Merchant of Venice
Act 2 Scene 1
what does the prince say about the lottery and its fairness?
what does the prince say about the lottery and its fairness?
In terms of choice I am not solely led
By nice direction of a maiden’s eyes.
Besides, the lottery of my destiny
Bars me the right of voluntary choosing.
But if my father had not scanted me
And hedged me by his wit to yield myself
His wife who wins me by that means I told you,
Yourself, renownèd Prince, then stood as fair
As any comer I have looked on yet
For my affection.
She tells him that although she has her own criteria of what she looks for in a man, it doesn't matter anyway as she has no free will in regards to her marriage. Portia says he has as good a chance as any of winning (lottery) the box test.
The Merchant of Venice