Merchant of Venice Act 1 Scene 1

I don't think Antonio's melancholy led him to believe something bad was going to happen.... I merely believe he was in a state of sadness.... maybe boredom. Antonio admits that his ships aren't worrying him, none-the-less, anything can happen at sea, and all of Antonio's money was tied up in trade, which traveled by ship. He might have felt something could go wrong because transporting goods was always risky, but in my opinion, had he really been worried, he would not have taken on the burden of borrowing and guaranteeing money for Bassanio.

Antonio, a merchant, is in a melancholic state of mind and unable to find a reason for his depression. His friends Salerio and Solanioattempt to cheer him up by telling him that he is only worried about his ships returning safely to port. Antonio, however, denies that he is worried about his ships and remains depressed. His two friends leave after Bassanio, Gratiano and Lorenzo arrive. Gratiano and Lorenzo remark that Antonio does not look well before exiting, leaving Bassanio alone with Antonio. Bassanio informs Antonio that he has been prodigal with his money and that he currently has accumulated substantial debts. Bassanio reveals that he has come up with a plan to pay off his obligations by marrying Portia, a wealthy heiress in Belmont. However, in order to woo Portia, Bassanio needs to borrow enough money so that he can act like a true nobleman. Antonio tells him that all his money is invested in ships at sea, but offers to borrow money for him.