In such a night Did pretty Jessica, like a littleshrew,
Slander her love, and he forgave her it.
(20-22)
The wordshrew, which is slang for a nagging and mean-spirited woman, is used jokingly and affectionatelybyLorenzo. Both Lorenzo and Jessica know that their dialogue was full of slanders and lies. They both trust each other fully and completely.
The dialogue is interrupted by a messenger, who announces that Portia will be arriving soon. Lancelot also enters and announces that Bassanio will be arriving by morning as well.
Lorenzo calls for musicians to perform and welcome Portia back home. Renaissance comedies frequently included music as a method to divert and entertain the audiences. Lorenzo also makes a speech about the “power of music” (lines 69-87) and notes that men who are not moved by music are not to be trusted. The two lovers then listen to the music.