Portia pleads with Bassanio to delay his choice of the caskets, fearing she will lose him if he chooses incorrectly. Bassanio insists on making his choice immediately, comparing his suspense to being tortured on the rack.
PORTIA: I pray you, tarry: pause a day or two
Before you hazard; for, in choosing wrong,
I lose your company: therefore forbear awhile.
BASSANIO: Let me choose;
For as I am, I live upon the rack.
PORTIA: Upon the rack, Bassanio! then confess
What treason there is mingled with your love.
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