He calls his daughter, Jessica, and tells her that he has accepted Bassanio's invitation to dinner and that she is to keep the doors locked because he has a premonition that something bad will happen to his house this night. As he gives these orders, Lancelot whispers to Jessica that she must disobey her father and look out the window because Lorenzo is coming for her. Shylock departs for Bassanio's house.

Act II, scene 6
Their faces hidden by masks, Gratiano and Salerio arrive at Shylock's house. Lorenzo joins them and calls to Jessica, who passes down a casket of gold and jewels. She then emerges, asking the men to look away from her clothing since she is dressed as a boy. Lorenzo declares that he loves her greatly, and she goes with him and Salerio. Gratiano, left behind, is accosted by Antonio, who tells him that the wind has changed and Bassanio is sailing for Belmont immediately, so Gratiano must leave the festivities and join him at once.

Act II, scene 7
In Belmont, the Prince of Morocco reads the inscriptions on the caskets. After much pondering, the Prince chooses the gold, reasoning that only the most precious metal could house the picture of such a beautiful woman. The casket is opened, revealing a skull and a verse telling him that he has chosen incorrectly. The Prince departs, and Portia declares that she hopes no more dark-skinned suitors come courting.

Act II, scene 8
In Venice, Salerio and Solanio discuss how Shylock fell into a rage upon learning of his daughter's elopement and of the theft of his money, and how he searched Bassanio's ship for her--unsuccessfully, since Lorenzo and Jessica had fled on a gondola. The two men worry about the debt that Antonio owes—there are rumors that one of his ships has gone down in the English Channel.

Act II, scene 9
The Prince of Arragon arrives in Belmont and makes the choice of caskets, selecting the silver. Inside, he finds a fool's head, and a poem that calls him a loser. As he departs, a messenger arrives to tell Portia that a young, handsome Venetian has come to Belmont. Hoping that it is Bassanio, Portia and Nerissa go out to greet him.

Act III, scene 1
Salerio and Solanio discuss the rumors that another of Antonio's ships has been wrecked. They are joined by Shylock, who accuses them of having helped his daughter escape. A messenger arrives to summon Salerio and Solanio to meet with Antonio.