the hip,hip, on / upon the

old form: vpon
[wrestling] at a disadvantage, in an unfavourable position
MV I.iii.43
I will feede fat the ancient grudge I beare him.I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him. MV I.iii.44
He hates our sacred Nation, and he railesHe hates our sacred nation and he railsrail (v.)

old form: railes
rant, rave, be abusive [about]
MV I.iii.45
Euen there where Merchants most doe congregateEven there where merchants most do congregate, MV I.iii.46
On me, my bargaines, and my well-worne thrift,On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift,thrift (n.)
profit, advantage, gain
MV I.iii.47
Which he cals interrest: Cursed be my TrybeWhich he calls interest. Cursed be my tribe MV I.iii.48
If I forgiue him.If I forgive him. MV I.iii.49.1
Bass. BASSANIO 
Shylock, doe you heare.Shylock, do you hear? MV I.iii.49.2
Shy. SHYLOCK 
I am debating of my present store,I am debating of my present store, MV I.iii.50
And by the neere gesse of my memorieAnd, by the near guess of my memory MV I.iii.51
I cannot instantly raise vp the grosseI cannot instantly raise up the gross MV I.iii.52
Of full three thousand ducats: what of that?Of full three thousand ducats. What of that? MV I.iii.53
Tuball a wealthy Hebrew of my TribeTubal, a wealthy Hebrew of my tribe, MV I.iii.54
Will furnish me; but soft, how many monthsWill furnish me. But soft, how many monthsfurnish (v.)
provide, supply, possess
MV I.iii.55
soft (int.)
[used as a command] not so fast, wait a moment, be quiet
Doe you desire? Rest you faire good signior,Do you desire? (To Antonio) Rest you fair, good signor! MV I.iii.56
Your worship was the last man in our mouthes.Your worship was the last man in our mouths. MV I.iii.57
Ant. ANTONIO 
Shylocke, albeit I neither lend nor borrowShylock, although I neither lend nor borrow MV I.iii.58
By taking, nor by giuing of excesse,By taking nor by giving of excess,excess (n.)

old form: excesse
usury, interest
MV I.iii.59
Yet to supply the ripe wants of my friend,Yet to supply the ripe wants of my friend,ripe (adj.)
matured, ready for action
MV I.iii.60
Ile breake a custome: is he yet possestI'll break a custom. (To Bassanio) Is he yet possessedpossess (v.)
notify, inform, acquaint
MV I.iii.61
How much he would?How much ye would? MV I.iii.62.1
Shy. SHYLOCK 
I, I, three thousand ducats.Ay, ay, three thousand ducats. MV I.iii.62.2
Ant. ANTONIO 
And for three months.And for three months. MV I.iii.63
Shy. SHYLOCK 
I had forgot, three months, you told me so.I had forgot – three months, you told me so. MV I.iii.64
Well then, your bond: and let me see, but heare you,Well then, your bond. And let me see; but hear you,bond (n.)
deed, contract, pledge
MV I.iii.65
Me thoughts you said, you neither lend nor borrowMethought you said you neither lend nor borrowmethinks(t), methought(s) (v.)

old form: Me thoughts
it seems / seemed to me
MV I.iii.66
Vpon aduantage.Upon advantage.advantage (n.)

old form: aduantage
interest, bonus, addition
MV I.iii.67.1
Ant. ANTONIO 
I doe neuer vse it.I do never use it. MV I.iii.67.2
Shy. SHYLOCK 
When Iacob graz'd his Vncle Labans sheepe,When Jacob grazed his uncle Laban's sheep –Laban (n.)
[pron: 'layban] in the Bible, uncle of Jacob
MV I.iii.68
Jacob (n.)
in the Bible, a Hebrew patriarch, the younger son of Isaac
This Iacob from our holy Abram wasThis Jacob from our holy Abram was,Abram (n.)
in the BIble, an earlier name of Abraham
MV I.iii.69
(As his wise mother wrought in his behalfe)As his wise mother wrought in his behalf, MV I.iii.70
The third possesser; I, he was the third.The third possessor; ay, he was the third – MV I.iii.71
Ant. ANTONIO 
And what of him, did he take interrest?And what of him? Did he take interest? MV I.iii.72
Shy. SHYLOCK 
No, not take interest, not as you would sayNo, not take interest, not as you would say MV I.iii.73
Directly interest, marke what Iacob did,Directly interest. Mark what Jacob did:directly (adv.)
exactly, rightly, entirely
MV I.iii.74
mark (v.)

old form: marke
note, pay attention [to], take notice [of]
When Laban and himselfe were compremyz'dWhen Laban and himself were compromisedcompromise (v.)

old form: compremyz'd
reach agreement, come to terms
MV I.iii.75
That all the eanelings which were streakt and piedThat all the eanlings which were streaked and piedeanling (n.)

old form: eanelings
new-born lamb
MV I.iii.76
pied (adj.)
of different colours, multi-coloured
Should fall as Iacobs hier, the Ewes being rancke,Should fall as Jacob's hire, the ewes being rank,rank (adj.)

old form: rancke
lascivious, lustful, lewd
MV I.iii.77
In end of Autumne turned to the Rammes,In the end of autumn turned to the rams; MV I.iii.78
And when the worke of generation wasAnd when the work of generation was MV I.iii.79
Betweene these woolly breeders in the act,Between these woolly breeders in the act,act (n.)
activity, action, performance
MV I.iii.80
The skilfull shepheard pil'd me certaine wands,The skilful shepherd peeled me certain wands,pill (v.)

old form: pil'd
[of bark] peel, strip
MV I.iii.81
wand (n.)
rod, staff
And in the dooing of the deede of kinde,And in the doing of the deed of kindkind (n.)

old form: kinde
nature, close natural relationship
MV I.iii.82
He stucke them vp before the fulsome Ewes,He stuck them up before the fulsome ewes,fulsome (adj.)
randy, lustful, lascivious
MV I.iii.83
Who then conceauing, did in eaning timeWho then conceiving, did in eaning timeeaning (adj.)
lambing
MV I.iii.84
Fall party-colour'd lambs, and those were Iacobs.Fall parti-coloured lambs, and those were Jacob's.parti-coloured (adj.)

old form: party-colour'd
variegated, diverse, multi-coloured
MV I.iii.85
fall (v.)
drop, descend, let fall
This was a way to thriue, and he was blest:This was a way to thrive, and he was blest, MV I.iii.86
And thrift is blessing if men steale it not.And thrift is blessing if men steal it not. MV I.iii.87
Ant. ANTONIO 
This was a venture sir that Iacob seru'd for,This was a venture, sir, that Jacob served for,serve (v.)

old form: seru'd
be a servant, serve God
MV I.iii.88
venture (n.)
deal, enterprise, business, expedition
A thing not in his power to bring to passe,A thing not in his power to bring to pass, MV I.iii.89
But sway'd and fashion'd by the hand of heauen.But swayed and fashioned by the hand of heaven.sway (v.)

old form: sway'd
control, rule, direct, govern
MV I.iii.90
fashion (v.)

old form: fashion'd
arrange, contrive, manage
Was this inserted to make interrest good?Was this inserted to make interest good?make good
justify, vindicate, confirm
MV I.iii.91
Or is your gold and siluer Ewes and Rams?Or is your gold and silver ewes and rams? MV I.iii.92
Shy. SHYLOCK 
I cannot tell, I make it breede as fast,I cannot tell, I make it breed as fast. MV I.iii.93
But note me signior.But note me, signor – MV I.iii.94.1
Ant. ANTONIO 
Marke you this Bassanio,Mark you this, Bassanio,mark (v.)
note, pay attention [to], take notice [of]
MV I.iii.94.2
The diuell can cite Scripture for his purpose,The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.purpose (n.)
intention, aim, plan
MV I.iii.95
An euill soule producing holy witnesse,An evil soul producing holy witness MV I.iii.96
Is like a villaine with a smiling cheeke,Is like a villain with a smiling cheek, MV I.iii.97
A goodly apple rotten at the heart.A goodly apple rotten at the heart.goodly (adj.)
good-looking, handsome, attractive, comely
MV I.iii.98
O what a goodly outside falsehood hath.O what a goodly outside falsehood hath! MV I.iii.99
Shy. SHYLOCK 
Three thousand ducats, 'tis a good round sum.Three thousand ducats, 'tis a good round sum.round (adj.)
heavy, substantial
MV I.iii.100
Three months from twelue, then let me see the rate.Three months from twelve, then, let me see, the rate – MV I.iii.101
Ant. ANTONIO 
Well Shylocke, shall we be beholding to you?Well, Shylock, shall we be beholding to you?beholding (adj.)
beholden, obliged, indebted
MV I.iii.102
Shy. SHYLOCK 
Signior Anthonio, many a time and oftSignor Antonio, many a time and oftoft, many a time and
very often, with great frequency
MV I.iii.103
In the Ryalto you haue rated meIn the Rialto you have rated merate (v.)
berate, reproach, rebuke, scold
MV I.iii.104
About my monies and my vsances:About my moneys and my usances.usance (n.)

old form: vsances
interest on a loan
MV I.iii.105
Still haue I borne it with a patient shrug,Still have I borne it with a patient shrug,still (adv.)
constantly, always, continually
MV I.iii.106
(For suffrance is the badge of all our Tribe.)For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe.sufferance (n.)

old form: suffrance
endurance, forbearance, patience
MV I.iii.107
You call me misbeleeuer, cut-throate dog,You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, MV I.iii.108
And spet vpon my Iewish gaberdine,And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine,gaberdine (n.)
cloak, cape, loose upper garment
MV I.iii.109
And all for vse of that which is mine owne.And all for use of that which is mine own. MV I.iii.110
Well then, it now appeares you neede my helpe:Well then, it now appears you need my help. MV I.iii.111
Goe to then, you come to me, and you say,Go to then. You come to me and you say, MV I.iii.112
Shylocke, we would haue moneyes, you say so:‘ Shylock, we would have moneys,’ you say so, MV I.iii.113
You that did voide your rume vpon my beard,You, that did void your rheum upon my beardrheum (n.)

old form: rume
spit, spittle, saliva
MV I.iii.114
void (v.)

old form: voide
empty, clear out, discharge
And foote me as you spurne a stranger curreAnd foot me as you spurn a stranger curcur (n.)

old form: curre
dog, mastiff, watch-dog [without a contemptuous sense]
MV I.iii.115
spurn (v.)

old form: spurne
kick, strike, stamp [on], dash
foot (v.)

old form: foote
kick, boot
Ouer your threshold, moneyes is your suite.Over your threshold, moneys is your suit.suit (n.)

old form: suite
formal request, entreaty, petition
MV I.iii.116
What should I say to you? Should I not say,What should I say to you? Should I not say, MV I.iii.117
Hath a dog money? Is it possible‘ Hath a dog money? Is it possible MV I.iii.118
A curre should lend three thousand ducats? orA cur can lend three thousand ducats?’ Or MV I.iii.119
Shall I bend low, and in a bond-mans keyShall I bend low, and in a bondman's key,key (n.)
tone, voice, manner of expression
MV I.iii.120
bondman (n.)

old form: bond-mans
bondsman, serf, slave
With bated breath, and whispring humblenesse,With bated breath and whispering humbleness,bated (adj.)
abated, lowered, diminished
MV I.iii.121
breath (n.)
utterance, speech, voice
Say this: Say this: MV I.iii.122
Faire sir, you spet on me on Wednesday last;‘ Fair sir, you spat on me on Wednesday last, MV I.iii.123
You spurn'd me such a day; another timeYou spurned me such a day, another time MV I.iii.124
You cald me dog: and for these curtesiesYou called me dog, and for these courtesies MV I.iii.125
Ile lend you thus much moneyes.I'll lend you thus much moneys ’? MV I.iii.126
Ant. ANTONIO 
I am as like to call thee so againe,I am as like to call thee so again,like (adv.)
likely, probable / probably
MV I.iii.127
To spet on thee againe, to spurne thee too.To spit on thee again, to spurn thee too.spurn (v.)

old form: spurne
kick, strike, stamp [on], dash
MV I.iii.128
If thou wilt lend this money, lend it notIf thou wilt lend this money, lend it not MV I.iii.129
As to thy friends, for when did friendship takeAs to thy friends, for when did friendship take MV I.iii.130
A breede of barraine mettall of his friend?A breed for barren metal of his friend?breed (n.)

old form: breede
sort, kind, type
MV I.iii.131
But lend it rather to thine enemie,But lend it rather to thine enemy, MV I.iii.132
Who if he breake, thou maist with better faceWho if he break, thou mayst with better facebreak (v.)

old form: breake
break one's promise, not keep one's word
MV I.iii.133
Exact the penalties.Exact the penalty. MV I.iii.134.1
Shy. SHYLOCK 
Why looke you how you storme,Why look you, how you storm! MV I.iii.134.2
I would be friends with you, and haue your loue,I would be friends with you and have your love, MV I.iii.135
Forget the shames that you haue staind me with,Forget the shames that you have stained me with, MV I.iii.136
Supplie your present wants, and take no doiteSupply your present wants, and take no doitdoit (n.)

old form: doite
[small Dutch coin = half an English farthing] trivial sum, worthless amount, trifle
MV I.iii.137
Of vsance for my moneyes, and youle not heare me,Of usance for my moneys, and you'll not hear me.usance (n.)

old form: vsance
interest on a loan
MV I.iii.138
This is kinde I offer.This is kind I offer.kind (adj.)

old form: kinde
showing natural feeling, acting by nature
MV I.iii.139
Bass. BASSANIO 
This were kindnesse.This were kindness. MV I.iii.140.1
Shy. SHYLOCK 
This kindnesse will I showe,This kindness will I show. MV I.iii.140.2
Goe with me to a Notarie, seale me thereGo with me to a notary, seal me therenotary (n.)

old form: Notarie
clerk authorized to draw up contracts
MV I.iii.141
Your single bond, and in a merrie sportYour single bond, and, in a merry sport,single (adj.)
individual, particular
MV I.iii.142
sport (n.)
recreation, amusement, entertainment
If you repaie me not on such a day,If you repay me not on such a day, MV I.iii.143
In such a place, such sum or sums as areIn such a place, such sum or sums as are MV I.iii.144
Exprest in the condition, let the forfeiteExpressed in the condition, let the forfeitcondition (n.)
contract, covenant, agreement
MV I.iii.145
Be nominated for an equall poundBe nominated for an equal poundequal (adj.)

old form: equall
precise, exact, just
MV I.iii.146
nominate (v.)
name, specify, designate [as]
Of your faire flesh, to be cut off and takenOf your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken MV I.iii.147
In what part of your bodie it pleaseth me.In what part of your body pleaseth me. MV I.iii.148
Ant. ANTONIO 
Content infaith, Ile seale to such a bond,Content, in faith. I'll seal to such a bondseal (v.)

old form: seale
mark by seal, put one's name to, agree
MV I.iii.149
content (adj.)
agreeable, willing, ready
And say there is much kindnesse in the Iew.And say there is much kindness in the Jew. MV I.iii.150
Bass. BASSANIO 
You shall not seale to such a bond for me,You shall not seal to such a bond for me; MV I.iii.151
Ile rather dwell in my necessitie.I'll rather dwell in my necessity.dwell (v.)
exist, continue, persist
MV I.iii.152
Ant. ANTONIO 
Why feare not man, I will not forfaite it,Why fear not, man; I will not forfeit it. MV I.iii.153
Within these two months, that's a month beforeWithin these two months – that's a month before MV I.iii.154
This bond expires, I doe expect returneThis bond expires – I do expect return MV I.iii.155
Of thrice three times the valew of this bond.Of thrice three times the value of this bond. MV I.iii.156
Shy. SHYLOCK 
O father Abram, what these Christians are,O father Abram, what these Christians are, MV I.iii.157
Whose owne hard dealings teaches them suspectWhose own hard dealings teaches them suspect MV I.iii.158
The thoughts of others: Praie you tell me this,The thoughts of others! Pray you tell me this: MV I.iii.159
If he should breake his daie, what should I gaineIf he should break his day, what should I gainday (n.)

old form: daie
appointed day, fixed date
MV I.iii.160
break (v.)

old form: breake
fail to keep, default on
By the exaction of the forfeiture?By the exaction of the forfeiture?exaction (n.)
exacting, enforcement
MV I.iii.161
forfeiture (n.)
forfeit, penalty
A pound of mans flesh taken from a man,A pound of man's flesh taken from a man MV I.iii.162
Is not so estimable, profitable neitherIs not so estimable, profitable neither, MV I.iii.163
As flesh of Muttons, Beefes, or Goates, I sayAs flesh of muttons, beefs, or goats. I saymutton (n.)
sheep
MV I.iii.164
beefs (n.)

old form: Beefes
fat cattle, oxen
To buy his fauour, I extend this friendship,To buy his favour I extend this friendship. MV I.iii.165
If he will take it, so: if not adiew,If he will take it, so; if not, adieu. MV I.iii.166
And for my loue I praie you wrong me not.And for my love I pray you wrong me not. MV I.iii.167
Ant. ANTONIO 
Yes Shylocke, I will seale vnto this bond.Yes, Shylock, I will seal unto this bond.seal (v.)

old form: seale
mark by seal, put one's name to, agree
MV I.iii.168
Shy. SHYLOCK 
Then meete me forthwith at the Notaries,Then meet me forthwith at the notary's; MV I.iii.169
Giue him direction for this merrie bond,Give him direction for this merry bond, MV I.iii.170
And I will goe and purse the ducats straite.And I will go and purse the ducats straight,straight (adv.)

old form: straite
straightaway, immediately, at once
MV I.iii.171
See to my house left in the fearefull gardSee to my house, left in the fearful guardguard (n.)

old form: gard
protection, keeping, custody
MV I.iii.172
Of an vnthriftie knaue: and presentlieOf an unthrifty knave, and presentlypresently (adv.)

old form: presentlie
after a short time, soon, before long
MV I.iii.173
knave (n.)

old form: knaue
servant, menial, lackey
unthrifty (adj.)

old form: vnthriftie
prodigal, profligate, wasteful
Ile be with you. I'll be with you. MV I.iii.174.1
Exit.Exit MV I.iii.174.0
Ant. ANTONIO 
Hie thee gentle Iew. Hie thee, gentle Jew.gentle (adj.)
courteous, friendly, kind
MV I.iii.174.2
hie (v.)
hasten, hurry, speed
This Hebrew will turne Christian, he growes kinde.The Hebrew will turn Christian; he grows kind. MV I.iii.175
Bass. BASSANIO 
I like not faire teames, and a villaines minde.I like not fair terms and a villain's mind. MV I.iii.176
Ant. ANTONIO 
Come on, in this there can be no dismaie,Come on. In this there can be no dismay; MV I.iii.177
My Shippes come home a month before the daie.My ships come home a month before the day. MV I.iii.178
Exeunt.Exeunt MV I.iii.178
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