In act two, scene one, the Prince of Morocco arrives at Portia’s house in Belmont, seeking her hand in marriage. The Prince of Morocco's first words to Portia concern his dark complexion. He urges Portia to not hold his skin color against him by exercising her racial prejudice. The Prince of Morocco proceeds to give an explanation for his dark complexion by telling Portia, " . . . The shadowed livery of the burnished sun, To whom I am a neighbor and near bred" (Shakespeare, 2.1.2-3). The Prince of Morocco is essentially explaining to Portia that his skin is dark because he was raised in the sun. He then remarks that he is as red-blooded as any man and says that his dark skin has made brave men fear him and beautiful women admire him. The Prince of Morocco then attempts to prove his love for Portia by saying that he would be willing to change the color of his skin to win her heart. Portia responds by telling the prince that if her father had not required her to follow the criteria regarding the three boxes then he would have a fair chance of winning her heart like the other potential suitors.
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